2PAXfly
QANTAS: A380 wing panel peels on first flight out of mothballs
Qantas’ big, shiny, triumphantly returned Airbus A380 has been unceremoniously benched in Los Angeles after part of its left wing peeled apart on its first commercial flight back in service. This happened after news releases only a few days ago with Qantas chest-beating about the superjumbo’s grand return after a...
2PAXfly
QATAR AIRWAYS: Surprise CEO dumping without explanation. Why?
In a surprise move a few days ago, Qatar Airways has replaced its chief executive with immediate effect. This is the second leadership change in just a couple of years after Akbar Al Baker relinquished his 27-year reign. The Gulf carrier appointed Hamad Ali Al-Khater as its new Group CEO...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: International flights return to the Gold Coast (OOL). Fly direct to New Zealand 3 times a week
In a win for Gold Coast travellers, Qantas is bringing back overseas flights from the Gold Coast (formerly Coolangatta) Airport for the first time in almost five years. Qantas will launch Gold Coast to Auckland services from 16 June 2026. This will reconnect Queensland’s beach capital with New Zealand three...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: New Auckland International Lounge opens in New Zealand
Qantas is scheduled to open its new Auckland International Lounge on 17 December 2025, just in time for the Christmas rush. Unlike the old space (which was in desperate need of attention), the new lounge features a 60% larger footprint and can accommodate more than 370 passengers. Qantas has combined...
Also on BoardingArea
One Mile at a Time
How To Deal With Passenger Of Size Seat Mate Who Encroaches On Your Space
An OMAAT reader shared an experience he had on a recent flight, and asked for my take. I think this is a topic that’s worth discussing (in a respectful way, of course).
PointsMath
Accor Program Changes 2025
Accor is a favourite program for many of us because of the fixed € value you get per 2000 points. Also, it is easier to become an elite member of the Accor program by using multiple accounts. Now they have announced various changes this year that keep things in check and...
View from the Wing
U.S. Wants Five Years Of Social Media From Visitors — New Visa Waiver Rules Will Drive Away Tourists And Cut Flights For Americans
The U.S. wants visa waiver visitors to hand over five years of social media plus more personal data just to get an ESTA — and to apply only through a mobile app. That won’t just hassle Europeans and other low-risk travelers, it risks driving them to other destinations, cutting flights,...
Points With a Crew
Should you buy Hilton points with (up to) a 100% bonus?
Buying points can be a great way to boost your balance, but only if makes sense financially! Does the new Hilton promotion fit that criteria?
You Are Travel
Plane Crash Lands on top of Car on I-95 (Video)
tl;dr – Um, this is just as it sounds. Surprisingly, only minor injuries were reported. Wild video out… The post Plane Crash Lands on top of Car on I-95 (Video) appeared first on You Are Travel.
Your Mileage May Vary
The Countries You Can Visit With Less Than 6 Months On Your Passport
The general rule when traveling internationally is that you need at least 6 months of validity on your passport to be allowed to enter a country. Some countries allow you…
Miles To Memories
Save 35% on inKind Gift Cards at Costco
inKind is one of my favorite apps for savings at restaurants and now you can purchase their gift cards at a 35% discount. The post Save 35% on inKind Gift Cards at Costco appeared first on Miles to Memories.
Live and Let’s Fly
DHS Will Fly Its Own Boeing 737 Fleet To Deport People From The United States
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has quietly taken a big step toward building its own dedicated deportation fleet. With a new contract worth nearly $140 million, DHS will purchase a small fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft that will be used for removal flights, funded by a huge budget increase...
Frequent Miler
Transfer Bilt points to Shangri-La, Preferred Hotels, Marriott, & Wyndham with the right credit card
An astute reader shared an interesting way to indirectly transfer Bilt points to several different hotel programs including Shangri-La Circle, Preferred Hotels, Marriott, and more. To do this, you first transfer your Bilt points to Alaska Airlines. To transfer those Atmos Rewards points on to the eligible airlines, you need...
Points Miles and Bling
beOnd Airlines to Launch Operations in Saudi Arabia
Premium leisure carrier beOnd has formally begun the process of securing an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in the Kingdom of… The post beOnd Airlines to Launch Operations in Saudi Arabia appeared first on Points Miles and Bling.
The Alviator
What Are The Major Airline Alliances? What Does This Mean For Miles And Points?
The concept of alliances is common across the air travel industry. Here's what an alliance means for miles and points in 2025. The post What Are The Major Airline Alliances? What Does This Mean For Miles And Points? appeared first on The Alviator.
One Mile at a Time
Qantas Airbus A380 Loses Part Of Wing On First Flight After Six Year Grounding
Stuff happens, but I can definitely understand how this incident leaves a lot of people feeling uneasy, as reported by 2PAXfly…
Live and Let’s Fly
US May Force Tourists To Hand Over Five Years Of Social Media History To Enter The Country
The United States is considering new requirements that would force millions of foreign visitors to hand over years of personal online activity before being allowed to enter the country. It is part of a broader shift toward heightened screening that makes America feel far less welcoming to travelers. US May...
View from the Wing
New All-Business-Class Airline Lost Its U.S. Partner And Lacks Funding — Still Promises October 2026 Launch
A new all-business-class airline backed by Maldives-based beOnd is still promising an October 2026 U.S. launch, even after its announced U.S. partner shut down and key financing hasn’t been nailed down. They’re talking franchise structures, Saudi and U.S. bases, Hawaii and premium leisure routes – but with ultra-high costs, no...
The Bulkhead Seat
US Plans Mandatory Social Media Screening for Some Tourists as Travel Restrictions Expand
The United States is planning to require social media inspections for foreign tourists as… The post US Plans Mandatory Social Media Screening for Some Tourists as Travel Restrictions Expand appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Monkey Miles
It’s back! Get 40k Amex or Bilt Points to open Sofi bank account ( $500 direct deposit )
A new round of Rakuten bonuses are hitting accounts targeting Direct Deposit for Sofi. My account was targeted with 40k – if you don’t have Rakuten, you can use my link to get $50 after spending $50. If you end up direct depositing more than the $500 needed to trigger...
One Mile at a Time
Lufthansa Group Unveils New Brand Identity, Intended To Signal Unity
Lufthansa Group has just unveiled a new brand identity, which is a visual element of the company’s goal of centralizing management of the individual airline brands, and bringing them all closer together.
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Passengers Left On Their Own: DOT Says Airlines Don’t Owe Hotels Or Meals After Mass Aircraft Recalls
Airline passengers, be aware: The Department of Transportation (DOT) has ruled that U.S. airlines do not have to honor their own customer service commitments if a flight is canceled or delayed due to an aircraft recall. The decision comes after airlines pressed the DOT on whether its consumer protection division...
The Bulkhead Seat
Delta SkyMiles® Amex Cardmembers Can Get a Limited-Edition Centennial Backpack for 100 Miles
Delta Air Lines has a limited time offer for Delta SkyMiles® American Express Cardmembers.… The post Delta SkyMiles® Amex Cardmembers Can Get a Limited-Edition Centennial Backpack for 100 Miles appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
View from the Wing
Warning To Instacart Shoppers — The App Is Testing How Much More It Can Charge You For The Same Groceries [Roundup]
Instacart isn’t just marking up groceries — it’s running quiet tests to see how much more it can charge different shoppers for the exact same items, potentially adding up to hundreds of dollars a year. Plus airlines forcing gate checks with empty bins, Austin paying subsidies to Southwest, and American’s...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Save Up to 20% With Marriott Bonvoy
You can save up to 20% with Marriott Bonvoy off of the guest room standard rate when you stay at your choice of participating hotel and resort properties worldwide with its Escapes promotion, which offers exclusive savings every other Thursday through Sunday across select destinations... ...but you must... The post Save Up...
TravelUpdate
Warning! Watch out for your seats when Turkish Airlines have a schedule change
There is a downside when booking airline tickets very far in advance. The chances of a schedule change…
From The Tray Table
12 years later, Four Seasons Costa Rica still impresses — and then some
Editor’s note: The Four Seasons provided the author with a complimentary three-night stay to get an updated look… The post 12 years later, Four Seasons Costa Rica still impresses — and then some appeared first on From the Tray Table.
Travel Points Playbook
Oops! Forgotten Promo Just Earned 30,000 Hyatt Points
Conventional miles and points wisdom is to register for every promotion just in case you end up having… The post Oops! Forgotten Promo Just Earned 30,000 Hyatt Points appeared first on Travel Points Playbook.
2PAXfly
HEATHROW: A car park robbery turns into a full-blown airport emergency
If you’ve ever felt that Heathrow’s Terminal 3 car park was a little too chaotic on a normal day, Sunday morning took things to an entirely new level. A woman was robbed of her suitcase inside a lift at Heathrow’s Terminal 3 car park. The attackers deployed what police believe...
2PAXfly
DELTA AIRLINES: Starts Melbourne to LAX flights from today
Starting today, Saturday 6 December 2025, Melbourne’s long-haul travellers have a new way to cross the Pacific. Delta Air Lines has officially launched flights between Melbourne and Los Angeles. That makes the route a three-horse race alongside Qantas and United Airlines. It’s the first time an Airbus A350 has flown...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Melbourne to Honolulu flights stop from 31 January 2026
Well, that didn’t last long. Qantas’ much-touted return to the Melbourne–Honolulu route is ending after just nine months, with the final flight set for January 31, 2026. The official explanation? “Soft demand” both ways across the Pacific, according to ET. This comes after the airline quietly slipped the route into...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Final A380 returns, back in the air 1 January 2026
Just in time for the Christmas travel crush, Qantas has wheeled its tenth and final Airbus A380 out of long-term storage and back onto the Sydney tarmac, nearly 2,000 days since it last touched Australian soil. Yes, the superjumbo Paul McGinness (named for one of the airline’s founders) is back,...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: ‘Champagne for Lulu.’ You can now get Bollinger in First Class
Qantas is rolling out a fresh wave of upgrades to its A380, and currently only First Class cabins. From December, First passengers will have a new dining program, brand-new Aesop amenity kits, redesigned pyjamas, upgraded Champagne with Bollinger, and dine-on-demand, dressed up as ‘wellness. The retrofit is part of Qantas’...
2PAXfly
AIRBUS: A320 software glitch triggers chaos at Australian airports and internationally
If you turned up at an airport this morning expecting a routine Jetstar hop to Melbourne, Hobart or Adelaide, chances are you walked straight into a scene that looked more like the chaos of Boxing Day sales. Airports were filled with long queues, cancelled flights, confused announcements, and a whole...
2PAXfly
INDIA: Qantas and Jetstar plan sub-continental expansion with new jets
Australia’s fast-growing demand for travel to India is about to be met with renewed enthusiasm from Qantas and Jetstar. As both airlines usher in new long-range aircraft, they’re preparing to expand their presence on routes to the subcontinent significantly. For travellers, this means more nonstop flights, more modern cabins, and...
2PAXfly
FLIGHT DEALS: Black Friday & Cyber Monday flight deals: Domestic & International
It’s that time of year again, when Australians pretend Black Friday is a local tradition, and not a marketing festival imported from the USA. Airlines are gleefully landing on the day, too, since they have never been shy about taking advantage of any marketing opportunity. But seriously, some are dropping...