Wild About Travel
A Moomin Pilgrimage Through 80 Years of Finnish Magic
I just spent two amazing weeks in Finland, which remains one of my favourite countries in the world. This trip: Helsinki, Rovaniemi, and Turku. I’m still processing everything I experienced. The timber architecture of Rovaniemi, the frozen Baltic where ships should be, and now this: my Moomin pilgrimage across 80...
2PAXfly
WEEKLY REVIEW: Sunday, 8 February 2026
Hope your weekend has been as good as mine. Below is a summary of stories that appeared in the blog over the last week. QANTAS: Gets A321XLR configuration very wrong. Too few loos. By 2paxfly on 06 Feb 2026 12:17 pmWhen Qantas began introducing its new Airbus A321XLRs, the focus...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Gets A321XLR configuration very wrong. Too few loos.
When Qantas began introducing its new Airbus A321XLRs, the focus was on longer range, larger overhead bins, and a more modern onboard experience. Instead, they got one incredibly basic thing wrong. It has become the talking point amongst passengers. That is, not enough toilets, or colloquially, ‘too few loos’. For...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Refreshing 7 regional lounges after closure
If you rely on Qantas’ regional lounges for a quiet coffee, a power point and a bit of pre-flight calm, there’s good and bad news. Your lounge is likely being refreshed and may be closed for a few weeks. Qantas has been active on the lounge front, with the most...
Also on BoardingArea
Your Mileage May Vary
Why We Still Call It the “Tarmac” — Even Though Airports Don’t Really Use It Anymore
The term “tarmac” dates back to a specific road material once used at airports—but modern runways are built from entirely different surfaces. Tarmac. We’ve been using the word for what…
Frequent Miler
Review: Hyatt House London Stratford – my new go-to London hotel
A couple of the gifts I got my wife for Christmas were tickets to see Josh Johnson (stand up comedian & The Daily Show presenter) at the London Palladium, as well as tickets to see the new theatre production of The Hunger Games: On Stage at Canary Wharf in London....
View from the Wing
An Activist Investor Forced Southwest to Add Bag and Seat Fees—Now They’re Cashing Out And Giving Up Control
Southwest Airlines didn’t stumble into bag fees, basic economy, and paid seat assignments by accident—those changes were pushed by an activist investor demanding short‑term financial moves. Now that the damage is done and the stock has popped, that same investor is cashing out and giving up control, leaving Southwest to...
View from the Wing
American Airlines CEO On The Ropes As Flight Attendants Plan Thursday Protest—Just As The Airline Starts To Get Better
American Airlines flight attendants will protest at the company's headquarters this Thursday, calling for CEO Robert Isom to step down—just as the airline finally shows signs of turning around. Here's why employees are taking aim at leadership now.
Frequent Miler
Bilt cards being frozen, 5x not being honored. Bilt’s response: Pound sand, it’s TPG’s fault
The new Bilt 2.0 cards – Bilt Blue, Bilt Obsidian, and Bilt Palladium – went live on Saturday February 7. Bilt promised that this would be a seamless transition, but in addition to the myriad of other issues that have made the transition seem less, there’s now a brand new...
One Mile at a Time
New American Admirals Club Coming To Chicago, As Airline Grows At Airport
American Airlines has announced plans to invest in its lounge setup in Chicago, as the airline continues to try to grow there, and make up ground that has been lost to United.
Points With a Crew
Kickstarter: Wildpool Waterproof Adventure Shoe
The Wildpool Adventure shoe is a fast-drying, circular waterproof shoe with all-day comfort. It's on Kickstarter, but only for a few more ...
Altitude Yes
American to Open New Admirals Club in Chicago O’Hare’s Concourse L
The existing Concourse L Admirals Club will remain open during construction of the new lounge The post American to Open New Admirals Club in Chicago O’Hare’s Concourse L first appeared on Altitude Yes.
Your Mileage May Vary
World Cup Tickets Are Suddenly a Credit Card Perk — And That Raises a Few Questions
When I first saw it, I figured this was just another “credit card perk” flex. FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets — early access, just for Chase Sapphire cardmembers. Coming soon.…
Miles To Memories
INSANE Hilton Private Island Deal, Evermore Orlando Condo Review & The Overhead Bin Battle?!
Insane Hilton private island deal, Evermore Orlando condo review, small town winter festivals & the overhead bin battle! The post INSANE Hilton Private Island Deal, Evermore Orlando Condo Review & The Overhead Bin Battle?! appeared first on Miles to Memories.
Miles To Memories
A Different Offer for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card is currently offering a bonus of 5 Free Nights valued at up to 50,000 points each. But there's also a different offer that gets you a $400 gift card, 50,000 points. The post A Different Offer for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card appeared first on...
The Bulkhead Seat
JetBlue and United Expand Blue Sky Partnership Now Offers Bookings Across Both Airlines
JetBlue and United Airlines have launched the next part of their Blue Sky collaboration.… The post JetBlue and United Expand Blue Sky Partnership Now Offers Bookings Across Both Airlines appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Earn 2,500 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points Per Stay Plus One Bonus Elite Night Credit Per Brand
You can earn 2,500 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points per stay plus one bonus Elite Night Credit per brand for eligible paid nights at participating hotel and resort properties worldwide between Wednesday, February 25, 2026 and Sunday, May 10, 2026... ...but you must... The post Earn 2,500 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points Per Stay...
View from the Wing
First Photos Leak Of Refreshed American Airlines Airbus A319—More First Class, Flight Attendants Sit On Lavatory Doors
Leaked employee photos offer a first-ever look inside American Airlines' refreshed Airbus A319, revealing upgraded first-class seating—but also flight attendants forced onto lavatory doors and tighter legroom in economy. Here's what you'll soon experience onboard.
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Tens Of Thousands Of Passengers Set To Be Stranded As Lufthansa Pilots Announce Strike in Pension Dispute
Tens of thousands of passengers who are set to travel with German flag carrier Lufthansa could be left stranded after the airline’s pilots’ union announced a one-day strike that will take place on Thursday in a dispute over pensions. The Vereinigung Cockpit union announced that the strike will start at...
Your Mileage May Vary
Why Some Southwest Passengers Are Being Told They’re on “Standby” — Even When They’re Not
A wording issue tied to Southwest’s year-old Basic fare is causing passengers to believe they’ve been placed on standby—even though they still have confirmed seats on the flight. In aviation,…
Miles To Memories
5,000 Bonus Points for Adding Authorized User to World of Hyatt Card [Targeted]
If you have a World of Hyatt Credit Card you may be eligible to earn 5,000 bonus points just for adding an authorized user to your account. The post 5,000 Bonus Points for Adding Authorized User to World of Hyatt Card [Targeted] appeared first on Miles to Memories.
View from the Wing
I’m Earning Over 3X Points on Everything With the New Bilt Palladium Card—It’s More Of A Juggernaut Than I Expected
I got the new Bilt Palladium card expecting good value—but now I'm consistently earning over 3 points per dollar on all my spending. The card’s points-earning power, especially combined with paying my mortgage, Bilt Cash redemptions, and frequent transfer bonuses, makes it an absolute juggernaut. Here’s why it’s quickly become...
Frequent Miler
New Marriott promo: Earn 2,500 bonus points per stay + 1 bonus elite night per brand
Marriott Bonvoy has opened registration for its new global promotion that has two elements to it. You’ll earn 2,500 bonus points per paid stay, as well as one bonus elite night credit for each different hotel brand of theirs you stay at during the promotion period. The Deal Earn 2,500...
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
American Airlines Flight Attendants Plan Protest At Carrier’s Skyview Headquarters In Texas
American Airlines flight attendants are planning descend upon the Texas-based carrier’s luxe corporate headquarters campus in Dallas Fort Worth for a protest where they will reiterate their call for the ousting of embattled chief executive Robert Isom. The protest is scheduled to take place on Thursday, February 12, outside the...
Live and Let’s Fly
American Airlines First Class Passenger Demands $7,000 After Red Wine Soaks $2,000 Louis Vuitton Bag
A spilled glass of red wine in first class on American Airlines has turned into a viral dispute over airline liability, luxury goods, and what constitutes reasonable compensation. Red Wine, First Class, And A $7,000 Demand: What Does American Airlines Actually Owe? A passenger named Tara Kranzel has taken to...
Miles To Memories
Marriott Promo: Earn 2,500 Bonus Points per Stay + 1 Bonus Elite Night per Brand
Marriott has launched a new promotion for Marriott Bonvoy members, offering bonus points and Elite Night Credits. The post Marriott Promo: Earn 2,500 Bonus Points per Stay + 1 Bonus Elite Night per Brand appeared first on Miles to Memories.
The Alviator
Review: British Airways A350 Premium Economy (LHR-HKG)
A comprehensive review of British Airways' A350 premium economy class from London to Hong Kong, detailing the seat, catering, service, and more. The post Review: British Airways A350 Premium Economy (LHR-HKG) appeared first on The Alviator.
Points With a Crew
Best Western Gateway to the Keys Hotel Review
If you're looking for a South Florida hotel - here is my Best Western Gateway to the Keys hotel review, including info on wifi, breakfast, parking, rooms, amenities, cost and more
2PAXfly
EUROPE: Carry on bags to become free on low-cost carriers
Budget carriers like easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air have built their ultra-low headline fares on optional extras, especially baggage fees. But now the European Parliament has taken a strong stance in favour of passengers being allowed to bring more on board for free — and it has triggered a fierce...
2PAXfly
ETIHAD: Brings its best Business Class to Sydney and Melbourne
Etihad Airways has now rolled out its latest-generation Business Class suites on all services from Sydney and Melbourne to its base in Abu Dhabi. That consistency of product will be welcomed by Australian travellers. In practical terms, that means no more ‘pot luck’ draw of older cabins. Book Business Class...
2PAXfly
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: We had Economy X first, so there!
Yesterday, I wrote a post about the launch of Qantas’ new Economy Plus seats. Today, I write a post where Virgin Australia gives a less-than-subtle middle finger to the Qantas initiative, rightly claiming that they did it first with their Economy X seats. To top if off, they are offering...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: ‘Economy Plus’ now launched
Qantas has now launched its newest cabin product, and as of today, Monday 2 February, it’s available for booking. Economy Plus was first announced back in November 2025. The product, which provides four extra inches, increases the seat pitch at the front of the economy section from 30 to 34...
Wild About Travel
The Surreal Magic of Walking Where Ships Should Be: Helsinki in Winter
My Strava doesn’t lie. It shows me walking 300 metres across the water from Helsinki’s shoreline, just near Kaivopuisto in southern Helsinki, to the island of Harakka. In winter, Helsinki can spend weeks below zero Celsius, which means vast areas of the sea freeze into thick ice. The 7 metres...
2PAXfly
WEEKLY REVIEW: Sunday, 1 February 2026
Hope you are having a great weekend. Below is a summary of stories that appeared in the blog over the last week. QANTAS: Sydney to Sapporo, Japan flights doubled for next ski season By 2paxfly on 31 Jan 2026 12:35 pmThe international arm of Qantas has never been afraid of...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Sydney to Sapporo, Japan flights doubled for next ski season
The international arm of Qantas has never been afraid of exploiting a trend. This time it’s eyeing off winter escape to Hokkaido, Japan for the 2026/2027 snow season. Qantas will significantly increase capacity on its Sydney–Sapporo route next ski season, lifting services from three flights per week to as many...
Wild About Travel
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth): A City That Has Lost Its Way.
I rode by minibus along the Garden Route after a week exploring wineries, hikes, whales, coffee, food and South African hospitality. We arrived in Port Elizabeth in a different world. Load shedding had struck, the streets were dark, traffic lights blank or flashing, and pools of water from generators showed...