Wild About Travel
After 300 Airports, Here Are the Best and Worst
After many decades of flying, I’ve now passed through 300 airports. It’s a slightly ridiculous milestone, but it does give me a bit of authority when I say what makes a great airport and what makes a terrible one. There are seven things that win me over with airports: 1....
2PAXfly
FINNAIR: Melbourne to Helsinki flights via Bangkok from October 2026
Finnair is heading to Australia, and not just on a wet-lease to Qantas. The Helsinki-based oneworld carrier will commence a new daily service to Melbourne, beginning 25 October 2026 (subject to approvals). It will be operated with an Airbus A350. This will be the airline’s first-ever scheduled flights to Australia....
2PAXfly
FINNAIR: Melbourne to Helsinki flights via Bangkok from October 2026
Finnair is heading to Australia, and not just on a wet-lease to Qantas. The Helsinki-based oneworld carrier will commence a new daily service to Melbourne, beginning 25 October 2026 (subject to approvals). It will be operated with an Airbus A350. This will be the airline’s first-ever scheduled flights to Australia....
2PAXfly
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: Antisemitic outburst by 19yo on Bali–Sydney flight
With Sydney siders still reeling from the massacre of those celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach on Sunday, a 19-year-old passenger has been arrested on a Virgin Australia flight. The 19-year-old is accused of an alleged antisemitic outburst on board a Virgin Australia flight from Bali to Sydney. This incident comes...
Also on BoardingArea
View from the Wing
American Airlines Gave a Free Hotel After 12-Hour Delay — Passenger Claims $84 Room Had Bed Bugs, Mold, And Smoke
After a 12-hour delay, an American Airlines passenger says the airline offered a free hotel—until reviews described smoke smell, water damage and mold, and even bed bugs at an $84-a-night property. It’s a reminder that airline hotel vouchers can be a dice roll, and you may be better off booking...
Altitude Yes
How Long Does it Take American to Reinstate Miles After Cancelling an Award Ticket?
If you're booking another flight with those miles, it's helpful to put your new flight on hold first before cancelling your original award ticket. The post How Long Does it Take American to Reinstate Miles After Cancelling an Award Ticket? first appeared on Altitude Yes.
Your Mileage May Vary
The Truth About Extra Legroom Seats on US Airlines
Most US airlines offer economy passengers the option to pay extra for a more comfortable flight experience. Airlines refer to these “special” seats by various names, but the concept is…
Miles To Memories
American Airlines Adding 15 New Domestic Routes Next Summer
American Airlines will add a new city to its domestic network and 15 more domestic routes for next summer. The post American Airlines Adding 15 New Domestic Routes Next Summer appeared first on Miles to Memories.
Frequent Miler
15% transfer bonus to Cathay Pacific Asia Miles from Amex Membership Rewards (Targeted?)
We received a reader report from someone who found what appears to be a targeted a 15% transfer bonus from Amex Membership Rewards to Cathay Pacific Asia Miles. With the transfer ratio to Asia Miles set to reduce in March 2026, this may be useful for those looking to build...
One Mile at a Time
Air Tahiti All-Business Class ATR HighLine Turboprop Flights Take Off Late 2026
Air Tahiti, the regional carrier operating turboprop flights in French Polynesia, will soon be introducing an all-new way to travel. It’s mighty swanky, and tickets for the product are now on sale (thanks to MaxPower for flagging this).
Pointalize
Citi ThankYou vs. Capital One Miles: Which Wins?
Citi ThankYou vs. Capital One Miles: We compare transfer partners, earning rates, and redemption value to reveal which rewards program wins for travelers.
Bald Thoughts
AA Eliminates Basic Economy Rewards, Downgrade Strategies, Hotels vs. Staying with Family
Welcome to The Morning Shave for Monday, December 22, 2025. American Airlines has eliminated AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points on Basic Economy tickets. What to do if you’ve been downgraded on a flight. And why more people are choosing to stay at a hotel instead of sleeping in the guest...
Miles To Memories
Bilt Travel Portal Lets You See Cash & Award Prices Side by Side
Earlier this month, Bilt launched a new feature that lets you search for flights and instantly see both cash prices and how many Bilt Points you’d need if you transfer to airline partners, all in one view. The post Bilt Travel Portal Lets You See Cash & Award Prices Side by...
Points With a Crew
Why you’re foolish to rent a “standard” car
If you're renting a car for 1 or 2 people, find out why you're foolish to rent a "standard" car
Live and Let’s Fly
Onboard United Airlines’ “Inaugural” Newark–Casablanca Flight (Diversion)
A United Airlines flight to Marrakesh made an unscheduled stop in Casablanca, creating quite a problem for passengers and crew onboard. United Airlines’ Newark–Marrakesh Flight Diverts To Casablanca After Weather Disruption Daichovo on FlyerTalk shared a rather witty but poignant “trip report” of his flight from Newark (EWR) to Casablanca...
Live from a Lounge
Air India cuts Bengaluru / Mumbai – San Francisco operations effective March 2026; Installs more Delhi – San Francisco flights instead
Air India will withdraw from the Bengaluru/Mumbai-to-San Francisco flights, all because of Pakistan Airspace Restrictions for Indian carriers. Here are the implications. The post Air India cuts Bengaluru / Mumbai – San Francisco operations effective March 2026; Installs more Delhi – San Francisco flights instead appeared first on Live From...
PointsMath
Earn 4x Accor Points at 53 New Hotels
Accor Points are among the most sought-after due to their €40 value per 2000 points (2.35¢ value per point). There are multiple ways to earn Accor Points, and one of the ways to earn 4x Accor Points is to stay at New Hotels. These new hotels are updated every 60 days, and...
Economondo
Review: Korean Air Airbus A321neo – Jeju to Seoul Gimpo
Flying on Korean Air's new Airbus A321neo on a short flight from Jeju to Seoul
One Mile at a Time
Family Files $200K Lawsuit Over Terrible KLM Inflight Bed Bug Fiasco
This sounds like an absolutely awful flight, and I can’t help but wonder just how widespread this issue was…
View from the Wing
Pilot Became Incapacitated — ATC Audio Captures the Computer Taking Over and Landing the Plane Near Denver
A pilot flying a private plane from Aspen to the Denver area became incapacitated mid-flight, and the aircraft’s emergency auto-landing system took over navigation and radio calls to air traffic control. ATC audio captures the computer repeatedly announcing “pilot incapacitation” and counting down to landing before it put the plane...
Your Mileage May Vary
TSA PSA: Don’t Wear This Through TSA Security — You’re In For The Pat-Down of Your Life
When you go through the TSA security checkpoint, the goal is to get through it as quickly as possible. That typically means making sure your pockets are empty, you’ve removed…
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Weather Presenter Goes Viral After She Accidentally Wore An Airline Flight Attendant Uniform On TV
A weather presenter has gone viral after she seemingly wore a flight attendant uniform live on air… and, no, this doesn’t appear to have been deliberate at all. There was no collaboration with the airline, and the weather presenter made no mention of her fashion choice. So, how on earth...
Miles To Memories
JetBlue Two-Day Sale, Fly to Europe from $189 One-Way
JetBlue has launched a transatlantic fare sale, advertising flights to select European destinations such as Amsterdam, London and Paris, with prices starting from $189 one-way. The post JetBlue Two-Day Sale, Fly to Europe from $189 One-Way appeared first on Miles to Memories.
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
December 22 Bonus Offer Highlight: Marriott Bonvoy – Earn 2,000 or more bonus points for stays in Ireland
Today's bonus offer highlight is Marriott's annual Destination Ireland promotion where you can earn 2,000 or more bonus Bonovy points for stays on the Emerald Isle! Check out all of the new bonuses added today: The post December 22 Bonus Offer Highlight: Marriott Bonvoy – Earn 2,000 or more bonus points...
View from the Wing
Pilot Became Incapacitated — ATC Audio Captures the Computer Taking Over and Landing the Plane Near Denver
A pilot flying a private plane from Aspen to the Denver area became incapacitated mid-flight, and the aircraft’s emergency auto-landing system took over navigation and radio calls to air traffic control. ATC audio captures the computer repeatedly announcing “pilot incapacitation” and counting down to landing before it put the plane...
Frequent Miler
GiftCards.com sale: 10-15% off many brands; stack with shopping portal or card-linked offer
Giftcards.com is currently offering 10-15% off gift cards for many different third-party brands. You should be able to stack these discounts with a return from a shopping portal (up to portal limits) and/or card-linked offer, which can make for some solid deals. The Deal GiftCards.com is offering 10-15% off many...
Economy Class & Beyond
Rise Air of Canada takes delivery of its first ATR72-600
Rise Air has become the first airline in Canada to take delivery of the ATR72-600. Rise Air, the Indigenous-owned airline providing essential services across Saskatchewan, has taken delivery of its first ATR 72-600 aircraft, becoming the launch customer for the latest generation ATR -600 series in Canada. This aircraft is the...
One Mile at a Time
Miles & Points: The Best Of Times, The Worst Of Times
I’ve been obsessed with miles & points for around 20 years. I can’t help but take a moment to reflect on just how much this hobby has changed over that time.
Wild About Travel
A Personal Message in light of the Bondi massacre
Today’s post is a very personal one and I have wondered whether to post at all, but this is my blog, so here goes. I have written previously here about my experience four months ago when I was caught in a mass shooting at a local market in Bangkok. The...
2PAXfly
THAI AIRWAYS: Baggage changes. What you need to know
Baggage rules are changing at Thai Airways. In a major move, the airline is changing from weight-based allowances to a piece-based system, with weight and dimension limits for all passengers from 2 March 2026. Whatever class you are flying in first, business or the cheapest economy fare, your checked bags...
Wild About Travel
What the new US entry rules really mean.
This week, media and travellers are reacting to a new US proposal that would greatly expand the data the US collects from applicants under the ESTA Visa waiver program. In this post, I delve into what it means for those of us who use visa‑waiver travel to go to the...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Power banks banned from todaym 15 December. What you need to know
From today, Monday 15 December 2025, Qantas, Jetstar and QantasLink has banned the use of portable power banks on all flights. Qantas group airlines are joining a growing list of airlines responding to a sharp rise in lithium battery fires in cabins and lounges worldwide. You’ll still be allowed to...
2PAXfly
BORDERS: Visa Waiver Program to require social media, phone numbers and IP history from Australians
Australian travellers who want to head to New York at Christmas, or Coachella in spring, or to trek through the Grand Canyon may soon face a very different pre-departure checklist. It could soon include handing over five years of social media accounts, five years of phone numbers, and 10 years...
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...