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...
Also on BoardingArea
The Bulkhead Seat
Volaris Adds Eight New US Routes From Three Mexican Cities
Volaris is a Mexican low-cost airline that flies nonstop to 21 destinations in the… The post Volaris Adds Eight New US Routes From Three Mexican Cities appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
One Mile at a Time
I Stayed At Aman New York: Does The Hotel Live Up The Hype (And Price)?
I just spent a night at the 83-suite Aman New York, which opened in 2022, and is located in the iconic Crown Building, on 57th and 5th. This is probably the hotel in the United States that I’ve been most curious about, as it’s certainly one of the most talked...
Points With a Crew
Kickstarter: SluTune Bone Conduction Sleep Speaker (Back By Wednesday)
The Q2 SluTune Bone Conduction Sleep Speaker is a sleep aid with a thin (11mm) profile and no sound leakage to others in the room. It's on Kickstarter, but only for a few more ...
Your Mileage May Vary
Why New York Keeps a Two-Stop Subway Line
On the subway map, the S train looks almost like a joke. Two stations. A ridiculously short ride. A whole “line” that exists just to connect Grand Central to Times Square.…
You Are Travel
418-Room JW Marriott Coming to Louisville, Kentucky
​tl;dr – A sizable JW will open in Kentucky’s largest city. Expected in 2027, the JW Marriott Louisville… The post 418-Room JW Marriott Coming to Louisville, Kentucky appeared first on You Are Travel.
Frequent Miler
Flying Blue Promo Rewards for February: Save 25% on flights to/from Europe from select cities
The latest batch of Air France/KLM Flying Blue Promo Rewards is out and there’s another good selection of cities represented in North America. There are also options in economy, premium economy, and business class – provided you can find award space. The Deal Save 25% when booking standard awards between...
You Are Travel
China to Ban Tesla-style Hidden Door Handles – Please Let This Be the Start of Something Bigger
tl;dr – No lie, I’m ready to say goodbye to the terrible design of these door handles. ​Several… The post China to Ban Tesla-style Hidden Door Handles – Please Let This Be the Start of Something Bigger appeared first on You Are Travel.
Altitude Yes
Capital One’s 30% Transfer Bonus to Japan Airlines is Back
This transfer bonus means that you can transfer 1,000 Capital One miles for 975 Japan Airlines miles, which is close to 1:1. The post Capital One’s 30% Transfer Bonus to Japan Airlines is Back first appeared on Altitude Yes.
You Are Travel
Marriott Bringing Its Ritz-Carlton Brand to Saigon
​tl;dr – The project will also include a whopping 420 branded residences. Marriott has recently announced new developments… The post Marriott Bringing Its Ritz-Carlton Brand to Saigon appeared first on You Are Travel.
Miles To Memories
Southwest Launches New Credit Card Bonuses That Gets You Companion Pass
Southwest Airlines is once again offering an easy option to earn the Companion pass for just over a year. It comes as part of the signup offer for all three consumer credit cards, alongside a points bonus that varies between 20,000 and 40,000. The post Southwest Launches New Credit Card Bonuses...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Earn 500 Bonus AAdvantage Miles by Shopping for Valentine’s Day
Effective through Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11:59:59 in the evening Eastern Standard Time, you can earn 500 bonus AAdvantage miles by shopping for Valentine’s Day — in addition to the standard AAdvantage miles earned — during the Winter Bonus Offer campaign at the American Airlines AAdvantage Shopping portal by...
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
American Airlines Says Its Trounces The Competition At Recovering From Irregular Operations: Flight Attendants Tell A Very Different Story
American Airlines often claims that it is far better at recovering from so-called ‘irregular operations’ than its rivals, but stories from frontline workers caught up in this month’s Winter Storm Fern tell a very different story. Any boy are they mad. American Airlines cancelled thousands of flights over the space...
View from the Wing
Teen Keeps Kicking Passenger’s Seat — Gets Teeth Broken When Passenger Reclines Hard
A viral video with over 2.5 million views captures the shocking moment a teen repeatedly kicking a passenger's seat gets his teeth broken when the passenger sharply reclines in response
Frequent Miler
Save 15% on IHG award stays at new hotels
For the last few years, IHG has been offering a 15% discount on award stays at new properties, with different hotels being discounted one, two, and three months ahead of time. The list of eligible hotels gets updated each month with new properties for three months ahead of time, so...
The Bulkhead Seat
Full List: United is Increasing Frequency On These 87 Routes Out of Chicago
Last week, I wrote about United’s latest attack on American Airlines. United’s CEO has… The post Full List: United is Increasing Frequency On These 87 Routes Out of Chicago appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Miles To Memories
Death of Old Southwest Airlines, Bermuda on Points & Miles + Resort Fees Decrease Prices?
Do resort fees increase prices, why you need to rake your bookings, Bermuda on points & miles + the death of the Southwest cattle call. The post Death of Old Southwest Airlines, Bermuda on Points & Miles + Resort Fees Decrease Prices? appeared first on Miles to Memories.
Your Mileage May Vary
It’s One Week Into Assigned Seating – Here’s What Southwest Passengers Say NOW
When Southwest officially began its system of assigned seating a week ago today, there were a lot of cheers – and a lot of hand-wringing. People either loved or hated…
Miles To Memories
Earn Up to 28,000 Extra Points with New Hyatt Bonus Journeys Promotion
Hyatt has launched a new Bonus Journeys promotion which can earn you extra points on your stays through mid-April. You get 3,000 or 4,000 bonus points for every three nights, depending on where you stay. The post Earn Up to 28,000 Extra Points with New Hyatt Bonus Journeys Promotion appeared first...
View from the Wing
5 Free Marriott Nights From One Card — Up To 50,000 Points Each After $3,000 Spend
Chase just launched the biggest-ever Marriott Boundless bonus: 5 Free Night Awards after $3,000 in 3 months, valid up to 50,000 points per night (and you can top off each with 15,000 points). There is also a 2026 airline statement credit up to $100, and the no-fee Marriott Bold now...
The Bulkhead Seat
Promo: Delta Launches SkyMiles Award Sale With Discounts to Top Transatlantic Destinations
Delta Air Lines has launched a new three-day Award Flash Sale to give SkyMiles… The post Promo: Delta Launches SkyMiles Award Sale With Discounts to Top Transatlantic Destinations appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Frequent Miler
Earn up to 1,500 bonus points/miles with shopping portal promos for United, American, & Alaska
The Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines shopping portals are all offering 500 bonus point/miles when spending $150 or $200 in the next week or so. The Deals The following airline shopping portals are offering bonus points/miles: Alaska Airlines – Spend $150 & earn 500 bonus Atmos Rewards points...
{Tech} for Travel
United Airlines Starlink Wi-Fi rollout gains momentum
United Airlines Starlink Wi-Fi continues to grow, as the airline outlines where it’s available now and how many aircraft are next in line. The post United Airlines Starlink Wi-Fi rollout gains momentum appeared first on {Tech} for Travel.
Live and Let’s Fly
15 Hours In United Airlines 777-300ER Polaris Business Class…
My “indirect” route between Los Angeles and Chicago began with a flight up to San Francisco then a 15-hour flight on United Airlines to Hong Kong in Polaris Business Class on the 777-300ER. United 777-300ER Business Class – My First Impressions I began the morning in Burbank (BUR), flying up...
Miles To Memories
Huge $750 Bonus for Chase Business Complete Checking Account
Chase is once again offering a $750 bonus for the Chase Business Complete Checking account. There's also a $300 bonus this time around that can be an even better option for many, as it only requires a $2,000 deposit. The post Huge $750 Bonus for Chase Business Complete Checking Account appeared...
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...
Wild About Travel
Rovaniemi, Finland – Santa, snow, and Arctic light
Rovaniemi is a small Arctic city that sells hard on Santa and northern lights, but underneath the Christmas branding there is a real Lapland hub for winter activities and slow tundra days. It works best if you accept the tourist kitsch, time your visit for snow or autumn colours, and...
2PAXfly
AIRLINES: What is a codeshare agreement and why they matter
If you’ve ever booked a flight on Qantas, only to discover you’re actually flying on an Emirates or Cathay Pacific aircraft, you’ve already encountered a codeshare agreement . Although you may not have realised it when you booked. Codesharing allows airlines to dramatically expand their networks without buying more planes...
2PAXfly
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: Starts Canberra to Bali direct route
Canberra has few direct international connections. Maybe Doha and Fiji, which also, fortunately, function as launch pads for additional international destinations. You can now add Bali to that list, with Virgin Australia launching its first-ever international service from the nation’s capital, from 22 June 2026. Canberrans will no longer need...
Wild About Travel
Cape Town: Beautiful and Complicated
I came to Cape Town hoping to like it and ended up loving it. I want to encourage other visitors to look beyond the surface here. It’s a complex and fascinating place. Introducing the CityThe road from the modern Cape Town airport passes through the sprawling townships of Langa, Nyanga...
Wild About Travel
Seventeen Mega Groups: How Airline Consolidation could rewire the World
In my last post, I showed how the airline industry has consolidated significantly, with most European and US airlines falling into just three mega-groups that control a significant share of the world’s seats. But the consolidation appears nowhere near over. The airline industry is genuinely hard to forecast. Hub airports,...
2PAXfly
AIRLINES: What is an interline agreement and why they matter
Most travellers would have no idea what an airline interline agreement is. But if you’ve ever checked a bag through to your final destination on two different airlines, been rebooked after a delay, or stitched together a multi-airline itinerary, you’ve probably almost certainly the beneficiary of one. Put simply, an...