Miles For Family
Spring Break in St. Maarten with the help of Miles and Points
Last week, my family of 5 spent a week in St. Maarten in the Caribbean. The island is unique because it is half-Dutch and half-French. We first visited the island first in 2014 and fell in love with it, especially Mullet Bay Beach. Then in 2023, I returned to St....
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Boosts Europe flights as fares surge
If you’re trying to get to Europe right now, then Qantas is stepping up its international game. It’s ramping up flights to Europe as travellers scramble to avoid disrupted routes through the Middle East. But expect significantly higher prices. But while more seats are coming, it’s not quite the relief...
Eye of the Flyer
Is Norwegian Viva’s Complimentary Dining Any Good? An Honest Review Plus Photos
Norwegian Cruise Line’s “free” dining used to be a highlight—but on the Viva, things feel a little… smaller. Here’s what’s still worth ordering (hello, perfect poached eggs and shrimp scampi), what to skip, and a few smart pro tips to get the most out of your meals at sea.
Frequent Miler
Citi devalues hotel transfers | Coffee Break Ep98 | 3-24-26
For many years, Chase (and later Bilt) was the only transferable points program with valuable hotel options. Namely: Hyatt. But Citi changed that with Choice and I Prefer, offering high transfer rates that made these transfers worthwhile. Unfortunately, those transfer rates are going to change. Citi devalues hotel transfers Watch...
2PAXfly
WESTERN SYDNEY AIRPORT: Singapore Airlines flights now bookable as airports first major international carrier
Singapore Airlines will begin daily flights on an Airbus A350-900 from Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) from 23 November 2026, marking the airport’s first long-haul international service. Tickets for this service are available to book from this afternoon, Wednesday, 25 March 2026. Western Sydney International (WSI) is courting a number...
Miles For Family
New Transfer Bonuses, Decreased Transfer Ratios and More
I just returned from my spring break trip to St. Maarten. Here is what’s been happening in the miles and points world: Ouch! Citi Decreasing Transfer Ratio to Hotels: Beginning April 19, 2026, Citi is decreasing the transfer ratio to Choice Privileges and Preferred Hotels iPrefer. Major bummer! See this...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: new Classic Reward tool makes search easier. Doesn’t solve premium seat availability
Finding a Classic Reward seat redemption has always been a bit of a nightmare. It’s why third parties have been able to earn money doing it for you. This new tool from Qantas does make the task easier and more efficient, but it doesn’t resolve the root issue, which is...
Wild About Travel
The Gulf in Crisis: What Every Traveller Needs to Know Now
On 1 March, I shared a post called “Flying via the Middle East right now.” At that time, we were dealing with sudden airspace closures, missile threats, flight suspensions, and travelers stuck in airport terminals. Since then, things have only become more complicated and difficult as the conflict has worsened....
Altitude Yes
TSA at JFK T8: Smooth With PreCheck + Touchless ID, Madness for Regular Lines
I cleared TSA in 9 minutes with PreCheck and Touchless ID this morning, while regular lines wrapped around the entire terminal.
The post TSA at JFK T8: Smooth With PreCheck + Touchless ID, Madness for Regular Lines first appeared on Altitude Yes.
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Echo Point Lookout in the Blue Mountains of Australia
Echo Point Lookout in the Blue Mountains of Australia is a place which visitors can take in breathtaking views of the Three Sisters Aboriginal Place — which is a natural rock formation that is recognized as a place of special cultural significance to Aboriginal people — and the surrounding landscape.
At...
2PAXfly
NEW ROUTES 2026 #8: Fiji Airways adds Gold Coast flights
You will soon be able to fly direct from the Gold Coast to Fiji. That’s one holiday destination to another. But, the upside is that it may offer an interesting route to the US. From 11 June 2026, Gold Coast travellers can fly direct to Nadi three times weekly, connecting...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Chả Cá Thắng in Hà Nội in Vietnam. Restaurant Review.
Chả Cá Thắng in Hà Nội in Vietnam has no menus because it specializes in only one local dish for which it is known: Chả cá Lã Vọng or Chả cá Thắng Long. The restaurant received good reviews and was within walking distance of where we were staying; so we...
2PAXfly
WEEKLY REVIEW: Sunday 22 March, 2026
I’ve been enjoying my week back in Sydney. I’ll soon be winging my way to Europe for a few weeks. I’m set to experience some new destinations and a new airline. I hope to have some interesting blog posts for you along the way. What happened last week? Two more...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
The Tallest Hedge In the World: Meikleour Beech Hedge in Scotland
Officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest and tallest hedge in the world, Meikleour Beech Hedge in Scotland was first planted in autumn of 1745 by Robert Murray Nairne and his wife Jean Mercer to define the eastern border of their land.
This European Beech hedge is measured at...
