2PAXfly
QANTAS: Cuts free First Class for executives and board members on Project Sunrise flights
Qantas has quietly tightened the rules around who can use staff and director travel entitlements at the very front of the aircraft. In particular, it has drawn a hard line around First Class for its future Project Sunrise Airbus A350-1000ULR fleet, where seats will be scarce, ultra-premium, and intended primarily...
Wild About Travel
One of the World’s Most Remote Train lines: Australia’s Prospector
Western Australia is huge: it is about ten times the size of the UK and almost four times the size of Texas. Only around 3 million people live in the state, and roughly 2.2 million of them are in the capital, Perth, while the UK has about 67 million people...
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....
Also on BoardingArea
Frequent Miler
Preferred Hotels promo: Earn 1,000 bonus points when joining iPrefer with promo code LMEDEC25
Preferred Hotels & Resorts is offering 1,000 bonus points when joining their loyalty program and using promo code LMEDEC25. The Deal Earn 1,000 bonus points when joining the Preferred Hotels iPrefer loyalty program with promo code LMEDEC25. Direct link to offer. Key Terms Expiry date unknown. Quick Thoughts 1,000 points...
Travel Codex
Oceanwide Expeditions and the M/V Hondius
If you’re the kind of traveler who prefers a Zodiac ride past calving glaciers over a pool deck and umbrella drink, then Oceanwide Expeditions should be on your radar. This is a company built for travelers who want true, boots‑on‑the‑ground (and ice) exploration. No fluff, no big ship crowds, just...
Points With a Crew
Kickstarter: Titaner Trident 3-Level Titanium Zipper Lock
The Titaner Trident zipper lock comes with 3 different levels of "locked", giving you the tradeoff between convenience and security. It's on Kickstarter, but only for a few more ...
Live and Let’s Fly
Are Pilots Paid Too Much?
Are pilots paid too much in the Untied States? That’s probably the wrong question to ask, but it is an issue to consider when airlines are losing money flying. Pilot Pay, Airline Economics, And An Awkward Question The Industry Avoids A recent post by an American Airlines pilot has reignited...
Miles To Memories
Save $200 on Premium Vacation Rental Through Capital One [Targeted]
Save $200 on Premium Vacation Rental Through Capital One Some Capital One cardholders have an offer for a $200 discount on a vacation rental booking through Capital One Travel. These properties at part of Premier or Lifestyle Collection and most of them have a minimum of 2 nights, which makes...
View from the Wing
Hyatt Promises 4PM Late Checkout — Some Hotels Now Say Pack At Noon And Switch Rooms
A Hyatt elite member says two properties recently offered a blunt tradeoff: keep a suite, or keep the guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout. At the Park Hyatt Saigon and Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, they were told to pack up at noon and move into a “courtesy room” to stay until...
Frequent Miler
Air France/KLM: Save $50 with promo code AFHOLIDAY5 or KLHOLIDAY5
Air France and KLM are both running a promotion through December 30 that’s giving a $50 discount when booking a paid flight. The Deal Save $50 on paid flights with Air France & KLM: Air France – use promo code AFHOLIDAY5 KLM – use promo code KLHOLIDAY5 Direct link to...
PointsMath
Earn Asia Miles via Transfer Bonuses to Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific’s Asia Miles program regularly runs transfer bonus promotions with hotel programs and credit card partners. These offers let you earn extra Asia Miles without flying, often significantly improving the value of your points. This page tracks current Asia Miles transfer bonuses. Here is the detail. Other Cathay Pacific...
a wall with flowers and blue ribbon on it
BoardingArea
Review: United Club – Denver (DEN), Concourse B (West)
United’s newest lounge in Denver is one of the largest in the system gets my vote for the most beautiful domestic United Club in the network. The summary The lounge is near gate B32 on the west side of Denver International’s massive B concourse.  The lounge builds on the Colorado-themed...
Live and Let’s Fly
Tacos Al Pastor On United Airlines…
I tried the “Tacos Al Pastor” on a recent United Airlines flight and was pleasantly surprised. While the presentation may be lacking, the tacos were surprisingly good tacos for being reheated at 35,000 feet. Taste Test: Tacos Al Pastor From United Airlines Bistro On Board Menu United Airlines offers a...
One Mile at a Time
Miracle: Pakistan International Airlines Privatized, As Investors Take 75% Stake
For years, Pakistan’s government has been trying to privatize its struggling national airline, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The latest such bid was launched in April 2025, which came shortly after the company reported its first ”profit” in decades, and also managed to shed most of its legacy debt issues.
You Are Travel
Misplaced Your Boeing 737? Have You Checked the Parking Lot? – Air India Rediscovers Plane After 13 Years Being ‘Lost’
Tl;dr – An Air India plane recently was rediscovered, after over 12 years hiding in plain sight.  Wild… The post Misplaced Your Boeing 737? Have You Checked the Parking Lot? – Air India Rediscovers Plane After 13 Years Being ‘Lost’ appeared first on You Are Travel.
View from the Wing
The Real Reason Riyadh Air Can’t Serve Alcohol — Saudi Law Began With a Royal Scandal, Not Religion
Riyadh Air is being pitched as Saudi Arabia’s new premium global airline, but it can’t serve alcohol because Saudi law still prohibits it. What most people miss is why that rule exists: it wasn’t imposed for religious reasons so much as triggered by a royal family scandal after a drunk...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Reindeer in Snowy Northern Finland. Short Video Included.
I spotted reindeer in snowy northern Finland as I was driving north on Highway E8 towards Kittilä in the Lapland of the country. Just in time for Christmas, here are some photographs and a video of my brief experience. Along the side of the road was... The post Reindeer in Snowy Northern...
The Bulkhead Seat
Avelo Airlines Launches Wilmington’s First International Route With New Punta Cana Service
Avelo Airlines officially launched Wilmington International Airport’s (ILM) first international route with nonstop service… The post Avelo Airlines Launches Wilmington’s First International Route With New Punta Cana Service appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Live and Let’s Fly
Southwest Profits Plunge 42%, But Wall Street Is Betting Big On 2026
Southwest’s finances may be stumbling right now, but the airline appears convinced its new strategy will deliver a stronger 2026, and its stock market performance suggests many investors agree. I’m not rooting against Southwest, but I remain skeptical that the current optimism will translate into durable success once the real...
Frequent Miler
Capital One Shopping offering $80 referral bonus for both sides
Capital One Shopping has once again increased the referral bonus when getting someone to sign up to the shopping portal for the first time, with $80 available to both sides if targeted. The Deal Get $80 when referring someone to Capital One Shopping. My referral link. I think I’m already...
Travel Codex
Plane Crash: Libya Chief of General Staff Killed, Six Others
A jet carrying Libya’s top general crashed after takeoff in Turkey, briefly closing Ankara’s airspace and exposing how fragile high-level travel can be. Crash Kills Key Military Personnel for Libyan Army On December 23, a Dassault Falcon 50 departing Ankara crashed shortly after takeoff, killing everyone onboard, including Libya’s army...
One Mile at a Time
Alaska Hiring Manager To Teach Flight Attendants How To Pitch Credit Cards
Finally, an airline job I’m qualified for…
One Mile at a Time
Delta Promises $15K Bump, Retroactively Slashes Offer 90%, Gaslights Customer
It’s common for airlines to oversell flights, and in some cases, they then need to find people to take alternative flights. Airlines first need to solicit volunteers, and they’ll typically offer some sort of travel credit or voucher to get people to agree to volunteer. When an airline simply solicits...
View from the Wing
Delta’s CEO Suggests Flights Were Better When ‘The Masses Couldn’t Afford To Fly’—But The Real Story Is Crowded Planes, Stress, And Bad Data
Delta CEO Ed Bastian says civility declined because airfares dropped enough for "the masses" to fly—but he’s overlooking the real triggers: crowded cabins, pandemic stress, and shifting passenger norms. Here's what the data really reveals about onboard conflicts. Continue reading Delta’s CEO Suggests Flights Were Better When ‘The Masses Couldn’t Afford...
Eye of the Flyer
FINAL DAYS: A Delta MQD Run from Your Couch (or Other Favorite Furniture) for $2,500
OK, procrastinators. Here’s your last chance. If you still need Delta SkyMiles® Medallion® Qualification Dollars (MQD) toward 2026 status, you might be in luck — even if you don’t have any flights planned for the rest of this year. $2,500 MQD for Holding a Credit Card Four Delta SkyMiles® American...
View from the Wing
Hotel Zena Is A Female Empowerment Hotel — My Status Still Got Me A Suite
I wasn't sure I'd feel at home at a 'female empowerment hotel' - but Hotel Zena (1) gave me a suite as a status upgrade, and (2) has a portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg that's just awesome. Continue reading Hotel Zena Is A Female Empowerment Hotel — My Status...
One Mile at a Time
15 Emirates First Class Secrets & Tips, From Hidden Cameras To Room Service
There are a lot of amazing first class products in the world, though Emirates first class is among my favorites. That’s true whether you’re flying the Airbus A380, and can enjoy the inflight shower and bar, or whether you’re flying the new Boeing 777, and can enjoy among the world’s...
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...
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...