2PAXfly
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: New, tighter luggage rules for Economy from February 2026
If you’re one of those travellers who treat ‘carry-on only’ as an extreme sport, Virgin Australia is about to spoil your fun with new luggage rules. From 2 February 2026, you are going to have to read the fine print on your ticket confirmation. What a pain. Most Economy passengers will be...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: in hot water with government as hackers spill millions of customer records
Looks like the flying kangaroo has hopped into another mess. This time, it’s not delayed flights or tray service in Business Class, but something far more serious. As previously reported, hackers have now conducted a massive data breach, dumping personal information for almost 5.7 million Qantas customers onto the dark...
2PAXfly
RIYADH AIR: Launches Sfeer loyalty program and Hafawa lounge
Riyadh Air has introduced Sfeer (meaning ‘Ambassador’ in Arabic), a loyalty program designed to be digital from the ground up. Expect a spend-based reward program, with most of the usual benefits. But there are a few intriguing signposts for the yet-to-be fully detailed program. Here’s a summary of what we know,...
2PAXfly
RIYADH AIR: Launch route is London Heathrow from 26 October for a select few
Saudi Arabia’s emerging national carrier, Riyadh Air, has confirmed that its inaugural international route will link Riyadh to London Heathrow (LHR) beginning October 26, 2025. But, don’t get too excited, since these flights are not for the public, only for a select group of related employees. London First, Dubai Next: The...
Also on BoardingArea
Wingtips
Skyline Shuffle: Who’s Flying Where Next Summer
If you thought the UK route map had settled down, think again. Airlines are swapping slots, adding frequencies, and plotting summer comebacks faster than you can say “terminal congestion.” From United’s long-awaited return to Glasgow to IndiGo’s Heathrow debut and Riyadh Air’s royal entrance, here’s what’s changing in the skies...
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Phoenix And Seattle Among Growing List Of Airports To Ban Kristi Noem’s Democrat Bashing TSA Video
A growing list of US airports are refusing to play a controversial TSA video at security checkpoints that features Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the continuing government shutdown. Amongst the airports that have banned the video are Phoenix Sky Harbor and Seattle Tacoma, as well as Las Vegas...
2PAXfly
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: New, tighter luggage rules for Economy from February 2026
If you’re one of those travellers who treat ‘carry-on only’ as an extreme sport, Virgin Australia is about to spoil your fun with new luggage rules. From 2 February 2026, you are going to have to read the fine print on your ticket confirmation. What a pain. Most Economy passengers will be...
ATX Jetsetter
British Airways Unveils a New Lounge Design Concept
British Airways has just unveiled a brand new lounge design concept that will be used in all of its lounges moving forward. The carrier operates a vast network of lounges and I can’t wait to see this concept rolled out across its network. British Airways Makes Major Updates to its...
You Are Travel
Four Seasons Telluride – Resort and Residences Coming in 2028
tl;dr – The luxury chain will open a small-ish property in the Colorado mountain town. Expected in 2028, the Four Seasons Telluride will be a smaller property, with just 43 hotel rooms and 26 residences.  Source: Four Seasons Telluride Offering ski-in/ski-out access (and a ski valet), the property will also include amenities such...
Frequent Miler
7 nights in London and Norway: Mountains, fjords and ferries (Tim’s 100K Vacay Journal)
Congrats to Stephen Pepper, who deservedly won the 2025 Frequent Miler Annual Challenge, 100K Vacay! The goal this year was for us to compete to see who could plan the best vacation using no more than 100,000 points and $1,000 in cash. All of our lodging and our international flights...
You Are Travel
The Andaz Hong Kong Central – Coming 2027
tl;dr – Hyatt will open an Andaz in the planned Central Crossing development in Hong Kong. A Hyatt hotel will be a part of a major development project in Hong Kong, Central Crossing. While there aren’t too many details out there right now (Hyatt has made only a passing mention of...
You Are Travel
‘Something Doesn’t Sound Right’ – Woman Attempts to Open Emergency Exit Mid-flight After Hearing from Her ‘Pilot’ Boyfriend (Video)
tl;dr – A bizarre scene unfolding onboard a JetBlue flight where a woman attempted to open the emergency door. A bizarre encounter here. On a JetBlue flight, a woman attempted to open the emergency exit door mid-flight (multiple times) before being confronted by flight attendants and other passengers. As you can...
Points With a Crew
Which Chase Ink card is best? (90,000 Ultimate Rewards or $1,000)
KEY LINKS: Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card – Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. $0 annual fee. Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card – Earn $900 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months...
You Are Travel
200-Key JW Marriott Tokyo Now Open
tl;dr – Another option for Marriott loyalists visiting the Japanese metropolis.  Marriott recently opened the doors to its newest Tokyo property – the JW Marriott Tokyo. Let’s dive in.  Occupying seven floors of the tower, the JW Marriott Tokyo is a 200-room property offering its guests sweeping views of the Tokyo skyline.  Source:...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
The One Thing You Should NOT Do When Rental Cars Are Not Available When You Arrive
Note: This article pertaining to The One Thing You Should NOT Do When Rental Cars Are Not Available When You Arrive was originally published on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 9:17 in the evening and has been updated. Over the past several years, rental car companies have at times had a...
Frequent Miler
How to transfer Avios between British Airways, Qatar, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Finnair and Loganair
British Airways, Qatar, Aer Lingus, Iberia, Finnair, regional Scottish airline Loganair, and Vueling (a low-cost carrier) all share a common rewards currency: Avios. Strangely, despite sharing a currency, each program has its own loyalty program with differing fees, award prices, and rules. Since they are partners, it’s often possible to book...
The Bulkhead Seat
The Second American Express Lounge in Las Vegas is Getting Closer to Opening
While heading home from Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) today, I noticed that the new Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge is coming along nicely in Concourse D. This will be a new concept for American Express and the second lounge that the credit card issuer will operate in...
View from the Wing
[ENDS WEDNESDAY] Mesa Card Earns Points For Mortgages, Rarely Offers A Bonus—50K Points Available Until October 15
Offer extended to October 15, 2025 The no annual fee Mesa card is great. You earn points for your mortgage and don’t even have to pay the mortgage with the card. You just tell them how much your mortgage is, and they award you the points as long...
The Bulkhead Seat
Air Serbia Brings Back Nonstop Flights Between Belgrade and Toronto After 33-Year Hiatus
Air Serbia announced today that it will launch nonstop flights between Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) beginning May 23rd. This marks a major expansion of the airline’s long-haul network and strengthens its transatlantic presence with a route that was last operated by defunct Yugoslavian...
Your Mileage May Vary
My New Go-To International Travel Card
For years, my go-to card for international travel was the Chase Sapphire Reserve. But after canceling it earlier this year—well before the annual-fee increase and upcoming category changes—I had to decide which card to bring on our latest trip: a visit to the UK, followed by a cruise to Amsterdam,...
You Are Travel
Hyatt Growing Its “Caption” Brand – Debuts Hotels in Tokyo and Sydney
tl;dr – There are now five Caption by Hyatt hotels open worldwide.  Way back in 2019, Hyatt announced Caption by Hyatt, part of the chain’s heavy lean into the lifestyle segment. Though Hyatt’s been on a tear in terms of launches and acquisitions, activity with Caption by Hyatt has been slow-going...
Frequent Miler
Marriott out with another around of targeted bonus point offers
Marriott is out with another round of targeted promotions that award bonus points after a certain number of stays. I don’t have anything on my account, but Stephen was targeted for an offer that gives him 15,000 bonus points after every five stays. It can be repeated up to three...
View from the Wing
‘Marriott Wouldn’t Help’: She Booked A Quiet Night Away — And Found Herself Standing Outside An Unfinished Hotel
Booking new hotels is always a risk. Hotel openings are delayed more often than not. When you make a reservation far in advance, there’s a decent chance you’ll wind up getting moved – if they honor your reservation at all. Check you email for updates on new...
One Mile at a Time
Grieving Loss: What An Emotional Roller Coaster (And A Huge Thank You!)
10 days ago, my mom passed away after a very long battle with ovarian cancer. I published a post the same day — “My Mom’s Suffering Is Over: Reflecting On The Best Of Times, Worst Of Times” — which I actually started writing while sitting next to her in her...
Points With a Crew
Holiday Inn Express Cincinnati SE Newport Hotel Review
In 2025, as part of a staycation, I stayed one night at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cincinnati SE Newport. This Holiday Inn Express Cincinnati SE Newport review will give an idea of the different amenities and features of the hotel and hopefully help you decide if you want...
Your Mileage May Vary
The Secret Map Every London Traveler Needs
The London Underground, also known as the Underground or simply the Tube, is the rapid transit system serving Greater London and some of its more outer, adjacent areas. Why Accessibility Matters on the London Underground The various stations of the Underground have been built (and subsequently rebuilt and/or expanded) throughout the 19th, 20th...
Hawaii Calling
What Not to Do When Visiting Hawai‘i (And No, Staying in Waikīkī All Week Isn’t a Crime)
If you’ve spent even five minutes on social media before your Hawai‘i trip, you’ve probably been told — usually by someone holding a coconut in front of a drone shot — exactly what not to do here. Don’t go to Waikīkī. Don’t eat at chain restaurants. Don’t stay in a...
Miles To Memories
Goodbye to My Favorite Amazon Pay With Points Angle?!
Amazon Pay With Points I don’t generally place the words “Amazon” and “favorite” close together.  My favorite Amazon move has been ignoring the company and shopping elsewhere.  But what draws me in, other than the occasional free month of Prime membership, are Amazon pay with points offers.  Amazon shoppers can routinely...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Caught in Cyberhack ransom demand, again
Qantas has once again found itself in the crosshairs of cybercriminals. This time, as part of a major global extortion attempt that’s hit almost 40 major companies, including Toyota, Disney, and IKEA. A hacker collective calling itself Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters claims to have stolen nearly one billion records by breaching the...
2PAXfly
SYDNEY AIRPORT: Uber rank made permanent after trial, Taxi’s suffer
Well, it’s official: Uber’s controversial kerbside rank at Sydney Airport’s international terminal isn’t going anywhere. After a 12-month trial and a six-month extension, the rideshare juggernaut has locked in its place on the Sydney T1 concourse. The New South Wales government is expected to make it all permanent come March...
2PAXfly
RYANAIR: 100% digital boarding passes from November 12
Ryanair announced it will move to 100% digital boarding passes from 12 November 2025, in a company media release from September 24. They are pushing the start date back a week from the original 3 November date to avoid the busy European mid-term break. From that date, passengers will no longer...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Tier accelerator to fast track you to Gold status
The tier accelerator program is fairly hush-hush status challenge Qantas offers to members of other airline loyalty programs. If you’re a Virgin Velocity Gold or Platinum frequent flyer or hold equivalent status with another major airline, you might be eligible for this golden ticket . Qantas runs the tier accelerator...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: ‘Earn Status Credits on the Ground’ promo — more about lining partner pockets than helping Frequent Flyers
Australia’s largest airline, Qantas, says it’s about status, but really it’s about spend. Qantas has launched another ‘Earn Status Credits on the ground’ promotion — promising up to 110 Status Credits without setting foot on a plane. Sounds generous, right? But this is less about helping you reach Gold or...
2PAXfly
USA: Government shut down — how it affects Australian travellers
As of midnight U.S. time on 1 October 2025, the U.S. federal government is expected to shut down after Congress fails to pass all required funding bills. That means hundreds of thousands of federal employees will be furloughed (i.e. sent home without pay). Essential workers, such as air traffic controllers,...
2PAXfly
EMIRATES: bans power banks on flights from Oct 2025
New Emirates in-flight safety rules mean passengers can carry but not use power banks. As of 1 October 2025, Emirates will implement new in-flight safety regulations. These prohibit the use of power banks on all Emirates flights. Passengers may still bring a small portable charger onboard. But passengers cannot use...
2PAXfly
PASSPORT: Europe ends passport stamps from October ’25 — what Australians need to know
From 12 October 2025, the European Union will begin phasing in its new Entry/Exit System (EES), which will replace those colourful little passport stamps with digital kiosks, facial images and fingerprint scans. By April 2026, passport stamps will be fully gone across the 29 countries of the Schengen Zone. If you’ve...