2PAXfly
NEW ROUTES 2026 #9: Finnair launches Melbourne to Helsinki via Bangkok
Savvy travellers have been picking up fares that are mainly flown on Finnair between Australia and Helsinki for some years. They have been marketed at competitive prices, especially in Business Class. This has been very attractive, if you don’t mind a stop in Asia, and possibly another in Helsinki, if...
2PAXfly
AIRLINES: How to travel with GLP-1 medications
Travelling with GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro is very manageable on long-haul trips, but it does pay to understand how they handle temperature and how best to carry them onboard aircraft. Let’s start by saying DON’T ASK THE CREW TO STORE YOUR MEDICATION IN A REFRIGERATOR ON...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
2PAXfly
EMIRATES ETIHAD QATAR: Extend status for loyal members
The big three Gulf carriers, that’s Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways, have begun rolling out status protection measures for their loyalty members. They are aknowledging current reality that disrupted travel means fewer flights, and fewer flights mean it’s harder to retain status. Background The disruption caused by the war...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: To review airfares every fortnight during Middle East war. Other airlines introduce fuel surcharges.
Qantas says it will review international airfares every two weeks, as soaring fuel costs and a rapidly shifting global aviation map make even short-term pricing forecasts difficult. It’s not alone, airlines across Australia, Europe and Asia are now raising fares, adjusting schedules and warning of more changes to come. Background...
Wild About Travel
The Garden Route: Africa’s Edge
In high school, I attended a talk by a South African exchange student. Two things stayed with me: his description of apartheid in its final years, and his description of the Garden Route. I knew I had to visit. This route traces the edge of Africa, where the continent ends...
2PAXfly
DELTA AIR LINES: Sydney bound flight hit with extreme turbulence. Passengers hospitalised
Just breaking: Some people have sustained injuries on a Delta flight from Los Angeles to Sydney. The flight experienced extreme turbulence during the flight this morning. Emergency services attended Sydney Airport prior to the flight landing. Radio station 2GB reported that the plane was struck by intense turbulence. This resulted...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Jestar flyers dumped from lounge acccess. No more lounge pass trading.
In two major rule changes from July 1, 2026, Qantas will reshape how travellers use lounge invitations and who gets through the door in the first place. This is going to be big for those sensible flyers who booked Jetstar fares direct and used Qantas lounges, or those who sold...
2PAXfly
NEW ROUTES 2026 #10: British Airways returns to Melbourne
British Airways is heading back to Melbourne for the first time in two decades, and the timing doesn’t look accidental. As conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt one of the world’s busiest aviation corridors, the UK flag carrier is launching daily flights between London Heathrow and Melbourne via...
2PAXfly
NEW ROUTES 2026 #7: Air New Zealand from Brisbane with new Business Class
With Australians being loyal to airlines based in the great southern lands, its cousins over the Tasman are often overlooked. Now, sometimes that ignorance is legitimate; they did have a very inferior Business Class cabin, or their fares always seemed pitched above those of Australian-based airlines. But now, Air NZ...
2PAXfly
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: Vape ignites on flight from Brisbane, emergency response at Melbourne Airport
A vape device ignited inside the cabin of a Virgin Australia flight VA328 approaching Melbourne, prompting an emergency call from the flight crew and a precautionary response from airport firefighters. The incident occurred on Sunday, 15 March. As the aircraft descended toward Melbourne Airport, the device activated and began smoking...