2PAXfly
LOUNGE REVIEW: Adelaide Virgin Australia Lounge update
I visited the new Virgin Australia lounge at Adelaide Airport not long after it opened in February 2021, and then again in 2022 when lockdowns were largely over. Back then, it was still only partially open, with the far end of the lounge, in fact, the major ‘loungy’ area was...
2PAXfly
RIYAHD AIR: All Boeing Dreamliner fleet for launch
Rumoured to be contemplating both Airbus and Boing orders, it looks like Boing pipped Airbs at the post for the largest commercial order by value in Boeing’s history. New Airline The new airline Riyadh Air, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), will buy 39 of the 787=9s with...
2PAXfly
CHINA: Borders to reopen to foreign tourists from 15 March – when visa applications begin
From 15 March foreign tourists will be able to apply for visas to visit China for the first time in three years since the breakout of COVID-19. Queue up at your local Chinese Consulate to get your Chinese visa processed. If you already have a valid visa issued before the...
2PAXfly
EMIRATES: New Zealand passenger successfully sues Emirates for ‘misleading and deceptive’ advertising of business class
Although Australians in particular joke about New Zealand being backward, it often displays extraordinary innovation. The ‘Disputes Tribunal is one such example. It’s a body acting as an alternate to, but similar to a small claims court. The tribunal administers disputes under NZ$30,000, and is less formal than a court....
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Sale fares to Santiago, Chile, South America. Time to visit Machu Piccu
The East coast of Australia route to Santiago, Chile, formerly using a 747-400 Jumbo was discontinued in late March 2020 when virtually all international flying by Qantas ceased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Qantas resumed flights to the Chilean capital using a 787 Dreamliner in October 2022. Santiago is the...
2PAXfly
TRIP REPORT: Virgin Australia: Armrests up!
I travelled on flight VA 429 over the weekend between Adelaide and Sydney. I have a great affectation for Virgin Australia, and think their current reincarnation under the ownership of Bain Capital is going well. I like their service style, and they have adopted a method of communication with passengers...
2PAXfly
RIYADH AIR: Official announcement of new Saudi Airline to rival Emirates
Earlier this year, we reported on an article stating that ex-Etihad Airlines chief, Tony Douglas, had departed this new venture, until today known as RIA, after only 2 months in the position. The article appearing in Arabian Business is now no longer available. Since Tony Douglas has been announced as...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Loyalty program opens new online shopping ‘Marketplace’ portal. Use your points wisely
Although little to do with actual flying, the Qantas loyalty program is the biggest earner in the group other than domestic flying. Its no surprise that it gets lots of attention from the company, and rolls out improvements regularly. Now, let’s start by saying that spending your loyalty in this...
2PAXfly
FLYING BLUE: Program changes from 28 March – save if you wait, pay if you plan ahead
The Frequent Flyer program of Air France and KLM (and Translava, Air Calin, Kenya Airways & Tarom) has announced some change for its members. The changes depend on your status with the program. The changes are at the margins but are worth noting. Like many Frequent Flyer programs, you earn...
2PAXfly
ETIHAD AIRWAYS: New points redemption award charts. Some winners, some losers
We were warned last month that Etihad Guest, the airline’s award program would be changing its redemption rates. This is rarely a good sign! However, the new rate charts are a mixed blessing, especially on the new simplified applies-to-all partner redemptions – some are up nearly 125%, and some are...
2PAXfly
HOTEL REVIEW: Scheduled housekeeping is my wish come true!
I’m in Adelaide at the moment for the Adelaide Festival and Writers Week. I’ve been staying at the Indigo Hotel in Market Street, adjacent to the wonderful Central Market. The hotel is part of the Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG), and as a Diamond member, I get free breakfast and late...
2PAXfly
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: Celebrates International Women’s Day with all female staffed flight – VA313
For International Women’s Day, Virgin Australia has staffed the despatch, all operations and management with around 20 women for flight VA313 between Melbourne and Brisbane at 8:10 am on 8 March. The all-female staffed flight involved a collaboration between the airline, Melbourne and Brisbane airports and Airservices Australia. Throwing no...
2PAXfly
MELBOURNE: Airport refuelers on strike. Disruptions expected.
Wednesday 8 March 2023 will see disruptions for domestic and international carriers. The River Group, a refuelling company has 40 workers who have been on strike since 4 am today. They have been asking for better pay and working conditions for some time. River is associated with Exxon Mobile, which...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: I hate your bag-tags and automated bag drop
I’m an experienced, but not totally relaxed flyer. What I mean is, I have flown a lot, and often, but I still have a level of anxiety about the process. I’m not worried about planes falling out of the sky or anything, I’m just anxious about the process of flying....
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Shell seats for Premium Economy on Project Sunrise A350s
Last week saw the announcement of more information on First and Business cabins on the Project Sunrise A350s to start arriving towards the end of 2025. Now, ET is reporting on the Premium Economy cabin. New Premium Economy On the ultra long haul Project Sunrise planes, the 40 seats in...
2PAXfly
OMAN AIR: Doubles the number of flights they offer
This middle east airline is mounting a sustained expansion plan. Oman Air only appeared on my radar when I was booking a trip to Europe for the middle of this year. If I was prepared to have two stopovers, Oman Air would get me there in a little longer time,...