Author: Matt Graham
Jetstar Back at Almost 100% of Pre-COVID Domestic Capacity
Jetstar is considering operating Boeing 787 Dreamliners on domestic routes as its Australian capacity returns to almost 100% of pre-covid levels – and even higher during peak periods. Jetstar is already back to running an average of 70-90% of pre-covid capacity on domestic flights within Australia this month, and expects to maintain this level of … Continued
Virgin Clamps Down on Hand Luggage
Virgin Australia has resumed actively weighing hand luggage to ensure passengers aren’t flouting the 7kg carry-on limit. Virgin is now randomly checking carry-on bags at boarding gates at some airports, including Melbourne and Sydney, as well as when passengers check in. Business class passengers and Velocity Platinum & Gold members are not immune, as these … Continued
More Airlines & Hotels Selling Points for Pandemic Revenue
When COVID-19 lockdowns and border closures decimated the travel industry in 2020, airlines and hotels worldwide were left scrambling to find new sources of income. With millions of customers demanding refunds and revenue from new bookings plummeting, many turned to their profitable loyalty programs to try to generate some extra cash flow. Unlike many airlines, … Continued
Podcast #56: The Pandemic’s One-Year Anniversary
It’s exactly one year today since Tasmania became the first Australian state to close its border to interstate travel. Since then, there have been endless state border closures and changes to interstate travel restrictions. International borders remain shut for now but thankfully, as of last Monday, all domestic borders in Australia are now open again … Continued
The Pandemic’s One-Year Anniversary – AIR056
It’s exactly one year today since Tasmania became the first Australian state to close its border to interstate travel. Since then, there have been endless state border closures and changes to interstate travel restrictions. But thankfully, as of last Monday, all domestic borders in Australia are now open again for the first time since … Continued
Opinion: Airlines Underprepared for Easter Travel Surge
One of the (very few) pleasant aspects of flying during the past 12 months has been the lack of crowds. While the sinking passenger numbers have been terrible for the airlines’ bottom lines, a silver lining for passengers has been shorter queues at security, lots of empty middle seats and no fights over overhead locker … Continued
Most Qantas Club Lounges to Reopen by Easter
Most of the domestic Qantas Club lounges that still remain closed will be back up and running within the next few weeks. A Qantas spokesperson confirmed to Australian Frequent Flyer that the airline is planning to reopen almost all remaining Qantas Clubs before Easter, except for the Qantas Club lounges in Rockhampton and Port Hedland. Those … Continued
ACCC Rebukes Rex Allegations Against Qantas
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has responded to allegations made by Rex that Qantas is engaging in anti-competitive behaviour against the regional airline. Over the past year, Qantas has launched flights on eight regional routes already served by Rex including Sydney-Orange, Sydney-Griffith, Melbourne-Merimbula and Adelaide-Mt Gambier. Rex alleges that this constitutes “predatory behaviour” on the … Continued
Qantas to Serve Norfolk Island
Qantas has been awarded the federal government contract to operate regular flights from mainland Australia to Norfolk Island. Qantas will take over from Air New Zealand on the routes from Sydney and Brisbane to Norfolk Island for at least the next three months, and there is a possibility for the Qantas contract to be extended. … Continued