There was a 98% reduction in international passengers travelling to and from Australia in April 2020, compared to the previous year, despite a surge in people leaving Australia on repatriation flights. Almost half of those passengers flew with Qatar Airways. There was also a 97.2% reduction in domestic airline passengers travelling within Australia in April 2020. … Continued
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to run its course, governments and health authorities are pleading with the public to stay home if they feel unwell. Airlines too are advising passengers with cold and flu-like symptoms not to travel. But if a passenger chooses not to take their booked flight because they feel unwell, they may … Continued
With Australia’s international borders effectively closed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s no surprise that many travellers are getting itchy feet. It’s also little surprise that there have been countless news and blog articles predicting when international borders may re-open. There’s nothing wrong with that – it’s a matter of huge public interest. … Continued
Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific are both increasing flights to Australia, after Singapore and Hong Kong both re-opened their airports to transiting passengers. But both Singapore and Hong Kong remain closed to arriving tourists. Singapore & Hong Kong transits are now possible After both countries closed their borders, both Singapore and Hong Kong went a … Continued
Numerous Australian travel insurers are now offering policy refunds or credits to customers that had to cancel their trip due to COVID-19 restrictions. If you had purchased a travel insurance policy before COVID-19 became a known event (around the end of January), and were either unable to take your trip or had to cut it … Continued
If you’ve been stuck at home for the past few months, you’re probably getting itchy feet. You’re definitely not alone – many of us miss the freedom to travel overseas. We all travel for different reasons. Some of us love experiencing new destinations and cultures. Some people travel for work, to attend conferences or to visit … Continued
This week, Qantas revealed how it plans to woo travellers back to the skies with face masks and hand sanitiser. But, while social distancing will be practiced at airports, Qantas won’t commit to blocking middle seats on its flights. Qantas is not alone, with many airlines protesting that leaving seats empty would drastically increase airfares and … Continued
The state of New South Wales will relax travel restrictions from 1 June 2020, allowing travel within NSW for any reason – including holidays. The removal of intra-state travel restrictions will make it possible once again to travel to regional NSW destinations, as long as social distancing and hygiene guidelines are followed. “COVID could not … Continued
Flight Centre has reversed its controversial policy of charging $300 per passenger for involuntary flight cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The travel agency will also refund customers that have already been charged the cancellation fee after the ACCC threatened legal action. As Australian Frequent Flyer reported four weeks ago, many Flight Centre customers were surprised … Continued
With Australia’s borders effectively closed, and most Australians banned from leaving the country for the time being, it’s fair to say that demand for international air travel is weak right now. Many airlines have responded by reducing or eliminating international flights to or from Australia. But the movement of cargo is more important than ever. … Continued
While the COVID-19 lockdowns continue, most of us are staying home and are not travelling. But some people still need to travel for work or compassionate reasons, which is why the federal government is subsidising domestic flights for the next two months. Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar and some regional airlines, including Regional Express and Airnorth, … Continued
Flight Centre has now capped its controversial cancellation fees at $600 per booking and extended the validity of its credit vouchers. But this may not be enough to stem the enormous customer backlash over the travel agency’s COVID-19 policy. Flight Centre has come under fire for charging $300 per passenger in its own cancellation fees … Continued
