This article contains an updated summary of the most important coronavirus news that is relevant to Australian frequent flyers. It specifically covers the implications of COVID-19 in terms of travel and loyalty programs. For the latest health advice, we recommend checking Australian government updates and the latest World Health Organization advice. This article was last … Continued
The Australian government has now introduced enhanced screening of inbound arriving passengers as it fights to reduce the spread of coronavirus. With the new COVID-19 measures in place, here’s what it’s like arriving in Australia as an international passenger right now… Getting back to Australia Over the last few weeks, the coronavirus situation has been … Continued
We’re told that social distancing – keeping at least 1.5 metres of physical distance from other people – is an extremely important weapon in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. In fact, some governments have now implemented strict laws to enforce it. Recognising the importance of social distancing in the current climate, some airlines … Continued
The Australian government has banned Australian citizens from travelling overseas until further notice, with some limited exceptions. The ban was announced last night and came into effect from midday today, on 25 March 2020. Last week, the federal government strongly advised against all overseas travel. In doing so, it updated its travel advice for the … Continued
Over the past few weeks, things have been anything but “business as usual” for airlines. As more and more countries shut their borders – leaving some overseas travellers stranded – airlines have had to find some creative solutions. Two weeks ago, Air Tahiti Nui was forced to find a new way to operate its Papeete-Los … Continued
If you’ve booked an international flight for travel in April or May, your flight will almost certainly be cancelled. Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia are all grounding international flights from the end of this month – as are many other airlines around the world. But if your flight has been cancelled, are you entitled to … Continued
There have been yet more developments over the weekend as the coronavirus situation evolves. Several Australian states and territories are now imposing self-quarantine for arriving travellers, and the Prime Minister is now advising against non-essential travel within Australia. Meanwhile, Emirates has announced that it will suspend almost all passenger flights from Wednesday, and Singapore & … Continued
What a strange and sad week it has been for travel and Australia’s aviation industry! Over just a few days, Qantas and Virgin have both announced massive flight reductions – including the suspension of all international flights – which will result in substantial job losses. And Australia’s borders will be effectively closed from 9pm today. … Continued
The Australian government will temporarily close the country’s borders from 9pm on Friday, 20 March 2020 (tonight). The travel ban affects all international travellers except Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members. New Zealand already closed its borders to everyone except New Zealand citizens, residents, their partners and children, or air/ship crews. The … Continued
IN BRIEF | All travellers arriving in the Australian state of Tasmania will be required to complete an arrival card, starting from today. The new measure, designed to limit the spread of COVID-19, comes a day after the Australian government began requiring all passengers arriving in Australia from overseas to self-isolate for 14 days. Completing … Continued
Last Friday, we released a summary of the latest COVID-19 news relating to travel and loyalty programs. This article provides an updated summary of recent changes that are relevant to Australian frequent flyers, as of Monday 16 May 2020. A lot has changed in just three days. All travellers from overseas are now being required … Continued
The Australian government is now requiring all international travellers to self-isolate for two weeks after arriving into Australia. The measure, designed to reduce the spread of COVID-19, came into effect at midnight last night and applies to everyone – including Australian citizens – except for operating flight crews. At this time, the self-isolation requirement is … Continued
