Podcast #82: Berlin’s Surprisingly Functional New Airport

It may have opened almost a decade behind schedule after being plagued by outrageous construction problems that made it the butt of jokes for years. But now that Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) has finally opened, Matt recently discovered that it’s so efficient and functional that it’s almost disappointing. (Except for the contaminated tap water!) Also … Continued

Airlines Playing a Cruel Cancellation Game

Throughout the pandemic, airlines have had to cancel a lot of flights. This is already inconvenient enough for customers who had booked tickets on flights that are no longer going ahead. But airlines including Qantas have found a way to make the experience even worse for passengers. Over the last couple of years, Qantas has … Continued

International Airlines Not Returning to Brisbane

From next month, Qatar Airways will increase its Brisbane-Doha flights from 3x weekly to daily. The Qatari airline will also switch the stopover for its Auckland-Doha flights from Brisbane to Adelaide, meaning there are more seats available overall for passengers travelling between Brisbane and Doha. But Qatar Airways is an exception to the current trend. … Continued

Stewart Island Flights Review (Oban to Invercargill)

Stewart Island Flights is a small airline based in Invercargill on New Zealand’s South Island. Specialising in commercial and charter flights to Stewart Island, the airline has a fleet of just four light aircraft. I recently flew with Stewart Island Flights from Oban, the main town centre on Stewart Island, to Invercargill. Normally in a … Continued

Finn-UNFair: Thousands Lost in Compensation Nightmare

Multiple Finnair passengers have been left up to AU$13,000 each out of pocket, through no fault of their own, after they tried to claim EU261 compensation for flights delayed due to mechanical faults. In the European Union, airlines are legally required to compensate passengers for flights delayed by more than 3 hours, except in extraordinary … Continued