QANTAS: What is it with Launceston? Brisbane now flies there

Launceston in Tasmania seems to be the flavour of the month, with both Qantas and Virgin increasing flights there from some capital cities – the ones that don’t have their borders locked down (sorry ACT, NSW and Victoria).

QantasLink and Jetstar Brisbane-Launceston flights to start in November 2021

From 1 November 2021, the national carrier will operate 3 return services/week using QantasLink’s Boeing 717 aircraft. It will be a seasonal flight to 30 March 2022. Qantas may extend this ‘if there is demand’ which is code for ‘depending on border closures’.

Jetstar will add 2 weekly services to its existing Brisbane to Launceston schedule to make a total of 9 services on an A320 aircraft each week

Border restrictions

With the borders of Australia’s two largest states by population, New South Wales and Victoria effectively closed at the moment, Australians and their two major airlines Qantas and Virgin have to take interstate travel where they can get it – and that’s why the focus on Tasmania. Hell, I even went there earlier this year to stay at a wonderfully remote location.

“Tasmania has been very popular with travellers in the past year and we’re pleased to be making it easier for Queenslanders to visit the island’s north coast with its historic estates, premium wineries and famous wilderness.

Qantas Domestic and International CEO Andrew David

On Qantas, you can nab a special one-way airfare for AU$169 if you’re quick, as the offer ends tomorrow, Sunday 12 September (unless sold out prior). Worth it, as the Qantas’ Fly Flexible policy is still in place for flights for travel until 28 February 2022. Fly Flexible means you don’t get charged a fee for changing your flight, although you will still be up for any fare difference.

2PAXfly Takeout

This is another timely reminder to wear your seatbelt when seated. Holding you close to your seat will protect you from the sort of injuries sustained on this flight, when unsecured passengers flew to the ceiling of the aircraft, and then came crashing down once the ‘drop’ ceased.

The hope will be that this is an anomaly – a ‘freak accident’ in casual parlance. If it is a systemic error either mechanical or electronic, then this is a larger concern for the airlines that fly Boeing Dreamliner 787 aircraft. Let’s hope it isn’t. If it is, it will pile on the woes to Boeing’s existing stack.

Never been to Launceston, so can’t recommend the destination. Tasmania on the other hand keeps serving surprises. I used to say I’ve ‘done’ Tasmania, yet each time I visit it reveals something else that’s special and intriguing.