WEEKLY REVIEW: Sunday 1 March, 2026
It’s been a big week in Australian aviation, especially with the announcement of Qantas’ half-year results, a direct route from Brisbane to Las Vegas, and surprising changes to their loyalty scheme.
A lot of posts to catch up on in this Review, so read on:
QANTAS: First International A321XLR route announced — Brisbane to Manila
By 2paxfly on 28 Feb 2026 3:27 pm
According to a story on ET, the first international A321XLR route will be Brisbane to Manila, commencing on 25 October 2026. But don’t get too excited, because there won’t be any flat beds, just domestic Business Class recliners. So, aside from a newer, quieter, more highly pressured plane, it’s a downgrade. You get recliners instead […] Read in browser »
QANTAS: MASSIVE overhaul of Qantas Frequent Flyer program. The good and the bad
By 2paxfly on 27 Feb 2026 9:35 am
Qantas is making it easier to earn Status Credits without setting foot on a plane, but there are positives and negatives. As part of its sweeping overhaul of the loyalty program, the airline will lift the annual threshold required to retain status, even as it introduces rollover credits and more flexible earning pathways. For more […] Read in browser »
QANTAS: New search tool allows region-to-region Classic Rewards search across partner airlines
By 2paxfly on 26 Feb 2026 5:34 pm
Qantas is promising to roll out a major upgrade to how members search for Classic Reward seats in March 2026. It could dramatically improve your chances of finding low-points Classic Rewards redemptions. Over at ET they have seen a preview, and this is what they found. Region-to-Region search The new website tool will allow members […] Read in browser »
QANTAS: Frequent Flyer changes evaluated, and when they roll out
By 2paxfly on 26 Feb 2026 5:01 pm
Qantas is billing these largely status-related changes as a ‘new era’ for Frequent Flyers. Here’s what’s coming, what I think of it, and when it will arrive. Read on to find out what it means if you’re chasing Silver, protecting Gold or sitting comfortably at Platinum. March 2026: A better reward search tool This is […] Read in browser »
QANTAS: What happens on a seasonal direct flights to Vegas, stays in Vegas.
By 2paxfly on 26 Feb 2026 3:35 pm
What happens in Vegas no longer requires a stop in Los Angeles. From 29 December 2026, Qantas will launch the first-ever nonstop flights between Australia and Las Vegas, with a seasonal Sydney–Las Vegas service running through to 12 March 2027. For Australian travellers, that means skipping the usual US gateway shuffle, no LAX transfer, no […] Read in browser »
UNITED KINGDOM: New rules for British/Australian dual nationals. What to do if your travelling soon
By 2paxfly on 25 Feb 2026 4:29 pm
If you’re a British dual national with travel to the UK booked this week or next, this issue isn’t theoretical, it’s immediate. From 25 February (today), the British Home Office requires airlines to verify that British citizens board with a valid British passport (or a foreign passport carrying a certificate of entitlement). If you present […] Read in browser »
MELBOURNE AIRPORT: $4.5 billion international terminal expansion
By 2paxfly on 25 Feb 2026 12:39 pm
Melbourne is about to get a bigger front door to the world with plans for a $4.5 billion expansion of its international terminal. The project will expand check-in areas, baggage halls, and aircraft gates. These innovations are all aimed at easing pressure on Australia’s largest 24-hour airport. In January 2026, more than 1.26 million international […] Read in browser »
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: Cuts Doha flights on Qatar jets as bookings lag
By 2paxfly on 24 Feb 2026 12:45 pm
Virgin Australia’s high-profile partnership with Qatar Airways is facing an early recalibration, with several Australia–Doha services reduced across late summer and autumn schedules. The services are operated by Qatar aircraft but sold under Virgin’s code, allowing passengers to earn Velocity Status Credits on long-haul sectors from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth to Doha. On paper, […] Read in browser »
QANTAS: ‘Twice as Rewarding’ Double points and Status Credits promotion drops. Book by 2 March 2026
By 2paxfly on 24 Feb 2026 9:04 am
Well, we all knew it was coming, and I predicted it could be this week, a few days before the half-yearly financial results are announced, and here it is. Time to unearth that strategy, and book your flights to earn double Status Credits or Double Points. If you still need to plan your strategy, then […] Read in browser »
DISEASE: Measles alert issued for Sydney Airport and two flights
By 2paxfly on 23 Feb 2026 11:14 am
Travellers passing through Sydney Airport, both its domestic and international terminals, are urged to monitor for measles symptoms. This alert comes following confirmation from NSW Health of multiple exposure sites, including two specific flights. The number of current exposure locations has now reached 55. Flights exposure Passengers on Jetstar Flight JQ505 (JST505) from Sydney to […] Read in browser »
Until next week . . .
What did you say?