WEEKLY REVIEW: Sunday 22 March, 2026

I’ve been enjoying my week back in Sydney. I’ll soon be winging my way to Europe for a few weeks. 

I’m set to experience some new destinations and a new airline. I hope to have some interesting blog posts for you along the way.

What happened last week?

Two more entries in the New Routes 2026 series, although out of order. British Airways is returning to Melbourne, and Air New Zealand has a new Business Cabin on its flights out of Brisbane.

Virgin Australia had a vape ignite on a plane to Melbourne, and a Delta Air Lines flight also experienced extreme turbulence on its way to Melbourne; fortunately, injuries appear to be minor.

Qantas is removing Jetstar flyers from its lounges and reviewing its airfares every fortnight amid current price fluctuations. Gulf carriers, including Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways, are extending status for their loyal members.

Next week

Preparations are well underway for my next international trip. I also have the usual anxiety about packing, luggage limits, lounge access and entry requirements. Let’s hope all that worry is unnecessary.

As always, travel safely and remember that wearing masks helps prevent the transmission of airborne diseases.  Aircraft and airports, with their close confinement and milling crowds, can be hotbeds for infection.  Wearing masks when travelling helps prevent infection.

EMIRATES ETIHAD QATAR: Extend status for loyal members

By 2paxfly on 20 Mar 2026 5:34 pm

The big three Gulf carriers, that’s Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways, have begun rolling out status protection measures for their loyalty members. They are aknowledging current reality that disrupted travel means fewer flights, and fewer flights mean it’s harder to retain status. Background: The disruption caused by the war with Iran, initiated by Israel […] Read in browser »

QANTAS: To review airfares every fortnight during Middle East war. Other airlines introduce fuel surcharges.

By 2paxfly on 20 Mar 2026 3:13 pm

Qantas says it will review international airfares every two weeks, as soaring fuel costs and a rapidly shifting global aviation map make even short-term pricing forecasts difficult. It’s not alone, airlines across Australia, Europe and Asia are now raising fares, adjusting schedules and warning of more changes to come. Background: If you’re trying to lock […] Read in browser »

DELTA AIR LINES: Sydney bound flight hit with extreme turbulence. Passengers hospitalised

By 2paxfly on 20 Mar 2026 11:17 am

Just breaking: Some people have sustained injuries on a Delta flight from Los Angeles to Sydney. The flight experienced extreme turbulence during the flight this morning. Emergency services attended Sydney Airport prior to the flight’s landing. Radio station 2GB reported that the plane was struck by intense turbulence. This resulted in flight attendants and some […] Read in browser »

QANTAS: Jetstar flyers dumped from lounge acccess. No more lounge pass trading.

By 2paxfly on 19 Mar 2026 10:38 am

In two major rule changes from July 1, 2026, Qantas will reshape how travellers use lounge invitations and who gets through the door in the first place. This is going to be big for those sensible flyers who booked Jetstar fares direct and used Qantas lounges, or those who sold or exchanged their complimentary lounge […] Read in browser »

NEW ROUTES 2026 #10: British Airways returns to Melbourne

By 2paxfly on 17 Mar 2026 6:35 pm

British Airways is heading back to Melbourne for the first time in two decades, and the timing doesn’t look accidental. As conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt one of the world’s busiest aviation corridors, the UK flag carrier is launching daily flights between London Heathrow and Melbourne via Kuala Lumpur from January 2027. […] Read in browser »

NEW ROUTES 2026 #7: Air New Zealand from Brisbane with new Business Class

By 2paxfly on 16 Mar 2026 4:16 pm

With Australians being loyal to airlines based in the great southern lands, its cousins over the Tasman are often overlooked. Now, sometimes that ignorance is legitimate; they did have a very inferior Business Class cabin, or their fares always seemed pitched above those of Australian-based airlines. But now, Air NZ is putting a competitive network […] Read in browser »

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: Vape ignites on flight from Brisbane, emergency response at Melbourne Airport

By 2paxfly on 16 Mar 2026 11:01 am

A vape device ignited inside the cabin of a Virgin Australia flight VA328 approaching Melbourne, prompting an emergency call from the flight crew and a precautionary response from airport firefighters. The incident occurred on Sunday, 15 March. As the aircraft descended toward Melbourne Airport, the device activated and began smoking in the cabin, forcing pilots […] Read in browser »

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WEEKLY REVIEW: Sunday 15 March, 2026
NEW ROUTES 2026 #6: Malaysia Airlines’ A330neo one of the smartest ways to Europe
QANTAS: Settles COVID flight cancellation class action for AU$105 million