WEEKLY REVIEW: Sunday 29 March, 2026
Greetings from Prague! Yes, I’m in Europe for a northern spring.
This is my first time in Prague, and I must say, despite the cold (I have just come from an Australian summer), I am loving it. I am being a total tourist too, so if posts are slow, its because I’m having too much fun.
What happened last week?
The final two entries in the New Routes 2026 series have been posted. Finnair’s new route between Melbourne and Helsinki and Fiji Airways’ new Brisbane service complete the series.
Qantas has reworked its flights to Europe, mainly by swapping aircraft to increase capacity, at the expense of routes to North America. It has also released a new Classic Rewards tool that allows searches by region across OneWorld and partner airlines 12 months in advance.
Singapore Airlines has announced its first flights to Western Sydney International Airport, and there is a post about the storage of GLP-1 semaglutide pens on aircraft.
Next week
I have some more time in Prague before I head elsewhere in Europe. I flew with Turkish Airlines for the first time to get here. It’s a fine airline, but as with most, it depends on the cabin you get and the quality of the crew that serves you. I hope to drop a first impressions post next week.
As always, travel safely and remember that wearing masks helps prevent the transmission of airborne diseases. Aircraft and airports, with their milling crowds, can be hotbeds for infection.
Until next week . . .
NEW ROUTES 2026 #9: Finnair launches Melbourne to Helsinki via Bangkok
By 2paxfly on 28 Mar 2026 3:20 am
Savvy travellers have been picking up fares that are mainly flown on Finnair between Australia and Helsinki for some years. They have been marketed at competitive prices, especially in Business Class. This has been very attractive, if you don’t mind a stop in Asia, and possibly another in Helsinki, if that’s not your final destination. […] Read in browser »
AIRLINES: How to travel with GLP-1 medications
By 2paxfly on 27 Mar 2026 3:43 am
Travelling with GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro is very manageable on long-haul trips, but it does pay to understand how they handle temperature and how best to carry them onboard aircraft. Let’s start by saying DON’T ASK THE CREW TO STORE YOUR MEDICATION IN A REFRIGERATOR ON BOARD! Sorry for shouting, but […] Read in browser »
QANTAS: Boosts Europe flights as fares surge
By 2paxfly on 26 Mar 2026 6:40 pm
If you’re trying to get to Europe right now, then Qantas is stepping up its international game. It’s ramping up flights to Europe as travellers scramble to avoid disrupted routes through the Middle East. But expect significantly higher prices. But while more seats are coming, it’s not quite the relief it might sound like. More […] Read in browser »
WESTERN SYDNEY AIRPORT: Singapore Airlines flights now bookable as airports first major international carrier
By 2paxfly on 24 Mar 2026 11:46 pm
Singapore Airlines will begin daily flights on an Airbus A350-900 from Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) from 23 November 2026, marking the airport’s first long-haul international service. Tickets for this service are available to book from this afternoon, Wednesday, 25 March 2026. Western Sydney International (WSI) is courting a number of international operators, but I […] Read in browser »
QANTAS: new Classic Reward tool makes search easier. Doesn’t solve premium seat availability
By 2paxfly on 24 Mar 2026 8:57 pm
Finding a Classic Reward seat redemption has always been a bit of a nightmare. It’s why third parties have been able to earn money doing it for you. This new tool from Qantas does make the task easier and more efficient, but it doesn’t resolve the root issue, which is that Qantas still doesn’t make […] Read in browser »
NEW ROUTES 2026 #8: Fiji Airways adds Gold Coast flights
By 2paxfly on 23 Mar 2026 8:00 am
You will soon be able to fly direct from the Gold Coast to Fiji. That’s one holiday destination to another. But the upside is that it may offer an interesting route to the US. From 11 June 2026, Gold Coast travellers can fly direct to Nadi three times weekly, connecting onward to Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort […] Read in browser »
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