WEEKLY REVIEW: Sunday 5 April, 2026

Greetings from London! I’ve moved on from Prague, which was very cold but fantastic. I hadn’t realised how much early 20th-century architecture there was in the city centre. There is even a Cubist architecture walk! 

Once I got over the cold, I really enjoyed myself. The rugging up and de-rugging every time you venture outdoors, and then indoors again, takes some time for an Australian to get used to. But once I did, and realised that every gallery, theatre and concert hall had a fantastically efficient cloakroom, or rooms, I began to like it.

What happened last week?

Let’s start in Australia, Western Sydney Airport announced that Air New Zealand will be their first international route customer.

Hawaiian Airlines announced the date by which it will officially join the OneWorld Alliance, and the Reserve Bank of Australia is set to remove interchange fees on credit cards, although not apparently on charge cards like some of Amex’s products. For points addicts, this is likely to have a huge impact on the amount of points and other benefits credit card providers will give.

If you are transiting Hong Kong, you can now expect to surrender your digital devices for inspection, since it will now be an offence to decline to hand over passwords.

Next week

London means friends, theatre, National Trust houses and galleries to me. So, you can guess how I will be spending my time. Fortunately, London is warmer than Prague.

WESTERN SYDNEY AIRPORT: Air New Zealand to land first

By 2paxfly on 03 Apr 2026 4:40 pm

Western Sydney International (WSI) hasn’t even opened yet, but the race to be first on the departures board seems already underway. Last week, Singapore Airlines announced its first flights in November 2026, and now Air New Zealand is going to beat them to the baggage claim. From October 26, the Kiwi carrier will launch the […] Read in browser »

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES: Joins OneWorld from 22 April, 2026

By 2paxfly on 01 Apr 2026 5:03 pm

This is no surprise, given its amalgamation with Alaska Airlines. The integration has been gradual, so joining OneWorld represents yet another step. From April 22, 2026, Hawaiian Airlines will officially join the OneWorld alliance. For travellers, and especially Qantas Frequent Flyers and other OneWorld airline loyalty members, this opens the door to more reward seats, […] Read in browser »

LOYALTY: Will travellers pay the price for the crack down on card fees in Australia?

By 2paxfly on 31 Mar 2026 8:40 pm

Australian travellers’ love affair with points-earning credit cards could be heading for turbulence, as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) tightens the screws on card payment fees. On the surface, it sounds like good news: lower costs for merchants, potentially fewer surcharges at checkout, and a fairer payments system. But as any seasoned points chaser […] Read in browser »

HONG KONG: Transit just got riskier for Australian travellers

By 2paxfly on 29 Mar 2026 7:00 pm

If Hong Kong has been your go-to transit hub for Asia or Europe, you need to know about some recent changes. Hong Kong’s National Security Law, and how it’s enforced, are raising fresh concerns for travellers, including Australians, even if you’re only transiting through the airport. New powers on electronic devices. Recent amendments have expanded […] Read in browser »

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