Why Sri Lankan Duty-Free Stores are Full of Whitegoods

The experience of arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka is just like most other airports around the world. Except for one thing: the huge number of duty-free stores selling bulky whitegoods and electronics. In most countries, airport duty-free stores mainly sell things like alcohol, cigarettes, small electronics and perfumes. You know, the … Continued

Steep Rise in International Flight Taxes & Charges

With the trans-Tasman bubble launching next week, many Australians are booking trips to New Zealand. But Australians heading overseas are now paying much more than before for the privilege. Airfares from Australia to New Zealand are now considerably more expensive than they were before the pandemic, when return Qantas flights to Christchurch were available for … Continued

Qantas & Virgin Suspend Lounge Access on Arrival

EXCLUSIVE | Both Qantas and Virgin Australia have stopped permitting arriving passengers to access their airport lounges, without updating their websites or informing affected customers. Qantas still advertises lounge access on arrival as a benefit for Platinum and Platinum One frequent flyers, while Virgin Australia advertises arrival access for Velocity Gold, Velocity Platinum and Business Class … Continued

Photos: Melbourne Airport’s International Terminal in December 2020

Last week, Melbourne Airport began accepting international arrivals (who go directly into hotel quarantine) for the first time since June. But with the controversial international arrival caps still in place, and Australians still banned from leaving the country without a travel exemption, the international terminal at Melbourne Airport remains eeriely quiet. An Australian Frequent Flyer reader was … Continued

Berlin Brandenburg Airport is Finally Open!

After years (and years) of embarrassing delays, the new Berlin Brandenburg Airport finally opened last weekend! The new Berlin Brandenburg Airport (airport code “BER”), nicknamed “Willy Brandt”, was originally due to open in June 2012. But the construction of the airport has been plagued by mismanagement, scandals, fraud and cost blowouts which led the project … Continued