The word from the aviation experts this month is that the era of the dirt cheap domestic airline ticket is over.

Qantas, Virgin Blue and Jetstar have reportedly had one of their best Christmas periods and there are signs that airfares will again be on the rise.  It is predicted $29 domestic air tickets may be a thing of the past.  The latest statistics suggest that economy airfares are slightly up from a year ago, whilst the percentage of seats filled on Virgin Blue and Jetstar flights has risen.

The ever-climbing price of fuel has been cited as a reason for the expected decline in cheap domestic airfares.  A year ago Virgin Blue's Chris Corrigan was reported as saying the airline needed to "stop the rapid deterioration in fares" - it appears for Virgin at least his wishes have come true.  The market has appeared to stabilise after Virgin's fight against the stiff competition from Jetstar.

However, Virgin cannot yet breathe easily.  The reports come in the midst of Jetstar�s latest marketing campaign offering fares from $49 throughout February and continue on some routes until April.  It appears the competition is not over yet.

John K�s 1000th Post

Congratulations to John K for making the almighty 1000th POST on the Frequent Flyer Discussion Board and a big well done to NM for guessing the closest date and time of the milestone post!

The Speed of Quickcheck

Our members DISCUSS the viability of using the Qantas Club check-in services, particularly if you are using Frequent Flyer points.  The technology it appears does not like all bookings and it may be quicker to use manual check-in services.

QF Lounges and the Marketing Machines

Is the existence of promotional stands and product endorsers in the Qantas Club lounge unnecessarily intrusive? Our members DISCUSS the highs and lows of sharing the lounge with a marketing team.

Gold and Platinum Status: Is there a Difference?

Our members EXPLAIN the practical differences between Gold and Platinum status and the added benefits a Platinum status holder will receive.

Value for Points

The age-old question is again pondered: To redeem or not to redeem? Our senior member�s HELP OUT a newbie to determine what constitutes good value for his points.

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Oz Jet Lounge launch

This month's rumour mill suggests an imminent announcement from OzJet regarding the launch of its Frequent Flyer program.  This follows the launch of its first class lounge late last month.  OzJet�s new first class lounge offers check-in services, hot and cold drinks, snacks, reading material and plasma TV screens.

In a bid to increase passenger loads the airline is also encouraging travel agents to book with them by offering a huge 10% commission on all bookings.  It may be a case of desperate times call for desperate measures - no other major airlines offer travel agents such a lucrative commission.

Air Safety Survey

A new survey has found 74% of travellers are completely confident about the safety of air travel between capital cities, whilst only 62% hold similar views about flying within regional Australia.

The confidence of travellers has declined since 2002.  The decrease in confidence may be linked to the crash of regional flight in Queensland last May killing all 13 passengers and pilot.

Police stationed in Airports

Police commanders are set to be stationed in all major airports in accordance with a key recommendation of the Wheeler inquiry into airport security.  Australia's biggest airports will have police units under the command of the Australian Federal Police to provide a coordinated approach to investigations, community policing, counter-terrorism and intelligence gathering.

AFP Chief, Mick Keelty, stated the commanders would have a key role in undertaking new aviation security measures.  The exact numbers and locations of airport police are yet to be determined.

British Airways Plea to the US

In a bid to open the US market to British Airways, the airline's chairman has urged the United States to scrap rules preventing foreigners from owning US airlines. 

The Bush administration is proposing to allow foreign airlines some managerial control over domestic operators, but restrict them to 25 percent ownership - with the rest remaining in US hands.

The bid comes just weeks after the European Union governments failed to convince the US government to scrap the contentious rules.  Freeing the US market would allow British Airways to further increase its lucrative transatlantic services.

Qantas Engine Fire Causes Plane to Land

A Qantas flight en route to Los Angeles was forced to land after one of the engines caught fire.

QF249 had just taken off for Los Angeles with 316 passengers on board when there was a bang and flames came from the right in-board engine.  The 747-400's controls also showed there was a power problem with one of the engines, a Qantas spokesman said.  It is alleged the incident was widely seen by Sydney�s Northern Suburbs.

A hotel with first class creature comforts at less then $100� Have I got your attention yet?

The Yotel group is launching a new chain of hotels aimed a delivering "aspirational luxury at a low cost�.  That's if you don�t mind being crammed into a 10-square-meter cabin!

An overnight stay will set you back approximately $70 but the rooms can also be booked by the hour.  The concept is to attract passengers waiting for connections or those wanting to sleep before an important meeting. 

Although the chain focuses on providing budget accommodation, there is no scrimping on the luxuries.  Each cabin is soundproof and contains a sofa which converts into a double bed, a pull down desk, closet space, adjustable mood lighting, a shower, wireless Internet, an iPod connection and a flat-screen TV.  The downside is the lack of natural lighting and small living space.

Two Yotels are expected to open in London�s main airports Heathrow and Gatwick in the coming year.

Yotels is the brainchild of Simon Woodroffe who was inspired after being upgraded to business class on a flight.