Qantas Closes Airport Service Desks

Qantas will close its airport service desks and sales counters, and reduce staffing levels at baggage services desks, resulting in the loss of around 100 jobs. The move will help Qantas to further cut costs, but frequent flyers are concerned this will lead to service reductions and chaos when there are flight disruptions. As part … Continued

Virgin Australia Flight Credits Useless to Overseas Residents

More than 300,000 Virgin Australia customers have now received Future Flight credits for cancelled flights. But many Virgin customers have complained they would have preferred a refund. This is especially the case for customers that had purchased expensive international business class tickets, and now have Future Flight credits worth thousands of dollars that can only … Continued

ACCC Fears for Airline Competition in Australia

The ACCC will maintain close scrutiny on domestic airline competition over the next three years amid concerns that some airlines could exploit the pandemic to engage in anti-competitive behaviour. Yesterday, the ACCC handed down its first of many quarterly reports that it will produce for the federal government until 2023, outlining the impact of COVID-19 … Continued

No Refunds as Many Priority Pass Lounges Remain Closed

Priority Pass members have complained that they have not been offered refunds, even though they have been unable to travel and many airport lounges have been closed since March. Priority Pass sells annual memberships which, under normal circumstances, grant access to over 1,300 participating airport lounges & restaurants around the world. This includes 8 lounges … Continued

Goodwill Lost: Customers Have Long Memories

Most businesses have faced significant issues due to COVID-19, particularly in the travel industry. With borders closed, many airlines have had to cancel flights and many tour operators have had to temporarily shut down. Millions of cruises, car rentals and hotel bookings have also been cancelled as would-be travellers have been stuck at home. But … Continued