Free Chairman’s Lounge for Politicians: A Conflict of Interest?

In Australia, members of parliament are eligible for complimentary membership of Qantas’ exclusive, invitation-only Chairman’s Lounge. This comes with the ultimate in perks when flying with Qantas including personalised service, free upgrades and access to dedicated VIP lounges in major Australian airports – among many other unwritten benefits. Virgin Australia also operates a special invitation-only … Continued

Berlin Airport Now Offers Timed Security Line Reservations

Long waits at airport security have been a common traveller complaint in recent months. This has been a particular problem in busy European airports where chaotic queues have stretched into the hours at times, causing many to miss their flights. If you’re flying in Business or First Class, or have elite status with a frequent … Continued

Hotels Cut Back on Housekeeping

During the pandemic, many hotels stopped offering daily housekeeping citing health and safety reasons. This was largely understandable at the time, but it now appears that many hotels have no intention of resuming this service for their guests. And no, prices haven’t come down proportionately. I’ve stayed at many hotels this year in Australia and … Continued

How to Improve Airport Security Queues

Earlier this year, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce infamously blamed inexperienced and “not match fit” customers for lengthy delays at airport security checkpoints. “I went through the airports on Wednesday and people forget they need to take out their laptops, they have to take out their aerosols,” Joyce told the Sydney Morning HeraldĀ during the Easter holiday … Continued

Airport Mask Mandate Ends in Most Australian States

The requirement to wear a face mask inside most Australian airports will come to an end this weekend, after the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) recommended “that it is no longer proportionate to mandate mask use in airport terminals”. It’s now up to individual states & territories to decide whether to follow this recommendation … Continued