Visas & Immigration is a popular topic at the Australian Frequent Flyer. When travelling overseas, you certainly need to have a good understanding of immigration procedures, including getting the required visas to the countries you are planning on visiting.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is having an unprecedented impact on the travel industry – and the world in general. Thousands of flights have been cancelled, travel bans are being introduced and millions have had their travel plans disrupted. In Episode 31 of the AFF on AIR podcast, Matt takes a detailed look at the impact … Continued
As the coronavirus outbreak spreads, more flights are getting cancelled and fewer people are travelling. Demand for leisure travel is weak, some countries have imposed travel bans, and many corporate travellers are grounded as businesses impose their own travel restrictions. As a result, many airlines and hotels – especially in the Asia-Pacific region – are … Continued
Update (20 February 2020): Qantas has announced that QF129/130 between Sydney and Shanghai will remain suspended until at least the end of May 2020. Qantas will temporarily cancel all flights to mainland China from 9 February 2020, as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Qantas currently operates flights from Sydney to Shanghai and Beijing. The … Continued
With Qantas withdrawing from Sydney-Beijing flights in March 2020, Air China will soon be the only airline flying directly between the two cities. The Star Alliance member often has good Business class specials, and award availability is typically good, but what is their service like in Business class? I recently flew with Air China from Sydney … Continued
Qatar Airways, a member of the Oneworld alliance, has been consistently voted to have the world’s best Business Class. I recently found out why as I flew in Qatar Airways Boeing 787-8 Business class to Doha. Flight Details Flight number QR1374 Route Windhoek (WDH) to Doha (DOH) Aircraft type Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Class of travel … Continued
Qantas has joined TSA PreCheck, meaning eligible Qantas passengers departing from the United States can now access fast-track security lanes. This service is available at all US airports served by Qantas, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas/Fort Worth, Honolulu and New York JFK. Qantas signed up for the service on 17 December 2019, becoming one … Continued
Santiago is the gateway between Australia and South America. All flights between the two continents arrive in Santiago, the Chilean hub of LATAM Airlines. So if you’re headed to South America, chances are you’ll have a Santiago stopover at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport. Santiago is perhaps not the most exciting city in South America, but … Continued
Chile recently removed the reciprocity fee it charged to Australians when entering the country. This is great news as it makes Chile a more affordable and attractive destination to Australians, and will likely stimulate the country’s tourism industry. But, sadly, this goes against a recent trend of countries that have decided to introduce or increase … Continued
The Chilean government will remove the reciprocity fee charged to Australians upon arrival in Chile from Monday, 16 December 2019. However, Australians will be required to apply for an eVisa before travelling to Chile from 16 May 2020. This means that, from tomorrow, Australian citizens arriving at Santiago International Airport will no longer be required … Continued
The Australian government will overhaul its Smartraveller service next month with a new website and changes to how Australians can access assistance while overseas. From November 2019, Smartraveller will have a brand new website with travel advisories that are easier to read. The website, which is run by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, … Continued
Australians are lucky to be able to visit 111 countries around the world without a visa. Australians can also easily obtain a visa on arrival in a further 56 countries, meaning we’re able to visit much of the world with relative ease. And as countries continue to liberalise their visa requirements, it will only get … Continued
An AFF member is $1,500 out of pocket after Qantas denied them boarding due to minor passport damage. While an unfortunate mistake by the passenger, the airline also could have done more to resolve the situation. Cossie was flying from Canberra to Jakarta with Qantas. This member was also booked to continue from Jakarta to Amsterdam … Continued
