Turkish Airlines recent decision to ban crew from wearing bright lipstick has apparently riled women across the globe. The airline is implementing new aesthetics code for cabin crew, aimed at bringing the airline in line with Turkey’s conservative muslim roots. This hardly seems unreasonable considering Turkey is a conservative muslim state. The move by the
Japan Airlines to fly 787 Dreamliner to Sydney
Japan Airlines (JAL) has announced that it will fly its newest aircraft between Sydney and Tokyo from December this year, replacing the older 777-200 aircraft currently flying the route. The entire 787 fleet has been grounded for months as Boeing fixes issues with the airliners batteries – the cause of a number of emergency landings.
New Tourist Refund Scheme Rules
New rules have kicked in for travellers departing Australia who take advantage of the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). For those of you who haven’t heard of the TRS before now, it allows travellers to claim back GST from purchases made in Australia in the 30 days prior to travel (purchases must be over the price
The Bucket List: The Great American Roadtrip
During my childhood we lived 1400 kilometres north of Perth and about 400 kilometres from the nearest ocean, in a mining town in Pilbara region of Western Australia so getting anywhere for a holiday generally involved a fairly long drive in the car. Now that I’m old enough to drive myself I still love those
When pigs don’t fly – Qantas & Halal
The recent Qantas / Emirates marriage has impacted onboard catering as the airline advises that pork will be removed from menus on flights to the Middle East. Oh the scandal… A tsunami of hate mail has been launched at Qantas which makes for eye-wincing reading as blatant racist undertones infect the Qantas Facebook page (you can
Random Airline of The Week: Volaris
There are literally hundreds of airlines operating scheduled passenger services around the world. Most people, if they are lucky, will only fly a handful in a lifetime. This series looks to show-off those lesser-known airlines, past and present. Since the collapse of Mexicana Airlines in August 2010, low cost airline Volaris has become the second
A Sneak Peek at KLM’s new World Business Class
The Dutch flag carrier KLM has shown off of its soon to be revamped World Business Class. The new seating to be installed firstly on its fleet of 22 Boeing 747 aircraft from June 2013 and later on the 777s has been designed in collaboration with Dutch designer Hella Jongerius, and is a big step up
Hawaii’s Other Islands – Part Two
Out of the nineteen islands that make up the Hawaiian archipelago, it is Oahu that tourists will spend most of their time. The home of the capital Honolulu and the famous Waikiki beach, Oahu is a popular holiday destination and home to over 85% of the state’s population. But there are other islands in the
British Airways A380 Unveiled
British Airways has joined the superjumbo club with flights commencing in mid October using the first of the airline’s 12 new Airbus A380′s. British Airways has announced Los Angeles and Hong Kong as its inaugural destinations for flights with the new aircraft. 469 passengers across four classes will be able to experience the new aircraft,
Random Airline of The Week: Air Seychelles
There are literally hundreds of airlines operating scheduled passenger services around the world. Most people, if they are lucky, will only fly a handful in a lifetime. This series looks to show-off those lesser-known airlines, past and present. The Seychelles conjures up images of an lush green tropical island paradise, surrounded by beautiful beaches and
The DYKWIA traveller
What is a DYKWIA I hear you ask? This unpronounceable acronym is associated with travellers who have a ‘Don’t You Know Who I am?’ attitude. These travellers are easy to spot due to their elevated ego, arrogance or unwarranted emphasis of self-importance. They frequently drop the DYKWIA bomb on unsuspecting airline staff. We’ve all seen
Review: Mantra South Bank Brisbane
Brisbane isn’t known for its exotic selection of accommodation… The past few times I’ve visited I’ve generally put myself up at the various Oaks properties that dot the city. Unfortunately I’ve had a couple of average Oaks experiences recently and the properties are starting to look a bit run down, so a change was in
Delta brings in ‘Westin Heavenly Inflight Bedding’
Delta Air Lines and Westin Hotels and Resorts are teaming up to offer business class passengers on international and US transcontinental flights a more comfortable sleep in the air by bringing in ‘Westin Heavenly Inflight Bedding‘. The new bedding will comprise of a plush comforter (also known as a duvet or doona depending on where
Review: Asiana Business Class OZ521 (Seoul – London)
After a couple of nights in Seoul it was time for us to make our way to the airport for the next leg of my 30th birthday adventure. A friend was travelling on a Korean air flight which was leaving before ours, so we made sure we were at the airport extra early. We decided
What airlines have the most affordable first class from Australia?
First class is a rare vintage in an age where costs are crippling airlines and customers aren’t forking out cash for luxury like they used to. As a result, airlines are gradually removing first cabins and plumping up their business class offering. Carriers serving Australian ports have progressively removed first class over the last few
Hotel Review: Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa
Wanting to get away from Sydney for a long weekend, my partner and I decided to head to Noosa for what would hopefully be a relaxing break. This property sits smack bang on Noosa’s famous Hastings St strip which runs parallel to the beach. Its 80′s charm is hard to miss. Guests have a good
Air Tahiti Nui’s New Business and Economy Cabins
Air Tahiti Nui has given the first look at the result of it’s upcoming $17 million dollar refurbishment. The 5 Airbus A340-300 aircraft in the carriers fleet are undergoing significant changes in order to freshen up the airline’s image. Poerava First Class service is being phased out from April 1st and will be replaced with a
Removed from flight for taking a photo?
Americans are an interesting bunch – stuff 200 of them into a metal tube and drama will follow. Take this story for example – where a United Airlines flight attendant unleashes her wrath on an unsuspecting passenger because he had taken a photo on his iPhone. Matthew is a travel writer on upgrd.com and self-confessed
Air Pacific releases new A330 flight details
Air Pacific has released details of its A330 schedules today, with passengers catching a glimpse of the new bird from April this year. The updated product offering will include a top of the range business class and enhanced economy offering – you can see all the pics and read about the new product in our previous
Disruptive kid forces family off flight
An interesting story out from New Zealand today has divided the country with scores of kiwis taking to news websites to vent their anger. Auckland woman Elena Volkova and her two children were booted off an Air New Zealand flight as her youngest child refused to fasten his seatbelt. The family was planning on travelling
Random Airline of The Week: Peach
There are literally hundreds of airlines operating scheduled passenger services around the world. Most people, if they are lucky, will only fly a handful in a lifetime. This series looks to show-off those lesser-known airlines, past and present. The Japanese aviation scene recently underwent some significant changes with a number of low cost airlines beginning
This Week’s Plane Porn
Sometimes on a rainy Friday evening, I sit on the couch and scope Youtube’s finest aviation vid’s with a glass of wine in hand. Friday’s like today. Here I bring you ten of the best I’ve found and worthy of a view by certified #avgeeks – which is your favourite? The Belly of the Beast
Hotel Review: ‘The Inn at the Roman Forum’, Rome
Travellers evaluating accommodation options in Rome are spoilt for choice. Dizzying options await with countless hours of internet research passing by in a blink of an eye. I found myself stalking Trip Advisor late at night (on many nights!) desperately trying to find something that was both good quality and in a great location and
Sunshine Coast Airport
Passing through this regional Queensland airport today, I thought it would be great to take a few snaps and do a write-up on this booming gateway to the Sunshine Coast. The airport sits just north of the Sunshine Coast city of Maroochydore where it straddles the striking golden coastline. Its aspect gives passengers stunning views
Shhhh…. Jetstar to commence Cairns-Guam route?
FlymeFunky has heard whispers that Jetstar may soon commence Cairns – Guam services. Whilst details are far and few between, it appears that operational preparations are under way to commence services to the island nation with fares to be announced within a matter of weeks, and flights in the air not too long after. United
American Airlines launches new ‘Captain America-chic’ livery
American Airlines today launched its sexy new logo and aircraft livery, ditching its classical brand for a modern ‘Americana’ identity. The airline has used its current theme since the late ‘60s with its aircraft sporting the same look ever since. “We thought it was time to update the look – it’s been 40 years” Thomas
