We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for the top ten travel news stories we think you need to know today.
1. Agents, travellers & hoteliers outraged over Webjet ad
Holidaymakers & industry professionals have taken to Facebook to defend agents against Webjet’s latest marketing campaign, which has been deemed as offensive towards frontline consultants.
The new TVC started rolling out across major TV channels including SBS this week during prime viewing times such as the popular news hour.
Running for 30 seconds, the ad features two women chatting and packing for an upcoming holiday when one asks the other how she booked her holiday. She replies, saying she booked hers online to secure the best deal. Surprised by her friend’s response, the other woman says, “I knew there were options, but my travel agent only gave me five”.
2. Qantas maintains its title as ‘World’s Safest Airline’
Qantas’ has maintained its title as the ‘World’s Safest Airline’ for another year thanks to its impressive record and high safety standards.
The Flying Kangaroo beat its trans-Tasman competitor, Air New Zealand, for the top spot in AirlineRatings’com’s list of 20 safest carriers.
According to the airline ratings website, some 407 airlines were reviewed by its editorial team who looked at each carrier’s history, incident records and operational excellence.
3. Singapore Airlines sends Premium to Melbourne
Sydneysiders have tried and tested the spacious seating, wider screens and extra recline, and now Singapore Airlines says it’s ready to send its new Premium Economy product to another Australian city.
Commencing 24 June this year, Singapore Airlines’ Premium Economy will make its debut in Victoria’s capital, Melbourne, when the A380 returns for the peak holiday period.
The announcement comes four months after the airline launched the product and less than two months after sending the class to Sydney.
4. Malaysia Airlines limits baggage allowance
Update 3.47pm: Malaysia Airlines has notified KarryOn that it has now reinstated full baggage allowance for EU flights.
“We’ve secured alternative airspace to fly,” the carrier Tweeted.
Published 12.30pm: Malaysia Airlines has temporarily reduced its baggage allowance and banned checked-in luggage on select flights to Europe due to unseasonably strong head winds.
In a statement, the carrier said unexpected weather has limited the airline’s ability to carry baggage and cargo safely on its B777 to Amsterdam and Paris.
Passengers have been advised that they can only bring one cabin bag of up to seven kilograms for economy passengers and two bags of up to 14 kilograms for business and first class.
“The longer flight path consumes more jet fuel and for safety reasons Malaysia Airlines has had to impose temporary limitations on checked in baggage allowance.”
Malaysia Airlines
The airline said passengers who choose to check-in their luggage are able to do so, however, it could arrive a little later.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and provide the necessary updates,” Malaysia Airlines added.
5. Aussies tighten up the belt to travel more
Spend less, travel more – that’s the goal for a number of Australians in 2016, according to a new study.
Westpac research found around two million Aussies are believed to have made the New Year’s resolution to save money over the next 12 months. Of those, some 53 percent said their top reason for holding onto cash is to travel or take a holiday.
That’s good news for agents, who are likely to benefit from increased travel.
Other top reasons for saving money this year included rainy days (46 percent) and home-related expenditure (40 percent).
6. A special ‘appreciation’ offer for agents
Nanuku Auberge Resort Fiji is showing a little appreciation by rolling out a special agents-only offer.
Effective from now until 31 March 2017, industry personnel can purchase ‘Industry Appreciation Offer’ priced at FJ$875.00 per night rate double or twin share based on a minimum of three nights stay in one of the resort’s stunning beachfront Spa Suites.
The special rate is inclusive of all gourmet meals and taxes, includes personal butler and nanny services, use of a golf buggy, all non-motorised water sports equipment and free Wi-Fi.
Single rates are available from FJ$500.00 per night again based on a minimum three-night stay with similar inclusions.
Each of Nanuku Auberge Resort Fiji’s residences have been designed with spacious air-conditioned living and entertaining areas, ensuites complete with spa baths, private yoga bures and plunge pools. There’s also outdoor private facilities and a dedicated spa, yoga classes and a gym.
7. APT’s Grand Sale returns
APT is celebrating its broadcast sponsorship of Channel Seven’s Summer of Tennis and the Australian Open 2016 by offering holiday deals available this summer.
The APT Grand Sale offers deals across a range of travel styles and destinations including luxury land tours in Africa, Europe, the Kimberley and South America as well as ‘Fly Free’ offers on select European and Asian river cruises.
Offers are available from 3 January until 29 February 2016 and can be viewed by clicking here or calling APT on 1300 196 420.
8. Emirates flies to Cebu & Clark daily
Emirates will launch a daily circular service from Dubai to Cebu (CEB) and Clark (CRK) in the Philippines in a bid to strengthen connectivity between the destinations.
Commencing 30 March 2016, the carrier’s two-class configured Boeing 777-300ER will operate on the route, offering 42 seats in Business Class and 386 seats in Economy Class.
Emirates flights to Cebu and Clark will depart daily from Dubai as EK338 at 02:55hrs arriving at Mactan–Cebu International Airport at 15:50hrs. The service will then depart from Cebu at 17:25hrs and arrive at Clark International Airport at 18:45hrs. The return flight will depart Clark at 20:20hrs, arriving at Dubai International Airport at 01:25hrs the next day.
Timings of the new service have been scheduled to allow for seamless connections to many European and GCC routes, via a convenient stopover in Dubai.
9. Economy pax get some ‘Quiet’ with Fiji Airways
Fiji Airways has taken delivery of another A330 aircraft featuring enhanced mood lighting, increased cargo space and a Quiet Zone in economy.
Arriving earlier this week, the plane was named ‘Island of Rotuma’ as a tribute the Fijian island.
She’s expected to commence commercial operations later this month on flights to Los Angeles and Hong Kong.
According to the President of Fiji, His Excellency Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konousi Konrote, the aircraft will create further economic opportunities for Fijians through increased tourism to and from the destination.
“The more seats we have, and the better our service and overall flight experience, the more we will be able to attract more travelers. We are competing in the premier division of air travel, and we want to win.”
Jioji Konousi Konrote, President of Fiji
10. Co-pilot wounded by ‘disturbed’ passenger
A passenger has been described as ‘disturbed’ after he allegedly attacked and wounded a co-pilot during a recent KLM flight from Amsterdam to Beijing.
Witnesses said the man used either a knife or a piece of broken glass to inflict mild wounds on himself in the lavatory before going after the co-pilot.
According to the airline, the employee was only ‘slightly wounded’ when other passengers pulled the man away and restrained him.
“A disturbed passenger locked himself in the toilets and inflicted slight wounds on himself.”
KLM told AFP
“He then slightly wounded the co-pilot in one of the kitchens in the cabin.”
Following the incident, the man was secured to a seat where he sat for the rest of the flight.
