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 this episode, Matt takes a detailed look at what this all means for travellers.
Episode contents:
- 1:33 – Fortnightly news round-up
- 10:57 – COVID-19 and its impact on travel
- 15:13 – Should we be avoiding overseas travel right now?
- 28:20 – Changing or cancelling a trip due to COVID-19
- 31:34 – TAP Air Portugal status match
- 35:31 – Taking advantage of airline award chart loopholes
Links:
- AFF on Air Discussion thread – a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
- Smartraveller COVID-19 updates
- Updated WHO recommendations for international traffic in relation to COVID-19 outbreak
- Bruce Poon Tip addresses coronavirus epidemic in heartfelt message to G Adventures travellers (Travel Weekly article)
- Opinion: The world needs travel, and coronavirus is everywhere anyway (God Save The Points article)
- IATA advice on country travel restrictions
- Credit Card Travel Insurance May Not Cover Coronavirus
- Cruising choices with an active Pandemic (AFF thread)
- Star Alliance Status Match with TAP Portugal
- Airline Award Chart Sweet Spots & Loopholes – upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar
Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:
- Virgin Temporarily Shuts Adelaide Lounge
- Virgin Australia Removes Velocity Numbers from Boarding Passes
- Virgin Australia Group Cuts Capacity, Aircraft
- Brisbane Airport’s New Runway Opening on 12 July 2020
- Qantas Swings Boeing 787 onto Sydney-Vancouver
- Air New Zealand Skynest: Will it Ever Happen?
- How to Reinstate Expired Qantas Points
- Flybe Collapses, Flights Grounded
- Online Travel Agency Fly365 Enters Liquidation
- Qantas Releases New Centenary Safety Video
- Hawaiian Business Class Sale & Other Deals – March 2020
- Qantas Flights to Los Angeles from $719 return
- Qantas & Virgin Trans-Tasman Fares at Record Lows
