It has been a tumultuous few weeks for the airline, tourism and hospitality industries. As the coronavirus outbreak spreads exponentially, many airlines have stopped flying and international borders are being closed at unprecedented rates.

In this extended episode, Matt looks at the implications of the past few weeks on travellers and the airline industry. This episode includes interviews with travel agent Alan Lam, and Henrique Pereira from Draper Startup House in Lisbon – a hostel that unfortunately had to close due to coronavirus after just two days.

Episode contents:

• 1:40 – Fortnightly news round-up
• 7:50 – Interview with Alan Lam: How to change or cancel bookings affected by coronavirus
• 22:45 – Interview with Alan Lam: Changes to Finnair Business class fares
• 25:03 – Matt’s story
• 31:32 – Interview with Henrique Pereira
• 48:00 – Ask Matt: Award availability, frequent flyer points and aircraft maintenance during the COVID-19 shutdown

Links:

• AFF on Air Discussion thread – a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
• Draper Startup House

Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:

• Qantas Extends Everyone’s Status for 12 Months
• Virgin Australia Status Extensions & Status Credit Gifts
• COVID-19 Travel Update: 20 March 2020
• Qantas Points Club Has Launched

Matt Graham

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 90 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include aviation, economics & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.