I guess the other concern with travelling to the U.S. is how long before the peaceful protests that took place last weekend become "less peaceful" as people start to rebel against the regime because their next iPhone suddenly became 30%+ more expensive? At the moment I think that there are a lot of Americans who are still believing the "its the foreign countries that pay the tariffs" line that is being sold over there - and they have a huge shock coming to them very shortly.
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Most people keep a collection of something, besides their superannuation / nest egg and family heirlooms of course.
While travel instantly brings about the notion of souvenirs, what kinds of things do you keep a collection of at home from your travels? These can be things that you just get in the course of travels, other times you might make an effort to find and purchase these things.
I know a bunch of us don't collect anything at all, in the interests of keeping a lean home and less...
I'd been asked by a few AFFers for an update on house things, and I just haven't had the energy to keep that thread up to date. Sorry. But, you're also keen on news of the library which you knew I wanted. Well please feast your eyes on this beauty! The wheels for the ladder come in February, but I was still able to move it in order to put books up the top.
So in honour of my new library, I'd thought I'd start a new thread to discuss books and what you're all reading right now. I...
Today we received this email. The cruise has had its balcony plus sold out for a year. Some haven't been assigned their guarantee and it's through a very large US TA so they have to be honoured.
And no one is posting the same on either Cruise Critic roll call or our FB group. We have the best stateroom below the suite category so much valued.
Hmm. We might consider one of the options.....I'm hunting down YouTube for options. Some seem nice, others not so much.
Dear Guest,
We can't...
I just got the following email offer:
No matter how you choose to reward yourself, points make it possible.
And for a limited time only, you can unlock even more possibilities when you purchase Top-up Points:
Get 25% more Qantas Points when you top-up with 15,000 - 55,000 points
Get 50% more Qantas Points when you top-up with 60,000 - 150,000 points
With your choice of millions of reward seats when and where you want to fly, where will you go?
Hurry, offer ends 6 April 2025.
See...
Mrs Aplmac and I were flying back from CBR to SYD yesterday evening in Y, after a long weekend to a) do my qualifying status run, and b) celebrate her birthday ;):rolleyes:. As we disembark, the CM says "Happy Birthday Mrs Aplmac, would you like a bottle of wine to go?"
Totally unexpected, but very welcome, as it was actually her birthday day. She's LTG, btw.
Interested by a recent post in the SkyBus discussion, I've just spent too long looking at transport to/from airports. Arguably Adelaide has the easiest/cheapest service at $3.70 and a direct bus to the CBD. Brisbane also takes the cake for cheapest parking with Sydney parking being more than some return flights for a Jetstar/Tiger weekend away. Below are the results:
Comparison of Fastest and Cheapest Public Transport services to/from major Australian airports. The services must be...
Due to a fire nearby LHR has electricity issues and will be closed all Friday.
https://news.sky.com/story/amp/large-fire-at-electrical-substation-in-west-london-causes-power-outages-13332920
Mr Svesson of Qantas told the Senate that he had experienced the scheme as a consumer when living in Europe for three years, and said: “I have nothing good to say about it.”
What a joke and misinformation!
Anybody driven this journey? Looking for suggestions for routing and ‘must sees’ enroute?
Google search had brought up a few suggestions but all seems so confusing when you are starting from scratch - any input greatly appreciated 👍
Now that Qantas has launched their latest double points/double status runs, there's much excitement with lots of members designing and eagerly sharing complex status runs. Every time I see this happening, it provokes an uneasy feeling in me. I'm really interested to know how status runs (and chasing points and status in frequent flyer programs more generally) sits with everyone's ethics.
I think it's well understood by most by now that human-induced carbon emissions are locking in decades...
We're looking for dedicated testers to help us shape the future of Zyft! If you're passionate about a specific product category (like headphones, TVs, beauty, fashion and more), love online shopping, and enjoy giving valuable feedback, we want YOU.
Who are we? Zyft is an AI-powered browser extension and app that helps you compare prices for almost any retail product in Australia.
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Semi-experts or big fans of a product category
Available to shop online using the...
Seems like some pretty major changes at WN over in the States. The change from open to allocated seating has me shrugging my shoulders why it was even a thing anyway. I guess they’ll start charging for seating now.
The biggie though is that their key discriminator, two free bags, is being removed.
Seems a bizarre move as they become just another LCC. But I guess the bean counters have worked out that they’ll make x% extra revenue...
Recently had the best business class flight of our lives on Air France CDG to HEL.
My wife wasn't real happy when I explained the Euro Business concept to her for the above flight as we have had three F and a J flight on Qatar recently.
"What do you mean, you can't lie flat? It's actually in an "economy seat?" were some of her initial statements to me.
I've obviously spoiled her too much and her standards are a little high so I was not really looking forward to this flight on an A220-300.
We...
We've been prepping our trip for March/April again this year and while I knew that hotel prices in Japan had gone up, the amount honestly shocked me. A property we booked for 3 nights in Tokyo last year for $547, is now $480 PER NIGHT. The dates are almost identical, the dollar is at the same value. The mass shortages of staff and huge influxes of tourists to these areas have caused massive increases.
Thankfully we spend a lot of time outside the normal areas and when you leave the typical...
Now that Microsoft is about to shutdown Skype , many of us that have used Skype to call Internationally to Airline call centres, banks, hotels will need a reliable high quality service that has zero or minimal charges.
I need to select something pretty soon, as I will need to book a few complex itineraries with Aeroplan and BA in a few weeks. Looking forward to hearing what others are using.
Waiver Policies
Qantas:
Virgin Australia:
JetStar:
Bureau of Meterology - Cyclone Alfred
Latest forecast track:
I haven't bothered with an International Driving Licence for, oh, 30 years or so and thought they were irrelevant these days with photo national drivers licences. But reading this story from OMaaT, maybe they are still required for car hire in some places. Looks like Japan is a definite one.
https://onemileatatime.com/international-driving-permit/
What countries have you been positively asked for an International Drivers Licence when hiring a car?
Attached.
Better than nothing, however updating early 2000 build 737s in 2027 isn’t great planning. I really wish they did this last decade.
On the technical front, I can’t say I’ve seen any operator upgrade 737-800s with new bins, walls. I know Delta did something with its old A320 fleet, not seen a 737 done like this, could be a first.
The additional investment to improve the flying experience for Qantas customers on existing aircraft will see 42 of the airline’s 737 aircraft receive...
Vietnam Airlines have great deals on PE from France, so I booked a one-way ticket today from Toulouse to Sydney via Paris for $2,153.71, Premium Economy Classic.
This does involve a long stopover in Vietnam.
Two options, flying via Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, same price. 13 hour layover if going via Ho Chi Minh City, 17 hours if going via Hanoi.
But they offer extremely good Vietnam Transit Tours which was part of the attraction, a day in either of those cities with personal tour, hotel...