Predictions of when international flights may resume/bans lifted

[Melburnian1]

So far it's only an "in-principle" agreement with no specific start date, and is subject to Australia staying in control of the virus. Still, excellent news.

This is being discussed on another thread here - New Zealand Travel Bubble Announcement

Good news but if conditional, that's a disincentive to travel.

Many of us won't want to be stuck in 'the other country' if politicians suddenly reimpose restrictions.

 

[Pushka]

Coronavirus vaccine: Australia's March roll-out in question

Despite government assurances, there are serious questions hanging over Australia's readiness to begin a national COVID-19 vaccination program.

thenewdaily.com.au

It looks like only a lucky few 5 million will get the Pfizer vaccine in March and then god knows when the other vaccines will be ready. End of 2021 maybe ??

Oxford are currently in the process of enrolling for the half dose/full dose expanded trial. It will take maybe 3 months or so to get results. Then maybe a month or two to approve etc. So looking at around April/May to get Oxford vaccine

There are so many ifs buts and maybes in that article that I didn’t find it at all helpful.

 

[milehighclub]

Many of us won't want to be stuck in 'the other country' if politicians suddenly reimpose restrictions.

That is one of the big discussion points. When she was on the news she said that if there were say 10,000 NZ in Australia, they would need to be able to come home without having to go into managed isolation but with the ability to self isolate at home to avoid stranding New Zealanders. I guess both countries need to workout how they will manage this, should it happen.

 

[OZDUCK]

What’s the deal there?

Huge rise of cases and hospitilisations in a 'Third Wave' burst.

Covid pandemic: South Korea sees record rise in daily cases

The country has been praised as a model of how to deal with coronavirus but cases have surged.

www.bbc.com

 

[Melburnian1]

That is one of the big discussion points. When she was on the news she said that if there were say 10,000 NZ in Australia, they would need to be able to come home without having to go into managed isolation but with the ability to self isolate at home to avoid stranding New Zealanders. I guess both countries need to workout how they will manage this, should it happen.

The National Cabinet considered 'quarantining at home' recently and was not in favour.

I may not agree with that, but too bad for savvy travellers like you mile who won't break the rules.

 

[dajop]

The National Cabinet considered 'quarantining at home' recently and was not in favour.

I may not agree with that, but too bad for savvy travellers like you mile who won't break the rules.

When you think about scientifically, probably the best time and place for home quarantine of international arrivals in Australia was in Melbourne in early August
- No one could dine out or shop other than for essentials.
- Masks were required everywhere outside the house
- Curfew after 8pm
- No one allowed to visit other homes
- Police enforcement was high
- The incremental risk of 3-4 positive arrivals a day, with all the other containment measures in place even if they broke quarantine, was probably low, when there were 400-500 new cases a day.

 

[RAM]

Well yes... but that was 'then'. This is 'now'. Supposedly new technology. And billions of dollars to find a solution to a pandemic. Semi-recent vaccines like for SARS either the virus itself kinda died out, or it didn't affect large numbers, or there wasn't the funding. This is quite different not only affecting world economies, but also huge profits for the drug companies.

Yes the drug companies may have indemnity, but I don't think that extends to negligence or fraud. There may be risks, but each of us will need to weigh those up.

Ever heard of Tobacco companies?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Ever heard of Tobacco companies?

Perfect example! That was 'then'. This is 'now'!

 

[DC3]

What’s the deal there?

Seoul labelled a 'COVID-19 war zone' as South Korea considers lockdown

South Korea has reported its worst weekend for COVID-19 infections since the pandemic began, with the President calling the country's third wave an emergency.

www.abc.net.au

 

[Scr77]

Leaked Federal Government schedule being reported on news radio this morning. Apparently, under 18’s unlikely to be vaccinated in 2021. I realize this group is at low risk, but it could mean that anyone with a child is unable to travel internationally (if vaccination becomes a travel requirement)

 

[Nathant123]

Leaked Federal Government schedule being reported on news radio this morning. Apparently, under 18’s unlikely to be vaccinated in 2021. I realize this group is at low risk, but it could mean that anyone with a child is unable to travel internationally (if vaccination becomes a travel requirement)

Could be a dream come true for people who can’t stand kids on planes and resorts! Seriously though I feel international travel isn’t high on the list of priorities for our government. I feel any international travel in 2021 will be very expensive and reserved only for those who can afford it, and the costs of mandatory quarantine. I suppose if you’re an adult and must travel in 2021 then you can vaccinate, if you’re a child or a family wanting to travel for leisure then wait till 2022.

 

[Pushka]

Leaked Federal Government schedule being reported on news radio this morning. Apparently, under 18’s unlikely to be vaccinated in 2021. I realize this group is at low risk, but it could mean that anyone with a child is unable to travel internationally (if vaccination becomes a travel requirement)

It is likely that planes will exempt under 18's from the requirement. The vaccination hasn't been approved for children. Kids aren't known it seems to present the same risk of spread to adults. If all adults are immunised then we will have herd immunity anyway.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Could be a dream come true for people who can’t stand kids on planes and resorts! Seriously though I feel international travel isn’t high on the list of priorities for our government. I feel any international travel in 2021 will be very expensive and reserved only for those who can afford it, and the costs of mandatory quarantine. I suppose if you’re an adult and must travel in 2021 then you can vaccinate, if you’re a child or a family wanting to travel for leisure then wait till 2022.

Dunno about the expensive bit? Melbourne to Bali for school holidays in September 2021 is coming in at $1000 return (GA or VA). Suppose that's up $200 or so? Bangkok on SQ for $950, or TG for $1200 is around the regular pricing. (Can get PR for $650.) But of course it's the cost of the holiday once there that makes the difference. Aussies, especially our frontline workers, are really being penalised for having to holiday in Australia with sky-high prices, even just for a drink at the bar.

 

[Nathant123]

Dunno about the expensive bit? Melbourne to Bali for school holidays in September 2021 is coming in at $1000 return (GA or VA). Suppose that's up $200 or so? Bangkok on SQ for $950, or TG for $1200 is around the regular pricing. (Can get PR for $650.)

I feel like prices at the moment aren’t so accurate given we don’t even know if we’ll be able to travel on those dates. Airlines could be keeping fares reasonable so they attract interest and they can pull the plug last minute and provide a credit of some sort. I don’t feel comfortable booking anything until we get the green light and no chance of another lockdown. Once the government approves most places I assume airlines, hotels, etc will bump prices up and those craving travel will go regardless.

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

I feel like prices at the moment aren’t so accurate given we don’t even know if we’ll be able to travel on those dates. Airlines could be keeping fares reasonable so they attract interest and they can pull the plug last minute and provide a credit of some sort. I don’t feel comfortable booking anything until we get the green light and no chance of another lockdown. Once the government approves most places I assume airlines, hotels, etc will bump prices up and those craving travel will go regardless.

To be fair to the airlines, they won’t be bumping up prices. It’s more of a case that more people take risks (demand) as things become apparent but not announced. After announcement, putting on more planes (supply) takes time to level off prices.

Right now I hate airlines as they are holding of lot of (my) money as credits etc

The most difficult part of this whole equation is chances of another lockdown/reclosure of international borders/reimposition of mandatory paid quarantine

 

[drron]

Our International flights for 2021 are award flights so not concerned about cost.Quite possible that even if the flights do occur our bookings might be cancelled.

 

[cgichard]

I haven't been following this thread, but I discovered today that Australia is listed as a "travel corridor" country with the UK and exempt from quarantine on arrival. Singapore also apparently poses no problem for transit passengers from Australia. So could I travel now to visit my sister in the UK, using my "parked" Singapore Airlines flights, and face quarantine only on return? Obviously I'd rather wait for the northern hemisphere summer, but who knows what requirements might have been introduced by then.

 

[Pushka]

I haven't been following this thread, but I discovered today that Australia is listed as a "travel corridor" country with the UK and exempt from quarantine on arrival. Singapore also apparently poses no problem for transit passengers from Australia. So could I travel now to visit my sister in the UK, using my "parked" Singapore Airlines flights, and face quarantine only on return? Obviously I'd rather wait for the northern hemisphere summer, but who knows what requirements might have been introduced by then.

Only if your plans are to spend 3 months overseas or you are required to go for business (plus the usual compassionate/ etc reasons)

 

[cgichard]

Only if your plans are to spend 3 months overseas or you are required to go for business (plus the usual compassionate/ etc reasons)

Oh dear, that rules it out then. I have no business and I wouldn't wish any illness on my sister. Do we have any idea how long those rules will stay in place?

 

[dajop]

I haven't been following this thread, but I discovered today that Australia is listed as a "travel corridor" country with the UK and exempt from quarantine on arrival. Singapore also apparently poses no problem for transit passengers from Australia. So could I travel now to visit my sister in the UK, using my "parked" Singapore Airlines flights, and face quarantine only on return? Obviously I'd rather wait for the northern hemisphere summer, but who knows what requirements might have been introduced by then.

Yes indeed. Subject to Pushka's comment, remembering the key word is plan (to spend 3 months overseas, irrespective of reason). You could even take a few day stopover in Singapore enroute if you were happy to take and pay for a COVID test on arrival in Singapore.