Nobody is flying through Doha, or Dubai, or Abu Dhabi, or anywhere within about 3,000 kilometres of the Persian Gulf right now, unless they're on a military aircraft or an extremely optimistic repatriation flight.

Since late February, US and Israeli strikes on Iranian military targets have triggered the most significant airspace shutdown most of us have seen in our lifetimes. Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Syria, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE are all closed or heavily restricted to civilian traffic. Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways are operating skeleton schedules at best. Cathay Pacific has pulled Dubai and Riyadh flights until the end of April.

Even Qantas had to kill its famous non-stop Perth to London service, splitting it into two legs via Singapore because the 787-9 can't carry a full payload on the longer detour around Iranian airspace.

For Australians, this is a massive headache. We've spent the last decade routing the vast majority of our European travel through Gulf hubs. That corridor is gone, at least for now, and nobody can tell you when it's coming back.

The knee-jerk alternatives floating around are, frankly, grim. Flying via the United States to reach Europe is up there with drinking bleach. We're talking 30-plus hours, brutal connections, TSA theatre, and the existential despair of LAX at 2am. Perth as a transit point to anywhere is about as exciting as watching paint dry in a Bunnings car park. And let's not even go there with some of the subcontinent carrier options being suggested.

But here's what nobody's talking about enough: this crisis could be the best thing to happen to Asian aviation hubs in a decade.

Before we get into the cities, let's talk strategy. If you're booking business class to Europe right now, the cheapest fares almost always come with long layovers. Airlines price those connecting itineraries lower precisely because most travellers see a 14 or 18-hour connection as a negative.

It's not. It's a free city break.

A business-class fare via Singapore, Hong Kong, or Shanghai with a lengthy connection can come in significantly cheaper than a tight, premium-timed routing. And instead of spending that layover comatose in a gate lounge, you walk out of the airport and spend 24 hours in one of the most exciting cities on the planet. You eat properly, you sleep in a real bed, you see something worth seeing, and you board your onward flight feeling like a human being rather than a piece of checked luggage.

The trick is to stop treating the stopover as dead time and start treating it as the point.

Singapore has always been the Kangaroo Route stalwart. Before the Gulf mega-hubs muscled in during the 2000s, practically every Australian flying to Europe stopped at Changi. Now, with the Middle East offline, we're right back where we started.

Booking data from Flight Centre shows a 38 per cent jump in Australia-Europe bookings via Changi in the first two weeks of March alone. Singapore Airlines has been ramping capacity on its Europe services, and Qantas's rerouted QF9 now operates Perth to Singapore to London, adding roughly three hours to what was a 17-hour non-stop.

Changi is the best airport in the world, full stop. The Jewel terminal alone, with its seven-storey indoor waterfall, would justify a couple of hours of anyone's time. But with an overnight or a long layover, Singapore delivers properly. It's 20 minutes from the terminal to downtown by cab. Gardens by the Bay after dark is genuinely spectacular. And the hawker food situation is among the best eating experiences on Earth for under $10.

If you're building in an overnight, Raffles Singapore is the obvious prestige play. It's the most iconic hotel in Southeast Asia for a reason, and a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar is one of those tourist-trap experiences that's actually worth doing. For something more modern, the Capella on Sentosa Island offers serious resort energy within striking distance of the airport, and Andaz Singapore in the Duo tower is a sharp pick if you want to be right in the thick of it without the colonial heritage price tag.

Changi runs free 2.5-hour guided city tours for transit passengers with layovers over 5.5 hours. Singapore Airlines has a formal stopover programme that lets you add a night or several for no extra airfare on eligible tickets. If you're being funnelled through here anyway, the play is to lean into it.

We have a soft spot for Hong Kong. We fly through there at least twice a year, heading to London, and the thing I keep telling people is this: no city in the world is easier to get in and out of on a tight layover.

The Airport Express takes 24 minutes flat from the terminal to Hong Kong Station in Central. Immigration is fast. Australians don't need a visa. You can be eating Michelin-quality dim sum at Tim Ho Wan, inside the train station no less, within 45 minutes of stepping off the plane.

With six-plus hours, you can ride the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour, take the tram up to the Peak for the skyline view, and still make it back with time to spare. Overnight? Even better. Tsim Sha Tsui at night, with the harbour lit up and the Symphony of Lights kicking off, is one of those travel moments that reminds you why you get on planes in the first place.

For accommodation, the Island Shangri-La is my pick and we've reviewed it on DMARGE before. We spent two nights in a Harbour View Suite on the 52nd floor and my biggest regret was having to leave at 2am to catch a flight to Europe, missing a final breakfast of egg whites and Portuguese tarts. A modern tragedy.

The hotel sits above Pacific Place mall with Admiralty MTR station right there, so you're connected to everything without needing a cab. And if you really want to go large, they've just launched the Hong Kong Suite on the 50th floor as part of their multi-year renovation.

It's 130 square metres of feng shui-inspired design, with full-wall murals depicting the harbour's fishing village origins, a round marble bathtub inspired by magnolias (a flower once reserved exclusively for Chinese emperors, apparently), Acqua di Parma amenities, a dedicated butler, and views across Victoria Harbour that make you want to cancel whatever you were flying to next.

It starts at HKD60,000 a night, so not exactly a Tuesday night impulse book, but for a special occasion stopover it would be hard to beat anywhere in Asia.

If you want something on the Kowloon side with the harbour view directly in front of you, The Peninsula is the old school Hong Kong hotel that featured in The Man With The Golden Gun and is worth every cent. And for something a bit more design-forward, The Upper House in Admiralty is quietly one of the best hotels in Asia.

Cathay Pacific offers free stopovers in Hong Kong for up to seven days on eligible routes, and HKIA runs complimentary four-hour city tours for transit passengers with layovers over seven hours. The airport also recently waived its departure tax for visitors staying less than two days on certain ticket types.

The catch: Cathay has stripped economy inventory on Hong Kong to London routes and business class fares have gone stratospheric. North of AU$11,000 return, with some mixed-cabin fares touching $39,500. That's obscene. But book further out, stay flexible on dates, and that premium comes down considerably.

Here's where it gets interesting. China's carriers are consistently the cheapest option for Australians trying to reach Europe right now. A China Southern routing from Sydney via Guangzhou can come in at AU$1,200 to $1,500, undercutting the Singapore and Hong Kong options by $800 or more. China Eastern via Shanghai offers similar value.

And the kicker: China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy means Australians can enter Shanghai and travel freely across the Yangtze Delta region for up to 10 days without a visa. All you need is a passport and a confirmed onward ticket to a third country. The application happens at immigration when you land. It's surprisingly painless.

Shanghai is a genuinely wild city to drop into for 24 hours. The Bund waterfront at night looks like the opening credits of a science fiction film. The French Concession is all plane trees and little wine bars and architecture that makes you forget you're in China. And a soup dumpling crawl through the Old City is about as good as eating gets, for about the price of a flat white back home.

For an overnight, The PuLi Hotel and Spa in Jing'an is the most refined option in the city. It's a genuinely world-class property that doesn't feel like it's trying too hard, which is rare in Shanghai. If you want the full Bund spectacle, the Waldorf Astoria on the waterfront puts you right in the middle of the action, with the Pudong skyline staring back at you from across the Huangpu River. Both are significantly cheaper than equivalent properties in Singapore or Hong Kong, which is part of Shanghai's whole appeal.

The trade-offs are real. You'll need a VPN for anything Google-related, WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate transactions (bring cash as backup), and the layover logistics are a bit more involved than Singapore or Hong Kong. But if you're comfortable with a bit of roughness around the edges, and you'd rather save a grand on airfare and blow it on Xiaolongbao and cocktails on the Bund, Shanghai is the move.

For 15 years, the Gulf carriers hoovered up an enormous share of Australia-Europe traffic by offering cheap fares, absurd lounges and convenient single-stop routings through Dubai and Doha. It worked brilliantly. And it made a lot of us lazy about considering alternatives.

Now that millions of travellers are being forced onto Asian routings for the first time, many of them are discovering what frequent flyers have known for years: Singapore Airlines' service is world-class, Cathay Pacific's network is rock solid, and flying through a city you'd actually want to visit beats a sterile Gulf terminal every time. Once people experience that, some of them aren't going back, even when the Middle East reopens.

Aviation analysts are already flagging that carriers with non-stop or near-non-stop capability between Asia and Europe, without relying on Gulf airspace, have a structural advantage that could outlast this conflict. Singapore Airlines entered 2026 with its largest post-pandemic schedule, over 2,400 weekly passenger flights. That kind of capacity doesn't get built for a three-week crisis. It gets built for a long-term bet.

Build in the overnight. Book the longer layover. Take the cheaper business class fare and use the savings on a night out in a city you never planned to visit. Some of the best meals I've ever eaten, some of the most electric cityscapes I've ever seen, have been on the way to somewhere else entirely.

Read the full article Dubai Is Cancelled, Habibi. Three Asian Cities That Actually Deserve Your Layover on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

These are real numbers, pulled from the Cathay Pacific website for a Sunday 12 April departure. And they're not error fares. They're what the market is actually demanding right now. We were on the hunt for airfares for Watches & Wonders when these popped up.

The reason isn't complicated. With conflict continuing to grip the Middle East, travellers are actively avoiding the Gulf hubs that have dominated premium long-haul routing for the past decade. Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi: the holy trinity of business class stopovers has become a question mark for a growing number of flyers who'd rather add a few hours to their journey than route through a region at war.

That's pushing enormous demand onto Asian carriers like Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines and Korean Air, all of whom connect Australia to Europe through Hong Kong, Singapore and Seoul, respectively.

More passengers chasing the same seats means one thing. Prices go up. And with jet fuel costs surging alongside the geopolitical tension that's causing all of this in the first place, airlines operating outside the conflict zone have absolutely no reason to offer discounts. They don't need to. The cabins are filling regardless.

What makes this moment so striking is the parallel to COVID, but in reverse.

During the pandemic, prices went haywire because nobody was flying and airlines were hemorrhaging cash. Now they're going haywire because too many people want to fly the same narrowing set of safe corridors. Different cause, same result: fares that make your eyes water.

For Australian travellers specifically, the squeeze is real. We've always relied heavily on Gulf carriers for competitive business and first-class fares to Europe.

Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad have spent years undercutting legacy carriers with better products at lower prices, and that competition kept everyone honest. Remove that pressure and you get what we're seeing on the Cathay Pacific booking page right now: nearly forty grand for a flat bed to Heathrow. Wow!

The uncomfortable truth is this probably isn't a short-term spike. The demand is there, and people need to do business. Blame whoever you want, but this is the reality of war in the Middle East.

As long as the Middle East remains unstable and fuel prices stay elevated, Asian carriers will keep charging whatever the market will bear. How much can a koala bear? We'll soon see.

Also take a moment to consider what a great stop over Hong Kong is. So maybe it's worth the extra $30,000?

If you've been putting off that Europe trip, hoping for a deal, you might be waiting a while.

Read the full article A $39,000 Business Class Seat From Sydney to London Proves The World Is Cooked on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Illness outbreaks on cruise ships have plummeted 88% in the first two months of this year compared to the same period in 2025. We're talking one single outbreak versus eight. One. That's it.

The lone offender? A January sailing on Seven Seas Mariner where 21 passengers (3.3% of those onboard) went down. For context, the CDC only flags it as an official outbreak when 3% or more of passengers and crew report gastrointestinal illness. So this one barely scraped over the line.

Six cruise lines copped outbreaks in the first two months alone, including Holland America, Viking, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Silversea. Of the eight outbreaks, six were norovirus (the gift that keeps on giving), one was E. coli, and one was a presumed case of ciguatera. For the uninitiated, that's what happens when you eat reef fish that's been harbouring toxins. Delightful.

And here's the thing: 2025 racked up 23 total outbreaks across the year, up from 18 in 2024. Most of those hit in the first four months, which tracks. Winter cruising season, enclosed spaces, people treating handwashing like an optional extra.

Hard to say definitively, but cruise lines have been doubling down on sanitation protocols since the pandemic years turned their entire industry into a punchline. The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program runs two unannounced inspections per year on every ship touching a US port, and nobody wants to be the line making headlines for the wrong reasons.

The CDC's own advice for staying healthy onboard is almost insultingly simple: wash your hands, drink water, get proper rest. Which, c'mon mate, if you need a government agency to tell you that, maybe the open ocean isn't your biggest problem.

Cruising has had a perception problem for years. Every outbreak gets amplified, every stomach bug becomes a news cycle, and suddenly your nan's Mediterranean cruise sounds like a floating petri dish. An 88% drop is the kind of stat that might actually start shifting that narrative, assuming the rest of 2026 doesn't go sideways.

For now though, the buffet is looking safer than it has in years. Whether you trust it is entirely up to you.

Read the full article Cruise Ships Just Got A Whole Lot Cleaner (And It’s About Time) on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

If you've paid for business class enough times, you develop a nose for the ones that disappoint. The cabin looks incredible in the photos, you board with genuine excitement, and then you realise the "privacy" is a fixed shell and a thin divider that does basically nothing.

We've been there. Qatar, Emirates, Singapore, Etihad, Qantas, British Airways, we've done the rounds, and the gap between the best and the rest is wider than most people realise.

Here's the thing: what separates a genuinely great business class from a merely expensive one in 2026 comes down to one thing. Whether you have an actual door.

Qatar Airways has held the top spot in Skytrax's business class rankings for long enough that it's almost boring to say it. But having flown Qsuite, the ranking makes sense. Fully enclosed pod, sliding panels, 1-2-1 layout with alternating rows so you're not staring into a stranger's meal. It's the kind of setup where you genuinely forget you're sharing a cabin with 40 other people, which after enough long-haul flights, is exactly what you want.

Singapore Airlines came second in the 2025 Skytrax rankings, which on paper feels close. In practice there's still a gap. Their business cabin is excellent, wrap-around shells, extendable divider for pairs, genuinely comfortable flat bed. But no sliding door, at least not yet. Singapore is mid-way through an $800 million retrofit bringing enclosed pods to their A350 fleet, so depending on when you fly, you might get the updated product or you might not. Check the aircraft before you book.

ANA's "The Room" and Cathay's updated Aria Suite are both doing similar things, enclosed spaces on select 777s and 787s, respectively. Air France rounds out the top five with what they call a private bubble on newer aircraft. All worth flying. All with the same caveat that the premium product isn't consistent across their entire fleet.

British Airways Club Suite is genuinely good and better than it gets credit for. The door works, the bed is flat, and the catering has improved. Virgin Upper Class has its fans too. Neither would top our personal list but neither would embarrass you either.

Emirates doesn't crack the Skytrax top ten but the full picture matters. No enclosed pod, but a chauffeur to the airport, a mini bar at your seat, and an actual standing bar on the A380 that you can wander to at 2am somewhere over the Indian Ocean. Etihad runs a similar playbook with dine-on-demand and strong ground service. Different priorities, still worth considering depending on the route.

The bottom line is this: the best seat means nothing if you book the wrong plane. Qsuite, Aria Suite, The Room, none of them are available on every aircraft these airlines operate.

Check the equipment, pull up the seat map, and make sure you're actually getting what you're paying for. We've learned that the hard way.

Read the full article The Best Business Class Seats In The World Right Now on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

1.5 billion people got on planes in 2025 and went somewhere that wasn't home. That's a record-breaking number, apparently. And here's the thing: they're not all piling into the same old spots anymore.

Europe still got the most visitors, welcoming 800 million arrivals (which is frankly absurd), but the actual growth is happening in places most people couldn't point to on a map if you spotted them the continent.

Brazil's numbers jumped 37%. Egypt climbed 20%. Ethiopia pushed 15%. Bhutan, which barely lets anyone in on principle, somehow grew 30%. Even the Seychelles, which is essentially a collection of very expensive rocks in the Indian Ocean, posted 13% growth.

And I'm here for it.

Hand on heart, Egypt's having a moment with 20% growth in international arrivals. That's not incremental, that's a proper surge.

The driver is the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Pyramids finally opening. And I mean finally opening. This thing was announced more times than a cancelled Coldplay tour. For years, people showed up thinking they'd see it, then went home disappointed. Others just waited. Now both groups are rocking up at once.

Tour operators are pushing smaller dahabiyas on the Nile now instead of those floating hotel monstrosities. These are traditional wooden sailboats that give you access to quieter temples and a slower pace. You're actually relaxing instead of just being Instagram-efficient.

Enquiries from travel companies jumped nearly 50% from 2024 to 2025. Families with young kids are coming back. Female solo travellers are up. And apparently people are already booking for the 2027 solar eclipse you can see from Egypt, which is the most Type A travel planning I've heard in ages.

But here's what got me: companies that have done European cycling trips for decades are now launching Egypt itineraries. You're biking through date groves and villages with Egyptologists riding alongside explaining what you're looking at. That's not a tour, that's immersion, and it's completely new to Egypt.

No one grew faster than Brazil with a 37% increase in arrivals, and that's not an accident.

The Brazilian government actually decided to make tourism work by launching a programme to subsidise new flight routes with airlines. Because it doesn't matter how badly people want to visit if there's no direct flight or the connection costs more than the holiday.

Smart stuff, even if it's unsexy policy work.

Brazil's also benefiting from a perception shift. The Rio Olympics, the World Cup, last year's São Paulo Grand Prix, the upcoming Women's World Cup in 2027 – all of it raised the country's profile. Plus São Paulo's become a proper global hub for culture, music, and dining. Not just beaches and carnival anymore.

Hotels are seeing a new type of tourist now: executives bringing families, extending stays, actually wanting to connect with local communities instead of just lying by a pool for a week. Call it conscious luxury if you want, but it's real.

And get this: Brazil has 9,000 kilometres of coastline, which isn't a typo. So overtourism isn't the same problem it is in Europe. The challenge is getting people to explore beyond Rio and São Paulo.

Being a late bloomer worked in Brazil's favour because the industry developed with a more segmented, thoughtful approach from the start. Destinations at risk of getting trampled are already taking action, prioritising meaningful engagement with locals instead of just extracting tourist dollars.

Once you visit two different Brazilian cities, you realise there are many versions of Brazil. Getting to know each one of them is a proper adventure.

Take Belém, which has this historic open-air market and an emerging food scene built on Amazonian ingredients. We're talking edible ants, unique spices, stuff you can't get anywhere else.

Ethiopia posted 15% growth, which contributed to Africa's 8% continent-wide increase – the strongest regional growth globally, by the way.

This follows years of depressed numbers because of the conflict in Tigray. Flights to the north resumed in 2023, things started recovering in 2024, and now it's properly bouncing back.

The country launched the Visit Ethiopia platform in 2025 and invested in new hotels and upgraded services, which has clearly worked.

Travel companies are seeing renewed interest from long-standing travellers plus a younger audience looking for active, outdoor-focused experiences. Including school groups of 20-plus kids booking trips, which shows how much the perception of safety has improved.

Here's what makes Ethiopia special: it's one of the richest destinations on earth for archaeology, anthropology, and natural history. The Axumite Empire legacy in the north includes those rock-hewn churches in Lalibela that look like they were carved by giants.

There's medieval Gondar architecture. The Simien Mountains, where you can get close to gelada monkeys that exist literally nowhere else on the planet.

Down south, the Omo Valley's home to communities that have maintained distinct cultural traditions for centuries. This isn't a theme park version of culture, it's actual living history.

Thirteen percent growth for a tiny archipelago off East Africa is pretty impressive when you think about it.

The real shift is broadening the appeal beyond honeymoon travel. Visitors can do way more than just flop on the beach now. Hikes to waterfalls, snorkelling, Creole cuisine, getting stuck into a Moutya dance around a bonfire.

Couples are still the core market, but families and wellness travellers are up.

Properties are introducing vegan menus, though it remains to be seen if they'll be as popular as the Creole curries. (They won't be, c'mon.)

What I didn't know is that the Seychelles protects 30% of its ocean territory. And there are no private beaches anywhere in the archipelago, so everyone has access. Locals appreciate the beauty just as much as tourists dropping five grand a night.

Worth supporting local makers while you're there – morning yoga at organic fruit plantations, workshops where local entrepreneurs make handcrafted natural products. That sort of thing actually matters.

Bhutan grew 30%, which seems to contradict their whole high-value, low-volume approach. But here's the thing: they're making that growth sustainable.

They charge a $100 Sustainable Development Fee per night for tourists, and that money funds infrastructure and services for residents and visitors. The philosophy is clear: low volume doesn't mean limiting numbers, it means appreciating everyone who visits while they treasure Bhutan's values.

Bhutan's long been known for measuring Gross National Happiness instead of GDP, which sounds like hippie nonsense until you visit and realise they actually mean it.

The country's become the antidote to modern travel fatigue. It attracts people who've already seen the world and are searching for something deeper.

The experiences that matter most are sitting with a senior monk during a private blessing, spending time with a textile weaver who's practised their craft for generations, sharing a meal in a remote valley farmhouse. These leave a deeper impression than the major landmarks.

Exploring by motorcycle is one of the most visceral ways to experience the country's scale and solitude. Hiking's equally essential. But the real pull is Bhutan's relationship with impermanence, which offers visitors a rare chance to pause and reflect. That's ultimately what many travellers are seeking, even if they don't realise it at first.

These countries fall into a growing category of high-identity, emerging destinations that are no longer niche but not yet saturated.

More travellers want distinctive culture, landscapes, and actual discovery instead of just another week in Paris or Rome (though both remain excellent, hand on heart).

Countries with strong identity and decent access are winning. And the ones managing growth smartly, whether that's Brazil's flight partnerships or Bhutan's sustainability fees or Egypt's push toward smaller-scale experiences, they're the ones who'll keep winning.

Tourism isn't dying; it's just getting smarter about where it goes.

Read the full article Tourism Is Booming In All The Wrong Places on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Singapore has quietly flipped the switch on one of the strictest travel controls in the region, and this time it starts before you even board the plane.

From late January, airlines flying into the city-state are now legally required to deny boarding to passengers flagged by Singapore authorities as “undesirable” or ineligible to enter the country. The policy applies to all flights bound for the nation’s main air hubs, including Changi Airport and Seletar Airport, effectively turning airline check-in desks into the first line of border control.

The new rule is driven by Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, which has introduced what it calls No Boarding Directives. These notices are issued directly to airlines and apply to foreign travellers with previous criminal records in Singapore, a history of immigration offences, attempted identity changes, visa overstays, or illegal employment. Travellers assessed as posing a broader risk to public safety can also be blocked before departure.

RELATED: Singapore Airlines Takes Top Spot for Inflight Wine Excellence

The practical impact is simple and uncompromising. If a traveller is flagged under the system, the airline must refuse boarding. There is no discretion at the gate and no appeals process at check-in. If your name triggers a No Boarding Directive, your trip ends before it starts.

Singapore can also refuse travel to anyone without a valid visa or a passport with at least six months’ remaining validity. These requirements already existed, but the difference now is enforcement. Instead of dealing with issues on arrival, Singapore has shifted responsibility upstream, forcing airlines to carry out the checks in advance.

For travellers, especially those transiting Asia for business or luxury travel, the move reinforces Singapore’s reputation as one of the world’s most tightly managed destinations. The city-state has long prioritised safety, order and immigration control, but this policy marks a clear escalation in how early those controls are applied.

For airlines, the change introduces added compliance pressure. Carriers that fail to deny boarding to flagged passengers risk penalties, operational disruption and reputational damage. Expect stricter document checks, more backend data sharing, and less tolerance for edge cases at check-in counters.

For Australian travellers, the takeaway is straightforward. Singapore remains one of the safest and most seamless destinations in the world, but it is also one of the least forgiving. If your paperwork is sloppy, your visa status unclear, or your travel history problematic, you may never make it past the departure lounge.

In an era where premium travel is meant to feel frictionless, Singapore is making it clear that access is still a privilege, not a guarantee.

Read the full article Singapore Tightens Borders To Enforce ‘No Idiots’ Policy … Airlines Put On Notice on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Qantas has officially joined the global airline playbook of charging for comfort while quietly admitting standard economy has become a test of human flexibility.

From today, the airline has rolled out Qantas Economy Plus, a new paid seating tier that promises up to 40 percent more legroom, priority boarding and priority access to overhead lockers. For frequent flyers, especially Platinum and Platinum One members, it lands as a meaningful upgrade rather than another upsell dressed as innovation.

The new seats will be available from 6 February 2026 across Qantas’ Boeing 737, Airbus A220 and the incoming A321XLR fleet. Domestically, that covers most Australian trunk routes, while internationally it stretches to New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and Bali.

In practice, Economy Plus sits somewhere between classic exit-row roulette and full Premium Economy, offering extra space without the cabin jump or price shock.

For top-tier frequent flyers, Qantas has sweetened the deal. Platinum and Platinum One members receive complimentary Economy Plus whenever it is available, with extra legroom seats automatically unlocked if it is not.

RELATED: Qantas’ Best Lounge Isn’t Even In Australia

Forward seating, previously called Preferred seating, has also been expanded across more rows in the front half of the cabin and remains complimentary. It is a rare case of loyalty status actually translating into something you can feel in your knees.

Globally, Qantas is late rather than bold. Airlines around the world have been carving up economy cabins for years. Lufthansa offers its Extra Legroom seats across long and short haul. British Airways has long sold exit-row and extra space seating under its Economy Plus banner.

Delta Air Lines markets Comfort Plus as a quasi-premium product with priority boarding and more pitch, while United Airlines pushes Economy Plus aggressively across its global network. Even low-cost carriers like Ryanair and easyJet monetise legroom as a core revenue stream.

The difference with Qantas is positioning. By bundling Economy Plus into elite status benefits, the airline is using comfort as a loyalty retention tool rather than purely a cash grab. It also reflects a broader shift in airline economics: economy is no longer one product, but five subtly different experiences priced by desperation, height and frequent flyer balance.

RELATED: Emirates’ Lavish New Premium Economy Arrives Down Under

For Australian travellers who live on short-haul flights, Economy Plus is not revolutionary, but it is practical. Less knee pain, earlier boarding and a better shot at overhead space is often all that matters. In 2026, that alone feels like progress.

Read the full article Qantas Launches ‘Peasant Plus’ Making Economy Less Miserable From Just $30 on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

The first-class cabin still likes to pretend it operates by old-world rules. Soft voices, champagne on boarding, and an unspoken belief that everyone at the pointy end understands how to dress, behave, and belong.

Which is exactly why English content creator Sam Bills stepping onto a British Airways First Class flight to relocate to Australia wearing a singlet has triggered many a snooty point-end traveller online.

Bills, a Gen X influencer with over 100,000 followers, has built his platform on luxury travel, fashion and aesthetics. His feed is heavy on premium cabins, five-star hotels and carefully styled moments. He is not an accidental tourist wandering into First Class by mistake. Yet the humble "bluey" proved too much for some viewers, who immediately reached for their phones to deliver judgment.

“First class and tank tops… 🤦🏽‍♂️,” one commenter wrote. “Good to see you made a real effort when it came to your wardrobe for the trip. So low rent,” said another. “Flys first wearing only a tank top lol,” added a third, summing up the mood.

The outrage was less about fabric and more about symbolism and it's not the first time we've seen this happen. DMARGE has had a long-running beef with Flight Hacks for wearing Birkenstocks and shorts in First Class.

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A post shared by Sam Bills (@samscottbills)

To many, First Class still represents a set of unwritten social codes, even if the airlines themselves abandoned them years ago. British Airways, for the record, has no formal First Class dress code beyond the standard rules around offensive clothing that apply across the aircraft. So, Sam 'Dollar' Bills broke no rules, but that did not stop the noisy commentariat from acting as self-appointed cabin police.

RELATED: Socks or No Socks: Aeroplane Toilet Behaviour Divides The Internet

This tension is nothing new. Airlines have been caught in clothing controversies for more than a decade, and the outcomes are rarely consistent.

In 2017, United Airlines faced global backlash after barring two teenage girls from boarding a flight for wearing leggings while travelling on staff passes. United later clarified the rule only applied to non-revenue passengers, but the damage was done. Leggings became a flashpoint for who gets policed, and why. Qantas also banned activewear in its lounges a number of years ago. A move which angered many a content-creating Instagram 'model'.

Budget carriers have leaned even harder into subjective enforcement. Spirit Airlines has repeatedly gone viral for denying boarding to passengers in crop tops or short shorts, citing clauses that allow crew to refuse travel for clothing deemed lewd or offensive. Ryanair faced similar criticism when a passenger was stopped over a strapless bandeau top, reigniting claims that women’s clothing is disproportionately scrutinised.

Influencers have also found themselves in the firing line.

In 2023, a US-based creator boarded an American Airlines flight wearing a sheer mesh top without a bra. Fellow passengers complained. The internet erupted. The airline confirmed no policy had been breached, though crew reportedly offered a blanket to defuse the situation.

Even premium cabins are not immune. In 2019, a Qantas Business Class passenger drew complaints after boarding barefoot in gym shorts and a sleeveless training top. No action was taken. No rules were broken. But the discomfort among fellow passengers lingered anyway.

That is the real story behind Sam Bills’ singlet. First Class is no longer a private members' club governed by trousers and collars. It is a product defined by written rules, not imagined hierarchies.

DMARGE has covered the slow death of in-flight dress codes for years. Comfort won. Personal expression won. What remains is the nostalgia, enforced not by airlines but by passengers who miss an era that no longer exists.

We say you do you, Sam Bills. Everyone on board gets two tickets to the gun show.

What are your thoughts? Is dressing the part a must when travelling at the pointy end?

Read the full article Gen X Influencer Enrages First Class Flyers For Inappropriate Pointy End Attire on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

There is something very specific happening in popular culture right now. Audiences are gravitating back to stories about work, land, power and old money.

Not tech unicorns or startup founders, but oilmen, ranchers, cowboys and fixers. At the centre of that shift sits Landman, the latest runaway hit on Paramount Plus, created by the man quietly redefining prestige television.

That man is Taylor Sheridan. Sheridan has built an empire by turning America’s oldest industries into compulsive television. From oil and gas to ranching, law enforcement and frontier justice, his shows strip things back to power, territory and consequence. Yellowstone, 1883, 1923, and now Landman (starring Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, Sam Elliot and Demi Moore) all tap into the same idea. Modern America was built on hard assets, not algorithms.

Landman drops viewers deep into the oilfields of Texas, following the dealmakers and power brokers who keep the industry moving. It is blunt, masculine, high-stakes television, and audiences cannot get enough of it. Western culture is popping off again because it feels real. Vast open land, huge physical risk, legacy wealth and a sense that decisions are life and death, or bankruptcy.

Here is where Qantas enters the picture.

For Australians watching Landman and wondering where all of this actually happens, the answer is surprisingly accessible. Qantas flies direct from Australia to Dallas Fort Worth, the heart of the world Landman portrays. Just a straight shot into modern Texas.

Even better, Qantas does it on the Airbus A380. Delivering Australians directly into the landscape that dominates streaming right now. One minute you are in Sydney or Melbourne, the next you are stepping into a world of oil rigs, cattle country and Sheridan-style America.

Qantas did not choose Dallas Fort Worth by accident. The route exists because DFW is one of the most strategically important airports in the world. It is the primary hub of American Airlines, Qantas’s long-time oneworld partner, giving Australians seamless access to more than 200 onward destinations across the US, Latin America and beyond.

There is also a serious business case.

Texas has become one of America’s fastest-growing economic powerhouses, driven by energy, defence, aviation, logistics and private capital. Australian mining, energy and infrastructure companies have deep ties to the region, and premium corporate demand between Australia and Texas has surged over the past decade. Flying direct into Dallas Fort Worth avoids congested West Coast gateways like LAX and drops travellers straight into the heart of the US economy.

As Western culture finds new life on screen, the physical places behind those stories are suddenly closer than ever, even if we are 10,000kms away. Landman sells the fantasy, but Qantas sells the access. And right now, that combination feels perfectly timed.

Texas is no longer just a setting on your TV. It's just a direct flight away to sample the Landman life.

Read the full article Qantas, Texas And Paramount Plus’s Hit Series Landman Have More In Common Than You Think on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Business class comes with Champagne, lie-flat seats and an unspoken sense of calm. What it does not guarantee is immunity from crime. A 26-year-old man has been sentenced to 20 months in jail after attempting to steal another passenger’s carry-on bag mid-flight on a Singapore Airlines service from Dubai to Singapore.

Liu Ming boarded the August flight with intent. Prosecutors told the court he deliberately targeted business class passengers, assuming premium cabins meant premium valuables. He was seated only a few rows away from an Azerbaijani couple whose overhead luggage contained items worth more than S$100,000, roughly A$116,000.

The timing was calculated. After dinner service wrapped up and the cabin lights were dimmed, Liu moved through the aisle while most passengers slept.

The husband was asleep, but his wife woke to see Liu removing her husband’s bag from the overhead locker and carrying it back to his own seat. She confronted him immediately and alerted cabin crew when his explanation failed to add up.

Realising he had been caught, Liu returned the bag and claimed it was an honest mistake. Cabin crew were unconvinced and alerted ground staff ahead of landing. Liu was arrested on arrival at Changi Airport.

Inside the bag was a serious haul. Cash, a Huawei laptop, dozens of cigars, and two luxury watches, including an Audemars Piguet valued at more than S$51,000 and a Chopard worth over S$35,000. None of the items were stolen purely because the theft was interrupted so quickly.

Police later said Liu remained uncooperative and continued to deny wrongdoing, despite his own luggage being entirely different in size and material.

RELATED: Singapore Airlines Business Class Review: Luxury, Comfort, and Great Service

While the value of this case grabbed headlines, onboard theft is not unusual. Airlines globally have reported similar incidents, particularly on long-haul overnight routes where passengers sleep for hours at a time.

Cathay Pacific has previously warned passengers after repeated reports of overhead luggage theft on Europe to Asia services. Emirates has dealt with high-profile cases involving stolen watches and cash, often resulting in swift arrests on arrival in Dubai. Even legacy carriers like British Airways and Air France have issued reminders urging travellers to keep valuables close during overnight flights.

Budget airlines are no exception. Earlier this year, another Chinese national was jailed after stealing from a passenger on a Scoot flight into Singapore, reinforcing that opportunistic theft cuts across cabins and ticket prices.

Singapore’s tough stance is no accident. The city-state has built its global reputation on safety, order and predictability, qualities that underpin its success as a financial hub, aviation centre and tourism destination. Crimes that threaten public trust, especially on national symbols like airlines, are treated seriously.

Under Singapore law, theft carries heavy penalties when aggravating factors are present, including high-value items, premeditation, or offences committed in transit where victims are especially vulnerable. Prosecutors argued that allowing such crimes to spread onboard flights would undermine confidence in Singapore’s aviation system and tarnish its international image.

The result is a zero-tolerance approach designed to deter copycat behaviour. Jail terms are not symbolic warnings. They are meant to be seen, reported, and remembered.

For travellers, the message is blunt. Singapore remains one of the safest places in the world, but that safety is actively enforced. Business class may feel insulated, but vigilance still matters. Keep valuables under the seat in front of you, use discreet cases, and never assume altitude equals security.

Authorities in Singapore made it clear that sentences will be firm, warning that thefts onboard national carriers risk damaging tourism and aviation reputations. For travellers, especially those flying with luxury watches or significant cash, the message is simple.

Business class may feel insulated, but vigilance still matters. Keep valuables under the seat in front of you, use discreet pouches, and do not assume altitude equals safety. Even at cruising height, someone is always watching.

Read the full article Business Class Bag Thief Jailed After Targeting Luxury Watches On Singapore Airlines Flight on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Most people own a rewards credit card. Very few actually use it properly. The gap between the two is not subtle. It is free flights, upgrades, lounge access, and a loyalty balance that grows every month instead of stagnating.

The biggest misconception is that points come from “treat” purchases. In reality, they come from boring, unavoidable spending.

If you are disciplined, pay your balance in full, and funnel the right categories through your card, the points take care of themselves. These are the five expenses Australians should always be charging if they want their airline and loyalty balances to move properly.

This one's a no-brainer.

Flights, hotels, car hire, and travel experiences should always be charged to your credit card / rewards card. Many credit cards offer higher earn rates on travel, and booking direct with airlines can trigger additional multipliers.

Beyond points, you are also activating built-in travel insurance, purchase protection, and dispute coverage. If you are travelling for work or mixing business and leisure, this category alone can quietly generate a serious number of points each year.

RELATED: What Are The Best Australian Credit Cards To Maximise Rewards Points & Perks?

This is where most people underestimate their earning power. Groceries, fuel, household supplies and bottle shop runs are high-frequency expenses that add up quickly over a year.

Running these through a points card turns routine spending into steady accumulation. Some cards also offer periodic bonus earn promotions with major supermarket and fuel chains, which can accelerate balances even further if you pay attention.

Streaming services, phone plans, cloud storage, gym memberships, software tools, meal kits, and digital subscriptions are perfect for points because they require no effort once set up.

These charges run quietly in the background, generating points every month. They also create a clean audit trail, making it easier to see what you are actually paying for while your loyalty balance ticks upward.

This is the category many Australians overlook, especially business owners and self-employed professionals. BAS payments, PAYG instalments, income tax bills and other government charges can often be paid by credit card via the ATO or approved payment platforms.

Yes, there is usually a small processing fee. But for large tax payments, the points earned can significantly outweigh the cost, particularly if it helps you hit a sign-up bonus or maintain a higher points tier. For businesses, this can mean tens or even hundreds of thousands of points earned from expenses you cannot avoid anyway.

Handled strategically, tax payments are one of the fastest ways to build a meaningful airline balance without changing spending behaviour at all.

Use Sniip if you want to maximise points, as banks can be stingy with 1 for 1 points on ATO payment.

I have a mate who owns a car wholesale business, every car that is purchased is done on Amex. This nets him millions of points for business class flights to Europe every year.

So of you run a business, freelance, or regularly incur reimbursable expenses, your credit card should be doing the heavy lifting. Flights, accommodation, client lunches, ride-shares, parking, office supplies, software subscriptions and marketing spend all belong here.

You earn the points, submit the receipt, and the reimbursement clears the balance. Done correctly, this is effectively free accumulation. Many frequent flyers are not travelling more. They are simply smarter about where business spend flows.

The rule that makes this work

None of this matters if you carry a balance. Interest wipes out the value of points instantly. This only works if you treat your credit card like a debit card with delayed settlement and clear it in full every month.

Used properly, a rewards card is not about debt or status. It is about redirecting money you already spend into flights, upgrades and experiences that actually matter. For Australians who run businesses or manage large unavoidable expenses, it is one of the easiest loyalty hacks available.

That is the difference between owning a points card and actually using one.

Go get 'em, tiger.

Read the full article 5 Things You Should Always Put On Your Credit Card To Maximise Airline And Loyalty Points on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Arriving in Noosa, there was a palpable energy in the air. Even waiting at Arrivals, as the fly-ins collected their hard-shell suitcases protecting their raceday road bikes, there was an undeniable excitement and fervour ahead of them.

After a short drive to our hotels on Hastings Street, it was abundantly clear that we were in for a stellar racing weekend, with thousands of people nipping in and out of shops and cafes and bars, dressed head-to-toe in their running best. 

Of course, Noosa is built for this. Speaking with the taxi driver, who knew a guy (who knew a guy), he revealed that for many of the businesses on the strip, the Noosa Tri is the biggest weekend of the year, with more than 13,000 participants across the varying events that weekend.

Factor in friends and family, and you’ll struggle to find a bigger and better triathlon event across the country. It’s no wonder the Ironman has continued to thrive in recent years. 

By the time you walk through the athlete village, it’s easy to see why the Garmin Noosa Triathlon has earned its reputation as the world’s largest Olympic-distance triathlon. 

Whether you’re a runner, swimmer or cyclist (or in Noosa for the weekend, all three), the village is heaven on earth for Australia’s athletes; activations line the space, which is more festival than race, with elite athletes and first-timers alike sharing the same coffee carts, the same pre-race nerves as we got closer to the start line. 

Chatting to a few of the competitors, I could feel the shared anticipation in every conversation. “What are your target splits?”, “How many gels are you taking?”, “Will we avoid the Queensland storms?”

Come race morning, Noosa Main Beach transforms into a sea of neoprene and colour, as the sunrise creeps over the horizon and the athletes wade into the water. 

I wouldn’t worry that the first event sounds before most people get out of bed in the morning. In Noosa, the crowd has already started to build along the shoreline; cowbells and cheers are ringing through the early haze. 

For many, this is the moment they’ve trained all year for. For others, it’s their first taste of triathlon. But whether you’re chasing a personal best or just the finish line, there’s a sense of unity that can’t be manufactured. It’s what keeps people coming back year after year. And something you really have to experience for yourself. 

The course itself is quintessential Noosa: a crystal-clear swim in Laguna Bay, a rolling bike leg through the hinterland, and a run that winds through the heart of town before finishing in front of roaring crowds. 

It’s the kind of race that you can’t wait to get into. Between the beautiful coastal scenery and the incredible support from the sidelines, it’s hard not to get swept up in the moment. Even for me, and I wasn’t even competing.

By Sunday afternoon, with medals hanging proudly and the sun beginning to dip behind the palms, Hastings Street hums with a well-deserved celebration. Restaurants are packed, beers are clinking, and conversations bounce between race stories and plans for next year. That’s the thing about Noosa: once you’ve experienced it, it’s hard not to think about the next time. 

For the locals, it’s a highlight on the calendar. For first-timers, it’s a revelation. And for the thousands who travel here each November, it’s a reminder of why this sport has an almost addictive quality. 

When entries for the 2026 Garmin Noosa Triathlon open on Thursday, 20 November, I’m expecting the same rush and excitement that filled the Arrivals terminal on Day Zero. This is the triathlon to be part of. And if you know, you know: once you’ve done Noosa, nothing else comes close. After all, this is one of the most iconic race weekends in the world.

Read the full article How Noosa Became The Unmissable Event For Australia’s Triathletes on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

There’s a strange paradox in aviation right now: some of the best run airlines in the world can’t seem to nail their premium experience.

They’re operationally slick, punctual, financially sound, and their crews couldn’t be friendlier, yet when it comes to Business and First, you’re still staring at a 10 inch screen, eating reheated pasta, and wondering why your “lie flat” seat slopes like a hinterland farm stay carpark.

The reason isn’t incompetence. It’s strategy. And money.

Many of these airlines, think Qantas, American Airlines, United, Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines' regional subsidiaries, or Japan Airlines’ domestic routes, know exactly what they’re doing. They’re prioritising efficiency, yield management, and fleet utilisation over cabin glamour. In other words, they’re good at being airlines, not luxury hotels at 40,000 feet.

In the premium cabin game, product refresh cycles can run a decade or more. What looked cutting edge in 2014 is practically archaeological today.

When management finally signs off on a new seat, it has to survive endless rounds of engineering, certification, and supplier delays, often across multiple aircraft types.

The result? By the time that shiny new suite actually flies, it’s competing with a competitor’s newer, better version.

Then there’s the bean counting reality.

A fully refreshed business cabin costs millions per aircraft. For many carriers, the math simply doesn’t work when most of their routes are under eight hours or when premium traffic isn’t consistent year round. It’s why you’ll find cutting edge seats on a flagship Sydney to London route and the same tired recliners on a Sydney to Singapore hop.

Brand philosophy also plays a part.

Some airlines, particularly legacy flag carriers, see premium travel as a necessary evil, not a profit driver.

They know the money’s in the middle: corporate travellers on discounted business fares, high yield economy passengers, and freight. I feel most American airlines fall into this black hole but we're seeing this change thanks to Delta's very cool business cabin.

So instead of rolling out suites and caviar, they quietly spend on what matters more to them, fuel efficiency, staff retention, and fleet reliability.

Contrast that with Emirates and Qatar Airways. These carriers treat Business and First as the core of their brand narrative, a billboard at 35,000 feet. They’re not just selling a seat; they’re selling an identity. You remember the Dom Pérignon, the sliding doors, and the pyjamas.

For airlines like Qantas or United, that kind of theatricality doesn’t align with their culture of pragmatic reliability. They want to be good, not OTT glamorous. That said, I would not exactly put QF in the same box as UA when it comes to the premium cabins.

The irony is that customers remember glamour. When you drop ten grand on a ticket, you expect a story worth telling, not a good spreadsheet. And that’s where the world’s “good” airlines often stumble. They’ve mastered the logistics, the safety, the punctuality, but they’ve forgotten the fantasy.

At a time when private jets, boutique carriers, and ultra premium cabins are resetting expectations, the best airlines in the world risk being remembered for everything except their premium experience. Because in luxury travel, competence alone doesn’t cut it.

You have to make people feel something, and no Google Sheets spreadsheet can teach that.

Read the full article Why Great Airlines Suck At Luxury on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Time permitting, I try to get back to London at least once a year. It’s a long trip from Sydney, and one that I was always reluctant to repeat, but I’ve come to treat it as part of the ritual rather than a chore, thanks entirely to Cathay Pacific.

I first chose Cathay because it’s part of the oneworld network, meaning the British Airways points I’d slowly amassed through my travels could be joined with Asia Miles for a Premium Economy upgrade… and, for this trip, a chance to experience the airline’s world-class Cantonese cuisine.

There are plenty of things to look out for when reviewing flights, but for me, I’ve always believed the measure of an airline isn’t in its seat size or entertainment system, but in the quality of the in-flight meal. 

I think it’s a chance for the airline to demonstrate, in no uncertain terms, what it stands for and the service it endeavours to deliver. For me, Cathay Pacific gets this right every time.

The Sydney-London flight has become something I now look forward to. I’ve learned to settle in, take note of the small details, and appreciate the quiet precision of Cathay’s service that begins the moment you set foot onto the aircraft. 

From the lounge to the last bite at altitude, it feels less like air travel and more like dining in a Hong Kong restaurant, with a view over the clouds rather than Victoria Harbour; the result of proud partnerships with some of Hong Kong’s most respected restaurants. 

In Premium Economy and Economy, the airline has worked with Michelin-starred Yat Tung Heen to bring genuine Cantonese flavours into the cabin, beautifully served every time.

My flight from Hong Kong began with a Yat Tung Heen creation that immediately set the tone: smoked duck breast with pickled mustard greens and galangal.

After a couple of hours in front of the screen, a perfectly-cooked Chiu Chow-style braised duck was a welcome treat; the dish was rich and tender, the pickled vegetables added sharpness, while the galangal introduced a warm, aromatic heat. It was a stunning feed, and truly    for the rest of the in-flight dining experience.

For the main course, I chose the braised beef brisket and tendon in chu hou sauce. The beef fell apart with the touch of the fork, and the chu hou sauce, made from fermented soybean paste, gave off a deep richness that tasted unmistakably like home cooking. It was comfort food, perfectly executed at 30,000ft. 

Across the cabin, other dishes like the crispy halibut with supreme soy sauce or the stir-fried seafood with jade melon and XO sauce carried the same balance and texture that define great Cantonese cooking. I’m assuming, of course. But with a sea of smiling faces, the other passengers nodded along just fine. 

Even at this altitude, the flavours were inventive. A glowing reminder that, for Cathay Pacific, every journey is an experience to remember.

Of course, before setting off, I was already leaving Hong Kong satisfied. Full. But with access to The Pier, First lounge (for just the second time, I should add), I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to start my culinary journey during my layover. 

Cathay Pacific has partnered with Mott 32, one of the most awarded Chinese restaurant brands in the world, to bring authentic, yet contemporary takes on traditional Chinese cuisine into The Pier, First lounge, with seasonal tasting menus alongside monthly à la carte options.

It’s a Hong Kong institution, and one I knew I had to try. So I sampled the crispy crab puff and the Sichuan-style dumplings with chilli sauce first. I then ordered (more) braised wagyu beef with aged tangerine peel, taking a rest ahead of my second leg to London. 

Throughout the lounge, however, First Class guests were enjoying a wider spread from Mott 32’s enviable selection. Crispy mushrooms were served alongside sesame green beans, whilst free-range chicken with Sichuan peppercorn and chilli sauce, and hand-wrapped Sichuan pork dumplings looked so inviting that I was tempted to go back in for another round. 

Pan-fried prawns with pickled ginger and chilli bean paste were the other main on offer, and, honestly, even after finishing what was my first braised beef of the day, I was starting to get FOMO from all the dishes I could have sampled. Like at the end of the game show, when the host tells you what you could have won.

To finish, the fully-stocked bar promised Hong Kong Iced Tea, a vibrant blend of tea, blackcurrant, and a touch of tequila and Lillet Blanc, to perfectly round out the lounge experience.

And this is exactly what you come to expect from the Cathay Pacific experience. Every cabin, on every flight; every table in the First Class lounge, Cathay’s dedication to service and experience is unmistakable. 

Whether on the ground, in lounges like the redesigned The Bridge in Hong Kong International Airport, or across the fleet, the airline stays true to its traditional Hong Kong roots while setting a world-class standard for premium air travel.

Honestly, for anyone who knows the innate challenges of long-haul travel, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s all cramped seats and stale coffee. But with Cathay Pacific, the 5-star experience extends beyond just the First Class offering, welcoming each and every one of its passengers with signature hospitality. This is flying done properly. Where you can genuinely be excited about the in-flight meal, and fall in love with long-haul travel again.

Read the full article The Airline That Made Me Fall Back In Love With Long-Haul Travel on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Hong Kong may have a reputation for being one of the busiest transfer airports in the APAC region, but look beyond baggage claim, outside of Arrivals, and you’ll quickly discover one of the world’s most exclusive destinations for a weekend away. One where indulgence isn’t ever frowned upon; it’s encouraged. 

As you’d expect here, hotels are the real introductions to Hong Kong, and this city, where vast fortunes are parked, traded, and flaunted, is home to some of the best accommodation in the world.

The Upper House is still one of my favourites in the city: a design-led sanctuary above Admiralty, serene and uncluttered, where the city feels a world away. 

Across the water, Rosewood Hong Kong is bold and contemporary, plugged into K11 Musea and dripping with art and power. The Mandarin Oriental remains the grand old dame, service as sharp as ever, suites that still command the harbour like a captain’s bridge. 

St. Regis offers a quieter luxury, André Fu interiors and butlers who mix martinis in your room, while K11 ARTUS is for travellers who want to move like residents, with private balconies over Victoria Dockside framing the skyline like IMAX.

Breakfast represents the first opportunity to deal in decadence, with Madame Fu at Tai Kwun offering a weary traveller velvet banquettes and restored colonial walls; croissants and champagne if the night before was heavy on the head. Guests of The Upper House won’t have far to travel for the morning, with Salisterra serving Mediterranean plates and a continental breakfast with spectacular views across the harbour.

Getting around Hong Kong, the city’s taxis are fine if you’re haggling over markets, but if you’re staying with The Peninsula, this 5-star institution boasts the largest hotel-owned fleet of Rolls-Royce cars in the world, with 14 Phantom extended wheelbase limousines in Hong Kong, plus vintage models in Beijing, Shanghai and Tokyo.

Once you’ve sorted your wheels, head to Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, where you’ll find the Asian flagships of Louis Vuitton and Hermès.

This stretch is Hong Kong’s answer to Fifth Avenue or the Rue Saint-Honoré, and in a city where wealth is overtly on display, these flagships are among the nicest boutiques in the world.

The Louis Vuitton here is one of the brand’s largest worldwide, its windows refreshed as often as a gallery exhibition. Hermès sits nearby, selling scarves and leather, inviting its best clients upstairs for private viewings of objects you’ll likely have to wait years for.

Money moves differently here. Unlike Paris or Milan, where shopping can feel performative, Canton Road is pure transaction. 

A chauffeured Maybach idles at the curb, a sales associate recognises a client before they cross the threshold, and within minutes, shopping assistants are carrying armfuls of boxes out to the car.

As of 2024, the city ranked second in the world by number of billionaires, housing around 107 ultra-high net worth individuals. This influx of wealth is like a magnet effect: low taxes, open capital flows, and a financial infrastructure that sits just behind London and New York make Hong Kong the premier port for global capital.

Shopping in Hong Kong feels less about buying a belt or a bag than witnessing luxury functioning at its highest level. One that’s fast, precise, and entirely normalised.

A short glide away in your chauffeur-driven car is LANDMARK in Central, the horological Disneyland in Hong Kong, exhibiting some of the rarest watches and fine jewellery. 

Here, the names read like a roll call of timekeeping royalty – Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger-LeCoultre – with appointments that are hushed, private, and often involve a glass of Champagne or Single Malt while a tray of unobtainable references is quietly presented. So pick a reference, pick a year, and get comfortable. 

And for the true insiders, watch collecting in Hong Kong isn’t confined to boutiques at all, but rings around to the addictive sound of the auctioneer’s gavel. 

Sotheby’s and Phillips transform the city into the global stage for horological theatre. Catalogues drop like manifestos, glossy tomes filled with Pateks, Daytonas and Richard Milles that will hammer for the price of Sydney penthouses.

In the days leading up to the sale, previews are held in hotel ballrooms or galleries, where collectors and curious onlookers alike slip on white gloves and cradle pieces they’ll likely never see again. If you’re in HK for one of these, they’re surprisingly accessible, and a must-see for serious enthusiasts.

Now, all that shopping can bring on quite the thirst in a city like Hong Kong. And naturally, cocktails here demand your full attention. 

Artesian at The Langham takes its cues from London (so, think gin) but adds a routine Hong Kong swagger to its offering, with premium drinks served in porcelain dragons and menus shifting as fast as the markets. 

For something more intimate, head to Foxglove, a cocktail bar that’s tucked behind an umbrella shop; all brass, leather and live jazz. The sort of place tycoons come to disappear, not be seen.

But in a city where whisky auctions can reach seven figures and rare bottles are traded like blue-chip stocks, the bar is as much a trading floor as it is a lounge.

What sets Hong Kong apart isn’t just its ability to host luxury, but the way luxury and capital are fused. 

In Deep Water Bay, billionaires live within a few blocks of one another, quietly competing on the waterline. In Central, property has long been the city’s biggest asset class, a wealth engine so strong it once made Hong Kong the most expensive office market in the world.

Spend a weekend here and you’ll easily find yourself slipping into a steady rhythm of a city that celebrates success. One that deals out chauffeured cars, rooftop terraces, flagship boutiques and Michelin stars for all its guests. 

And for the traveller who understands that real luxury can be found in belonging, few cities in the world deliver with more precision.

DMARGE readers will have exclusive access to July’s upcoming giveaway, an all-inclusive $7,500 journey to Hong Kong, complete with July’s signature Classic Checked Set. Competition runs until 31 October, so if you want to experience our selected Hong Kong picks, enter now. You don’t want to miss this. 

Read the full article This Could Be The World’s Most Stylish Weekend Destination on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Qantas has launched a massive Red Deal Sale today, dropping fares across nearly every international route, including Business Class flights to South America for under $5,000 return.

The national carrier’s latest sale spans destinations in the Americas, Asia, the UK, New Zealand and the Pacific, with Business Class returns to Santiago and Buenos Aires starting from $4,998.

That’s roughly half the usual price for Qantas’ premium cabin, complete with lie flat beds, lounge access and multi-course dining. São Paulo also features in the sale at around $6,000 return, alongside $3,799 fares to Bangkok, $3,899 to Singapore, and just $2,499 to Bali in Economy.

It’s a rare moment of generosity from our Flying Kangaroo, which is typically more conservative with premium fare discounts. The timing, however, is no coincidence.

With international travel demand stabilising post-pandemic and competition ramping up from the likes of Emirates, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines, Qantas is clearly prioritising load factors over profit margins heading into 2026.

The airline has also been quietly rolling out upgrades to its A380 and Dreamliner fleets, with refreshed Business Suites, better in-flight dining, and improved entertainment systems designed to win back travellers who shifted to rival carriers.

This sale, which runs until 11.59pm AEDT on 5 November, appears to be part of a broader charm offensive to lure both leisure and corporate flyers back into the fold.

For those dreaming of Patagonia, Rio, or even a London Christmas, this might be the best chance in years to score a flat-bed experience without paying top-tier prices.

Check out some of the deals now.

(Sale ends 11.59pm AEDT, 5 November 2025. Limited seats and travel periods apply.)

Read the full article $6,000 Business Class Flights To South America — Qantas Launches Global ‘Red Deal’ Sale on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Authorities are investigating the death of an 80-year-old Australian woman who was left behind on Lizard Island after a group hike from the Coral Adventurer cruise ship.

The woman had joined fellow passengers on an excursion to Cook’s Look, the island’s highest point, before deciding to rest and separate from the group. When the vessel departed at sunset, her absence went unnoticed until hours later, prompting the ship to return and launch a search with the help of local authorities. Her body was found the following morning.

Lizard Island, located about 250 kilometres north of Cairns, is one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most remote and pristine destinations.

Known for its coral gardens, national park trails, and luxury eco-resort, it is a regular stop for high-end expedition cruises operating along the reef’s northern reaches.

The Coral Adventurer, owned by Cairns-based company Coral Expeditions, is a small-ship vessel designed for deep exploration of Australia’s coastline and neighbouring islands.

Built in 2019, it carries 120 guests with a crew of 46 and is equipped with tenders for day trips and shore landings. The company specialises in immersive voyages to locations that large ocean liners cannot access, offering itineraries that can last weeks and cost tens of thousands of dollars.

According to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, the ship’s captain alerted authorities at around 9pm on Saturday after discovering the woman was missing. Helicopters and search crews worked through the night before locating the body the following morning.

A report is being prepared for the coroner, and police say the death is being treated as non-suspicious.

Coral Expeditions’ chief executive, Mark Fifield, expressed condolences to the woman’s family, describing the incident as a “tragic death” and confirming the company was cooperating fully with investigators.

Witnesses sailing nearby told the ABC they saw helicopters circling the island overnight, with crews searching trails by torchlight until the early hours of Sunday.

The woman was reportedly only one stop into a 60-day circumnavigation of Australia, a rare journey for expedition cruise enthusiasts seeking to explore the nation’s most isolated coasts.

For many, these small-ship voyages are a bucket-list experience offering a closer, more personal view of the Great Barrier Reef’s fragile beauty.

This week, that world of quiet luxury and natural wonder was overshadowed by the kind of tragedy that reminds travellers of the risks, however rare, of adventure at sea.

Read the full article $80,000 Cruise Turns Tragic After Passenger Left Behind On Remote Island on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Landing at Chek Lap Kok, the first wellness move is not to overcomplicate things after a long flight, so a private transfer is the best way to glide across the harbour, dropping you at The Upper House: a calming sanctuary above that feels more Kyoto than Central. 

Once you’ve checked in, dinner is Mediterranean at Salisterra, all seasonal produce and balanced plates. With three days in Hong Kong, there’ll be plenty of time to explore all this city has to offer, so you can’t go wrong with European flavours on the first night, watching the neon-lit skyline slowly fade to black. 

Hong Kong may have a reputation for relentless hustle; a financial hub moving at the speed of its markets, bridging Asia with every corner of the globe. And, whether rightly or wrongly, wellness isn’t what most people expect here.

But at The Upper House, it’s been built into the very fabric of the luxury experience; relaxing rituals that help you reset before stepping back into the swathes of activity below.

On the first morning, set your alarm and enjoy all that this design-led luxury hotel has to offer: A 24-hour fully-equipped gym, yoga mats on standby for private flow sessions, and in-room treatments that use Bamford’s organic products, so recovery remains an important part of your routine.

Guests can lean into holistic therapies, meditation, and the kind of slow rituals that counterbalance busier days below. It’s the perfect way to ease into a city of extremes like Hong Kong, where no two days are the same. 

Breakfast today could be something light, like a sourdough egg tart and milk tea or a croissant from Bakehouse, but guests can also take advantage of The Upper House’s premier morning offering. Fuel today will be essential for the first activity of a three-day itinerary. 

From the shaded Pok Fu Lam Reservoir, this morning’s trail is just a short ride from Central yet feels like an entirely different world, where banyan trees twist over stone paths and the clean green air is abundant. 

The trail is wide and well-marked, a mix of dirt paths and old colonial stonework, with occasional breaks in the canopy where you can see the South China Sea flashing between the ridgelines, with the calls of kingfishers and monkeys to gently carry you through.

If you don’t feel like hiking back down, the Peak Tram is there to take you back into Central in under ten minutes, giving you a different angle on the skyline you just conquered.

After freshening up at the hotel, the day turns to evening, and the skyline begins to flicker with the city’s characteristic bright lights. So, for the best views from below, take a trip across Hong Kong’s iconic harbour in one of the city’s most authentic modes of transport, the Aqua Luna. 

Also known as junk boats, these wooden sailing boats, instantly recognisable with their eye-catching red sails, have ferried locals and tourists through the port city for centuries, and still exist as an enduring symbol of Hong Kong to this day.

2025’s offerings, however, are slightly more refined, with loungers to relax and recline as the red sails continue to fan against the skyline. 

After a traditional Cantonese dinner at T’ang Court in The Langham, we’ll head to Mostly Harmless in Sai Ying Pun, a cocktail bar that specialises in alcohol-free creations. 

Drinks are crafted with local produce – think Farm to Glass – that are found on their food menu, making their way into their wet selection for a unique take on a night out. The perfect option for Hong Kong’s burgeoning wellness space. 

The next morning, trade sweat for stillness, and enjoy a day of culture at M+, Asia’s global museum of contemporary visual culture in West Kowloon. This is the city’s flagship museum of contemporary visual culture, and one of the most ambitious cultural projects in Asia. It’s the region’s answer to MONA or Tate Modern. 

Before even heading in, take a look at the architecture and scale of the Herzog & de Meuron building itself: a minimalist, monolithic slab with a massive LED façade overlooking Victoria Harbour. A must-visit for any traveller arriving in Hong Kong.

After walking through the exhibits, head out on a long urban walk through Yau Tsim Mong, with flower markets, bird gardens and food stalls; proof that wellness doesn’t always have to feature a yoga mat and a dehumidifier.

Sitting at the base of the Kowloon Peninsula, Yau Tsim Mong is one of Hong Kong’s most intense and fascinating districts, with three neighbourhoods stitched together: Yau Ma Tei, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Mong Kok.

It’s where Hong Kong’s grit meets its inherent glamour, shopping for sneakers in Mong Kok in the afternoon, before sipping Japanese whisky at one of Hong Kong’s many award-winning bars, like DarkSide in Tsim Sha Tsui by night.

For dinner this evening, head to Roganic, a Michelin-starred (and a Michelin Green Star) restaurant by Simon Rogan in Causeway Bay. It’s a chef’s favourite.

Here, guests won’t be forced to endure white-tablecloth formality. Instead, it carries Rogan’s farm-to-table, zero-waste philosophy, boasting an ever-changing menu that champions the region’s locally sourced produce, with seafood from southern waters.

Hong Kong is surely a city of contrasts, with fast-paced energy giving way to a relative calm, so the next morning, recovery becomes the priority… and Mandarin Oriental delivers it in layers.

The early gym session will realign the body, a swim will clear the head, and a 90-minute Oriental Qi treatment will reset just about everything else.

Lunch is Cantonese heritage at Yung Kee, an HK institution that has been serving traditional roasted goose, a recipe that has been honed over decades, since 1942.

The afternoon unfolds in Old Town Central, where wellness means moving at street pace, exploring Bauhaus architecture at Central Market, drifting through PMQ’s design studios, inhaling incense at Man Mo Temple, before capping the wander with milk tea at Lan Fong Yuen and egg tarts from Tai Cheong Bakery.

I often find walking through a new city is the best form of therapy, and Hong Kong’s sights and sounds never disappoint. Wellness here isn’t always found in a juice bar tucked away in a shopping mall. It’s found in centuries-old cuisine, hikes that meander through overgrown forest and moon-lit harbour cruises that deliberately take their time.

Of course, spa rituals can tune the body, and of those, Hong Kong has many. But it’s in the ritual of this city where we found a balance, and uncovered a hidden gem just a short flight from home.

Feeling inspired? DMARGE readers can now enter July’s upcoming giveaway to win an all-inclusive $7,500 journey to Hong Kong, complete with July’s signature Classic Checked Set. 

Competition runs until 31 October, so if you’ve had Hong Kong on the bucket list for too long, get involved. Good luck. 

Read the full article Inside Asia’s Most Underrated Travel Destination For Luxury Wellness on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

For many, Hong Kong might always remain either a city to tick off or one simply to transfer through. But they could not be more wrong. This is a place you slip into; a city that rewards curiosity and simply doesn’t allow you to take the day as it comes.

You can fly in for a weekend and leave thinking it’s just malls and skyscrapers, or you can spend three days digging into the grit and the glamour, the surf shacks, the whisky dens, the hidden art spaces, and see it for what it really is: one of the most diverse cities on earth.

First things first, you’ll need to get your bearings. Stepping off at Central, it’s clear to see just how compact and layered Hong Kong is. Where you choose to spend your time will shape the trip, so for a luxury-minded traveller, three neighbourhoods stand above the rest.

Central & Soho is the city’s sharpest edge, where you’ll find finance towers, Michelin-starred restaurants, whisky dens and members’ clubs for a late-night tipple. If you want tailoring, rooftop bars, and a nightlife that moves from discreet to chaotic in seconds, this is your hub.

Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), otherwise known as the Kowloon waterfront, is another that deserves special mention, right by The Rosewood and The Peninsula. It’s all about harbour views, modern art at K11 Musea, and late-night cocktail haunts like DarkSide. If you’re heading to HK for one of the world’s most unique skylines, you could do worse than TST.

For me, Sai Kung is this city’s surprise card, offering boat charters through the islands, long seafood lunches on the waterfront, and hidden beaches you’ll share with almost no one. It’s the barefoot luxury side of Hong Kong, where the locals tend to flock to escape the city for the great outdoors. It’s arguably one of the more untouched areas of HK.

Special mention to Sham Shui Po (Kowloon) for grit-meets-creativity and Jordan/Yau Ma Tei for old-school Hong Kong neon and food culture. But it’s not the kind of place that James Bond would holiday, if you take my meaning.

The Upper House is the choice for readers who like understated luxury that’s a calm, design-led sanctuary perched above Admiralty. It’s where you retreat after a night in the city and forget that there’s even traffic hurling around outside.

The Ritz-Carlton bears the weight of the name and is arguably one of the most prestigious hotels in the city, 118 floors up, with Ozone bar floating in the clouds. 

Rosewood is Hong Kong’s relatively new power hotel, another 5-star offering with Tony Chi-designed rooms with spectacular views of the water in Kowloon. Nights here are filled with art, jazz, and whisky. A must for the more culturally-inclined readers in the room. 

The Peninsula has a reputation amongst Hong Kong society for a reason. It’s heritage, with silver service and Rolls-Royces parked out the front. 

If you prefer tradition, Island Shangri-La still delivers impeccable Asian service. But each boasts a unique charm, and whichever you choose, you’ll undoubtedly have the perfect base from which to start your HK adventure.

As you’d expect, the food on offer at these hotels can be considered some of the best breakfast buffets in the city. 

But if you want to truly start the day like a local, head to a cha chaan teng, one of Hong Kong’s no-frills diners, and order a pineapple bun with scrambled eggs and milk tea. It’s sweet, salty, caffeinated, and does more for you than an oat latte. 

If you’re staying at The Upper House, you can grab something on the run at Great Food Hall inside Pacific Place or stop by Bakehouse for a more sit-down experience.

From Kowloon, follow the suited bankers into noodle shops and let the city’s intoxicating sights and sounds wake you up properly. Or, if you prefer a polished start, The Peninsula’s breakfast buffet is practically a rite of passage.

From there, Hong Kong splits open, but when the sun’s out, get moving. For Australian surfers, Big Wave Bay is your spot. Grab a board, paddle out under jungle ridges, and forget that you’re 20 minutes from one of the busiest financial centres in the world.

Just a short drive or hike from Big Wave Bay, Shek O is bigger, flatter, and more about the vibe. Here you’ll find BBQ pits, beachside Thai restaurants, and a rowdy local crowd on weekends to indulge in some beers in the sun on plastic stools.

People tend to come here in groups, bring music, and turn it into an all-day party, so surf in the morning at Big Wave Bay, then walk or taxi over to Shek O for the perfect double-header.

A long hike (or boat) away, you’ll find Tai Long Wan: Hong Kong’s most beautiful surf beach. It’s where the locals go when a typhoon swell hits, so the waves could remind you more of home than Big Wave or Shek O. Once you’re in Ham Tin village, you’ll find rustic beach cafés serving fried rice, dumplings, and beer. Less “party,” more “surfer’s paradise" with BYO drinks around a campfire.

If you’re feeling adventurous from Shek O, Dragon’s Back is an iconic 8km ridgeline walk that ends at the beach, with views of Shek O, Tai Tam Bay, and even Lamma Island on a clear day. 

Start at To Tei Wan bus stop, climb steadily to Shek O Peak, where the city will simply disappear to reveal sweeping views of craggy coastlines, the South China Sea, and the enduring allure of Tai Tam Bay. 

Top tip here: bring water; there are no kiosks until you reach the village. It takes four hours if you stop for photos, which you will. If you’re short on time, Peninsula’s helicopter tour over Dragon’s Back offers a sweat-free alternative.

The obvious shopping streets are stuffed with Gucci and Dior, but if you’re after the niche, Central’s WOAW Store carries limited Japanese streetwear, sneakers you can’t find in any Paddington boutique, and the odd coffee table book worth lugging home. 

For tailoring, The Armoury in Pedder Building is the insider’s pick, while L&K Custom Tailor in Tsim Sha Tsui is where you get a suit cut fast, sharp and without Savile Row pretension. Skip the malls, unless you’re heading to Harvey Nichols at Landmark, where the menswear floor still surprises.

This is also the time to ride the Ding Ding trams: Hong Kong’s double-decker icons that have been clattering across the Island since 1904. More than a century later, they’re still one of the city’s cheapest luxuries with a flat rate, no matter the distance. 

Board at the back, alight at the front, and sit upstairs with the windows open as the city rattles by. 

For the artists, Hong Kong has two musts. M+ Museum in West Kowloon is Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture. It’s big, bold, and unmissable. 

After a quick trip back to the hotel, you’ll be ready to head out for the evening, ready to sample some of the city’s most innovative dining experiences. But, of course, this depends on your mood. 

For Cantonese done with precision, book Lung King Heen at the Four Seasons. It’s still one of the best in town. If you want atmosphere and one of Hong Kong’s best Cantonese fusion restaurants, Ho Lee Fook (try saying that after a few beers) in Soho does playful modern Chinese under red neon.

If you’ve got the right connections, The China Club in Central is the ultimate insider move for Hong Kong dining. Hidden on the 13th floor of the Old Bank of China Building, it’s a throwback to 1930s Shanghai: lacquered walls, cheongsam-clad staff, Peking duck carved tableside, cigars upstairs, and baccarat humming in the background. 

It’s as much theatre as it is dining, and you’ll need an invitation, or a hotel concierge with pull, to get through the door.

Evenings should always start and end with a drink and a view, and in a neon-lit city like Hong Kong, the vistas are around every corner.

Watch the red-sailed Aqua Luna junk boats drift past from DarkSide at Rosewood, whisky in hand and jazz humming. 

Ritz-Carlton guests can do the premium version at Ozone, the world’s tallest bar, where the junks look like sparks on the water. It’s one of the more old-fashioned sights of a city that’s ever-changing; one that welcomes the prospect of an industrialist future with a more traditional past. 

Once the evening begins to die down and the tourists head back to their hotels, Hong Kong reveals one of its best-kept secrets. This is a serious whisky city. 

Club Qing in Central is a pokey hole-in-the-wall joint above Lan Kwai Fong with over 150 bottles from all over the world; Mizunara: The Library in Wan Chai is where Japanese bartenders pour drams you’ll never see again. 

Butler in Tsim Sha Tsui is a slice of Ginza on the sixth floor of a nondescript building, old-school, reverent, intimate. Stockton is Central’s Edwardian speakeasy, all leather and shadow (and a personal favourite), and DarkSide doubles as one of the most decadent whisky bars in Asia.

If you prefer something more playful, The Diplomat in H Code mixes rare bottles into cocktails you’ll only drink once.

If it’s Wednesday, finish at Happy Valley Racecourse, Hong Kong’s answer to the Melbourne Cup. It’s locals yelling odds, expats carrying beer towers, and floodlit horses tearing past with a skyline behind them. It’s almost the quintessential Hong Kong experience: one that's fast and inherently chaotic.

If you happen to be in town 17–19 April 2026, the Hong Kong Sevens takes over the city. As someone who’s covered it before (in another life), it remains one of the best three days on the world rugby calendar — the fastest game on grass, played out in glorious chaos at Kai Tak Stadium and spilling into an unofficial city-wide festival everywhere else.

The tournament is pure energy: costumes in the stands, world-class rugby on the pitch, corporate boxes flowing with Champagne, and a crowd that somehow parties harder than it cheers. For Aussies, it’s a pilgrimage.

Three days in Hong Kong is about nuance. Surf in the morning, tailor fittings in the afternoon, whisky by night. Hike when it’s clear, eat dumplings on plastic stools when it’s not. 

Switch from art museums to back alleys, from Michelin stars to street skewers, from jazz bars to horse tracks. Base yourself at one of the city’s world-leading hotels, and let the city roll off you at the end of the day.

However you slice it, Hong Kong rewards style and curiosity, and in this city, the real luxury is knowing where to go. Ready to experience it for yourself? DMARGE readers can enter to win a $7,500 luxury getaway to Hong Kong courtesy of July, including July’s Classic Checked Set. Entries close 31 October. Consider this your boarding call.

Read the full article Luxury Travel’s Best-Kept Secret Isn’t Paris or Dubai on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

For decades, Qantas has positioned its First lounges in Sydney and Melbourne as the pinnacle of the flying experience, marble-clad temples to frequent flyer status and international prestige.

But walk through Changi’s Terminal 1 and you’ll discover that Qantas’ best lounge isn’t in Australia at all. The Qantas First Lounge Singapore is where the airline finally gets everything right: design, dining, service, and atmosphere.

We had the chance to experience it twice this year: first on the way to Geneva for Watches & Wonders, and again for a European holiday where we flew out on British Airways but came home on a Qantas leg. Both visits cemented the same conclusion, this isn’t just Qantas’ best lounge outside Australia, it may well be its best, full stop.

It’s not just a pit stop on the Kangaroo Route. This lounge feels like a deliberate statement; Qantas proving it can compete with the likes of Cathay’s The Pier in Hong Kong or Qatar’s Al Safwa in Doha, while still keeping its own Australian identity intact.

For status-hungry frequent flyers, it’s almost worth planning your itinerary just to pass through Singapore.

The lounge sits upstairs in Terminal 1, tucked discreetly near the D-gates. Unlike the cavernous Qantas Business Lounge next door, this space is smaller just 1,000 square metres with seating for around 240.

It’s intimate without being cramped, a deliberate contrast to the sprawling feel of Sydney’s flagship lounge. The entrance is subtle, marked by warm timber panelling rather than flashing signage.

You’re immediately greeted by staff who already know whether you’re connecting from Perth, Brisbane, or one of the flagship A380 services from Sydney and Melbourne. That familiarity is part of the experience service that begins before you’ve even sat down.

The Singapore lounge is the work of David Caon, Qantas’ long-time design collaborator, working with Akin Atelier. Caon is also responsible for the interiors of the A380 cabin refresh, and his design language runs through every detail here: Carrara marble, oak, and brass softened by warm lighting and low lines. It feels considered, calm, and unapologetically premium.

One of the cleverest touches is the use of artificial skylights. The lounge has no natural windows, but instead of leaving you in a bunker, Caon installed illuminated ceiling panels that replicate daylight. It’s a simple idea executed brilliantly — lifting the mood of the space and disguising the fact you’re sitting in the middle of an airport terminal.

The lounge is zoned with real precision: dining at the rear, casual lounge chairs scattered in clusters, long communal tables for work, and semi-private booths for those who want to hide away. Where Sydney’s First Lounge is about spectacle, Singapore is about intimacy.

The defining feature of every Qantas First Lounge is its Neil Perry menu. For more than 20 years, Perry has set the tone for the airline’s food program, and in Singapore his East-meets-West style is perfectly at home.

Forget buffets. Everything here is plated à la carte, delivered by attentive staff with the polish of a fine dining restaurant.

The salt and pepper squid, a cult favourite since the 1990s is a staple, but the local signatures shine brightest: crayfish laksa, wok-fried black pepper beef, and banana fritters with gula melaka ice cream.

The wine list leans heavily on Australian producers, balanced by Champagne and cocktails that actually feel curated rather than generic. And yes, the coffee is barista-made an essential for any Qantas frequent flyer.

Compared to Sydney or Melbourne, where menus now feel slightly predictable, Singapore’s offering is sharper and more in tune with its setting. It feels less like a lounge menu and more like a proper restaurant in the middle of Changi.

While Sydney is famous for its Champagne rivers and Melbourne for its long wine pours, Singapore takes a more balanced approach.

The bar here feels like it was designed for travellers who want to savour the night. Light spritzes and gin-based cocktails dominate, paired cleverly with the Asian-leaning menu.

It’s a small difference, but it’s part of what makes the lounge feel tuned to its environment. Where Sydney is brash and theatrical, Singapore is nuanced — a better fit for the evening A380 departures to Australia.

There are nine shower suites, and they’re some of the best you’ll find in any First Lounge. (I did manage to get a selfie but I will save your from the soapie horror.)

Think rainfall heads, stone-tiled walls, and shelves stocked with LaGaia Unedited products. They’re more spa than cubicle, with enough room to unpack a carry-on and reset properly before a long flight.

During peak departures you might face a short wait, but once inside, it feels like your own private sanctuary. Coming off a Perth–Singapore hop or heading into a 14-hour leg to London, it’s the difference between endurance and enjoyment.

They will give you a little buzzer much like an RSL when your Parmie is ready, it will buzz and your time for a glorious transit shower will be upon you.

WiFi is quick, power outlets are everywhere, and the seating is designed for comfort first. Unlike Emirates’ Dubai palaces or Qatar’s over-engineered Al Safwa, you won’t find spas or private suites here. But for a lounge where most guests spend three hours at most, the amenities hit the mark.

The exclusivity of the Singapore lounge is what gives it its polish. Access is limited to:

Golds and Business Class passengers are shunted to the larger Qantas International Business Lounge next door. That space is functional, bright, and busy but it doesn’t deliver the same sense of occasion.

The narrower entry criteria mean the First Lounge rarely feels chaotic. In Sydney, Platinum members often swamp the space before evening departures.

In Singapore, it feels more measured, and the staff can deliver more personalised service as a result.

Sydney First Lounge: Sydney wins on drama with its soaring glass tarmac views. But during peak waves, food and service can feel stretched. Singapore swaps spectacle for intimacy — and nails it.

Melbourne First Lounge: Melbourne is essentially Sydney’s smaller sibling, with fewer seats and less buzz. Singapore comfortably outclasses it for food and atmosphere.

Cathay Pacific The Pier, Hong Kong: The Pier’s tea room ambience is unmatched, but Qantas Singapore runs it close on dining and beats it for service consistency.

Singapore Airlines Private Room, Changi: The Private Room feels grand, polished, and very Singaporean. Qantas wins on individuality, thanks to Neil Perry’s menu and Caon’s boutique design.

Emirates First Lounge, Dubai: Emirates has scale and theatre — a lounge that literally spans an entire concourse. But it’s impersonal. Qantas Singapore feels more like a home away from home.

The lounge is designed around Qantas’ A380 operations, which dominate the late-night bank of departures from Changi. The aircraft themselves have been refreshed with new First suites and improved Business cabins, so the lounge feels like an extension of the onboard experience.

Even when you’re flying a Dreamliner to Brisbane or Perth, it still feels like a treat. Qantas has created a lounge that sometimes exceeds the aircraft it serves.

If you're flying first class with Qantas you will have your own conceirge who will escort you to your gate. Win!

The Qantas First Lounge Singapore is Qantas’ most complete lounge experience. The showers are world-class, the fake skylights disguise its lack of windows, and David Caon’s design gives the whole space a boutique feel that elevates it above its Australian siblings.

If you’re Platinum, Platinum One, or lucky enough to hold a First ticket, this is the lounge you’ll look forward to most on the Kangaroo Route.

For everyone else, the Business Lounge will get you through a layover, but it won’t feel anywhere near as special.

Read the full article Qantas’ Best Lounge Isn’t Even In Australia on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Australia’s travel industry has always been expensive, but there is something especially galling about being ripped off at the car rental counter.

It is an experience that should be simple: you book, you pay, you show up, you drive away. Instead, it has become one of the most frustrating parts of modern travel.

Recently, my parents discovered just how brutal these policies can be. They had prepaid for a car through Economybookings, turned up at Thrifty Downtown in Maroochydore, and were ready to begin their trip.

The problem was they forgot their driver’s licence. It was a small mistake with oversized consequences.

Thrifty refused to release the car (which is fair) but also refused to hold the car for 24 hours until the license could be presented. Then refused to refund the money that had already been paid. Economybookings insisted it was not their responsibility. Thrifty insisted it was not theirs.

RELATED: This Travel Scam Empties Wallets Before Holidays Even Begin, Every Single Time

A prepaid car rental had evaporated into a grey zone where no one was accountable, except for the customer who had already been charged.

This kind of inflexibility makes car rental companies feel less like service providers and more like opportunistic middlemen.

Forget your wallet and you lose the booking. Misplace the card you booked with and you are out of luck. Arrive late because of a delayed flight and it is your problem. Hotels and airlines have gradually adapted to the realities of modern travel by offering grace periods and at least some options for flexibility.

Rental car companies have doubled down on rigid, outdated rules that appear designed to squeeze travellers rather than serve them.

No one is arguing that a licence is not required to rent a car. The issue is the lack of good faith when a simple, honest mistake occurs. If a family forgets a licence, a company could hold the car for 24 hours. They could offer to rebook at a reduced cost once the licence is produced.

Instead they pocket the entire booking and offer nothing in return. This reveals the underlying truth: car rental companies are not interested in fairness, they are interested in revenue.

The story at Thrifty Maroochydore is not an isolated one. Ask around and you will hear dozens of similar tales. People charged “no show” fees after delayed flights. Customers billed for insurance they never agreed to. Travellers discovering “damage” days after returning a vehicle.

The common thread is a lack of transparency and an unwillingness to take responsibility. When third-party booking sites like Economybookings are involved, the accountability game becomes even murkier.

One side blames the other, and the customer is left stranded, out of pocket, and with little recourse.

Australian consumer law offers some protections, but the car rental industry has become expert at exploiting the cracks. If the contract never technically started because the licence was not presented, they argue that they do not owe a refund.

If a third-party site took your money, the rental company says the issue lies with them. Meanwhile, the third-party site points back to the rental company’s terms and conditions. By the time you have chased both sides in circles, the money is long gone and your holiday is ruined.

Contrast this with other parts of the travel industry. Airlines, for all their nickel and diming, generally allow changes or rebooking if something goes wrong.

Hotels often offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before check-in. Even budget accommodation platforms like Airbnb give customers flexibility. Car rental companies cling to rigidity as though it is a badge of honour.

The result is an industry that feels stuck in the 1990s while everyone else has moved into a world of customer-first flexibility.

Some will argue that it is the customer’s responsibility to bring documents and read the fine print. Personal responsibility matters.

But when companies take hundreds or thousands of dollars in advance and then refuse to offer any form of grace period, flexibility, or even a partial refund, the issue stops being about responsibility and becomes about fairness. The terms are not written to protect the business. They are written to profit from customer mistakes.

They are not asking to drive cars without licences. They are asking for a system that treats them like valued customers rather than easy targets. A system where genuine mistakes do not result in financial punishment, where companies show good faith, and where prepaid bookings actually mean something.

Until that happens, the message to travellers is simple: beware. Car rental companies, from Thrifty to their competitors, have built a model that thrives on inflexibility. They take your money first, argue later, and rarely act in the customer’s favour. As long as we accept it, they will keep doing it.

A 24 or 48 hour grace period should be mandatory. Accountability between third-party sites and rental companies should be clear and enforceable. If a booking is paid for in advance, the customer should never lose the full amount over a minor mistake.

Until then, travelers will continue to be ripped off at the rental counter and companies like Thrifty will continue to laugh all the way to the bank.

Read the full article Car Rental Companies Are Ripping Off Honest Travelers For This Very Simple Mistake on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Qantas has kicked off its latest Twice As Rewarding campaign, dangling the lure of either Double Status Credits or Double Qantas Points. On paper, it looks like the perfect excuse to book flights for the year ahead.

The hook is simple: register in the Qantas App or via qantas.com by 3 September, then book any Qantas or QantasLink flight for travel between 4 September 2025 and 22 August 2026. Even Qantas-operated Finnair flights and regional affiliates qualify. Jetstar, Emirates and other codeshares don’t.

Travellers also score double points on Qantas Hotels and Holidays packages, stacking six Qantas Points for every dollar spent. Business Rewards members get even more fattening double points for the business on top of whatever the flyer chooses personally.

RELATED: Qantas Classic vs. Classic Plus: How To Maximise Your Reward Flights

So far, so tempting. But here’s the kicker... any Double Status Credits earned will not count towards Lifetime Status. For frequent flyers inching toward Lifetime Gold, Platinum or Platinum One, this is the real sting.

In previous years, DSC promotions were the secret weapon for long-term loyalists looking to cement lifetime perks. Now, those hoping to cross the line are left flat-footed. Qantas has confirmed the same rules apply to the one-off Loyalty Gift of Status Credits being handed out to all members.

For status runners trying to jump to Gold or Platinum in the next 12 months, the deal is still valuable. For everyone else, especially those in it for the lifetime game, Qantas just shifted the goalposts.

The airline is selling it as “twice as rewarding,” but the fine print shows it’s only half the story.

Read the full article Qantas Pulls ‘Shifty Move’ On Its Gold & Platinum Members Seeking Double Status Credits on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Choosing the right credit card can be a minefield of fees and perks which often go unused. So here’s a practical, Australia-focussed deep dive into the cards that actually deliver value right now.

I’ve grouped them by what they’re best at, then added quick-read tables and a nuts-and-bolts explainer on fees, interest, networks and points. Where numbers matter, I’ve cited the bank or card issuer.

Australian cards are split into three broad camps: bank-issued Visa and Mastercard products that earn either airline points or flexible bank points, American Express proprietary cards that usually earn faster and add premium travel perks, and specialist “no FX fee” cards that strip costs for overseas and online spending.

Value almost always comes from perks and points, not carrying a balance.

Purchase interest on rewards cards typically sits around 20 to 24 percent p.a., so the game is to pay in full and harvest the benefits. MoneySmart has a good primer on how interest-free days work and why carrying debt on a rewards card is costly.

For Qantas loyalists who want speed, this is consistently one of the fastest earners on everyday spend. You get 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 on eligible purchases, boosted to 2.25 Qantas Points per $1 on eligible Qantas purchases, plus a $450 Qantas Travel Credit each year that offsets the $450 annual fee when used. Lounge perks are part of the bundle, and it runs on the Amex network which tends to deliver higher rewards than bank cards.

The sweet spot for flexible points in Australia. It earns 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 and includes a $400 Travel Credit against a $395 annual fee, so frequent domestic flyers can come out ahead by using the credit every year. Explorer’s MR points convert to multiple airline partners, which is valuable if you like shopping for the best award seat rather than locking into one program.

If you want a Visa/Mastercard for near-universal acceptance and no international transaction fees, this is a strong big-bank option. The $35 monthly fee is waived when you spend at least $4,000 in a statement period, it charges no international transaction fee on purchases, and you can opt to earn Qantas Points with an earn rate up to 1.2 Qantas Points per $1 to $10,000 per statement.

Another bank card that’s friendly for overseas and online shopping. NAB explicitly excludes this product from its international transaction fee, which pairs nicely with a premium benefits suite; the monthly fee is $35 and the purchase rate is 20.99 percent p.a. (focus on paying in full). You’ll earn flexible NAB Rewards points with multiple redemption routes including airline transfers, with partner terms updated regularly.

Velocity flyers get up to 1 Velocity Point per $1, two Virgin Australia lounge passes each year and an annual $129 Virgin Australia credit in exchange for a $329 annual fee. If you travel domestically with VA, those hard perks help the card pay for itself.

A workhorse Qantas earner from a big four bank with premium insurances. ANZ’s Key Facts Sheet puts the purchase rate at 20.99 percent p.a. and the annual fee at $425, while the Qantas earn structure lives in ANZ’s Frequent Flyer program terms. Use for spend you’ll pay off and book the included insurances when you travel.

If you prioritise a lower purchase rate over points, Westpac’s Low Rate card sits at 9.90 percent p.a., well under typical rewards-card pricing. It’s a more forgiving back-stop if a balance ever sneaks through, though the real win is still paying in full.

For overseas trips, foreign websites and marketplaces, 28° is popular because it charges no international transaction or currency conversion fees on purchases. If you usually use a rewards card day-to-day, keep a 28° in your wallet specifically for foreign currency transactions.

The premium charge card angle: an outsized suite of travel benefits and access to a wide lounge network in exchange for a high annual fee.

In Australia the fee is $1,450 and it includes a $450 Travel Credit. It’s best suited to frequent travellers who can exploit the lounge access, hotel status and statement credits each year.

Notes: “Applies” means the card charges an international transaction fee on non-AUD or overseas-processed purchases. Where issuers quote monthly fees, I’ve listed the monthly cost and any spend-to-waive rules. Always check the card’s Key Facts Sheet or Fees & Charges page for the latest numbers.

The fastest everyday earn on a Qantas card in Australia generally comes from the Qantas American Express Ultimate at 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 on eligible spend, bumping to 2.25 when you buy Qantas flights and services.

Some cards apply annual or statement-period caps or change earn rates after you hit a threshold; for example, Ultimate reduces the everyday earn after a large annual haul.

Check the earn tables on each product page and the program terms for caps and what doesn’t earn.

If you prefer airline flexibility, Amex Explorer’s 2 MR points per $1 feed into Membership Rewards with multiple airline partners, which can be richer than being locked to one frequent flyer program. That optionality is useful when Qantas Classic Rewards seats are scarce on your dates.

On the bank side, CommBank Ultimate can earn up to 1.2 Qantas Points per $1 to $10,000 per statement when you opt in to Qantas, and doesn’t charge international transaction fees, which makes it a practical all-rounder if you want a Mastercard that still feeds Qantas.

Velocity collectors who fly Virgin Australia get real-world value from lounge passes and the annual Virgin voucher that come with the Virgin Money High Flyer. The earn is up to 1 Velocity Point per $1 and the hard perks are easy to use.

Visa and Mastercard enjoy near-universal acceptance in Australia and overseas. American Express acceptance is strong in cities and with large retailers, but some smaller merchants add a surcharge or don’t take it. The Reserve Bank’s current payments review and industry submissions show average merchant service costs are lowest for debit and higher for credit, with Amex typically the most expensive for merchants, which is why surcharges are more common on Amex. Any reform the RBA adopts could influence rewards economics over time.

Foreign transaction fees are charged when you buy in a non-AUD currency or the transaction is processed overseas, even if the website looks Australian. If you spend internationally, pick a card with $0 international transaction fees like CommBank Ultimate Awards, NAB Rewards Signature or Latitude 28°. That one tweak can save roughly 2 to 3 percent on every foreign purchase. Always choose to pay in the local currency to dodge costly DCC at the terminal.

Start with your flight pattern.

If you live on Qantas domestically and chase Classic Rewards, Qantas Amex Ultimate or ANZ Frequent Flyer Black are easy to justify, with the Amex winning on sheer earn rate and perks if the merchants you use accept it.

If you split between airlines or want to shop for award seats, Amex Explorer’s flexible points are king.

Then layer in your overseas and online spend. If you regularly buy in USD, EUR or JPY, a no-FX card like Latitude 28° or a bank card with $0 FX fees will pay for itself.

If you like a single wallet card, CommBank Ultimate Awards or NAB Rewards Signature keep FX fees at zero without giving up rewards.

Finally, be honest about fees and interest. Westpac’s Low Rate card sits at 9.90 percent p.a., which is dramatically kinder than most rewards cards if you ever carry a balance.

For everyone else, the golden rule is to clear the statement in full. The ASIC MoneySmart guidance is blunt for a reason.

Key Facts Sheets are the truth serum.

They list purchase and cash advance rates, annual or monthly fees and late fees in a standardised format. Westpac, ANZ and CommBank publish theirs openly, and it’s worth grabbing the PDF before you apply so you know exactly what applies to you.

If you want outright points and perks, pair Qantas Amex Ultimate or Amex Explorer with a $0 FX card like Latitude 28° for anything priced in foreign currency.

Prefer to keep it on one plastic and still travel? CommBank Ultimate Awards or NAB Rewards Signature give you rewards plus $0 FX on a big-bank network. If you value a low rate above all else, Westpac Low Rate keeps costs down while you get organised.

And if you fly constantly and will use the benefits, Amex Platinum is the premium play that returns value through lounges, credits and status

DMARGE makes no commissions from any of the cards mentioned in this feature.

Read the full article The Secret Hierarchy Of Credit Cards In Australia And The Perks That Matter Most on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

On a recent Qantas flight through Changi I realised something: the era of the double-decked Qantas superjumbo is officially on borrowed time.

After years of being the Flying Kangaroo’s calling card, the A380 is being swapped out for the sleeker, longer-legged Airbus A350-1000.

Qantas has confirmed the new jets will gradually take over its flagship routes, including Sydney–London, Sydney–New York, and Los Angeles services from 2030.

The A380 gave you 485 seats and the bragging rights of flying on the world’s largest passenger aircraft.

The A350, by contrast, carries just 238 passengers.

That’s not a downgrade, though. The reduced headcount is by design, giving Qantas more room to lean into comfort, premium demand and ultra-long-range performance.

Project Sunrise is at the heart of this shift. These A350s will fly direct from Australia’s East Coast to Europe and the US, cutting out the traditional stopover.

The extra hours saved in transit will be worth more than the extra space on board for most business and leisure travellers.

And unlike the A380’s cavernous cabins, the new aircraft brings larger windows, improved air quality, and new-generation suites designed for 18–20 hour flights.

Qantas isn’t just replacing planes; it’s reshaping how Australians connect with the world.

First class will move into “mini-apartment” territory.

Business class gets upgraded privacy pods.

Even economy passengers will get a more tolerable ride thanks to improved cabin conditions.

The airline has walked back plans for an in-flight “Wellbeing Zone,” instead using the real estate for more economy seating – a reminder that even in the age of ultra-luxury aviation, revenue still rules.

So, if you’re attached to the sight of a Qantas A380 parked at Heathrow or LAX, make the most of it over the next few years

By the end of this decade, the Flying Kangaroo’s superjumbo will be a piece of aviation nostalgia, replaced by something leaner, quieter, and faster at getting you where you want to go. That's unless they get the A380neo going.

Read the full article Qantas Is Killing Off The Queen of The Skies On These Popular Routes on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

We landed, grabbed the bags, and rolled over to the Wiber counter. The Opel they had waiting for us looked like it had been flogged up and down the island a dozen times before. But the real sting wasn’t the condition of the car. It was the insurance.

“Your Booking.com policy is useless,” the staff member said. Straight-faced. Our options? Roll the dice with a thousand euro excess or fork out another $150 for four days of so-called peace of mind. We already had cover. We paid anyway.

That’s the rental game in a nutshell. You walk in thinking you’re paying for a car. What you’re really paying for is the privilege of being pressured into insurance you almost certainly don’t need.

It isn’t just Spain. In the UK, Europcar tried the same trick. They wanted $1,500 for eight days of insurance. Yes, you read that right. More than double the cost of the actual rental. The sales pitch was polished. The words were calm but the intent was sharp. Refuse and you’re irresponsible. Refuse and you’re asking for trouble.

Most travellers don’t realise they’re already covered. Pay with the right credit card and you might have excess cover built in. Many travel insurance policies offer it too.

In Australia, plenty of comprehensive car insurance plans extend to rentals. But at the counter you’re told that doesn’t count. And when you’re standing in line with kids, luggage and a flight hangover, it’s easier to cave than argue.

The alternative is to buy third-party cover ahead of time. Booking.com will happily sell you insurance at checkout, usually for a fraction of what the rental desk wants. But here’s the catch: it’s reimbursement-based. You pay the rental company first, then claim it back.

On paper it’s fine. In practice it’s slow, bureaucratic, and often painful. Reviews are full of horror stories — months of waiting, endless emails, and insurers looking for loopholes.

Rental companies hate it because it cuts them out of their most lucrative revenue stream. They don’t make their margin on the daily rate. They make it on the extras. Insurance is the goldmine. A $20-a-day waiver costs them virtually nothing but can double the booking value.

So they push back. They tell you your policy won’t work. They warn you about massive pre-authorisations. They hint at hidden exclusions. It’s all part of the theatre. Scare the customer, sow doubt, and make them pay again.

If you already have cover, you don’t need theirs. The only real difference is convenience. If you buy the desk insurance and scratch the car, you toss the keys back and walk away. No forms. No claims. With third-party cover, you pay first, then chase reimbursement. It’s hassle, not risk.

That’s why people fold. In Majorca, we folded. We insured a €25-a-day Opel for more than it was worth. In the UK, we nearly folded to Europcar’s $1,500 guilt-trip special. That’s how they win. They lean on psychology.

The reviews say it all. Happy customers are the ones who bought the in-house cover. Furious customers are the ones who didn’t. One-star complaints of deposits held for weeks. Scratches billed that were already there. Claims dismissed as “wear and tear.” Refunds dragged out long after the trip ended. It’s not a handful of bad actors. It’s the playbook.

So what do you do? You don’t have to accept being rinsed. There are rules that make the process less painful, even if the system is designed to catch you out.

Do know your cover before you travel. Check your credit card perks. Check your travel insurance. Check your home car insurance if you’re Australian. Print it out and bring it with you.

Do photograph/video everything. Every dent, scratch, and curb rash. Tyres, windscreens, bumpers. Leave nothing undocumented. If you get billed later, you’ll be glad you did.

Do budget for the excess hold. If you say no to their cover, your card will often be pre-authorised for €1,000–€2,500. Make sure you can handle it.

Do stand firm. Staff will try to intimidate you. Be polite but confident. If you know your cover, don’t let them shake you.

Don’t assume third-party cover means zero stress. If you damage the car, you’ll still be out of pocket until your claim clears. Decide if you want that fight.

Don’t rush the paperwork. Take your time during pick-up and drop-off. Document mileage, fuel levels, and the condition report. It feels pedantic. It saves you money.

Don’t fall for the guilt trip. The counter rep doesn’t care about your safety. They care about their commission. Treat it like sales, not advice.

Don’t wait until the last second. If you plan to use third-party cover, book it before you fly. It’s cheaper, cleaner, and you won’t have to argue in broken English at the desk.

The lesson here isn’t that all insurance is useless. There are times when extra cover makes sense. Driving in countries with chaotic roads, corrupt cops, or murky legal systems is one. If you’re in Albania or Argentina, it’s probably smart to pay up. But on a summer holiday in Spain or a business trip in London? You’re usually just buying convenience.

Car rental insurance isn’t always a scam. But the way it’s sold? That’s the scam. It preys on tired travellers, pressures them into unnecessary add-ons, and makes them feel reckless for saying no.

My advice is simple. Shop around. Arrive armed with the facts. And don’t let a clerk guilt you into paying more to insure a car that probably isn’t even worth the premium.

Because the truth is, the only ride that really matters is the one you take once you’ve walked away from the desk.

Read the full article This Travel Scam Empties Wallets Before Holidays Even Begin, Every Single Time on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

There are very few things more confronting on a plane than when someone in your row decides to fill the cabin with the smell of deep regret. As I write this, the culprit sits in either 8K or 6K, smug in the belief that their silent bombs are going unnoticed. They are not... and this inescapable sensory ambush has to be called out once in a while.

When you are locked into a pressurised tube with recycled air being pumped around at 40,000 feet, a single person’s digestive rebellion quickly becomes everyone’s problem. It's enough to have your first class ticket revoked.

We do not hand over thousands for a seat in Business Class just to suffer through someone else’s bad manners. The average return ticket on a long-haul Business Class flight sits somewhere between six and nine thousand dollars.

For that money, Business and First Class passengers should feel entitled to a sense of comfort, space, and a touch of luxury, not the sensation of sitting in a dutch oven with flatulent strangers, whose own bowel movements can be the differece between an enjoyable in-flight experience and the plot of a straight-to-streaming horror. In a world where airlines monetise every inch of the cabin, basic courtesy should be non-negotiable.

The uncomfortable truth is that farting on flights is not always about poor manners. It is also science. At cruising altitude, the drop in cabin pressure causes the gas in your intestines to expand by around thirty percent.

What felt like a manageable twinge on the ground suddenly turns into a pressing need to relieve the pressure. Multiply that across hundreds of passengers and you can imagine the unseen struggle happening behind every tray table.

That means the chicken korma you wolfed down at the airport food court is going to do its best Houdini impression mid-flight. Every single human on board is battling the same physics, but some choose to play it discreetly while others go full open-throttle like they’re gunning for a Guinness record.

And then there are the indulgences we convince ourselves are worth it. For me, it is Neil Perry’s salt and pepper squid in the Qantas First Lounge. It is fried, iconic, and impossible to refuse. Ten minutes of bliss in the lounge turns into ten hours of trench warfare once you’re strapped in at 40,000 feet. It’s proof that even the fanciest pre-flight meals can set you up for mid-air regret.

The science explains the gas. What it does not explain is why so many passengers abandon basic etiquette the moment they sit down in a premium cabin.

You would not let rip in a taxi. You would not do it in the back of an Uber or on a packed commuter train. Yet something about the leather seat, the champagne flute, and the push-button service seems to embolden certain travellers to act like complete degenerates.

Maybe it is the lifestyle. Maybe it is the sense of entitlement that comes from pressing a button and having a smiling flight attendant appear at your side with another gin and tonic. Whatever the reason, it strips away the very civility that Business and First Class are supposed to represent.

The entire promise of premium travel is supposed to be based on comfort and exclusivity; flat beds, fine wine, and lounge access are meant to elevate you above the chaos of Economy.

But no amount of champagne, caviar or Qatar-branded pyjamas can mask the discomfort of being trapped in a sealed chamber with someone else’s digestive fallout. It only takes one inconsiderate neighbour to ruin a journey you paid handsomely for.

Flying already tests patience through delays, queues, and security checks. By the time you make it to your seat, all you want is to relax. Instead, you find yourself sitting rigid, trying to inhale through your blanket, praying the offender runs out of ammunition. This is the reality of airborne bad manners.

So next time you feel a little turbulence in your stomach, remember: the seatbelt sign may be on, but consideration for your neighbours should be too. Or at the very least, skip the squid. Especially if you’re in 8K.

Read the full article The $9,000 Problem No One Talks About In Business And First Class Travel on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Flying British Airways has always been a bit of a gamble. On one hand, you have a flag carrier with heritage, prestige, and one of the most recognisable liveries in the sky.

On the other, you have one of the most outdated business class products still flying: the yin–yang Club World seat. I experienced that relic firsthand on the Sydney–Singapore leg, wedged into a reverse-angle design that felt stuck in the early 2000s.

The next leg was redemption. Boarding BA’s 777-300ER in Singapore bound for London Heathrow in July 2025, I finally experienced the airline’s updated Club Suite. It was a relief. This was BA finally dragging itself into the modern business class conversation.

At Singapore Changi, things started off with a stroke of luck. Originally booked on BA16, we switched to BA12, which meant trading the old Club World cabin for the 777-300ER fitted with the new Club Suite.

That one change completely reshaped the trip. It shows how important it is to pay attention to the aircraft type with BA long-haul. Get it right and you fly in a modern business class product. Get it wrong and you are stuck in a time machine.

The real highlight was the Qantas First Lounge at Changi. This is not just a good lounge, it is one of the best in the world. David Caon and Neil Perry have created a space that nails the balance between form and function. The design feels premium, the dining is restaurant quality, and the whole lounge makes you want to arrive early to enjoy it properly.

If you are flying Qantas and hold Platinum status, this is where you need to be. It is one of the strongest lounges in the oneworld network and outclasses British Airways’ own lounges at Heathrow. For a stopover before a long overnight, it is close to perfect.

Stepping onto the 777-300ER, the difference was immediate. The old Club World cabins always felt crowded and awkward. The new Club Suite layout changes that dynamic. Walking through the cabin, it almost looked as though there were more business class seats than economy.

It was a full flight with every seat occupied. Even at capacity, the cabin did not feel chaotic. The one-to-one seat configuration gave the space balance and a sense of order that the old design never managed.

Weirdly we couldnt find this aircrafts seating configuration on SeatGuru. Go figure?!

British Airways’ Club Suite is a huge upgrade. Gone are the rear-facing oddities and privacy screens that had to be pulled up like makeshift dividers. In their place is a proper modern business class suite with direct aisle access, a wide seat that converts into a fully flat bed, and a sliding door for added exclusivity.

Storage is well thought out, with compartments that fit bottles, headphones, and amenity kits. There is even a small mirrored cabinet for freshening up, a neat touch that shows someone finally thought about passenger convenience. Seat controls are simple and intuitive. Cabin styling leans into BA’s deep blues with subtle red accents and woodgrain trim.

British Airways did not design this seat from scratch. The Club Suite is a Collins Aerospace platform, the same base seat Etihad now uses. The design similarities are obvious: identical door mechanism, control panel, and angled shell.

The difference lies in branding. Etihad dresses theirs in desert tones and geometric patterns tied to Abu Dhabi’s aesthetic. BA uses its familiar blue and grey accented with red. Both are essentially the same product dressed differently.

This is how most of the industry works today. Airlines rarely spend millions designing bespoke seating unless they are Qatar Airways or Singapore Airlines chasing world-first bragging rights. Most buy proven seat platforms from suppliers like Collins, Safran, or Thompson and then customise the finishes. It is cheaper, easier to certify, and still delivers a reliable premium experience.

Passengers benefit from seats that are already tried and tested for comfort and usability. The compromise is that you do not get the one-off innovations that make products like Qatar’s Qsuite or ANA’s “The Room” so unique.

British Airways were once the trailblazers. In 1999 they became the first airline to launch a fully lie-flat business class seat, reshaping premium travel. For years it was a game-changer. The issue was that while rivals caught up and overtook them with more private and advanced cabins, BA clung to the same product for too long.

David Flynn at Executive Traveller wrote an excellent deep dive into that history. It is a reminder that BA’s DNA does include innovation, but they need to rediscover that edge. The Club Suite feels like the airline finally catching up with its own legacy.

The sliding door is a welcome addition and does create a sense of separation from the aisle. The limitation is that the partitions are not high enough. From your seat, you can still see the tops of other passengers’ heads. Compared to Qatar’s fortress-like Qsuite or Qantas’ A380 business class, the privacy falls short.

Reclined, the difference is less noticeable. The suite feels comfortable, the space is practical, and it is miles ahead of the cramped Club World of old. Whether working, eating, or sleeping, this is finally a BA seat that feels competitive in 2025.

The investment shows here. The large HD entertainment screens are crisp and responsive. Gone are the laggy, washed-out monitors from the old business class.

The content library is solid, if not as broad as Emirates, and the Wi-Fi worked well enough for emails and browsing without cutting out. Power outlets and USB ports are well positioned, and plenty of storage for your bits. It's actually remarkably comfortable.

Amenity kits have not been upgraded. They remain simple zip pouches with socks, an eye mask, a toothbrush, and lip balm. They get the job done but do not feel particularly premium.

The bedding is more impressive. A full-size pillow and lightweight duvet made sleeping comfortable without being too heavy. It is not on the same level as Qatar’s White Company bedding but works well for a 13-hour overnight.

The crew were short-staffed on this flight but handled it without issue. My all-male crew were personable, efficient, and genuinely enjoyable to deal with. They struck the right balance between professionalism and a relaxed approach.

The catering was serviceable. Starters and mains were fine but not memorable. Desserts felt mass-produced. Where BA still trails its rivals is food. Airlines like Singapore Airlines or ANA treat dining as an experience. BA still treats it as fuel. The wine list, however, was strong and the French red paired nicely with the beef main.

The seat passes the most important test: sleep. Fully flat with the door closed, the suite made for a comfortable night’s rest.

The 777 is noisier and less refined than an A350, and you notice it, but with the bedding and lighting, it was still easy to get several hours of solid sleep. Against the old Club World, the difference is night and day.

It is not top five globally and it is not bottom five either. It sits firmly in the middle: competitive, comfortable, and dependable without setting new benchmarks.

The key is flying the right aircraft. BA still operates many long-haul routes with the outdated yin–yang Club World. Paying $10,000 to $12,000 for a return trip from Australia to London and ending up with that old cabin is no longer acceptable. At this price point, passengers expect consistency.

On the 777-300ER or A350 with the Club Suite, the experience is very solid. The cabin feels premium, the seat is comfortable, the crew delivered a strong service, and the overall journey is vastly better than what BA passengers endured for years.

British Airways first class remains genuinely strong, but the Club Suite gives the airline a dependable business class option in 2025. It is not perfect and it is not industry-leading, but it is a major step forward.

Read the full article We Flew 14 Hours In The New British Airways Business Class… Here’s The Honest To Goodness Truth on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Luxury used to mean white-gloved service, knowing glances from concierges, and the quiet theatre of being waited on without having to ask.

It's why we continue to travel business class. It's why we book into the world's most-exclusive hotels. But for a certain kind of traveller, the kind skips check-in lines, books entire itineraries with a few taps and whose own GMT doesn't even know what time zone it is, luxury travel is being redefined. Not by people, but by ever-evolving code. And it's quickly becoming the go-do destination for high-net-worth individuals.

The rise of AI-powered concierges and generative planning tools is changing the rules of five-star travel. Hotel groups like Mandarin Oriental and Accor are already experimenting with AI chatbots to streamline guest requests, while luxury platforms such as Virtuoso and Enso are integrating AI to help plan complex itineraries in seconds. Ones that would typically take a human assistant days to pull together.

And this isn't just some one-size-fits-all travel plan where the AI has replaced the name of each passenger. These itineraries are tailored to your preferences, your likes, your dislikes, your concrete plans and your specultive ones.

These systems can remember which hotel room you liked, your dietary quirks, sleep routines, and even your favourite seat on the plane.

With the right data inputs, an AI concierge can suggest experiences you didn’t even know you wanted, like a discreet omakase dinner in Tokyo, a sunset heli-transfer to your resort in the Dolomites, or a private gallery tour in Paris, even after the Mona Lisa has been tucked in for the night.

What makes this shift even more profound is the psychological appeal. In 2025, the most luxurious thing isn’t being seen; it’s not having to talk to anyone at all.

For high-net-worth individuals used to frictionless living, the traditional model of front desks and phone calls feels outdated. Why ask the concierge to “see if there’s a table” when a platform already knows where you can get one, and how to get there with zero fuss? That’s the new luxury: seamless, silent, and increasingly machine-led. And to be honest, it sounds objectively depressing.

Of course, AI isn’t perfect. It still struggles with nuance. It can misunderstand intent. And there’s a very real trade-off in handing over your travel history, preferences, and location data to systems still catching up on privacy protocols. For some, that’s a dealbreaker. For others, it’s a small price to pay for a smoother life.

There’s also a growing tension between convenience and character. Five-star travel has always been about efficiency; squeezing the most out of a long weekend in a new city. But what makes it all the more exciting is the unravelling story, fed, usually, by spontaneity.

That’s where human concierges still hold the edge for now. They know when to recommend something unexpected, when to hold a table, and how to fix a problem with a single call. Some of my favourite spots, dotted around Barcelona, London, and even Sydney, have been discreetly shared by someone in the know. AI will have never actually been to any of these places.

I thought I would put this all to the test during a recent trip home to London. Of course, I grew up there, so I know my favourite haunts already - the backstreet pub in Soho where I spent too many Thursday nights, the dog-legged alley behind Borough Market.

But I left almost eight years ago now, and things move very quickly in the English capital. Restaurants come and go. Neighbourhoods gentrify. And I found myself running out of recommendations.

One morning, I let ChatGPT plan my entire day. From South London through to Covent Garden, back down to the river and back again. The whole day was organised in seconds, with varied routes and new spots to check out along the way. It factored in Tube line disruptions, walkability, weather, and even peak traffic times. As someone who rarely plans beyond breakfast I was floored by the results.

Just as luxury cars have embraced AI-assisted driving, machine-learning is finding its way more into the lexicon and language models are replying to your emails, luxury hotels and travel brands are reluctantly embracing AI-assisted living.

The future likely isn’t fully autonomous. But we'll see a more a hybrid model, in which AI handles the heavy lifting, while human concierges become curators, emotional translators, and the final layer of finesse. But the industry knows what’s coming.

AI continues to mature, the most valuable amenity in high-end travel may not be a corner suite or vintage Champagne, but something far rarer: Not having to explain yourself.

Read the full article This Future Luxury Travel Trend Is Weird, Impersonal And I Love It on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Frequent flyer programs used to be simple. You flew a certain number of miles, you earned a certain number of points. But in the last decade, airlines have been quietly changing the rules, shifting from distance-based earning to a far more corporate-friendly metric: how much money you actually spend.

For the airlines, it makes perfect sense. Why reward a passenger flying ten cheap economy tickets when someone in 1A is paying ten times more for a single seat? For travellers, especially business-class regulars, the system can feel like a windfall. For everyone else, it’s a slow fade into loyalty irrelevance.

Singapore Airlines hasn’t gone fully spend based yet, but it’s edging there. Its KrisFlyer program still awards miles based on distance and fare class, but the Kris+ app lets you earn up to three miles per dollar at partnered retailers across Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, South Korea and Australia. It’s a side door into spend based earning without tearing up the main program.

Other carriers have been far less shy. Air Canada’s Aeroplan will switch entirely to spend based earning from January 2026, starting at one point per dollar for entry level members and scaling up to six points for top tier elites. British Airways rolled out its own overhaul in April this year, awarding one tier point for every pound spent before taxes and fees, with status thresholds now tied to total revenue. After a backlash from loyal economy flyers, BA reintroduced a mileage run style option for those willing to grind out enough flights.

Across the Atlantic, Delta Air Lines has already gone all in. Its SkyMiles program now measures elite status solely by Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs), essentially total spend, wiping out distance based qualification entirely. The airline had to soften some thresholds after customers revolted, but the structure stayed in place.

Meanwhile, JetBlue has been spend based since 2009, with higher earning rates for those booking directly or using the airline’s co branded credit card. Finnair and Flying Blue (Air France/KLM) have also made the leap, rewarding passengers in proportion to how much cash they drop rather than how far they fly.

It’s not hard to see where this is going. For the airlines, spend based loyalty aligns perfectly with profitability. For the high spending corporate crowd, it’s a win. But for leisure travellers, especially those chasing status through mileage runs, it’s the beginning of the end. The romantic idea that loyalty was about frequency, not just revenue, is disappearing.

Could all airlines make the switch? Absolutely.

The technology is there, the accounting is cleaner, and the revenue benefits are obvious. The question is whether they want to alienate the broader base of customers who have built their travel habits and their loyalty around a system that rewarded persistence over purchase power. Could Qantas eventual make the switch? Probably, they do like revenue and profit.

Some carriers, like British Airways, may end up with hybrid models, rewarding big spenders while keeping the door open for the old school frequent flyer. Others will keep edging toward a pure spend based world.

Either way, the trend line is clear: in the future, loyalty will be bought, not flown.

Read the full article Airlines Are Killing Old-School Loyalty And Yours Could Be Next on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

In the 1980s, American Airlines was in financial strife and needed a big idea. What they came up with was... bold. Sell a lifetime first-class ticket, the AAirpass for US$250,000 (around A$400,000 in today's money), promising unlimited travel for life. For a time, it worked. Then came Steven Rothstein.

A successful investment banker from Chicago, Rothstein wasn’t just buying a pass, he was buying freedom. No bag limits. No blackout dates. No fares. Just show up and fly. He even shelled out another $150,000 for a companion pass, allowing him to bring a guest, any guest in first class, every single time.

RELATED: I Booked A $15,000 British Airways Business Class Flight For Just 159,000 Qantas Points

Over the next 30 years, Rothstein absolutely rinsed it. He flew more than 30 million miles, taking hundreds of spontaneous trips: breakfast in London, dinner in Tokyo, weekend jaunts across the States. He sent friends on holidays, used his pass to fly clients around, and regularly booked multiple seats just to keep the row empty. American Airlines allegedly lost over $21 million thanks to his sky-high antics.

But in 2008, the party ended. Rothstein arrived at the gate in Chicago, bound for London, only to be quietly told his AAirpass had been revoked effective immediately. No flight. No explanation. Just... grounded.

American Airlines accused him of “fraudulent behaviour,” citing over 2,000 no-show bookings and a pattern of manipulation. Rothstein denied it all, claiming the pass had no restrictions. A lawsuit followed, but it was quietly settled out of court. The terms? Still undisclosed.

“I did nothing wrong,” Rothstein later said. “But I do have mixed feelings about ever buying that ticket.”

Rothstein wasn’t the only one to squeeze every drop from the AAirpass. Another infamous flyer, Michael Dell’s former right-hand man Jacques Vroom (yes, really), was also cut off after racking up more than 50 trips a month. Eventually, American Airlines shut down the program completely. No more lifetime passes. No more unlimited skies.

RELATED: Qantas A380 Business Class Proves Australia Can Still Compete With the Best in the Sky

Other airlines briefly flirted with similar offers, but most learned the same painful lesson: giving customers a blank cheque for first class is very bad business.

Today, only a handful of “unlimited” passes still exist and they come with enough caveats to make your head spin. United once offered a lifetime pass (used by Tom Stuker, who’s flown over 23 million miles), but those deals are extinct. The best you can hope for now is a fixed-term budget version: WizzAir’s annual “All You Can Fly” pass for €599, or Frontier’s monthly deals but they include major restrictions like no luggage, no seat choice, and last-minute booking windows.

Lifetime airline passes were never just about travel. They were about ultimate access. The idea that you could hop on a plane at a moment’s notice fly across the world and back all in a lie-flat bed with Champagne on tap.

No queues. No costs. No compromises.

But those days are gone. In an era of yield management algorithms, dynamic pricing, and data-driven efficiency, airlines simply can’t afford that kind of open-ended generosity. Even points redemptions are being squeezed harder than your knees in economy.

So if you're dreaming of buying your way into the first-class lounge forever, read the fine print. Then read it again. Because in 2025, there’s no such thing as a truly unlimited ticket only clever marketing with a lot of blackout dates.

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Read the full article Man Has Lifetime First Class Ticket Revoked Mid-Flight After Costing Airline $33 Million on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Route: London (LHR) to Sydney (SYD)Seat: 18KAircraft: Airbus A380-800Price: $5,600 (One way - We paid - this was not a flight for review)Flight Date: August 2025

There are few aircraft left that genuinely feel exciting to board, but the Qantas A380 still delivers a jolt of nostalgia and novelty, even 15 years after its debut. It’s big, it’s quiet, it’s comfortable, and thanks to a recent cabin refresh by David Caon, it no longer feels like a flying relic.

I will admit, this is not Qatar’s Qsuite. You don’t get a door, so you won’t be cosplaying a private jet owner. But seat 18K, and all A/K seats in even-numbered rows, offer more than enough privacy thanks to their staggered layout, high seats and clever cabin design. You’re cocooned, but not closed off, which frankly works better on a 13-hour flight where sleep matters more than agonisingly annoying couple selfies.

The seat itself is modern, crisp, and functional. It’s a direct-aisle access flatbed that feels like a proper long-haul throne. The seat controls are intuitive, storage is decent, and the inflight entertainment screen is responsive and finally high-res. Progress. But most importanly everything works.

There’s something about the A380 that makes everything better. Take-off is smooth and eerily quiet, turbulence is softened (true story), and you get proper space to stretch without tripping over your seatmate. You’re flying in the sky’s most majestic machine and it shows. I really hope that they never retire this aircraft.

Flying on the QF2 after 3 weeks on the road is something that feels familiar. A touch of home before you get home, and I'm not even patriotic but the Qantas A380 is just a good vibe.

Let's get into it.

RELATED: Qantas First Review: 80,000 Points for First Class from London to Sydney… But Is It Worth It?

The Qantas A380 Business cabin refresh doesn’t shout for attention, and that’s exactly why it works. Designed by Australian industrial designer David Caon, the updated space trades flash for functionality, wrapping the cabin in understated luxury that feels calm, deliberate, and very Australian.

The seat, a customised version of the Thompson Vantage XL, has been refined with Caon’s signature restraint. Muted greys, bronze trims, and soft-touch fabrics replace the glossy reds and outdated finishes of the old cabin (and current A330 planes). It now feels more like a boutique hotel suite.

Each seat offers direct aisle access and a generous amount of space, especially when fully flat. Privacy is built into the staggered layout, with even window seats in even rows offering the most seclusion. There’s no door, but the separation is enough to avoid eye contact with strangers for 13 hours straight.

The side console is practical without being clunky, offering enough surface area for your laptop, drink, or amenity kit. Storage includes a headphone compartment, a large literature pocket, and easy-to-access power ports with USB-A and a universal outlet. Most importantly it has the right headphone plugs for your Bose Quietcomforts.

Lighting has also been thoughtfully updated. The cabin transitions between soft amber hues during dinner and deep blue tones for sleeping, creating an ambient environment that feels premium without trying too hard.

Remember, this is not a suite. It’s not trying to be. But it’s calm, stylish, and one of the few business class products that still feels designed for real travel.

The big debate is whether Qantas have dropped the ball by not having encloses business class when most other airlines have this, but to be honest it makes no difference with the right seat choice. The problem is, most of the even seat numbers are taken quite quickly.

Service on this flight was up there with the best. It’s not Emirates-level theatre or Qatar-level polish, but it’s consistently warm, fast, and human. Platinum and Platinum One flyers still receive a personal greeting at their seat, which is a classy touch other airlines have quietly dropped.

The amenity kit, designed in partnership with Koskela, keeps things minimal. Inside: socks, earplugs, and a soft branded eye mask. That’s about it. But to be honest, the only thing I actually used was the eye mask — and it was excellent.

What you do want to keep is the Qantas pyjama set. Soft, breathable, and generously cut, these are still the most comfortable and welcoming accessory in the sky. The cotton is just the right weight for cabin temperature, and the Qantas logo has become an unofficial badge of altitude-earned comfort. No other airline comes close in the sleepwear department. Even Emirates pyjamas don't compare.

RELATED: Qantas 787 Business Class Review - Sydney to New York

Where Qantas slightly loses ground is sleep setup. The pillow is too thin. Not business class thin, but budget hotel thin. The mattress pad, which used to be proactively set up by crew, is now more of a self-service affair. I saw several passengers struggling to apply theirs mid-flight. On Emirates, this is done for every single person without a word. It’s a small detail, but it matters when sleep is the whole point.

Still, the A380’s smooth ride and whisper-quiet cabin make it one of the best aircraft to sleep on. If Qantas beefed up the pillow and returned to consistent turndown service, they’d be right up there with the very best.

Qantas has stripped away the gimmicks and landed on something that actually works: well-considered comfort food.

On this LHR to SIN leg, service kicked off with warm salted nuts and a drink, followed by a choice of four mains. The standouts were a beef fillet with Café de Paris butter and soft polenta, and a surprisingly good Kakuni-style pork dish with rice, choy sum, and bonito flakes.

Dessert included a well-balanced cheese selection with Comté, Camembert, and Fourme d’Ambert, plus a yoghurt panna cotta with lychee and strawberries. Seasonal fruit was also available if you wanted something lighter.

Mid-flight snacks at the self-serve bar included whole fruit, chocolate bars, and ginger cookies. Nothing fancy, but perfect if you needed a sugar hit during an episode of The Agency.

One downside is the the wine list. Whilst the two options are very good, it's not as extensive as other airlines. So the need to try different ones throughout the flight goes out the window.

Breakfast was the surprise hit. Offered in rest, express, or full-service formats, it gave passengers the freedom to sleep in or eat properly. The buttermilk pancakes with strawberries and toasted almond flakes were outstanding. Light, fresh, and exactly what you want after 12 hours in a pressurised tube. There was also a bacon and egg brioche with Neil Perry’s barbecue sauce, which nailed the salty-sweet brief.

Drink options were strong across the board. Cold-pressed green juice, good coffee, hot chocolate, and a wide range of Dilmah teas including peppermint, jasmine green, and oolong. A small touch, but it all adds up.

The Qantas London Lounge still holds its own. Split across two levels, it offers buffet dining upstairs and à la carte downstairs. There’s a decent wine list, Australian beers on tap, and barista-made coffee if you catch the timing right.

But here’s the catch. It gets absolutely packed before QF2. If you’re not in First, expect to do a few laps before you find a seat. Service remains friendly and the vibe is more premium than most European lounges, but it’s worth arriving early if you want to eat in peace.

RELATED: Is This The World’s Best Airline Lounge?

At the other end of the journey, the Qantas Singapore First Lounge is a different story. Yes, it gets busy during peak departure windows, but it still delivers one of the most polished ground experiences in the network.

The showers are immaculate and easily the best anywhere in the Qantas lounge portfolio clean, spacious, spa-like. The dining is consistently strong and service is genuinely five-star.

The staff greet you like you’re a regular, even if it’s your first time. Whether you’re heading to Sydney, Melbourne or just passing through on a longer itinerary, this lounge sets the standard.

Read the full article Qantas A380 Business Class Proves Australia Can Still Compete With the Best in the Sky on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

On 16 July, I flew Seat 7A aboard the British Airways 787-9 using 159,000 Qantas Frequent Flyer points. The food was surprisingly good. The wine was sharp and well-selected. But the seat? A relic. The experience? Tolerable on points. But not worth your own money.

Route: Sydney (SYD) to Singapore (SIN)Flight Number: BA16Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 DreamlinerDate: 16 July 2025Seat: 7APoints Used: 159,000 Qantas Frequent Flyer Points plus taxes

As an Emerald OneWorld member, you’d normally expect a warm welcome, a greeting from the CSM, maybe a thank-you-for-your-loyalty nod. Not on BA.

Unlike Qantas, Emirates (code share with Qantas) or Qatar, British Airways didn’t acknowledge status at all. No personal greeting. If you're used to being recognised, prepare for silence. Call me petty, but I like that special welcome when I choose to fly with an airline.

Let’s call it what it is. Tired. British Airways Business Class seats have no place in a modern business class cabin.

The British Airways’ Club World cabin on the 787-9 is laid out in a 2-2-2 configuration. My seat, 7A, is tucked away in the forward mini-cabin, which helps reduce noise. But that’s where the praise ends.

The reverse herringbone design forces direct eye contact with your neighbour during takeoff and meal service. You’re separated by a thin plastic divider, which on my flight was broken and wouldn’t stay up all the time.

And then there’s the footrest. Poorly designed, narrow, and completely unusable when reclined. Mine kept collapsing under pressure, forcing me to reset it again and again throughout the flight.

The bed goes flat, but the space is narrow and confining, especially around the legs. Storage is laughable, with a small drawer and not much else. Even Qatar’s older business cabins feel more considered than this.

The one bright spot is the amenity kit. It comes in a neat white zip pouch by Private White VC and includes socks, creams, toothbrush and one of the most comfortable eye masks I’ve used in-flight. That said, this hard product belongs in a museum.

Thankfully, BA’s catering out of Sydney is one of the airline’s few remaining strengths. Service began with a glass of champage and the in-flight menus were handed out promptly, with the first course arriving about an hour after takeoff.

Starter: I went with the bocconcini and heirloom tomato salad. Fresh and well-balanced. Other options included roasted carrot soup and a tuna tataki with edamame, pink grapefruit and sesame dressing.

Main: I chose the seared barramundi in lemon butter with pea purée and sweet potatoes. The fish was moist and nicely seasoned. There was also a slow-cooked beef short rib with mushrooms and mash, plus a vegetarian pasta.

Dessert: A citrus panna cotta with berry compote, followed by a decent cheese plate with Stilton, cheddar and brie.

Second meal (pre-landing): A shredded chicken wrap, wholegrain mustard potato salad and a blueberry muffin. It won’t win awards, but it got me to Changi.

BA’s drinks menu is compact but well considered:

It’s not flashy, but it’s good quality.

Even if you’re happy with a small content library, you still need a screen that stays in position. I didn’t have one. The locking device on my screen had long gone. The selection of movies and box sets was decent. I tucked into a couple of movies and The Agency starring Michael Fassbender. Overall the selection is good but it's let down by the small screen.

WIFi is available for British Airways Club members and those flying First. I recommend signing up for British Airways Club before you fly so you can take advantage of the free WIFI.

The crew were polite, efficient, and professional. But this isn’t the kind of service that leaves a mark. Having to ask multiple times for a cup of tea just gets annoying.

No extra touches. No name recognition. No check-ins unless you ask. Orders were taken quickly and meals delivered promptly, but that’s it. It's a no frills experience which leaves you feeling more like a burden than a premium customer. Compared to Singapore Airlines Business Class or even Finnair, it felt clinical.

Flying British Airways Club World in 2025 is like boarding a business class product from 2010 that nobody bothered to update.

The seat is uncomfortable. The footrest broke. The screen wouldn't lock into place. And yet the airline is still charging full fare for this experience. Unacceptable when competition is so fierce.

The food and wine are good. The amenity kit is simple and stylish. But none of that justifies the outdated seat and lack of service polish.

If you’re using points, it’s fine. At 159,000 Qantas Points, it’ll get you to London with decent food and a flat bed. But this is not a product you should spend your own money on.

Until British Airways rolls out its Club Suite fleet-wide, Club World feels like a tax on loyalty, not a premium experience.

Read the full article The Overpriced Business Class You Should Never Pay For on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

It’s hard not to be biased when it comes to Australia and our national carrier, Qantas. But an hour in their First Lounge had me thinking: Do we have the best airline lounge in our own backyard?

Access to the Qantas First Lounge doesn’t come easily. You’ll need to be flying First Class or hold Platinum or Platinum One status with Qantas, which usually means a couple of business class return flights to Europe each year, or around $20,000 in spend with the Flying Kangaroo and their code share partners like Emirates or within the Oneworld network.

RELATED: Qantas First Review: 80,000 Points for First Class from London to Sydney… But Is It Worth It?

But if you do make it through those hallowed frosted-glass doors, you’ll enter the inner sanctum of premium travel. The Sydney First Lounge may be a little dated compared to some of its international rivals, but it delivers something most other lounges don't. It’s not just a place to dump your bag and smash a warm Heineken. It’s somewhere you genuinely look forward to spending time.

Some will argue Emirates’ sprawling First Lounge in Dubai takes the cake, or that Singapore Airlines’ The Private Room is the pinnacle. But having experienced both, they weirdly lack the warm-and-fuzzies you get from Qantas First in Melbourne and Sydney.

The secret? It’s not the Eames chairs. Not the David Caon designed cutlery. Not even the curated wine list. It’s the food.

Qantas’ long-running partnership with Neil Perry has been nothing short of genius. The man with the ponytail that could rival Steven Seagal’s has stamped his signature across the entire offering, from the iconic salt and pepper squid or Pavlova to rotating seasonal dishes you’d happily pay for in a proper restaurant.

RELATED: Island Shangri-La Might Be Hong Kong’s Best Hotel, As We Discovered On A 36-hour Stopover

That’s the thing with Qantas' First Class Lounge: it feels like a restaurant. A very good Australian one, serving premium produce in the middle of an airport.

Most competitor airlines fall short with buffet-style service and mediocre dining. Even Emirates, with its vast footprint and solid comfort levels, delivers food that feels more functional than memorable. You’re full, sure but it’s forgettable.

Cathay Pacific’s Wing and Pier lounges in Hong Kong are an exception. Thanks to partnerships with some of the city’s best chefs and hatted restaurants, they’ve created something that rivals Qantas in the food department. Hong Kong, after all, is a global food capital.

We’ve sampled the best (and worst) lounges across Europe, the Middle East, and the US. And while it’s easy to criticise Qantas, almost a national sport at this point, sometimes we forget just how good we’ve got it.

Read the full article Is This The World’s Best Airline Lounge? on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Let’s get one thing straight: July is a brutal time to book business class tickets to Europe. School holidays, peak demand, everyone and their dog wants to escape the Australian winter.

Normally, you'd be looking at fifteen grand or more for a return flight from Sydney to London in a lie-flat seat. Which is why this particular redemption caught my eye.

159,000 Qantas Points plus about $500 in taxes for a one-way Sydney to London Heathrow in business class with British Airways. Insane value. On paper, at least.

Here’s the catch: BA still operates one of the worst long-haul business class products flying into Australia. We’re talking about their old ‘Yin-Yang’ seat configuration.

The infamous backwards-forwards layout where you may or may not be staring directly into the eyes of a stranger for 14 hours.

Zero privacy, awkward staring at your neighbour, ffs reversed seating in 2025? Who the hell tought that was a good idea? We flew these from New York to London back in 2017, and it was pure hell on the 747.

But here’s where it gets interesting. While BA is still torturing Australian passengers with these relics on Sydney to Singapore, they do switch to the new Club Suite from Singapore to London.

That’s a full-door suite, private, modern, and finally up to par with what Qatar and Emirates have been offering for years. We're secrelty hoping for a cheeky upgrade to try their First Class on the first leg.

Let’s not pretend Qantas is doing much better. Their business class seats are fine... fine being the key word but both are several years behind the likes of the mighty Qatar Qsuite.

The difference is, Qantas charges significantly more points for a Sydney-London business class reward. The points for Classic Plus on this sector were upward of 350,000 plus their extortionate taxes.

So when you zoom out, it’s actually a steal. For 159,000 Qantas FF Points and $590, you’re getting halfway to London in BA’s ageing torture chamber, but then you upgrade to something genuinely decent for the remaining 13-hour leg.

And you’re not paying 400,000 points or getting waitlisted for months trying to secure a better redemption.

The lesson? If you’re sitting on a stash of Qantas Points, don’t just search for Qantas flights.

Qantas Frequent Flyer has partnerships with dozens of other airlines, and sometimes the sweet spots are hiding in plain sight on the Qantas website if you’re willing to tolerate a little discomfort for a huge saving. Remember it's one leg, so suck it up buttercup.

$590 to Europe in business class, even with one leg in BA’s ‘seat roulette,’ is a deal worth taking. Just don’t forget your noise-cancelling headphones, a good eye mask, and maybe a strong pre-flight drink to get you through that first Sydney to Singapore sector.

Let's go!

Read the full article I Booked A $15,000 British Airways Business Class Flight For Just 159,000 Qantas Points on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

After years of planning, Qantas’ brand-new Airbus A321XLR finally landed in Sydney this morning—only to be upstaged by a major cyberattack and torrential rain.

The sleek new jet arrived at 9:45am from Bangkok, ready to mark a new chapter in the airline’s domestic and regional operations.

The aircraft touched down during wild weather that forced the closure of two Sydney runways and grounded more than 100 flights across the region.

What was meant to be a triumphant photo-op was reduced to a damp whimper, with Qantas cancelling its scheduled press event and issuing no formal comment.

If that wasn’t enough, the airline confirmed just hours later that the personal data of up to six million customers may have been compromised in a cyberattack. Not quite the victory lap the marketing team had in mind.

RELATED: Qantas First Review: 80,000 Points for First Class from London to Sydney… But Is It Worth It?

Still, beneath the chaos, this is a major move for the Flying Kangaroo. The A321XLR is a game-changer. It’s more fuel efficient, flies significantly further than the ageing 737s it replaces, and has a much nicer cabin to boot.

Wider seats, bigger windows, larger overhead bins (that can now fit carry-ons vertically), ambient LED lighting, and higher ceilings mean this is the kind of domestic upgrade passengers will actually notice. The economy seat width has increased to 17.6 inches, enough to make anyone stuck in 17A a little less miserable.

Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svensson called the XLR’s arrival “the beginning of an exciting new chapter” and hinted at expanded international routes using the narrow-body jet.

That extra range means Qantas can now fly direct from Melbourne to Hong Kong or Sydney to Bangkok without needing a larger aircraft. It opens up flexibility, especially for testing new routes without gambling on wide-body seat capacity.

While the launch was far from smooth, Qantas is clearly playing the long game. The Airbus XLR is a smart, fuel-efficient, passenger-friendly upgrade that sets the airline up for the next decade. Now it just needs to fix its IT department.

Read the full article Long Awaited Qantas Airbus Plane Lands In Sydney, So Does Major Cyberattack on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

There’s something delightfully ironic about luxury travel. The older and more established the alliance, the more absurdly named the loyalty program. Enter Oman Air, the newest member of the Oneworld alliance and proud operator of what may be the most unintentionally funny frequent flyer program on Earth: Sindbad.

Yes, Sindbad. As in Sindbad the Sailor. As in Arabian Nights, flying carpets, and maybe the odd questionable cartoon memory from the early 2000s. It’s almost too poetic. A mythical seafarer lending his name to a loyalty program that's just landed in one of the world's most corporate, spreadsheet-driven aviation alliances.

But here we are.

As of this week, Oman Air is officially the 15th member of Oneworld, joining the likes of Qantas, Qatar, and British Airways. While the partnership unlocks valuable network connections across the Middle East, Europe, and South Asia, the real highlight for most of us is the ability to now earn points and enjoy status perks while being part of something that sounds like a bedtime story.

Let’s not kid ourselves. Oman Air isn’t just some token addition to fill out a quota. The Muscat-based carrier punches well above its weight. Its Business Class “Studios” on the Boeing 787 are definitely one of the more creative cabin layouts in the sky.

Still, the real comedy lies in the tiers. Sindbad Silver, Gold, and soon, maybe Platinum or whatever he would find on his travels. It sounds like a genie’s retirement plan.

For now, Gold maps to Oneworld Sapphire, which gets you into lounges and fast tracks, while Silver gives you priority check-in and the privilege of telling your mates you’re in Sindbad’s elite crew.

There’s also a bit of drama behind the scenes. According to Oman Air, they’re considering mapping Gold to Emerald (the holy grail of status: First Class lounges, extra baggage, the full VIP treatment), but doing so might lead to what the airline calls a “downgrade” for some existing members. Oneworld politics are real. And petty.

So, in typical pragmatic style, Oman Air might wait until next year to introduce a third tier, likely Platinum, which will officially unlock Emerald. That means a bunch of high-flying Sindbadians (is that the term?) will be bumped up if they meet the criteria. What those criteria are remains vague, but expect the usual: miles flown, dollars spent, and your willingness to pronounce "Sindbad" with a straight face at a check-in desk.

Beyond the loyalty program laugh track, this is a smart move for Oneworld. Oman is geographically ideal for long-haul links, and the airline already flies to key business and leisure hubs across Asia and Europe. New destinations like Amsterdam and hopefully Singapore make it even more appealing to the alliance's global network.

It’s also a win for those of us in Australia.

Qantas frequent flyers now have another solid option when venturing beyond Dubai or Doha. If you’re flying to India, Sri Lanka or into Eastern Europe, Oman Air now presents a low-key, high-comfort route worth exploring. Muscat might not have the skyscraper-studded wow factor of Doha, but the first class lounge is elite, the aircraft are modern, and you won’t be fighting influencers for the bathroom mirror.

In a world where airline alliances are trying to sound increasingly futuristic or sterile (looking at you, SkyTeam), it’s refreshing to see something so earnestly bizarre find its way onto our boarding passes.

Sindbad might be an ancient sailor, but this move shows Oman Air is sailing straight into the future. And with a name like that, it’s impossible not to love them.

Read the full article Another Middle East Airline Joins Oneworld… But Their Loyalty Program Name Is Hilarious on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!