Air New Zealand operated a special Koru Care mystery flight (NZ6257) on NZ Fathers Day for 50 New Zealand children with critical medical conditions such as cancer and heart disease and their caregivers. The children enjoyed a waiata (Maori Song) performed by Te Kura Kaupapa Māori ā-Rohe o Māngere school as they boarded their 787. MCs Adam and Eve from The Adam and Eve Show entertained those onboard. The flight departed Auckland Airport just after midday on September 3, 2017 and drew a 440km long and 483km wide heart shape across New Zealand. The airline live streamed the top-secret route…
Boycotted Tiger Airways Australia for 6 years -Time to Reassess?
Six years ago, I was refused the opportunity to check in by Tiger Airways Australia. Out of 1211 flights, this was only one of two times I have been refused check in. I had shown up 42 minutes before departure time with only carry-on baggage. The airline had no on line check in facility operating and the plane had plenty of seats. But their policy was to close check in a full 45 minutes before departure in contrast to the 30 minutes its competitors give. I was already not a fan of Tiger Airways Australia but had decided…
3 September 1967: Sweden switches Road sides
I have been having an on-going debate with a US friend about which is the best side of the road to drive on. I have lived most of my life in left hand driving countries. Most of the world, however, drives on the right. Fifty years ago today, Sweden switched the side of the road they drove on from left side to the right side. This fascinating video explains that “fateful day”: These images show the impact on streets: Stockholm’s tram system was shut down as a result of the change. It was resurrected in…
Air New Zealand Crew volunteer to help hotel in Houston
Air New Zealand crew members stranded at their hotel in Houston, Texas due to Hurricane Harvey have been helping out at their hotel. Eight pilots and 22 flight attendants stuck in the city noticed that their hotel has been under significant pressure due to hotel staff being unable to make it to work. The crew have spent time volunteering in three-hour shifts by preparing meals for other guests, delivering room service, doing laundry and vacuuming! Check out the photos of the crew including a captain doing laundry at the NZ Herald. Air New Zealand flies…
Off to Japan
Japan will be my 69th country – and my 18th Asian country. (After Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Maldives, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam). I have been fascinated with Japan since studying it in my High School Modern History class. From the Edo Period with 260 years of stability and isolation ending in 1912 before the country slid into militarism culminating sadly in World War Two. Then came the last 60 years with its massive economic and technological growth. Home to 127 million with 35 million people…
Ten buyers interested in Alitalia
I first flew Alitalia almost 50 years ago!* I remember it as a chic airline flying people to the glamour and history of Italy. The jumbo era was not good for the airline and it ended up the 1970s a tatter of its former self. The airline feels very frayed around the edges. I have continued to follow Alitalia as it seems to gasp for its breath one last time, multiple times. I have seen their service plunge, briefly improve and then plunge again -multiple times. Alitalia is one of the last stand alone national carriers…
My Favourite Hikes in the World
I love hiking and have now explored rural paths in a dozen countries now. I was trying today to come up with my Top Ten hikes in the world. I got to 14 in my Top Ten! It made me realise how much more of the world, I have yet to hike! My Top Four: The Milford Sound Track in New Zealand, a 53.5 km walk which starts at the head of Lake Te Anau and finishes at Sandfly Point in Milford Sound. The track may only be walked in one direction and takes four…
Malaysia Introduces daily Tourist Tax
The Malaysian government has introduced a 10 Malaysian Ringgitt ($US 2.35) per room per night tax for foreign tourists. This will be added to your room rate and charged to you. On a seven night trip to Malaysia, you would pay $16. Malaysians will be exempt. According to Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz the tax could reap RM654 million (US$147.47 million) if the country has a hotel occupancy rate of 60% in its eleven million “room nights”. The money will be used to develop the country’s tourism industry. If you want to avoid paying?…
Comparing One World Emerald and Sapphire
I have previously written about the Star Alliance and Skyteam Frequent Flyer programs. Time to draw my attention to One World. The OneWorld alliance has three status tiers named after gemstones. The OneWorld alliance has three status tiers named after gemstones. Emerald Sapphire Ruby Thanks to Qantas for this handy list of the benefits linked to each status. My favourites are priority check in and lounge access. I do not check luggage in so that feature is one that I rarely use. Like the other airline groupings, it is really the top tiers that are the holy…
The Top Seven Cheap Airfare Mistakes
I love saving money on my airfares. I have scored some great deals such as Business Class seats that have saved me thousands for a few tweaks of date or destination airport. There are some mistakes people make in scrooging their travel. Here are the seven biggies: How reliable is the airline? When things go wrong, how likely is the airline going to be to help you? Look at this example from Allegiant where passengers were initially stranded. Cheap fare- High Extras: If you are only taking a small carry on, do not care where…
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