FAQs, News & Views - Analysis of planes & trains, destinations & accommodations, so you can enjoy your journey in style.
Sadly, The End For Bonza Appears Nigh As Employees Are Formally Let Go
Some six weeks after Bonza went into administration, Bonza employees were formally let go at an online meeting on
Tuesday, June 11th.
Follwing two months without pay, administrators told the budget airline’s 323 employees their jobs were immediately terminated.
“The deadline for interested parties to submit a binding offer in relation to the future of Bonza Aviation expired at the close of business
Friday 7 June 2024,” administrator Hall Chadwick said in a statement.
“The Administrators assisted a number of interested parties through the sale campaign, allowing each party to conduct their due diligence
and formulate any offer. Unfortunately, the Administrators did not receive any binding offers.”
While the end seems nigh for the airline, the administrator said a potential buyer could still emerge at the last minute – despite issuing
multiple deadlines.
“The Administrators will provide an update to all creditors shortly and will look to convene the major meeting of the Company in which
creditors will decide the future of the Company,” it added.
Mr & Mrs Smith ptoperties now integtated into World of Hayatt - but some disappointments
On 24 April 2024, Hyatt officially launched the integration of Mr & Mrs Smith properties into the Hyatt loyalty program.
The launch was much anticipated, as these are very desirable properties now accessible via an equally desirable loyalty program.
Positives for existing members are that if booked directly through Hyatt channels, (but NOT if booked through Mr & Mrs Smith channels):
More than 700 Mr & Mrs Smith hotels will be participating, a significant boost to the range available to World of
Hyatt members
Mr & Mrs Smith bookings will earn 1 Status Credit per night stayed and Hyatt points at the rate of 5 per USD1 spent
Tier bonus rates are applied to the above base rates and are counted as bonus points (the same as for Hyatt properties).
However. I found it disappointing that the partnership between Hyatt and Mr & Mrs Smith appears to be a purely marketing one, with their
programs being kept quite independent of each other.
Participating Properties
Not all Mr & Mrs Smith properties are participating in World of Hyatt. Those listed on "Hyatt Booking Channels" (ie. can
be booked directly through Hyatt’s website, mobile app, or call centres) are participating ones. If a property does not appear
there, then it is “non-participating”.At least this makes it clear, no searching for lists etc - if you see a property there,
then you are good to go. If the property does not appear there, then Hyatt members do not earn or redeem Hyatt points, earn Tier Credits,
nor are you entitled to any elite member tier benefits during your stay.
Attaching Your World of Hyatt Membership Number To the Booking
A Member cannot associate their World of Hyatt Program membership number with a reservation during their stay
at a Participating Mr & Mrs Smith Property nor by contacting Mr & Mrs Smith or the property directly. To earn you points and
tier credits, it must be attached to the booking and only when made through Hyatt Booking Channels.
Redeeming World of Hyatt Points For Bookings
"World of Hyatt points can be redeemed for a Free Night Award at any Participating Mr & Mrs Smith Property, subject to availability
at the applicable property. The number of points necessary to secure a Free Night Award for a particular room type at a
Participating Mr & Mrs Smith Property on a particular night will be as indicated on the Hyatt Booking Channels and will include
all applicable taxes and fees (including resort fees, if applicable).
So Hyatt's current peak/off-peak pricing structure does not apply. A dynamic pricing model applies to Mr & Mr Smith
bookings.
The following types of award are not redeemable at any Mr & Mrs Smith Property:
Free Night Awards other than those secured through the redemption of points,
Points + Cash Awards,
any kind of Room Upgrade Award (whether secured by point redemption or otherwise),
Guest of Honor Awards,
Dining, Spa & More Awards, or
Future Meeting Credits
Restrictions Applying To Bookings
Note also that certain requirements and restrictions (e.g., minimum length of stay requirements, minimum advance booking
dates, etc.) and/or special cancellation, deposit, and other policies may apply at Participating Mr & Mrs Smith
Properties..
So, if you do book a Mr & Mrs Smith property and subsequently need to cancel the booking, you need to take care that you follow the individual
property's cancellation policy
carefully, as "If a Member does not follow the proper cancellation policy for the applicable property or if a Member does not check in
when scheduled, the points redeemed for the applicable Award Reservation will be forfeited by the Member."
Conclusions
I think it is a great asset having more than 700 Mr & Mrs Smith (very attractive) properties available to be booked by members through
the World of Hyatt program.
The access does however come with restrictions, indicating that it is a quite “arm’s length” alliance, with features of
both Hyatt and Mr & Mrs Smith programs quarantined from each other.
The dynamic pricing for these properties will be a big disappointment for Hyatt members, given that World of Hyatt is still using a
peak/off-peak pricing method for Hyatt properties. Hopefully however, this will:
remove a criticism of the earlier alliance with SLH, where prices on the Hyatt website were consistently higher than those for the identical
property booking when made directly on SLH’s website.
Not be a sign of things to come for the World of Hyatt program more generally.
After customer feedback, low-cost carrier Bonza has launched a new website that allows flyers to make bookings.
Travellers can use the new website to book flights and Bonza
Holiday packages,
which include flights, baggage, accommodation and the option to add travel insurance, car hire or airport transfers.
Prior to the new website, Bonza customers could only book flights on the carrier’s app. The first airline globally to prioritise app
bookings, the airline says its Fly Bonza app has been downloaded over 1.8 million times since launching just over a year ago.
. it will continue to be the only way to check in, obtain boarding passes, make menu purchases and enjoy entertainment onboard.
The airline’s new website lets customers book tailored package holidays to any of their 21 destinations, with activities and attractions
also coming soon. Each Bonza Holiday package includes a 23kg checked bag, 8kg hand luggage and standard ‘Pick’ seats.
Plus, the carrier offers a price match guarantee, in which it will refund the difference if customers find a cheaper holiday within 24 hours
of booking.
In February, the airline announced it would link the Sunshine Coast and Tasmania for the first time.
Apparently the demand for the ability to book via a website was a critical part of flyer feedback to Bonza. Well done
Bonza for being responsive to its customer's requests !
I hope this initiative results in even greater support for this low-cost airline.
Accor opens 22 new properties in Japan - in a single day!
Accor has announced the opening of 22 hotels and over 6,000 rooms in Japan. With these
openings, the Group’s footprint in Japan will instantly double increasing Accor’s portfolio of hotels in Japan to 46 properties.
The hotels, comprising 12 Grand Mercure and 10 Mercure hotels, range in location from the northernmost prefecture of
Hokkaido to the southernmost prefecture of Okinawa and are located close to local hidden gems such as Cape Zanpa in Okinawa, Asuka village in Nara, Shiroi Koibito Park in Hokkaido and Senri Beach in Wakayama. Each hotel offers a range of guestrooms, restaurants, and
wellness facilities such as onsen, saunas and swimming pools.
Prior to the addition of these new hotels, Accor was operating 24 hotels in Japan, under eight brands: MGallery; Pullman; Swissôtel;
Mercure; Novotel; ibis; ibis Styles and ibis budget. In addition to the 22 Grand Mercure and Mercure hotels that joined Accor’s
network on 1 April 2024, there are two more properties currently in the group’s pipeline.
Grand Mercure Hotels & Resorts
Grand Mercure Sapporo Odori Park
Grand Mercure Nasu Highlands Resort & Spa
Grand Mercure Yatsugatake Resort & Spa
Grand Mercure Minamiboso Resort & Spa
Grand Mercure Lake Hamana Resort & Spa
Grand Mercure Ise-shima Resort & Spa
Grand Mercure Lake Biwa Resort & Spa
Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara
Grand Mercure Wakayama Minabe Resort & Spa
Grand Mercure Awaji Island Resort & Spa
Grand Mercure Beppu Bay Resort & Spa
Grand Mercure Okinawa Cape Zanpa Resort
Mercure Hotels & Resorts
Mercure Miyagi Zao Resort & Spa
Mercure Urabandai Resort & Spa
Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa
Mercure Toyama Tonami Resort & Spa
Mercure Wakayama Kushimoto Resort & Spa
Mercure Kyoto Miyazu Resort & Spa
Mercure Tottori Daisen Resort & Spa
Mercure Kochi Tosa Resort & Spa
Mercure Fukuoka Munakata Resort & Spa
Mercure Saga Karatsu Resort.
I expect these will all participate in the Accor Live Limitless program. For information refer to our guide
to Accor ALL.
Singapore Airlines dishes up first Premium Economy upgrade in 9 years
Singapore Airlines has updated its Premium Economy inflight experience for the first time since launching in 2015 with an expanded dining
menu that includes a flute of French Champagne after take-off plus a new amenity kit from 31 March 2024.
As part of the Premium Class revamp, Singapore Airlines (SQ) will also introduce upcoming new cabin products and inflight entertainment
systems.
All SQ flights will offer the improved Premium Class dining and beverage selection, which includes a glass of Charles de Cazanove Brut
Tradition NV Champagne and meals served on custom-made porcelain serviceware.
SQ has more than 200 new appetisers, main courses and desserts in its Premium Economy Class inflight menu expansion. Special meals
including a vegan option are also available.
* New Premium Economy Class meals include a seasonal appetiser, main course, bread, dessert and cheese and crackers served on a linen-lined
tray with silverware.
* Passengers will also have the option of croissants for breakfast and a choice of international or Asian cuisine for the main course on all
flights.
They can also choose from an expanded Book the
Cookmenu with up to 20 dishes available on rotation for pre-order at least 24 hours before departure.
Along with the French Champagne, passengers will enjoy an expanded beverage selection that includes the signature Singapore Sling cocktail,
ANZ wines, herbal teas and a new Cadbury hot chocolate option.
Between meals, they can request new snack options such as almonds and cashews along with the existing variety of potato chips, assorted buns, sandwiches, muffins and flavoured popcorn.
In addition, on all flights of at least seven hours’ duration, passengers will receive a new, exclusively designed eco-friendly amenity kit
with slippers, an eye mask and lip balm, while kids flying to and from Singapore will enjoy Disney collectibles.
Turkish Airlines Australian Debut Flight Lands At Melbourne Airport
Australia welcomes Turkish Airlines. The carrier that flies to more countries than any other airline has added Australia to its list
of international destinations, touching down at Melbourne Airport - its 346th port - on Saturday night. 03 Mar 2024
Istanbul bound - Turkish Airlines' first Australian flight takes off from Melbourne
Scheduled to arrive in Melbourne at 8.40pm, flight TK168 landed in the Victorian capital at 8.44pm (pretty punctual for a first effort),
before TK169 departed for Istanbul (via Singapore) at 11.20pm (scheduled for 10.30pm). Turkish’s arrival in Melbourne marks several
firsts. Most obviously, it is the first time the 90-year-old carrier has operated a service to Australia, a market it is confident
will take up the direct flights – thanks in part to Melbourne’s large Turkish population. Secondly, Turkish’s arrival marks the first
time any airline has operated direct flights from Australasia to Türkiye, a destination that straddles Europe and Asia and has a special
connection to Australia through Gallipoli. Moreover, TK’s arrival marks the return of a mainland European carrier to Australia, with
British Airways the only other European airline to operate flights Down Under (Sydney-London via Singapore). The new service
will operate three times per week via Singapore
(departing Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday) until the arrival of new long-range aircraft in Turkish’s fleet makes it possible to fly the
route non-stop. While the Istanbul-based carrier utilised its B777 aircraft for its inaugural flight to Tulllamarine, it intends to
use its B787 Dreamliners and flagship A350s on the route from later this month.
Downward pressure on fares?
With the arrival of Turkish Airlines, Melbourne Airport is now served
by a record 39 international carriers – and its CEO, Lorie Argus, is understandably excited by its debut. “Turkish Airlines has an
extensive network and flies to more countries than any other airline so this new competitor in the Australian market is fantastic news for
consumers,” she said. “We’ve worked closely with the Victorian State Government to bring Turkish Airlines to Melbourne, and we now look
forward to growing their services over the coming years.” Argus also expects the extra capacity will help lower airfares “which
will ensure Victorian residents and businesses can stay connected with family, friends and clients around the world”.
Turkish Airlines lands at Melbourne Airport.
“Melbourne is proudly home to the largest Turkish population in Australia, so we expect these flights will prove particularly popular with
people looking to visit friends and relatives,” she added. Victorian Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins said international air
travel out of Melbourne “continues to go from strength to strength”. “With more airlines choosing Melbourne as their destination of choice,
we’re boosting tourism, trade, international education, business connections and local jobs,” she remarked. Meanwhile, Minister for Small
Business Natalie Suleyman said the new flights would help tourism and trade, create jobs and support small businesses.
Long-anticipated arrival
Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee Dr Ahmet Bolat said the carrier’s arrival fulfilled a long-held ambition to
fly to the Australian continent.
“This achievement follows meticulous planning and extensive infrastructure developments, symbolising the successful bridging of Istanbul
with a new and vibrant continent,” he said.
“The inauguration of our Melbourne route is a testament to our growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region and underscores our unwavering
commitment to fostering connections between diverse cultures and communities across the globe.
“Through our unparalleled network, we are thrilled to offer our guests a gateway to global exploration, ensuring that our legacy of
exceptional service quality continues to flourish in every corner of the world.”
Celebrating at Melbourne Airport
Turkish Airlines announced its intention to fly to Australia in June last year, saying it would commence flights in December 2023. After stalling on its Aussie launch, it then confirmed a start date of 16 March 2024, before finally bringing
forward flights by two weeks to 2 March.
And don’t expect the airline to stop with Melbourne. After Federal Transport Minister Catherine King approved a proposal from Türkiye in December, Turkish Airlines is authorised to operate up to 35 flights a week in and out
of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Western Sydney airports by 2025.
So watch this space.
Langham Launches New Loyalty Program
Langham Hospitality Group has announced the launch ofBrilliant by
Langham,
a new loyalty platform designed to meet the dynamic and evolving needs of its guests.
Similar to both Accor Live Limitless and Marriott Bonvoy, the new program will reward members with not only stays, but also
curated experiences.
Beyond traditional perks, Brilliant additionally allows for the introduction of personalised experiential offerings, from whimsical
excursions and cultural immersions to unforgettable wellness and culinary delights. Examples of such offerings are said to include:
Private cooking lessons and dinners with celebrity chefs
Behind-the-scenes dance and musical performance encounters
Nature walks with guided mindfulness sessions
Off-the-beaten-path tours hosted by local guides
Traditional crafting workshops with seasoned artisans
Themed tea parties in picturesque locations
Brilliant will go live on 29th February 2024 and thereafter serve as Langham sole loyalty program.
It replaces the group’s existing loyalty programs, Langham Supper Club and 1865 Privilege by Langham, both of which will cease to operate on
28th February.
Members from the closing programs will have their past loyalty rewarded with an invitation to join Brilliant at higher starting membership
tiers.
Analysis of the new Brilliant program will follow, once the T&C's have been released.
Qatar Airways Holidays launch fan packages for the Formula 1
Qatar Airways, the Global Partner and Official Airline of F1, in partnership with Qatar Airways Holidays, announced on 19 February the
launch of its fan packages for the upcoming FIA Formula One World Championship.
The packages allow fans travelling from more than 40 countries to be up-close to high-octane action and enjoy unique experiences.
From the beginning to end of their journey, the packages are designed for fans to enjoy a seamless motorsport extravaganza, with the inclusion of return flights, hotel accommodation, F1 Paddock Club or Grandstand race tickets, and return airport transfers for all
global races (excluding Qatar).
Packages are available for purchase at: qatarairways.com/f1.
Similar to the inaugural packages, this year’s fan packages include an array of flexible and competitively priced options for select
F1® 2024 race destinations.
This year, fans are also encouraged to experience guided track tours, pit lane walks and more with the F1® Paddock Club™ packages, featuring
savings of up to 20 per cent on global race packages.
One of the best spots to watch the action, offering world-class cuisine and free-flowing beverages, the Paddock Club™ is the
pinnacle of F1® hospitality.
Qatar Airways Privilege Club members
In addition, Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can collect Avios and Qpoints on all fan packages, accumulating rewards to use towards
future travel and experiences while helping them retain and quickly reach their next tier.
Members can also purchase their package using Cash + Avios.
Alternatively, members can bid for the packages using Avios. How will the Formula 1 deals work?
Packages have been secured for the following races:
Melbourne Grand Prix, 24th March (now open for bidding)
Miami Grand Prix, 5th May
Monaco Grand Prix, 26th May
British Grand Prix, 7th July
Las Vegas Grand Prix, 24th November
Qatar Grand Prix, 1st December
The Privilege Club Collection website is only open for bidding on the Melbourne Grand Prix at the moment, so we don’t know exactly what will
be available for each race.
However, each package will include two Paddock Club™ VIP passes and hotel accommodationfor the entire
race period, usually three days.
Paddock Club is the highest level of hospitality available and includes track tours and pit lane walks.
How can you bid for Privilege Club experiences?
Privilege Club Collection will eventually have a mix of ‘buy it now’ and auction experiences, although everything currently listed is for
auction.
Here are two very important points to note:
(1) You must have Avios in a Qatar Airways Privilege Club account before you can bid. It is NOT good enough to have
Avios in say a British Airways Executive Club account which is linked to your Qatar Airways Privilege Club account. You must have physically
moved Avios across to your Qatar Airways Privilege Club account.
(One snag here is that you can’t use the entire balance of a British Airways Executive Club household account to bid. The only Avios you can
move into a Qatar Airways Privilege Club account are those in your own personal account. If you have 200,000 Avios and your
partner has 50,000 Avios to give you a household balance of 150,000 Avios, the most you could use to bid for a single Privilege Club
Collection auction is 200,000 – ie your own balance.)
(2) You must have enough Avios in your Qatar Airways Privilege Club account to match your maximum bid. You cannot bid
more than your current Avios balance, and you cannot set a future auto-bid which is higher than your balance. Transfers are free, instant
and can be reversed at any time.
Travellers passing through Melbourne Airport can now access short stays with use of amentities.
Travellers passing through Melbourne Airport, Australia’s busiest 24/7 hub, now have instant access to hourly hotel stays.
Following it's recent refurbishment, the PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport, the only hotel connected to the domestic and international terminals via a sky-bridge, is now offering short-stay hourly accommodation..
Bookable online or by phone, short stays at the hotel are available in three, five and eight-hour blocks, from $109, $119 and
$149 respectively
– significantly less than rooms at nightly rates.
Whether it’s to catch up on some sleep, freshen up or just chill for a few hours, travellers can access newly refurbished rooms with city
or airport views, a 24-hour gymnasium, heated indoor pool, spa, sauna and steam room.
Other amenities include the modern Australian restaurant, Airo, the casual Airo Café for coffee and light snacks, and Airo Bar for boutique
beers, regional wines and specialty cocktails (and no doubt conversation with fellow flyers).
The suites and family rooms are a great idea for families travelling at hours that little ones do not cope well with, or after long
international flights with broken sleep, enabling you to refresh prior to moving on more refreshed.
