Qantas – TTA Cruise and Travel

MORE NEW ROUTES FROM QANTAS

April 6, 2021/in Airline News /by TEMP_@dm1n

As the prospects of domestic borders remaining open improve, and travellers’ confidence grows, it’s great to see the national carrier connecting more dots across the country and over the sea.

Melbourne, meet Newcastle.

This week, Qantas launched direct services between Melbourne and beachside ‘Newie’, New South Wales’ second-largest city and gateway to the Hunter Valley—one of Australia’s major wine regions.

The airline will operate 12 weekly return flights with its 125-seat Boeing 717 aircraft, adding more than 3,000 seats between the two cities each week.

While clearly offering superb leisure travel options for travellers heading in either direction.

“We expect this service will also be popular with our corporate travellers based in Newcastle. Flights are available at peak times in both directions and customers will enjoy the benefits of our premium service, including complimentary food and drinks, baggage and lounge access before they fly out.”
QantasLink CEO John Gissing

We think they’ll be popular too.

New Norfolk Island Flights

Qantas’ latest services are not quite international, but they’re not far off.

For three months from 19 March 2021, with the potential to extend for the longer term, the Flying Kangaroo will operate six flights per week to the Australian territory in the South Pacific.

Three flights will depart from Sydney and three from Brisbane, and will be operated by Boeing 737 aircraft, offering 2,000 seats on the routes each week.

The services will maintain critical passenger and freight connectivity with the Australian mainland, and provide travellers with an exciting new holiday destination.

“With international borders closed, we know Australians are looking for new holiday experiences and Norfolk Island is a destination that has so much to offer.”
Qantas Domestic & International CEO, Andrew David.

Fares from Sydney start from $412 one-way and from Brisbane from $390 one-way and are on sale now.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US [1300 935 669] to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you!

QANTAS SETS SIGHTS ON SNOWFIELDS

March 11, 2021/in Airline News, Flights /by TEMP_@dm1n

Anticipating strong demand for skiing this Australian winter, Qantas has just announced the launch of three new seasonal routes to the snow.

“We, too, expect this to be a strong ski season regardless of the snow conditions. Australians are itching to travel, and our snowfields are some of the country’s most spectacular scenery and divine travel experiences. We look forward to helping fill those flights,” said Sarah Bush, Co-Founder & Director of The Travel Authority Group.

From 01 July to 26 September 2021, Qantas will operate three new routes to Cooma and Albury, gateways to the New South Wales and Victoria snowfields:

Sydney to Cooma – flights will operate three days per week.
Brisbane to Cooma – flights will operate two days per week.
Brisbane to Albury – flights will operate three days per week.

Fares for flights between Sydney and Cooma start at $179 one-way, and flights from Brisbane to Cooma and Albury are available from $239 one-way.

Remember, you can use your American Express Membership Rewards Points to book and pay for anything at The Travel Authority Group.

From Cooma, skiers can access Perisher Valley, Thredbo and Charlotte Pass in New South Wales. While Albury offers great access to Falls Creek and Hotham resorts across the border in Victoria.

All flights will be operated by QantasLink’s turboprop Q400 aircraft.

Complimentary food and drinks will be offered on board, and ski and snowboard equipment can be included as part of the checked baggage allowance.

“These new flights are also good news for local businesses, hospitality and tour operators in the region, helping drive tourism and reviving the industry that has been hurting from COVID-19,” said QantasLink CEO John Gissing.

Flights from Sydney to Cooma are timed to allow travellers to depart after work on a Thursday or Friday and return Sunday evening, which enables them to enjoy a long weekend of skiing without needing to drive.

To help offset some of the uncertainty on borders, Qantas is offering unlimited flight changes through to at least February 2022, for flights booked until at least the end of April 2021.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US [1300 935 669] to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you!

QANTAS ONE MILLION SEATS SALE

February 12, 2021/in Airline News /by TEMP_@dm1n

We don’t think we’ve ever seen a sale quite like this one.

Here are THREE reasons why:

Flexibility boosted with unlimited flight date changes until at least January 2022 (!)
One million seats on sale from $99 one-way to 55 destinations
Complimentary beer and wine in Economy

We told you it was good.

FARES ARE ON SALE until 15 February for travel from Mid-March 2021.

“We’re thrilled by the built-in flexibility of unlimited date changes until at least January 2022,” says The Travel Authority Group’s CEO, Peter Hosper.

[Customers could previously only make one flight change, for travel until the end of June.]

“Knowing that flexibility is part of your Qantas airfare will be a great source of confidence for our clients. Now more than ever before, prospective travellers need that confidence. We hope more airlines follow suit,” adds Hosper.

The flight date can be changed to any available for sale at the time (up to 355 days in advance). Qantas will waive the change fee (a fare difference may apply).

Qantas Group Chief Customer Officer, Stephanie Tully, said with international borders closed, the best way to drive tourism is by making it even easier for Australians to explore their own backyard.

“As the national carrier, we have an important role to play in helping the industry recover from COVID-19, and we know that given the right opportunity, people are keen to travel,” Ms Tully said.

PREMIUM SERVICE

This month, Qantas is also making further improvements to inflight food and beverage options in line with its premium full-service offering. This includes:

Complimentary beer and wine for Economy passengers will continue to be available daily across domestic and regional flights (previously available for purchase on certain flights).
New hot meal options in Economy, ranging from gourmet beef pies and roast vegetable quiches to beef and mushroom ragout and roasted chicken with tomato, garlic and lemon sauce.
Qantas is the only domestic airline offering a full meal service including at breakfast and dinner, including key capital city routes between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. This will be rolled out to shorter flights in March.

The airline has also advised us that it has reopened the vast majority of its 35 Qantas Club and Business Lounges across Australia, and its Chairmans Lounges.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US [1300 935 669] to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you!

QANTAS OPENS INTERNATIONAL BOOKINGS FROM JULY

January 11, 2021/in Airline News /by TEMP_@dm1n

In a boost to the entire travel industry and the Australian travelling public, Qantas is anticipating a return to international travel from the middle of the year.

The national carrier’s reservation system is now taking international bookings for travel from 01 July 2021, across its entire overseas network.

“We’re thrilled to see international Qantas services in our bookimg systems once again,” said Sarah Bush, Co-Founder & Director of The Travel Authority Group.

The available services even include destinations in North America and the UK that had previously been expected to be off the table until October at least.

The bringing forward of services at this time perhaps aligns with Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce’s comments back in November that passengers will need to have been vaccinated for COVID-19 before being allowed to travel on Qantas internationally, and the Australian government’s announcement that the country’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout has brought forward two weeks to early March.

Last week, Greg Hunt, the Federal Health Minister announced that the Australian vaccination rollout, should be complete in October 2021 ahead of schedule.

A Qantas spokesperson said the airline has aligned the selling of its international services “to reflect our expectation that international travel will begin to restart from July 2021.”

All of our wings have been clipped for the best part of a year now. Are you ready to fly again?

We’d love to hear from you, and help you navigate your way back into the air safely and with confidence.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US [1300 935 669] to discuss your specific requirements.

ANTARCTIC FLIGHTS – CLIENT EXPERIENCE

December 2, 2020/in TTA News /by TEMP_@dm1n

We were equal parts excited and jealous when clients of ours booked tickets on one of the world’s most unique journeys—an incredible day flight to Antarctica, the frozen continent.

Many of our clients are extremely well-travelled, and when international flights went into Covid-hibernation we did wonder how they’d deal with their wunderlust. Fortunately, some clever tourism operators came up with wonderful solutions like Antarctic and Southern Lights flights.

We were not surprised by how popular they were, the Antarctic flights in particular, and we’re delighted to share some of our client’s photos, video and recollections of their day flying to and over Antarctica.

They absolutely loved being able to board an aircraft once again, and noted that the Qantas crew were equally excited to be taking to the skies once more on the beautiful Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

They also told us that, even though the entire flight experience was extremely Covid-safe, there was plenty of opportunity to wander around the aircraft cabin to take in the extraordinary sights from the Dreamliner’s large windows.

And to add to the level of insights and connection with the white continent stretching out below them, there were experienced Antarctic expeditioners onboard providing commentary, and regular crosses to the research stations down on the icy expanses below.

About Antarctic Flights

The flight provides a full day of Antarctic experience. Flights from Australia range between 9,500 – 10,500 kms round trip (approximately 12.5 hours) depending on your departure city.

Typically, three hours south of Australia, passengers will see the first scattered ice followed by icebergs and ice floes. the flight then crosses the South Magnetic Pole where you will start to view the rugged mountainous topography of the Antarctic mainland.

Approximately 3 – 4 hours is spent flying over the Antarctic continent.

In planning each route, considerable time is taken to select the most spectacular area of Antarctica within the aircraft’s range. The selected area will be chosen from different flight plans, taking into account:

Maximum viewing potential from both sides of the aircraft
Maximum penetration over Antarctica
Maximum variety in land mass scenery, including high mountains, glaciers, ice plateau and coastline
The best possibility for viewing should weather conditions be adverse

Fares range from $1199 per person in ‘Explorer Economy Class’; $2199 in Standard Economy Class; $3199 in Superior Economy Class; $3999 in Premium Economy Class; $6499 in Business Class and $7999 in Business Class Deluxe.

The different price points reflect the access to windows and views with various levels of obstruction like those over or near the wings.

Please contact us for full details of each seating and cabin category.

All passengers, however, enjoy Qantas International service and award winning inflight entertainment system.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US [1300 935 669] to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you!

QANTAS FAST-TRACKS LOYALTY PROGRAM SWITCHERS

December 1, 2020/in Airline News /by TEMP_@dm1n

In a perhaps not entirely surprising (but bold) move, Qantas Frequent Flyer is offering top tier members of other airline loyalty programs the opportunity to fast track their flying status when they switch to Qantas.

The offer also includes a very attractive bonus of 90-days of complimentary lounge access.

According to a statement from the national carrier, this is the first time it has made such an offer. It comes on the back of significant enquiries about joining the program from members of other domestic and international airline loyalty programs – the consequence of changes in the local market as well as restrictions on overseas travel.

So, how does it work?

People holding an eligible loyalty status with a qualifying airline program are invited to switch and take advantage of the Qantas Status Fast Track – an offer to earn 100 status credits in 3 months to qualify for Qantas’ Gold tier.

What does earning 100 Status Credits look like?

5 x return economy trips Sydney to Melbourne.
1 x return business class trip Melbourne to Cairns.

In addition to helping expedite their status, the offer also includes 90 days of complimentary access to Qantas Club lounges, and extra checked baggage.

Gold tier benefits with Qantas include lounge access across Qantas and oneworld airline lounges globally, preferential seating and priority access to reward seats, as well as priority check-in, boarding and upgrade requests.

Those wishing to transfer from a higher flying tier – Platinum and Platinum One equivalents – will only be able to transfer to Qantas’ Gold status, rather than have their status matched. Reaching a higher frequent flyer status requires members to earn the normal requirements within a Membership Year.

“With so much uncertainty in the market, we’ve seen a spike in requests from people wanting us to match their status with other airlines. If they are willing to bring their travel across to Qantas, we will fast track them to Gold status,” said Qantas Loyalty CEO, Olivia Wirth.

By early December, eligible Qantas Frequent Flyers will have access to 30 of the 35 domestic and regional lounges across the airline’s network.

Registrations for the Qantas Status Fast Track close 18 December 2020.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US [1300 935 669] to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you!

QANTAS TAKES OFF WITH NEW ROUTES & MORE SEATS

November 3, 2020/in Airline News /by TEMP_@dm1n

The national carrier has been busy recently, responding to an easing of travel restrictions with a suite of new routes, the resumption of others, and more seats available on some routes by deploying larger aircraft.

“We’re really thrilled to see Qantas launching new routes, resurrecting others, and increasing capacity of popular routes. It’s driving a real increase in inquiry from clients who are just itching to travel again,” says The Travel Authority Group’s CEO, Peter Hosper.

NEW ROUTES

1..Perth-Hobart

From 14 November Qantas will launch a new route between Perth and Hobart. The new seasonal service will operate three days per week until 31 January 2021 with a Boeing 737 aircraft.

“We so look forward to seeing this route take off, and more Australians visiting every corner of this incredible country,” says Lisa Byers, General Manager of The Travel Authority Group – Western Australia

2. Sydney-Launceston

From 4 December 2020, Qantas will operate three return services per week with Boeing 717 aircraft, increasing to four return services from the following week until 01 February.

“As the national carrier, we’re delighted to add direct flights between Launceston and Sydney for the first time in 16 years. We’ll keep a close eye on demand and if it proves successful we will look to extend the service,” said Qantas Domestic and International CEO, Andrew David.

This is the first time since 2004 that the flying kangaroo has flown between Launceston and Sydney.

3. Resuming Sydney-Hobart

With borders opening up, Qantas will also restart flights between Hobart to Sydney, with 11 return services per week from 6 November 2020.

This announcement follows two other new routes the Qantas Group has launched to Tasmania in response to demand – Brisbane-Hobart with Qantas and Gold Coast-Hobart with Jetstar.

With these additional flights, the Qantas Group will offer more than 125,000 seats between Tasmania and the mainland in December—that’s more than 10% of the Group’s total published domestic capacity for the month.

5. More Seats to Byron Bay

By introducing the larger Boeing 737 aircraft to the Byron Bay (Ballina) route between 9 November and the end of March 2021, Qantas is adding some 1,500 seats each week on the popular route over the summer.

Additional Services

Qantas is also making the following changes to its operating schedule:

Increasing Adelaide to Perth flights from 4 flights to 7 flights per week
Increasing Brisbane to Perth flights from 5 flights to 14 flights per week
Increasing Darwin to Perth flights from 2 flights to 3 flights per week
Resuming 4-weekly Canberra to Perth flights

For more information and TO BOOK, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US [1300 935 669] to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you!

QANTAS RESTRUCTURES DOMESTIC AIRFARES

October 25, 2020/in Airline News /by TEMP_@dm1n

Qantas is updating its domestic Economy airfare structure as the airline rolls out its three-year recovery plan.

Prices are being reduced at the top of the fare structure on some routes, and an additional fare class will be introduced to the ‘Red e-Deal’ fare family which will see smaller buy-up levels between economy class fare classes.

There are no changes for Business fares.

The new fare structure applies for tickets issued and tickets reissued on or after 4 November 2020.

What does it all mean?

‘M’ class fares—currently Qantas’ cheapest flexible economy fares—will move from the ‘Flex’ fare class to the ‘Red e-Deal’ fare family.

Is this good or bad news?

David Thompson, Manager of Sales & Client Experience at The Travel Authority Corporate, believes this is a positive move by the national carrier.

“It remains to be seen how pricing trends through 2021 but, as it stands, this restructure is good news. Big picture: Qantas has reduced published fares across most of its fare classes,” says Thompson.

One thing that is apparent, is that the domestic market will remain highly competitive, with Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia and an emergent REX making a big play on key routes.

Questions?

1. Will there be any changes to the product and experience offered onboard?

All fares will continue to be inclusive of complimentary food and beverages, in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi (where available) and checked baggage allowance.

2. Will there be any changes to Qantas Frequent Flyer points earning rates?

Qantas Point and Status Credit earn rates will remain the same within each Qantas Frequent Flyer Earn Category.

3. Are there any changes to the number of Qantas Points required for a Classic Upgrade Reward on Qantas Domestic flights?

The points required to upgrade from Qantas Domestic Frequent Flyer Categories are not changing.

Some questions still remain, however.

Like, how will this structure change affect customers holding Qantas flight credits in M-class? Please contact us to discuss if this sounds like it might affect you.

And, if Qantas deploys smaller aircraft on some routes to adjust for the slow return of demand, what effect will this have on the availability of the lower, cheaper booking classes?

We will continue to monitor the situation and make booking recommendations accordingly.

“Even with the current unknowns, we’re pleased to see Qantas preparing for the return of significant corporate and business travel,” notes Thompson.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US [1300 935 669] to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.

JUST BACK FROM: BYRON BAY

August 19, 2020/in TTA News /by TEMP_@dm1n

The Travel Authority Group’s Co-Founder & Director, Sarah Bush, saw an opportunity recently to take a long overdue mini-break, and dashed away to Byron Bay for some down-time.

A super-frequent flyer in ‘normal’ times, this was Sarah’s first flight during ‘covid’ times, and the experience was initially a bit of a shock.

“Taking to the skies again on my first domestic flight for the year was a pretty confronting experience, to be honest,” said Sarah.

Check-in & Lounge Experience

After her first contactless check-in experience, Sarah ventured through airport security then on towards the Qantas Lounge—something she’s done countless times before.

“I was greeted by smiling Qantas Lounge staff. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly at the desk and I felt like a VIP walking into the lounge. Even though I’ve visited the lounge many times, the human interaction was so nice after the rather sterile, contactless check-in in the near-empty terminal,” noted Sarah.

With the main lounge closed, all passengers were directed into the Business Lounge which had more than enough space for socially distancing.

On Board

The boarding and in-flight experience on the Qantas Dash 8-Q400s was visibly different with cabin crew wearing masks and latex gloves.

The aircraft was fastidiously cleaned by the crew all the way to Ballina, the gateway to Byron Bay and the New South Wales far north coast.

“The lavatory was well-cleaned after every visit, keeping one lucky member of the crew extremely busy,” noted Sarah.

Being a short flight of less than an hour, the in-flight service was fairly light consisting of a snack and bottle of water.

In Byron Bay

Sarah stayed at East on Byron on Belongil Beach just to the north of Byron town.

East on Byron is located directly across the road from Belongil Beach, between the popular Treehouse on Belongil restaurant with its excellent pizzas and margaritas, and the great breakfasts at Belongil Cafe. It’s just a short drive or manageable walk into town by road or along the beach.

East on Byron

The property comprises a range of accommodation options including:

Beach Houses
Terrace Villas
Poolside Villas
The Bay Penthouse
The Byron Penthouse
Belongil Penthouse

The Bay Penthouse

“East on Byron was gorgeous—a great property with spacious self-contained 2- and-3 bedroom apartments and villa style accommodations with all the mod-cons you need, and a central swimming pool. From my terrace I could see the beach which was a 1-minute walk across the road, and just 15 minutes on foot from the hustle and bustle of Byron town centre.

“With both indoor and outdoor cooking facilities in your private villa or apartment, and free parking it couldn’t be easier. I would thoroughly recommend East for couples, families and groups alike,” said Sarah.

Check in time is 2:00pm and check out time is 10.00am. There’s free onsite parking and WIFI is available.

Out & About

With a rental car at her disposal, Sarah ventured beyond Byron Bay to the charming villages of Newrybar and Bangalow about 25-minutes away.

“The Byron Shire is beautiful—the beaches, the dining scene and the gorgeous villages in the nearby hinterland make this a fabulous place to visit and explore,” said Sarah.

Your Turn

If you’re itching to get away for a break, and think Byron Bay might be just the ticket, contact us for the latest offers and expert advice.

Leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US [1300 935 669] to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you!

QANTAS Domestic Lounges Reopening

July 5, 2020/in Airports /by TEMP_@dm1n

Qantas closed its domestic and international lounges in late March, as a result of government enforced restrictions that shut down the majority of domestic and international flying.

But with the relaxing of state-based restrictions and an increase in domestic capacity, the airline has commenced a phased reopening of lounge facilities that support the current domestic network.

Eleven of Qantas’ 35 Australian capital city and regional lounges reopened on 01 July.

Capital city lounges

Sydney Domestic Business Lounge
Perth Domestic Business Lounge
Adelaide Qantas Club
Canberra Business Lounge

Regional lounges

Broome Regional Lounge
Karratha Regional Lounge
Launceston Regional Lounge
Alice Springs Regional Lounge
Kalgoorlie Regional Lounge
Tamworth Regional Lounge
Coffs Harbour Regional Lounge

“We know we have a long way to go before the travel industry resembles anything like it did pre-Covid-19, but small steps like these are very encouraging. To see the domestic market slowly reopening is great,”

said The Travel Authority Group’s CEO, Peter Hosper.

A number of the Qantas Group’s ‘Fly Well’ program measures will be implemented across the lounge network to promote the health and wellbeing of passengers and staff including:

Capping the number of guests to comply with state-specific restrictions on indoor gatherings
A hosted All-Day Snacking Station replacing ‘self serve’ buffets and drink stations
Disposable coffee cups
Additional cleaning protocols
Sanitising stations

Qantas Chief Customer Officer, Stephanie Tully, said the re-opening of the lounges is the result of weeks of planning to ensure the lounge experience complies with state regulations and Qantas’ own enhanced standards while continuing to provide customers with a positive and relaxing experience.

“We’re really pleased to welcome our Frequent Flyers back to our lounges across the country and get more of our people back to work. We’ve already rolled out some service changes on board for everyone’s wellbeing and now we’re announcing some changes to the lounge experience as well.”

All lounges have undergone a deep clean during their closure.

Initially Qantas will invite customers to visit the Business Lounges or regional lounges subject to capacity, with plans to reopen Qantas Clubs and Chairmans Lounges in coming weeks.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.

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