The cheapest flight to LA put to the test
Sydney (SYD) to Los Angeles (LAX) | Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, departing 1120, arriving 0600
Best for family trips when you want to spend more on the ground than in the air.
The equation was simple enough. An Aussie dollar anchored in the US60¢ range, a relentless family campaign for a holiday in the US, and the prospect of paying eye-watering accommodation bills or risk of an intra-familial homicide while squeezed into a still-expensive New York hotel room. With premium economy for four topping $25,000, the only way to make it happen was to save money on the flight to spend on the ground.
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Sky News AU
14 hours ago
- Sky News AU
New Australian domestic carrier Koala Airlines to launch from 'late next year', chief executive Bill Astling says
A new airline set to shake up the Australian aviation sector dominated by Qantas and Virgin Australia will launch from late 2026, according to the prospective carrier's CEO. Aussie travellers were delivered hope there will be a new carrier soon as news broke last year that Koala Airlines, the rebranded version of flying safari and charter operator Desert Air, was looking to break into the domestic aviation market. It follows the collapse of short-lived budget carrier Bonza, which failed to secure slots at Sydney Airport throughout its lifespan, and Regional Express entering administration after attempting to challenge Qantas and Virgin on major city routes. Fresh hopes of a new player in the aviation market have emerged as Koala Airlines' CEO Bill Astling said the carrier was likely to begin operations from late next year. 'We're not trying to be Qantas or Virgin – our model is fundamentally different, and that's why we've attracted the backing we have,' Mr Astling told The Australian Financial Review. 'We've deliberately kept a low profile – not because we're stalling, but because we're building something with a long-term, sustainable foundation. We've learned from the past – both ours and the industry's – and we're taking a disciplined, strategic approach. 'We're on track to start operations late next year. But we're not in the business of giving our competitors a 12-month head start.' The incoming airline's website says its strategy will 'fundamentally differ from previous entrants in a domestic market'. Koala airlines is taking a 'more innovative route' compared to the litany of low-costs carriers that have attempted to break into the local aviation market over the past 35 years. The airline, however, is yet to acquire planes suited for the domestic aviation market and has not revealed details about where it will fly to or from. Koala's entrance into the Australian aviation market follows Bonza failing in April 2024 and leaving hundreds of creditors, including employees, out of pocket. Bonza began operations in January 2023 with a low-cost model of operating a regional network mostly un-serviced by the other major airlines. Demand and the inability to expand the fleet of 180-seat Boeing 737s were among the reasons considered for the company's collapse. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in May revealed Qantas' budget subsidiary Jetstar cashed in on the lack of competition in the domestic aviation sector in the second half of 2024. Jetstar's operating margin was up 13 per cent from the six months up to December 31 2023.
The Advertiser
14 hours ago
- The Advertiser
'Get in quick': Qantas frequent flyer points devaluation day looming
Qantas frequent flyers will need up to 20 per cent more points from August 5 to snag a free seat on a flight or an upgrade. It's the first time Qantas has devalued its points since 2019 and the second time since 2004. The increases typically range between five per cent and 20 per cent with the change affecting partner airlines as well. Qantas Loyalty CEO Andrew Glance said the adjustments were integral to the viability of the program. "A lot has changed in the last six years," he said. "These adjustments will ensure we can continue to invest in enhancing the program for the long term and continue to grow the levels of Classic and Classic Plus Reward seat availability for members year on year," he said. READ MORE: 'Air force baby': Why this Aussie TikToker is moving into Changi Airport If there was good news for travellers, it's that Economy Classic Flight Reward seats on Qantas' low-cost subsidiary Jetstar would drop from 6,400 Qantas Points to 5,700 Qantas Points on August 5. Also, Qantas frequent flyers have been earning up to 25 per cent more points on Qantas domestic flights since July. The full list of changes is found here. Executive Traveller editor-in-chief David Flynn told ACM that loyalty programs such as frequent flyer points were a "closed economy". "Qantas creates the points, and the only way you can earn the points is through Qantas or its partners," he said. "Because frequent flyer points are a closed economy, airlines have complete power to change the value of the points just like the government could change the purchasing power of the Aussie dollar." He advises people to book as much travel before August 5. "You can book today for flights up to July next year at the lower rate of points," he said. He advises people generally to avoid stockpiling points without a goal. "Absolutely earn the points if you have a goal in mind," he said. "But if they just keep earning and earning points, eventually at some stage those points will be devalued." READ MORE: Regional Qantas flight makes an emergency landing after wing flap issue Qantas frequent flyers will need up to 20 per cent more points from August 5 to snag a free seat on a flight or an upgrade. It's the first time Qantas has devalued its points since 2019 and the second time since 2004. The increases typically range between five per cent and 20 per cent with the change affecting partner airlines as well. Qantas Loyalty CEO Andrew Glance said the adjustments were integral to the viability of the program. "A lot has changed in the last six years," he said. "These adjustments will ensure we can continue to invest in enhancing the program for the long term and continue to grow the levels of Classic and Classic Plus Reward seat availability for members year on year," he said. READ MORE: 'Air force baby': Why this Aussie TikToker is moving into Changi Airport If there was good news for travellers, it's that Economy Classic Flight Reward seats on Qantas' low-cost subsidiary Jetstar would drop from 6,400 Qantas Points to 5,700 Qantas Points on August 5. Also, Qantas frequent flyers have been earning up to 25 per cent more points on Qantas domestic flights since July. The full list of changes is found here. Executive Traveller editor-in-chief David Flynn told ACM that loyalty programs such as frequent flyer points were a "closed economy". "Qantas creates the points, and the only way you can earn the points is through Qantas or its partners," he said. "Because frequent flyer points are a closed economy, airlines have complete power to change the value of the points just like the government could change the purchasing power of the Aussie dollar." He advises people to book as much travel before August 5. "You can book today for flights up to July next year at the lower rate of points," he said. He advises people generally to avoid stockpiling points without a goal. "Absolutely earn the points if you have a goal in mind," he said. "But if they just keep earning and earning points, eventually at some stage those points will be devalued." READ MORE: Regional Qantas flight makes an emergency landing after wing flap issue Qantas frequent flyers will need up to 20 per cent more points from August 5 to snag a free seat on a flight or an upgrade. It's the first time Qantas has devalued its points since 2019 and the second time since 2004. The increases typically range between five per cent and 20 per cent with the change affecting partner airlines as well. Qantas Loyalty CEO Andrew Glance said the adjustments were integral to the viability of the program. "A lot has changed in the last six years," he said. "These adjustments will ensure we can continue to invest in enhancing the program for the long term and continue to grow the levels of Classic and Classic Plus Reward seat availability for members year on year," he said. READ MORE: 'Air force baby': Why this Aussie TikToker is moving into Changi Airport If there was good news for travellers, it's that Economy Classic Flight Reward seats on Qantas' low-cost subsidiary Jetstar would drop from 6,400 Qantas Points to 5,700 Qantas Points on August 5. Also, Qantas frequent flyers have been earning up to 25 per cent more points on Qantas domestic flights since July. The full list of changes is found here. Executive Traveller editor-in-chief David Flynn told ACM that loyalty programs such as frequent flyer points were a "closed economy". "Qantas creates the points, and the only way you can earn the points is through Qantas or its partners," he said. "Because frequent flyer points are a closed economy, airlines have complete power to change the value of the points just like the government could change the purchasing power of the Aussie dollar." He advises people to book as much travel before August 5. "You can book today for flights up to July next year at the lower rate of points," he said. He advises people generally to avoid stockpiling points without a goal. "Absolutely earn the points if you have a goal in mind," he said. "But if they just keep earning and earning points, eventually at some stage those points will be devalued." READ MORE: Regional Qantas flight makes an emergency landing after wing flap issue Qantas frequent flyers will need up to 20 per cent more points from August 5 to snag a free seat on a flight or an upgrade. It's the first time Qantas has devalued its points since 2019 and the second time since 2004. The increases typically range between five per cent and 20 per cent with the change affecting partner airlines as well. Qantas Loyalty CEO Andrew Glance said the adjustments were integral to the viability of the program. "A lot has changed in the last six years," he said. "These adjustments will ensure we can continue to invest in enhancing the program for the long term and continue to grow the levels of Classic and Classic Plus Reward seat availability for members year on year," he said. READ MORE: 'Air force baby': Why this Aussie TikToker is moving into Changi Airport If there was good news for travellers, it's that Economy Classic Flight Reward seats on Qantas' low-cost subsidiary Jetstar would drop from 6,400 Qantas Points to 5,700 Qantas Points on August 5. Also, Qantas frequent flyers have been earning up to 25 per cent more points on Qantas domestic flights since July. The full list of changes is found here. Executive Traveller editor-in-chief David Flynn told ACM that loyalty programs such as frequent flyer points were a "closed economy". "Qantas creates the points, and the only way you can earn the points is through Qantas or its partners," he said. "Because frequent flyer points are a closed economy, airlines have complete power to change the value of the points just like the government could change the purchasing power of the Aussie dollar." He advises people to book as much travel before August 5. "You can book today for flights up to July next year at the lower rate of points," he said. He advises people generally to avoid stockpiling points without a goal. "Absolutely earn the points if you have a goal in mind," he said. "But if they just keep earning and earning points, eventually at some stage those points will be devalued." READ MORE: Regional Qantas flight makes an emergency landing after wing flap issue
West Australian
2 days ago
- West Australian
More Aussies are using AI to plan holidays, from scoring deals to assembling itineraries
I'm planning a trip to Iceland, aka one of the most expensive countries in the world. Can I afford to go? What would a realistic budget look like for a two-week holiday? How can I cut corners to save some cash? I decide to do the 2025 equivalent of phoning a friend — I ask my buddy ChatGPT. My initial prompt is too vague and it gives pricing in USD, which isn't particularly helpful. I refine my criteria, asking for a rough total in AUD for a fortnight in September, departing from Perth ('please', I add, because manners are still important when talking to a robot). In the blink of an eye, Chat spits out a breakdown of average costs on everything from flights to accommodation, car rental, food and activities. There are three tiers for backpacker, mid-range and luxury travel and an option to split components if I have a travelling companion. It even offers suggestions for making my hard-earned coin stretch further, like buying groceries rather than eating out and opting to self-drive rather than joining a guided tour of the famous Golden Circle. All in all, Chat reckons I'll need to save $8500-$9000 to make Iceland happen. What would have taken me hours of research and a lot of math just to ascertain whether I can even consider the trip in the first place was reduced to mere minutes. While I want to give myself a pat on the back for being so resourceful — there's a certain smugness that comes with finding a sneaky shortcut — I am hardly the first to use ChatGPT for travel tips. In recent research conducted by Compare the Market, nearly a third of those surveyed admitted to using artificial intelligence to plan their holidays. These Aussie respondents said they outsourced a range of tasks to AI, with the most common being destination recommendations, hunting for deals, seeking activities and finding accommodation. Others reported they used AI to quickly create itineraries, scour flights or transport and understand currency conversion. The data also gave insight into how different generations are embracing the technology — or not. Perhaps unsurprisingly, gen Z and millennials are spearheading the adoption of AI when it comes to concocting their dream vacation, with 52 per cent and 44 per cent respectively utilising the tool to plan a holiday. Meanwhile, 93 per cent of baby boomers and 76 per cent of gen X respondents said they were resistant to bringing AI into their trip arrangements. Compare the Market's Chris Ford says the stats reflect how we engage with the ever-changing tech landscape. 'Our latest data highlights a shift in the way travellers are approaching their planning, with convenience, personalisation and speed driving the adoption of innovative AI tools,' he says. 'It's likely that travellers are using these tools in addition to chatting with travel agents, conducting desktop research or seeking ideas and inspiration from social media. 'AI is evolving at a rapid rate and as it becomes more accessible and intuitive, it's not surprising that travellers are relying on new technology to help shape their dream holidays.' But the insurer warns against taking AI's word as gospel. With nothing to validate the credibility of such recommendations, Ford says travellers need to practice due diligence. 'AI can be a great starting point when planning a holiday, but always ensure you're crossing your 't's and dotting your 'i's,' he says. 'Many of these tools and services are still in their infancy stage and may not be 100 per cent accurate, so do your own research to ensure you're equipped with the right tools and information for your trip. 'The last thing we want to see is anyone getting themselves into a potentially dangerous or unsafe situation based on the recommendations from AI.' Ford makes a crucial point here about our relationship with platforms like ChatGPT. Rather than approaching them as one-stop-shop to curate every element of our holiday, we should instead consider them as a starting point to kick off deeper research. After all, isn't that part of the fun with travel — the anticipation in the lead-up, the process of discovering a destination before we have arrived and assembling a bucket list tailored to our specific taste? By asking a computer to generate an itinerary based on what's popular, we are depriving ourselves of creativity, spontaneity and adventure. We must also remember that what the AI bot spits out is dependent on the quality of our prompts. The more we refine our request, the more likely we will receive helpful answers, but even then things can go wonky. Take this from my colleague Belle: 'I asked ChatGPT to give me a child-friendly restaurant in Ubud. It sent me to a weird health food restaurant with a koi pond where you couldn't wear shoes. My feral children cleared the room within minutes. Disaster.' Then there's the cognitive dissonance that comes with considering the environmental impact of AI versus the fear of being left behind if we don't get on board with this technology. Like it or not, it is shaping and re-shaping the future at breakneck speed. We all have to decide where our (virtual) line in the sand is: what is productive and 'mindful' use based on our needs and values. For me, I'm OK with employing ChatGPT to whip up a quick budget so I can take the holiday to Iceland I've always dreamed of. But when it asks if I want activity recommendations or a detailed itinerary next, I politely decline. I'd rather leave some room for mystery and exploration. 'Thanks', I farewell my cyber mate in my sign-off (because, manners). Our collective of writers just so happens to represent the four age demographics mentioned in the research above. So what's the hot take? Stephen Scourfield — b aby boomer Trusting someone – or, in this case, something – to book a holiday (particularly a family holiday!) requires a lot of trust. If some detail is missed in the booking process (a wrong date, a badly timed connection), it will be you standing there, somewhere, trying to fix it (possibly with the family 'on your case'). Would I trust AI yet? No – not yet. Of course, I think we all know that AI is good at doing grunt work and it is up to us to check details. So AI is already useful for the broad-brush, first sweep of mapping out a holiday. But AI won't then back itself by booking it all. (That will be the game changer.) So, at this stage, AI, for me, is still a basic tool of research – not a replacement for an experienced and knowledgeable travel agent. Leyanne Baillie — gen X Although my generation is confident when it comes to using tech (even if we're not digital natives), I think AI programs would be more effort than they're worth. I know it could be a time-saver in terms of journey-planning brainstorming and getting a rough guide of options, but I'd still want to tailor my itinerary to cater to my personal taste. I don't think I'm ready to hand over the reins completely to artificial intelligence just yet. Jessie Stoelwinder — millennial I love a good travel hack, and that's how I have been approaching my use of AI. Anything that makes life a little easier and frees me up to investigate the fun stuff — where to eat, hike, shop, people-watch etc. — and I am on board. I've used ChatGPT to quickly aggregate travel data for personal trips to assist with admin, logistics and practicalities, which I will then cross-check and verify to make sure the information works for me. Recommendations, however? Word of mouth and insider intel from a human being will always win, in my opinion. Megan French — g en Z I would be open to the idea of utilising AI when planning my travels but I'd take everything it recommends with a grain of salt while still doing my own thorough research. I think it's great for foundational information-based planning early in trip preparations, such as 'what holidays are on in India during July and how is best to navigate them?' But when it comes to booking flights and accommodation, I'd go nowhere near AI … yet .
