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Young man's dying wish takes flight in epic adventure

<p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Jamie Clements, a 30-year-old from the south of Perth </span>with a terminal illness, has had his final wish fulfilled just weeks before his passing – thanks to the generosity of friends and kind strangers who rallied to make his dream come true.</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Jamie was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer in March of last year after experiencing months of difficulty keeping food down. He was given between nine and 24 months to live. </span>Despite his diagnosis, Jamie remained hopeful and shared a lifelong dream: to experience the thrill of flying on an airplane. “I’d love to go to Sydney because I’ve never been on a plane, never been out of WA,” he told NewsWire last August.</p> <p>Jamie, who had an intellectual disability, worked in IT at Good Sammy, an organisation that helps people with disabilities secure employment in Western Australia. It was there he met his best friend and boss, Paul Bolton, who was determined to make Jamie’s dream a reality.</p> <p>Originally, Jamie had hoped to save money to visit the US, but his illness put paid those plans. That's when Paul stepped in, launching a GoFundMe campaign to fund a trip to Sydney, urging the community to help make Jamie’s wish come true.</p> <p>“I think it will make such a difference to him because Jamie has never, ever been in a plane anywhere, so I just want to do that one thing for him,” Paul said last year.</p> <p>Thanks to the kindness of donors, Jamie’s dream took flight on January 5. Accompanied by his family, Paul and Paul’s wife, he embarked on an unforgettable journey to Sydney.</p> <p>The adventure began with a special moment in the cockpit, just one of many bucket-list experiences he checked off during the trip. Among his many cherished memories, Jamie enjoyed a lighthearted escapade to the Sydney Opera House, zipping through the streets on mobility scooters borrowed from his group. “It was such a laugh and so much fun as we bombed down the streets!” Paul recalled.</p> <p>A self-proclaimed Apple enthusiast, Jamie also relished a visit to the Apple Store in Sydney. “He was a big Apple ‘nerd,’ so watching his face light up as he played in Apple’s virtual world was so good,” Paul shared.</p> <p>Jamie’s Sydney adventure also included stops at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, Five Guys (a bucket-list item), and Luna Park. He even embarked on a ghost tour and drove across the iconic Harbour Bridge, documenting the entire epic trip on a Facebook page.</p> <p>Sadly, Jamie passed away on February 26, surrounded by his loving family – and Paul. Though his time was short, he left this world having lived out a cherished dream. </p> <p>Paul later expressed his deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to the fundraiser, making Jamie’s wish a reality. “I am so happy that I was able to do this for Jamie and his family,” he said.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Caring

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Teen charged after allegedly trying to board Jetstar flight with a gun

<p>A 17-year-old has been arrested after he allegedly attempted to board a Jetstar flight at Avalon Airport armed with a gun. </p> <p>The incident occurred around 2.20pm on Thursday, and it is believed that the teenager from Ballarat hid in his car before cutting a hole through a fence around the airport’s perimeter.</p> <p>The teenager wore a  high-vis jacket and tool belt, and reportedly told crew members that he was there to carry out maintenance work. </p> <p>Crew members and passengers managed to detain the teenager near the front door of the plane, after passenger Barry Clark noticed the teenager was carrying a shotgun and detained the boy in a headlock until police arrived. </p> <p>“Before we knew it, a shotgun appeared, and I was worried about it being shot, so all I could do was push her out of the way, get the gun out of the way, break that gun and throw it down the stairs, and then put him in a hold, throw him to the ground until the police came,” he told <em>ABC Radio Melbourne</em>.</p> <p>Police also allegedly found two bags and a vehicle belonging to the boy, with the bomb squad called in to assist. </p> <p>The boy has since been charged with eight offences including unlawfully taking control of an aircraft, endangering the safety of an aircraft and taking part in a bomb hoax.</p> <p>He was remanded in custody to appear at a children’s court at a later date.</p> <p>Victoria Police Superintendent Michael Reid released a statement saying it was "very concerning" that the teen was able to breach security.</p> <p>“It would have been a very frightening experience for those passengers involved, but once again I do really commend the bravery of those civilian passengers that helped assist to overpower him.”</p> <p>Avalon Airport has reopened following the incident, with chief executive Ari Suss assuring that further security measures have been implemented. </p> <p>“We want to reassure the public that the safety of our passengers, staff, and community remains our highest priority,” he said.</p> <p>“We continue to work closely with authorities to ensure a safe and secure environment for all travellers.</p> <p>“This matter continues to be managed by Victoria Police, and we are fully supporting their ongoing investigation.”</p> <p><em>Image: 7News</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Flight attendant's act after touchdown divides social media users

<p>A United Airlines flight attendant has copped some flak online for playing the violin after touching down in California. </p> <p>The unnamed crew member welcomed travellers to the Bay Area by playing a cheery tune as people got up to disembark from the flight, and while his performance was met with a round of applause from passengers, others weren't quite as pleased. </p> <p>“It was a definite pleasant surprise and welcome change compared to all the news we hear from airlines these days,” the Redditor captioned the clip of the performance shared online. </p> <p>While some viewers agreed it was “lovely” and “awesome,” others found the behaviour “unsettling,” calling the flight attendant “self-indulgent”.</p> <p>“What a sly move,” one wrote. “He has everyone sitting, captivated by his music, while he slowly walks down the aisle with anyone in his way and exiting the plane first.”</p> <p>“Just because I’m trapped and sitting doesn’t mean I have any desire to be serenaded,” another commented. </p> <p>“This would be annoying as hell,” wrote a third. “Can’t imagine breaking out into song on any instrument on a flight."</p> <p>“Honestly I’d struggle not to tell him to sit down and shut the f**k up,” commented another. </p> <p>However, others jumped to the flight attendant's defence, saying: “Of course super mean people as usual telling him to sit down and shut up." </p> <p>“My guess is he actually likes the passengers and is very friendly and kind,” another added, praising the crew member for trying to "entertain passengers." </p> <p>“Not like he’s making much with working at one of the lowest paying mainlines. Yet he has a good attitude despite it.”</p> <p><em>Images: Reddit</em></p> <p> </p>

Travel Trouble

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Couple forced to sit next to dead passenger on international flight

<p>A couple has recalled the distressing moment they were forced to sit next to a dead passenger on an international flight. </p> <p>Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin were en route from Melbourne to Venice with Qatar Airlines, via the city of Doha, when a female passenger died mid-flight. </p> <p>The crew decided to put the dead passenger's body in Ring and Colin's row for the remaining four hours of the flight, which the couple said left them traumatised.</p> <p>The incident unfolded when a woman walked out of the bathroom and collapsed next to their row.</p> <p>"Unfortunately the lady couldn't be saved, which was pretty heartbreaking to watch," Ring told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/couple-forced-to-sit-next-to-corpse-for-hours-on-flight/24d51b24-9a7f-4e6c-be04-ec2dbf6df1c4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>A Current Affair</em></a>.</p> <p>"They tried to wheel her up towards business class, but she was quite a large lady and they couldn't get her through the aisle."</p> <p>"They looked a bit frustrated, then they just looked at me and saw seats were available beside me, my wife was on the other side, we were in a row of four."</p> <p>"They said, 'Can you move over please?' and I just said, 'Yes no problem'. Then they placed the lady in the chair I was in."</p> <p>The couple claims cabin crew did not offer them a different seat to move to, with a passenger in the row behind them instead offering a spare seat to nervous-flyer Colin.</p> <p>"There were a few spare seats I could see around us," Ring said.</p> <p>Ring spent the remaining hours of the flight in the same row as the corpse, saying he was told to stay seated after the plane landed as medical crews took off blankets covering the body.</p> <p>"I can't believe they told us to stay … it wasn't nice," he said.</p> <p>The couple said they have not been offered any support from Qatar Airways, with Ring saying, "They have a duty of care towards their customers as well as their staff, we should be contacted to make sure, do you need some support, do you need some counselling."</p> <p>"I don't really know how I feel and would like to speak to somebody to make sure I'm alright."</p> <p>Colin said the pair was now trying to make the best of their Italian holiday of a lifetime after the disturbing flight. </p> <p>"I'm trying to make the best of a pretty hard situation, but, you know, we're on holidays so we're really trying to have a good time," she said.</p> <p>Since <em>A Current Affair</em> spoke to the couple, Qatar Airways says it is looking into the situation.</p> <p><em>Image credits: A Current Affair </em></p>

Travel Trouble

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How Rex could become the next national carrier

<p>The federal government could acquire Rex Airlines if a suitable private sector buyer can’t be found for the struggling airline. </p> <p>The government will be working with Rex administrators and shortlisted bidders to find a buyer committed to breathing new life into the regional carrier. </p> <p>If the plan falls through, the Albanese government will begin working on contingency plans, including preparations for a potential Commonwealth acquisition.</p> <p>This will be the second time the government has stepped in to help Rex, after they vowed to take on Rex Airlines' $50 million debt in order to keep the company, that collapsed on June 30th 2024, servicing regional Australia. </p> <p>“Regional Australians deserve access to quality and crucial regional aviation services,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.</p> <p>“That’s why we’re taking steps to ensure the best possible deal for the sale of Rex.”</p> <p>Should Rex be nationalised, it would be the first time a federal government has owned an airline in three decades after Qantas was privatised in 1995.</p> <p>“When markets fail or struggle to deliver for regional communities the government has a role to ensure people do not miss out on opportunities, education and critical connections,” federal Transport Minister Catherine King said.</p> <p>“We are recognising that today and stepping in to keep these routes in the air.”</p> <p>The government has also guaranteed Rex’s regional flight slots at Sydney Airport until October 2026.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Friends charged hundreds to attend birthday party

<p dir="ltr">A woman has been left horrified after receiving an invitation to her friend’s birthday celebration that she would have to fork out hundreds of dollars to attend. </p> <p dir="ltr">In a post shared to Reddit, the stunned guest showed a picture of the invite - which was texted to the recipient's phone.</p> <p dir="ltr">It stated that the celebrations would take place on a Monday between 5:30pm and 7:30pm, writing that friends will be charged $499, while guests of friends will be $250.</p> <p dir="ltr">The invitee claimed that the party for the friend, who is a member of their local council, is being held at a pub. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I posted this after receiving the invitation, it's completely wrong but whatever. It's happening, now it's just shaking our heads and making a joke of the whole thing because of how ridiculous it is,” they wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">Hundreds of people took to the comments of the Reddit post to express their outrage over the invitation, with many hypothesising that the party is actually a fundraiser. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Yep. 100 percent political fundraiser. There is a separate real birthday party, even if it is just the spouse and kids,” one person declared.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Since the friend is a politician my guess is they're treating it like a fundraiser, but still. Jesus,” someone else added.</p> <p dir="ltr">Many shared their opinions on the extortionate party, with one person writing, “On a Monday afternoon? For $250 an hour? There are no people I’d ever pay that for.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Others added that the occasion sounds “more like a happy hour” than a party, with another person writing that they “wouldn’t even send a card”. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock / Reddit</em></p>

Relationships

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Husband reveals final text from wife on board doomed flight

<p>The husband of a woman on board American Airlines flight 5342 has revealed the final text he received from his wife just minutes before her flight collided with a US Army helicopter at around 9pm on Wednesday night. </p> <p>Hamaad Raza told <em> WUSA9 </em> that his wife had been texting him while she was on board the flight from Wichita, Kansas to Washington DC before the plane collided with the military helicopter and plunged into the river. </p> <p>She had texted him:  “Landing in 20 minutes” but when his replies failed to send, he realised that something was wrong. </p> <p>“That’s when I realized something might be up”, Raza shared.</p> <p>Raza's wife, who was only 26-years-old, was travelling to Wichita for work had “always had a fear of flying and that she never really was comfortable”. </p> <p>Aviation officials have yet to provide and explanation for the crash, as commercial airlines are supposed to receive a warning  of potential collisions through a Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS).</p> <p>Emergency services have been deployed throughout the night in freezing and icy conditions in attempt to find bodies among the wreckage, with dozens already recovered from the water. </p> <p>“I'm just praying that somebody's pulling her out of the river right now, as we speak," Raza told WUSA9 in the early hours of Wednesday.</p> <p>“That's all I can pray for, I'm just praying to God.”</p> <p>Raza is waiting for answers from officials but has been left in the dark on any information about his wife. </p> <p><em>Image: WUSA9 </em></p>

Caring

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Expert reveals how to cope with flight anxiety

<p dir="ltr">While thousands of Aussies travel by plane everyday, not everyone is so relaxed about air travel. </p> <p dir="ltr">According to recent Google data, searches for advice on flight anxiety are on the rise by more than 5000 per cent. </p> <p dir="ltr">Thankfully, there is help out there for those who struggle with anxious thoughts around flying. </p> <p dir="ltr">Researcher and neuroscientist Dr Brian Ramos from <a href="https://simplynootropics.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Simply Nootropics</a> explained why some people are impacted more than others.</p> <p dir="ltr">"People's past experiences, personality traits, and levels of general anxiety all play a role in how intensely they experience flying anxiety, making some individuals more prone to it than others," he told <em><a href="https://travel.nine.com.au/latest/how-to-get-over-flight-anxiety-before-holiday-expert-tips/72ff01bd-8245-4ba9-a440-8a5fa6fa74db">9Travel</a></em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">He went on to offer four ways to combat flight anxiety on your next trip. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Reframe your anxiety as excitement </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Dr Ramos believes that by redefining the physical signs of anxiety as excitement for your holiday, you can fool your brain into thinking differently. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Reframing anxiety as excitement can trick your brain into receiving your nervous system's response more positively," Brian said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Both anxiety and excitement trigger similar physical responses, like a racing heart and butterflies, but the key difference lies in how we interpret them.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"Instead of viewing these sensations as signs of danger, you can remind yourself they signal anticipation and energy."</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Think about the facts </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Looking at your situation practically can help calm your anxious mind when on a plane, according to Dr Ramos. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Look around you - is anyone else freaking out? Aeroplanes are one of the safest modes of transportation," Brian said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Statistically, the odds of an accident are extremely low, with air travel being far safer than driving in a car - something we all do regularly and don't bat an eyelid at."</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Keep yourself busy </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">By tapping into mindful activities can help push anxious thoughts to the back of your mind. </p> <p dir="ltr">As Brian says, "Distracting your mind with a good podcast or book is a great way to manage flight anxiety by redirecting your focus away from fear-inducing thoughts."</p> <p dir="ltr">"Engaging with a story or interesting conversation can keep your brain occupied.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Re-centre your brain if you feel yourself spiralling </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">"To calm an anxiety attack during a flight, first, focus on your breathing," Brian said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Practice deep, slow breaths; inhaling through your nose for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling through your mouth for four.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"Second, ground yourself using the 5-4-3-2-1 technique: identify five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"Finally, use positive self-talk."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Travel Tips

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Government bails out Rex Airlines

<p>The federal government is set to take on Rex Airlines' $50 million debt in order to keep the company, that collapsed on June 30th 2024, servicing regional Australia. </p> <p>Rex has been struggling to stay afloat in the six months since the company entered voluntary administration, with Ernst and Young (EY) appointed administrators, putting a strain on domestic travel to regional areas. </p> <p>Transport Minister Catherine King and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher announced on Thursday that the government would acquire some of Rex's debt to prevent liquidation, which they said would harm regional and remote communities that rely on the carrier.</p> <p>"By acquiring the debt, the government will become the principal secured creditor and will seek to become a voting member of the Committee of Inspection," the ministers said in a joint statement.</p> <p>"Whilst the accelerated initial sale process undertaken by the administrators in mid-2024 did not find a suitable buyer for the airlines' regional operations, the government continues to work closely with the administrators through the extended convening period."</p> <p>"This makes clear the government's ongoing commitment to maintaining access to aviation services for regional and remote communities, and recognises the critical role of the Rex network to local economies."</p> <p>Ernst and Young has a just few months to secure Rex's commercial future after the Federal Court late last year granted an extension of the voluntary administration to June 30th 2025. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Airline forced to apologise over controversial tourism ad

<p>An airline has copped major backlash over a controversial tourism campaign that promotes their return flights to Paris.</p> <p>Pakistan International Airlines posted a photo of a plane flying at the Eiffel Tower on X as part of its campaign to mark the first flight from Islamabad to Paris after a safety ban was lifted.</p> <p>“Paris, we’re coming today,” the ad reads. </p> <p>The campaign has been viewed more than 21 million times, but after receiving thousands of negative comments, the airline was forced to issue an apology. </p> <p>Many social media users drew comparisons with the Al-Qaeda attacks on New York’s Twin Towers on September 11th 2001 when two planes were hijacked and flown into the skyscrapers, killing nearly 3,000 people.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="zxx"><a href="https://t.co/qUoNCyL385">pic.twitter.com/qUoNCyL385</a></p> <p>— PIA (@Official_PIA) <a href="https://twitter.com/Official_PIA/status/1877555588533485884?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2025</a></p></blockquote> <p>“This advertisement is sickening to see. Please do better with your imagery,” an irate user wrote. “Do you not see the airplane heading for the Eiffel Tower? Do you not know what it will be perceived as?”</p> <p>Another wrote, “Who tf made this graphic to further ruin Pakistan’s image in the world,” while others questioned how the graphic was approved, adding, “Who thought this ad was a good idea?”</p> <p>“Is this (an) advertisement or threat?” another user asked.</p> <p>After being online for a week, the airline issued an apology saying it was “blown out of proportion”.</p> <p>“Unfortunately, this was blown out of proportion with connations and perceptions that were not intended,” PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan told AFP.</p> <p>“It might have triggered some negative emotion, for which we truly apologise.” </p> <p>Despite the controversy, the ad remains on the airline's official X account.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Pakistan International Airlines</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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The most turbulent flights in the world revealed

<p dir="ltr">While many travellers have experienced a bumpy ride while on a plane, there are some routes that are rougher than others. </p> <p dir="ltr">Thanks to <a href="https://turbli.com/historical-data/most-turbulent-flight-routes-of-2024/">Turbli research</a>, the most turbulent flight routes in the world for 2025 have been announced for worried flyers to avoid when booking their holidays. </p> <p dir="ltr">All destinations are situated in just two continents and four countries, and all involve flying over high altitudes.</p> <p dir="ltr">Turbulence is measured in Eddy Dissipation Rate (EDR), which describes turbulence levels without regard to aircraft characteristics, meaning the same levels of turbulence may be experienced differently depending on the size and build of the aircraft.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dramatic changes in land altitude, particularly mountain ranges, create eddies, or swirls of disrupted airflow all create turbulence. </p> <p dir="ltr">With 0-20 on the EDR scale is considered light turbulence, these flight paths measure double digits in their levels of severity. </p> <p dir="ltr">Most of these destinations are located in South America, so if you’re particularly adverse to a bumpy flight, maybe take these stats into account before booking your next holiday. </p> <p dir="ltr">Check out the list of the 10 most turbulent flights in the world below. </p> <p dir="ltr">10. San Carlos de Bariloche (Argentina) to Santiago (Chile). 18.475 average EDR.</p> <p dir="ltr">9. Chengdu (China) to Xining (China). 18.482 average EDR.</p> <p dir="ltr">8. Kathmandu (Nepal) to Paro (Bhutan). 18.563 average EDR.</p> <p dir="ltr">7. Santa Cruz (Bolivia) to Santiago (Chile). 18.598 average EDR.</p> <p dir="ltr">6. Chengdu (China) to Lhasa (China). 18.644 average EDR.</p> <p dir="ltr">5. Kathmandu to Lhasa. 18.817 average EDR. </p> <p dir="ltr">4. Mendoza (Argentina) to San Carlos de Bariloche. 19.252 average EDR. </p> <p dir="ltr">3. Mendoza to Salta (Argentina). 19.825 average EDR.</p> <p dir="ltr">2. Córdoba to Santiago. 20.214 average EDR</p> <p dir="ltr">1. Mendoza to Santiago. 24.684 average EDR.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Travel Trouble

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World's safest airline for 2025 revealed

<p>The world's safest airline has been revealed, with two major carriers from Down Under nabbing the top two spots in the prestigious AirlineRatings.com rankings. </p> <p>Air New Zealand has been rated the safest airline in the world, with Qantas coming in a close second and only 1.50 points separating the two carriers. </p> <p>Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways and Emirates came equal third, while Virgin Australia came in fourth and Etihad Airways in fifth. </p> <p>“It was extremely close again between Air New Zealand and Qantas for first place with only 1.50 points separating the two airlines,” AirlineRatings.com CEO Sharon Petersen said.</p> <p>“While both airlines uphold the highest safety standards and pilot training, Air New Zealand continue to have a younger fleet than Qantas which separates the two.”</p> <p>AirlineRatings.com is the world's only safety and product rating website, and Air NZ also won the title last year and in 2022, with Qantas nabbing the top spot in 2023. </p> <p>The watchdog monitors 385 airlines and takes into account serious incidents, recent fatal accidents, audits from aviation’s governing and industry bodies, profitability, safety initiatives, expert pilot training assessment and fleet age.</p> <p>They also shared the rankings for the safest low-cost airlines, with Cathay Pacific-owned Hong Kong Express claiming the top spot and Qantas-owned Jetstar coming in second. </p> <p>“Everyone at Qantas and Jetstar is incredibly proud of our commitment to safety, which will always be our number one priority. The whole aviation industry is focused on ensuring flying remains the safest way to travel through continual learning and improvement,”  A Qantas Group spokesperson told <em>news.com.au</em>. </p> <p>While Air NZ CEO Greg Foran said: “I’m very proud of our entire Air New Zealand whānau for consistently and diligently putting safety at the forefront of everything we do." </p> <p>“Operational integrity is at the heart of our business. We have a strong culture of safety that puts our team and passengers first. I’m proud of how this culture has been fostered over many years and how it underpins every aspect of the airline’s everyday operations.”</p> <p><strong>The Top 25 World's Safest Full-Service Airlines for 2025: </strong></p> <ol> <li>Air New Zealand</li> <li>Qantas</li> <li>Cathay Pacific; Qatar Airways; Emirates</li> <li>Virgin Australia</li> <li>Etihad Airways</li> <li>ANA</li> <li>EVA Air</li> <li>Korean Air</li> <li>Alaska Airlines</li> <li>Turkish Airlines (THY)</li> <li>TAP Portugal</li> <li>Hawaiian Airlines</li> <li>American Airlines</li> <li>SAS</li> <li>British Airways</li> <li>Iberia</li> <li>Finnair</li> <li>Lufthansa/Swiss</li> <li>JAL</li> <li>Air Canada</li> <li>Delta Airlines</li> <li>Vietnam Airlines</li> <li>United Airlines</li> </ol> <p><em>Images: Shutterstock</em></p> <p> </p>

Travel Tips

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Airline worker reveals the kind of suitcase most likely to get lost

<p dir="ltr">An airline worker has warned passengers of the type of suitcases he believes are "more likely" to get lost.</p> <p dir="ltr">The airport maintenance worker, who is based in the US, shared in a Reddit thread some advice to travellers to avoid losing their luggage during a holiday. </p> <p dir="ltr">The worker pointed out that one airline alone can have "3,000 to 5,000" bags per hour passing through the airport at peak flight times, and one simple design choice can make a huge difference on where your luggage ends up. </p> <p dir="ltr">While he suggests a hard shell suitcase as the best choice for luggage to protect your belongings, the worker warns the colour or pattern of your bag could be a cause for it to be lost.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Mirrored colours and paint schemes with a metallic flake act like reflectors and send the beam back to the sensor. Basically turning the bag invisible," he wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Once that happens, it can't be diverted to its assigned location to be loaded on the plane it belongs on.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"We only see it when it passes through the tag scanners again, but with the sheer volume of bags, it gets hard to catch them."</p> <p dir="ltr">The worker also warned against using coloured ribbons, ropes or scarves, as well as decorative bag covers, to identify your luggage, as they can cause widespread delays.</p> <p dir="ltr">"While helpful to identify your bag, it can get caught downstairs and can delay bags," he wrote, adding he once had to cut a bungee cord off a bag that had gotten caught in a roller and affecting operation.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Do what you feel is best to help identify your bag, but just be warned some items can help cause delays."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p> </p>

Travel Tips

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Flight attendant reveals best tips for end-of-year travelling

<p dir="ltr">A flight attendant has shared her holy grail tips for surviving the ups and downs of holiday travelling, and how to ensure your travel days are a breeze. </p> <p dir="ltr">Florida-based flight attendant Hunter Smith-Lihas, who works as a flight attendant on a major US airline, and veteran Australian flight-attendant-turned-aviation-researcher Liz Simmons, shared their tips, tricks and secrets with <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/flight-attendants-secrets-surviving-holiday-travel/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>CNN Travel</em></a> ahead of the busy holiday season, delving into their five top tips if you’re jet-setting around Christmas time. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Give yourself an extra day</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Flying at the last minute is risky business, especially if you’re travelling for a special pre-booked event. </p> <p dir="ltr">Smith-Lihas advises travellers to "give yourself at least one buffer day in between your travel and the event," just in case you encounter delays or issues at the airport.</p> <p dir="ltr">Whether you're travelling in the northern or southern hemisphere, there's a potential for storms and weather delays, which can cause cancellations.</p> <p dir="ltr">If you've got a buffer day, a cancelled flight doesn't automatically equal cancelled Christmas, as Smith-Lihas said, "You at least still have that entire day to get rebooked on another flight." </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Ensure you have a buffer at your lay-over stop</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">With this same idea in mind, Smith-Lihas recommends travellers give themselves at least 90 minutes between connecting flights.</p> <p dir="ltr">While the idea of sitting around in the airport waiting isn't appealing, missing your connecting flight is a much worse outcome.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I see a lot of people who book their layover flight connection times with less than 45 minutes," says Smith-Lihas. "That is not enough time."</p> <p dir="ltr">If your first flight is delayed, you can easily end up missing the second, says Smith-Lihas "especially if you're connecting in a foreign country and you have to go through customs and immigration."</p> <p dir="ltr">Leaving more time in between your connecting flights will also ensure your luggage makes it off your first plane and onto the second, making sure your Christmas outfits and presents arrive at your final destination.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Opt for the first fight of the day </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">While it might be tempting to book an evening flight to give yourself the whole day for last-minute travel preparation, Simmons and Smith-Lihas both recommend getting the first flight of the day, if possible.</p> <p dir="ltr">"If you're trying to dodge any delays, flying at the beginning of the day is beneficial, because any delays or cancellations will roll on throughout the day," explains Simmons.</p> <p dir="ltr">"And if the flight is cancelled, you at least still have that entire day to get rebooked on another flight," adds Smith-Lihas.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Don’t overdo the alcohol </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">In the spirit of the holidays, it may be tempting to partake in a few glasses of wine on your flight while on your way to holiday celebrations. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, Simmons advises to limit your boozy beverages, as you don’t want to arrive at your destination hungover. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Always keep in mind how you'll feel at the other end," says Simmons. "The real party will start at your destination, so resting and making sure that you're in your best possible state when you arrive for that party is so important."</p> <p dir="ltr">Instead, Simmons champions staying hydrated with water and herbal teas.</p> <p dir="ltr">Meanwhile Smith-Lihas said passengers should never be afraid to ask flight attendants for more water, saying,  "The cabin air can be very dry. It's easy to become dehydrated on a plane."</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Remember to be kind </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Above all else, Simmons says keeping "the message of the holiday season" in front of your mind is key for surviving stressful holiday travel.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Small gestures of goodwill are always so appreciated and certainly do not go unnoticed, but sometimes the best gift is patience and understanding and a smile and kindness."</p> <p dir="ltr">"A lot is happening in the world at the moment, and there's a lot of unease around, there's a lot of uncertainty for some people, and not everybody has a family to go to during the holidays," she says.</p> <p dir="ltr">"So just keep in mind how powerful kindness is. Being kind and smiling, the impact that could have on a stranger's day, on their mood… It's so special, and it's something that we really don't harness. Maybe we don't realise how much power we have."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

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Airlines cancel flights after volcanic eruptions. An aviation expert explains why that’s a good thing

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/patrick-murray-2027113">Patrick Murray</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a></em></p> <p>At least three airlines <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-13/flights-to-and-from-bali-cancelled-due-to-volcanic-ash/104593698">cancelled flights between Australia and Bali</a> this week after a volcano eruption in eastern Indonesia spewed a vast plume of volcanic ash into the air.</p> <p>But while would-be holiday makers are naturally <a href="https://7news.com.au/sunrise/volcanic-eruption-in-indonesia-forces-airlines-to-cancel-flights-to-bali-stranding-frustrated-passengers-c-16732486">upset</a> at having their plans disrupted, it’s worth remembering it’s not safe to fly planes through volcanic ash.</p> <p>So, how do airlines decide it’s not safe to fly when a volcano erupts? And why is volcanic ash so dangerous for aircraft, anyway?</p> <h2>What does volcanic ash do to a plane?</h2> <p>Volcanic ash particles are very, very abrasive. They can cause permanent damage to windscreens in the aircraft and can even make windscreens look opaque – like someone has gone over them with sandpaper.</p> <p>Imagine getting spectacles and scraping them over and over with sandpaper – that’s what you’d see if you were sitting in the cockpit.</p> <p>Volcanic ash can also clog or damage external sensors, leading to erroneous readings, and can infiltrate an aircraft’s ventilation system. This can affect cabin air quality and lead to potential respiratory issues.</p> <p>But the main issue, in fact, is the impact volcanic ash has on engines.</p> <p>A jet engine works by drawing in air, compressing it, mixing it with fuel and igniting it. This creates high-pressure exhaust gases that are expelled backward, which pushes the engine (and the aircraft) forward.</p> <p>The correct balance of fuel and airflow is crucial. When you disrupt airflow, it can cause the engine to stall.</p> <p>Ash particles that get inside the engines will melt and build up, causing disruption of the airflow. This could cause the engine to “flame out” or stall.</p> <p>Volcanic ash has a lot of silica in it, so when it melts it turns into something similar to glass. It won’t melt unless exposed to very high temperatures – but inside a jet engine, you do get very high temperatures.</p> <p>There was a famous incident in 1982 where a <a href="https://theaviationgeekclub.com/the-story-of-british-airways-flight-9-the-boeing-747-that-lost-all-four-engines-due-to-volcanic-ash-yet-it-landed-safely/">British Airways Boeing 747 plane</a> was flying in the vicinity of Indonesia and lost all four engines after it encountered volcanic ash spewing from Java’s Mount Galunggung.</p> <p>Fortunately, the pilot was able to <a href="https://simpleflying.com/gallunggung-glider-the-story-of-british-airways-flight-9/">restart the engines and land safely</a>, although the pilots were unable to see through the front windscreens.</p> <h2>How do airlines decide it’s not safe to fly when a volcano erupts?</h2> <p>The decision is made by each airline’s operational staff. Each airline’s operational team would be looking at the situation in real time today and making the decision based on their risk assessment.</p> <p>Every airline has a process of risk management, which is required by Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority.</p> <p>Different airlines may tackle risk management in slightly different ways; you might have some cancelling flights earlier than others. But, in broad terms, the more sophisticated airlines would come to similar conclusions and they are likely all communicating with each other.</p> <p>Mostly, they make the call based on the extent of the plume – how big the cloud of ash is and where it’s going, bearing in mind that winds vary with altitude. As you get stronger winds with altitude, the ash can drift quite far from the source.</p> <p>There is also a United Nations agency called the <a href="https://www.icao.int/Pages/default.aspx">International Civil Aviation Organization</a>, which issues guidance on volcanic ash hazards. Various meteorological agencies around the world work together and liaise with aviation authorities to spread the word quickly if there is an eruption.</p> <p>For airlines to resume flights, the ash needs to clear and there needs to be a low probability of further eruptions.</p> <h2>Passenger safety is the priority</h2> <p>The underpinning reason behind these flight cancellations is safety. If you lose engines and you can’t see out the window, the risk to passenger safety is obvious.</p> <p>Naturally, people are upset about their holiday plans being held up. But it’s actually in passengers’ best interests to not fly through volcanic ash.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/243576/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/patrick-murray-2027113">Patrick Murray</a>, Emeritus Professor of Aviation, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/airlines-cancel-flights-after-volcanic-eruptions-an-aviation-expert-explains-why-thats-a-good-thing-243576">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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What to claim for lost, delayed or damaged bags on overseas flights

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rebecca-johnston-123333">Rebecca Johnston</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-notre-dame-australia-852">University of Notre Dame Australia</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/david-hodgkinson-6574">David Hodgkinson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-western-australia-1067">The University of Western Australia</a></em></p> <p>If you get on a plane and your baggage ends up being delayed, damaged or lost, who’s responsible: you or the airline? And what rules apply when you’re flying between different countries – even if you don’t have travel insurance?</p> <p>Airlines (otherwise known as carriers) generally include baggage requirements in their terms and conditions of carriage, which are set out or referred to on your ticket. These are the rules that apply to the journey that you have booked.</p> <p>But for international flights, a carrier’s liability for damage, loss or delay of baggage is governed by a number of overarching international treaties, which many passengers aren’t aware of.</p> <h2>International agreements</h2> <p>The <a href="http://www.jus.uio.no/lm/air.carriage.warsaw.convention.1929/doc.html">Warsaw Convention</a> of 1929 was the first of these treaties, and the latest is the passenger-friendly 1999 <a href="http://www.jus.uio.no/lm/air.carriage.unification.convention.montreal.1999/">Montreal Convention</a>.</p> <p>In order for one of these treaties to apply to a particular journey, the same treaty must be in place at the point of departure and the passenger’s final destination.</p> <p>For many trips, the agreement that will apply will be the Montreal Convention, which has to date <a href="http://www.icao.int/secretariat/legal/List%20of%20Parties/Mtl99_EN.pdf">108 state parties</a>, covering everywhere from Albania and Australia to Zambia. In time, the Montreal Convention is expected to apply to almost all air travel.</p> <p>The Warsaw Convention (as amended by the <a href="http://www.jus.uio.no/lm/air.carriage.warsaw.convention.hague.protocol.1955/doc.html">Hague Protocol</a> and <a href="http://www.jus.uio.no/lm/air.carriage.warsaw.convention.montreal.protocol.4.1975/doc.html">Montreal Protocol No. 4</a>) will generally apply where the Montreal Convention does not. It is less favourable to passengers.</p> <p>All these treaties have similar provisions to deal with baggage claims – but very different limits to what you might get if you need to make a claim.</p> <h2>What the airline is responsible for</h2> <p>A carrier is liable if your checked baggage is lost, delayed or damaged regardless of fault.</p> <p>This is so unless the damage resulted from the inherent defect or quality of the baggage or, in terms of delay, if it proves that it took all reasonable measures to avoid the damage occasioned by that delay.</p> <p>As for unchecked baggage (that is, carry-on baggage), the carrier is only liable if the damage is due to the fault of the carrier or its agents.</p> <p>Unless otherwise specified, reference to “baggage” includes both checked and unchecked baggage.</p> <h2>Calculating baggage compensation</h2> <p>Under the Warsaw Convention (as amended by the <a href="http://www.jus.uio.no/lm/air.carriage.warsaw.convention.hague.protocol.1955/doc.html">Hague Protocol</a> and <a href="http://www.jus.uio.no/lm/air.carriage.warsaw.convention.montreal.protocol.4.1975/doc.html">Montreal Protocol No. 4</a>) and the Montreal Convention, liability limits are expressed in <a href="http://www.imf.org/external/np/exr/facts/sdr.HTM">special drawing rights</a> (SDRs).</p> <p>An SDR is a type of foreign exchange reserve asset created by the International Monetary Fund. Its value is based on an artificial basket of currencies consisting of the US dollar, the euro, the pound and the Japanese yen. The liability limits are reviewed every five years.</p> <p>As of October 16, 2014, the <a href="http://www.imf.org/external/np/fin/data/param_rms_mth.aspx">value of an SDR</a> is about US$1.49, £0.93 or A$1.70. Current SDR values for other currencies are also listed <a href="http://www.imf.org/external/np/fin/data/param_rms_mth.aspx">here</a>.</p> <h2>So what is your baggage worth?</h2> <p>In terms of baggage liability limits, the Warsaw Convention is of relatively little assistance to passengers.</p> <p>If your international travel is subject to Warsaw (for example, if you flew out of the United States on a one way ticket to Guatemala), liability for delayed, damaged or lost baggage is limited to 17 SDRs (about US$25.33, £15.81 or A$28.90) per kilogram per passenger for checked baggage and 332 SDRs (about US$494.68, £308.76 or A$564.40) per passenger for unchecked baggage.</p> <p>In contrast, a carrier is liable to pay far greater damages if the Montreal Convention applies.</p> <p>For any travel covered by Montreal, the carrier’s liability for baggage is limited to 1131 SDRs per passenger (US$1685.19, £1051.83 or A$1922.70), unless otherwise declared.</p> <p>The carrier is not liable for damages caused by delay if the carrier took all reasonable measures, or if it was impossible for it to take such measures.</p> <h2>Time limits on baggage claims</h2> <p>Time limits are imposed on making a claim for delayed, damaged or lost baggage. Any potential claims should be made to a carrier in writing within these specified limits.</p> <p>Article 26 of Warsaw provides that any complaint as to delay of baggage must be made at the latest within 21 days from the date the baggage was placed at the passenger’s disposal.</p> <figure class="align-right zoomable"></figure> <p>Similarly, under Article 31 of Montreal, a complaint must be made within 21 days of a passenger receiving their baggage.</p> <p>With respect to damaged baggage, under Warsaw, any claim must be made “forthwith” after the discovery of the damage and at most seven days from the date of receipt of the baggage. Montreal also gives passengers seven days from receipt of checked bags to report a damage claim.</p> <p>Neither convention imposes a time limit for reporting lost baggage claims. But it is advisable that you make your complaint as soon as possible.</p> <p>Warsaw does not state when baggage is considered “lost”, leaving it up to carriers to make that ruling. Under Montreal, baggage is only considered lost after 21 days or if the carrier admits that they have lost it.</p> <p>If a passenger fails to make a complaint within the specified times, the carrier will not be liable unless there has been fraud on the carrier’s part.</p> <h2>Insurance alternatives</h2> <p>If you are concerned that the contents of your baggage exceed the liability limits outlined above, you can make a special declaration of the value of your baggage prior to check-in and pay any additional fee (if required).</p> <p>In this case, the carrier will be liable to pay a higher amount, unless it is proved that the declared amount is greater than the actual value of your baggage.</p> <p>Alternatively, prior to travelling, check with your insurance company as to whether your travel insurance covers any excess from delayed, damaged or lost baggage.</p> <p>You might also want to <a href="http://www.icao.int/secretariat/legal/List%20of%20Parties/Mtl99_EN.pdf">check this list</a> to see whether the places you’re departing from and finally arriving at are parties to the Montreal Convention. If not, you might just find yourself out of pocket.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/32111/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rebecca-johnston-123333">Rebecca Johnston</a>, Adjunct Lecturer, Law School, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-notre-dame-australia-852">University of Notre Dame Australia</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/david-hodgkinson-6574">David Hodgkinson</a>, Associate Professor, Law School, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-western-australia-1067">The University of Western Australia</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-to-claim-for-lost-delayed-or-damaged-bags-on-overseas-flights-32111">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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Qantas faces the music for selling seats on cancelled flights

<p dir="ltr">Qantas has been fined a whopping $120 million for purposefully misleading customers on flight bookings for several years. </p> <p dir="ltr">After being sued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) over dishonest conduct relating to the sale of tickets on cancelled flights, the airline admitted they were deceiving travellers by continuing to sell tickets on flights that had already been cancelled. </p> <p dir="ltr">On Tuesday, Justice Helen Rofe formally ordered Qantas to pay a $100 million fine for their conduct, and another $20 million to travellers who were affected. </p> <p dir="ltr">Qantas agreed to pay $225 to affected customers on domestic flights and $450 on international flights.</p> <p dir="ltr">"This is a substantial penalty, which sets a strong signal to all businesses, big or small, that they will face serious consequences if they mislead their customers," ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said in a statement following the court orders.</p> <p dir="ltr">Earlier this year, Cass-Gottlieb described Qantas’ conduct as “egregious and unacceptable”, after data showed that between May 2021 and August 2023, the airline sold tickets on cancelled flights to more than 86,000 customers.</p> <p dir="ltr">In addition to cancelling the flights, the airline also failed to inform travellers that their flights were no longer going ahead as scheduled. </p> <p dir="ltr">ACCC barrister Christopher Caleo claimed that some senior airline managers knew about different aspects of the issue, including the fact that cancelled flights were not removed from booking pages or that customers could still book those flights, but no single manager was aware of the severity of the issue. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Qantas was aware of deficiencies in their systems," Caleo said. "Despite their awareness, it persisted over an extended period of time and affected a large number of consumers."</p> <p dir="ltr">Caleo added that the sizable fine presented to Qantas was required in order to deter them from any further devious conduct. </p> <p dir="ltr">"A penalty must send a signal to other companies in Australia, particularly to other large companies, that contraventions of Australian consumer law will not be tolerated," he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It must sting and must not be an acceptable cost for Qantas for failing to have systems in place."</p> <p dir="ltr">Qantas said it has made changes to its systems and agreed to notify customers of cancelled flights no longer than 48 hours from cancelling a flight and stop selling tickets for those journeys within 24 hours, with these changes also taking effect with subsidiary Jetstar.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The fact that Qantas made these changes makes it clear that Qantas wants to avoid the matter from occurring again," barrister Ruth Higgins said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p> </p>

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