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Qatar Airways celebrates special milestone with huge sale

Qatar Airways launched its first service in Australia 15 years ago and to celebrate the special milestone they have announced an epic sale. Prices have dropped for a bunch of their popular destinations including Nice, London, Dublin, Lisbon, New York and Seychelles. The sale is on now until September 30, 2024 for flights between October 1, 2024 to June 10, 2025. Economy flights from Sydney to London start from $1849, or business class from $8189. For those in Melbourne wanting to experience their Europe summer, flights to Nice start from from $1849 or on business class from $8099. And if you're looking to visit the concrete jungle, flights to New York from Brisbane start from $1839 for economy or $7859 for business class. The fares include taxes, fees and airport surcharges. The Doha-based airline offers services to more than 49 destinations from Australia across Europe and the UK, 29 destinations across Africa, and 33 destinations across the Middle East. They also offer flights to 13 destinations across North and South America. In 2024, Qatar Airways was voted the World's Best Airline in the annual Skytrax’s World Airline Awards in June, for the eighth time. It also won the awards for World’s Best Business Class, World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge and Best Airline in the Middle East. “This is a proud moment for Qatar Airways. I am honoured to share this award with my dedicated team,” Qatar Airways group chief executive officer, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said at the Skytrax event in London. “This award is a testimony to our relentless commitment to providing unparalleled service and innovation. We look forward to continuing to serve our customers with the highest level of excellence.” Image: Vytautas Kielaitis / Shutterstock.com

International Travel

Woman's identity confirmed after tragic death on Qatar Airways flight

Sharon Gordon has been identified as the woman who died on board a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Sydney over the weekend. The 60-year-old was a customer service station attendant at Wynyard Station, and was on a solo flight home after visiting her daughter in London. Halfway into the 14-hour flight, Gordon had reportedly started gasping and was found unresponsive. Another passenger, her husband and baby were seated a row in front of Gordon, when they heard her making a "weird noise". The female passenger was woken by the noise and had to look around in the dark to figure out what was going on. “She looked like she was sleeping, but she was making this really loud noise,” she told 7News. She claimed that a stewardess checked on Gordon, before two more joined her and brought oxygen. “But then they just left,” the female passenger added. The couple claimed that they were told by staff that “everything was all right," but “you could see she wasn’t breathing." Around 20 minutes later, four different stewards arrived and lifted Gordon off her seat before giving her CPR and starting a defibrillator. “I turned around and looked at the lady and she was very pale and her lips were white,” the female passenger added. “At that point, my husband and I thought that she was dead.” She described Gordon as "limp" and asked “why didn’t they do that a half hour earlier?” An hour after Gordon's first gasps, they made an announcement asking if there were any doctor's or nurses on board. Now, Gordon's family are desperate for answers, with 7News reporting that her family have requested help from the federal government after the airline said they did everything they could. “I love her and will miss her so much,” Gordon's partner Rob Bray told the publication. “Mother to Cameron and Ashley. She will be so sorely missed by us all. “Her workmates at Wynyard Station are devastated.” A Qatar Airways spokesperson previously told the publication: “Regrettably, the lady could not be revived.” “Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.” Image: 7News/ Getty

Travel Trouble

British Airways introduces gender neutral greetings

British Airways are adopting new tactics to make their journeys more inclusive to all travellers. The UK airline giant is joining a growing list of travel companies that are implementing more gender-neutral language, by ditching the traditional "ladies and gentlemen" greeting. While the move falls in line with an industry-wide global trend, the decision is also due to a change in the airline’s clientele, with the carrier reporting more children onboard since COVID-19 restrictions have been lessened. According to the <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2021/10/09/hello-passengers-inclusive-welcome-announcement/">Telegraph</a>, the new policies would adhere to changing social norms, as well as make younger customers feel more included. The airline is just one of many to make the important change. Japan Airlines was one of the first major carriers to ditch the traditional “ladies and gentlemen” titles for inflight announcements back in 2020. German carrier Lufthansa also changed their language to a more inclusive tone in July, as they pledged their commitment to diversity. Qantas has also made strides towards inclusivity in 2018, as they changed the use of “mother and father” to “parents” on all flights to include parents of different sexualities. At the time, the airline introduced a new staff booklet highlighting language geared towards the <a href="https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-releases-video-to-celebrate-the-spirit-of-australia/">"Spirit of Inclusion"</a>, which advised against using language that could be deemed offensive to the LGBTQ+ community. Image credit: Shutterstock

Travel Tips

“Never ever again”: Passenger slams British Airways for serving inedible food aboard flight

A businessman travelling with his family has slammed British Airways for serving food that made him ‘wretch’ as he claims to have been given ‘burnt chicken nuggets’ and substandard meals on his flight home from Mauritius. Adam Ball posted photos of the disappointing food on his social media, claiming that it was ‘truly awful’ and ‘inedible’. Mr Ball would have paid around $4,400 for return tickets to Mauritius. The images, which were posted on August 12, show three meals all appearing as unappetising as the next. Burnt chicken nuggets, vegetable lasagne and sausage, egg and burnt beans were all part of the menu. Mr Ball, who runs a plumbing and heating firm in Surrey, England said that the chicken nuggets were a part of the children’s meal and that he doesn’t think it’s "appropriate to feed to a dog let alone children". The vegetable lasagne was so terrible that it almost made Mr Ball vomit as was the sausage, egg and burnt beans. After filing a complaint with British Airways, Mr Ball said that he received a generic response from customer services and that he will "never ever again" fly with British Airways after this shocking experience. But the food wasn’t the only thing wrong with the flight, as Mr Ball claimed that there were "countless other problems with our recent long-haul BA flight." The comments on the British Airways Facebook page seemed to agree with his sentiment as the airline's social media is flooded with countless complaints. “The sad thing is, we are paying such extortionate prices for these flights – flights are often delayed, and service is terrible,” said Facebook user Dianne Gornall. Other users have pointed out the lack of communication from the airline as Debbie Leung asked: “Does BA actually respond to any complaints? We travelled with them in January from Hong Kong to London, cabin crew was rude, and the air quality was awful.” A spokeswoman from British Airways has said: “We pride ourselves on the quality of the meals we offer on board and have recently launched a multi-million-pound investment programme into our World Traveller catering. “Our team of expert chefs from around the world develop new menus every month to ensure our meals are full of flavour at 35,000ft. “We are sorry that our standards fell below our customer’s expectation on this occasion. “Feedback is always passed on to our catering teams who check the quality of the food we serve on board every week.” Have you ever had a terrible in-flight experience? Let us know in the comments below.

Travel Trouble

British Airways unveils VERY funny safety video – how many famous faces do you know?

In the battle of the airline safety videos, British Airways has delivered a killer blow. Last year, the British airline took direct aim at New Zealand's national carrier, saying "Hey, Air New Zealand, you're not the only one with a star-studded safety video". Featuring Sir Ian McKellan, Thandie Newton, Gordon Ramsay and Rowan Atkinson reprising his role as Mr Bean, the video was full of classic British dry humour and clocked up almost 25 million views. While adopting a similar format, the sequel is arguably even more hilarious. Introducing the pre-flight video, its "director", comedian Asim Chaudhry (aka Chabuddy G), says British A-listers were begging for parts. "Chabuddy, please let us be part of the sequel," he said, mimicking them in a high wine. "It's pathetic really. And sure, they've got their Oscars, they've got their Baftas - but what they really want is a Sista - the Society of In-flight Safety Training Awards. They all want to get their hands on the golden wings... I quite fancy some wings actually. Can someone go chicken shop?" The likes of Sir Michael Caine, Olivia Colman, Naomie Harris, David Walliams and Joanna Lumley are seen "auditioning" in humorous sketches, while simultaneously delivering those essential safety messages. <iframe width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FQ9Xpzi4qkU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> The hapless director mistakes three-time Bafta winner Colman, star of The Crown and Broadchurch, for a tea lady and unwittingly offends Lumley. The Absolutely Fabulous star is required to tell passengers to remove their high heels because they could rip the emergency slide before delivering the painfully cheesy line "Don't worry, you'll all still look absolutely fabulous without them". Giving Chabuddy, who "directs" each sketch, a withering look, Lumley asks whether the line is "strictly necessary". "Yeah," Chabuddy replies. "Otherwise people won't know who you are." But it's not all about giving passengers a pre-flight laugh. Besides delivering the safety messages, the video promotes Flying Start, the global charity partnership between British Airways and Comic Relief which has supported over half a million children in the UK and some of the world's poorest communities since its 2010 launch. Unlike Air New Zealand's sometimes OTT videos (the one launched last July featured skiing down a pavlova, dipping a marshmallow in a boiling mud pit and a giant kea), the British video, which will roll out from this July, keeps things simple. No heavily-edited "fantastical" landscapes a la Air New Zealand, just the all-important safety information delivered with a generous helping of good humour. <iframe width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TEsHqdA9dV0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Air New Zealand has become increasingly intent on cramming its own safety videos with "celebrities", moving on from local actors and All Blacks to American stars Adrian Grenier, Katie Holmes and Cuba Gooding Jr. While intended to be a light-hearted take on what makes New Zealand unique, they have become increasingly bizarre. In trying too hard to surpass other airlines' videos, or their own, they've lost their sense of humour - to this viewer at least. Commenting on the latest video, which shows Grenier on a tour of Antarctica, in a Stuff article earlier this year, Darren Bevan says: "With its collection of bad dad jokes, goofy American tourist vibe and degree of Hollywood privilege, it simply seems to me like the bottom of the barrel being scraped." But you be the judge. Let us know what you think of the British Airways video, or Air New Zealand's, in the comments below. Written by Lorna Thornber. Republish with permission of <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz.</a>

International Travel

Newborn baby found in toilet on Etihad Airways flight

Cabin crew onboard an Etihad Airways flight from Abu Dhabi to Jakarta made a horrific discovery when their plane touched down at its destination – the body of a deceased newborn baby. Prior to the discovery, the flight was forced to divert to Bangkok after a 37-year-old Indonesian woman started to bleed hours after departing from Abu Dhabi. Upon arrival in the Thai capital, the woman was removed from the plane. It wasn’t until the aircraft touched down in its final destination of Jakarta that cleaning crew located the newborn baby's body, which had been wrapped in a plastic bag and stashed inside a draw in the lavatory. According to the Jakarta Post, the woman – who had just hours earlier been taken off the plane – admitted to investigators that the baby was hers. Apparently, the woman, who is married with children, abandoned the newborn because she had fallen pregnant to her employer in Abu Dhabi. “[She] didn’t look healthy and won’t be questioned until she is fit,” Jakarta Airport police chief Ahmad Yusef told Agence France-Presse. “The woman is now at the airport’s health centre.”

Travel Trouble

Passenger describes “10 hours of hell” on British Airways flight

Flying isn’t always a pleasurable experience at the best of times, but for travellers onboard a British Airways flight from London Heathrow to Nevada in the US, it was almost insufferable. Nicole Lightbody, a 26-year-old accountant from Glasgow, Scotland, has detailed her painful flight to <a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/british-airways-passenger-endured-10-11540613" target="_blank">The Mirror</a>, which she labelled as “10 hours of hell”. Nicole alleges she and her cousin were forced to listen to increasingly loud static from the aircraft’s loudspeaker for five minutes at 15-minute intervals. She recorded the sound and uploaded it to social media after arriving at her destination, saying the loud buzz began after an oxygen mask randomly fell from the ceiling and remained down for the entire flight. <blockquote class="twitter-video"> <a href="https://twitter.com/British_Airways?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@British_Airways</a> after a flight from Heathrow to Vegas listening a noise for the whole journey 1 of my friends has bn given £20 voucher <a href="https://t.co/LqQqwiiUI5">pic.twitter.com/LqQqwiiUI5</a> — Shona Lightbody (@Shona2607) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shona2607/status/930943362936565760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2017</a></blockquote> “The cabin crew did everything they could to deal with it,” she conceded. “It happened every 15 minutes for five minutes at a time. They came around with noise cancelling headphones for people to put on. “There were people asking to be moved because of the noise. We couldn't relax because of the noise. It was 10 hours of hell basically.” To add insult to injury, after filing a complaint with the airline, she was offered just £20 ($35) in compensation – something she said “felt like a smack in the face”. A spokesperson for British Airways issued a statement to The Mirror denying the problem persisted for as long as Nicole alleged. “We apologised for a temporary issue with our public announcement system that affected a small number of customers on a flight last month which was quickly resolved. Our highly trained cabin crew also reassured customers after a single set of oxygen masks deployed accidentally." Tell us in the comments below, what’s the worst flight you’ve ever been on?

International Travel

British Airways unleash hilarious new safety video

It is no secret that airlines compete fiercely with each other to have the most entertaining safety videos. British Airways might have created the funniest video yet with their new one that features a star-studded cast. Celebrities including Rowan Atkinson, Sir Ian McKellen, Gordon Ramsay and Thandie Newton teamed up with charity Comic Relief, all pretending to audition for a role as they demonstrate the safety procedures. The video begins with 12 Years a Slave Oscar-nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor who admitted he had never made a safety video before. British comedian Asim Chaudry stars as the video’s director and says, “Well this could be your big break, OK mate? So don’t mess it up.” Chiwetel perfectly executes the audition but Asim writes him off as being “a bit of a show off” as he didn’t need the autocue. <iframe width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YCoQwZ9BQ9Q?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Gordon Ramsay enters next reading a script with words like “darling” while placing a petite handbag under a seat. When Ramsay realises his part was written for someone else, he outbursts in his signature style. When Thandie Newton appears, she explains to viewers how to find the exits and the director is mesmerised over her performance. “No seriously, that bit about the nearest exits? Really powerful,” he says. Sir Ian McKellen makes a cameo alongside Warwick Davis, who played Professor Flitwick in the Harry Potter movies. The pair demonstrate the safety masks. Jim Broadbent, who played Bridget Jones’ dad, demonstrates putting away tray tables before landing. “Genius! Look, I’ve got goosebumps,” Asim says. “I suppose it did have a certain je ne sais quoi, thank you,” Jim replies. Gillian Anderson from X-Files closes with the brace position, and – without uttering a word – Rowan Atkinson adds his magic touch. The safety video will raise money for Flying Start, a charity dedicated to raising money for children in need around the globe.

Travel Tips

Qatar Airways boss apologises for disparaging remark of flight attendants

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker is apologising for referring to US airline flight attendants as "grandmothers." At a gala in Dublin, Ireland last week to celebrate Qatar Airways' launch of its Dublin-Doha route, Al Baker told the audience that "the average age of my cabin crew is only 26 years." "So there is no need for you to travel on these crap American carriers," Al Baker said. "You know you're always being served by grandmothers on American carriers." Al Baker apologised "unreservedly" for his remarks after being blasted by labour unions and American Airlines. "Cabin crew are the public face of all airlines, and I greatly respect their hard work and professionalism," Al Baker said on Wednesday. "They play a huge role in the safety and comfort of passengers, irrespective of their age or gender or familial status. I have worked for many years in the industry, and I have a high regard for the value that I see long-serving staff members bringing through their experience and dedication." American Airlines said overnight it was ending marketing agreements with Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways, Bloomberg reported. It comes after a long disagreement over whether the Persian Gulf carriers use government subsidies to compete unfairly. First appeared on <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz.</a>

Retirement Life

British Airways flight diverted after 25 crew became ill

A British Airways flight from San Francisco to London was diverted to Vancouver after 25 members of the cabin crew became unwell, the airline said on Tuesday. Twenty-five crew were admitted to local hospitals as a precaution but had now been discharged, British Airways spokeswoman Michele Kropf said. She said no customers were taken to hospital and that the crew had not been treated for smoke inhalation. Passenger Steve Lowy told CBC News about two hours into the flight the crews started quickly clearing away dinner. "They suddenly cleared the trays away, and said that we were going to do a landing in Calgary due to the fact that there was a technical issue with the plane and a number of the cabin staff weren't feeling well." "I gather afterwards there were issues on the lower deck, but you couldn't hear anything or see anything. No alarms going off," Lowy said. "I don't think the crew knew a lot about what was going on, or if they did, they didn't want to alarm anyone…We just sat there in silence, being very British," he said. British Airways did not comment on the cause of the problem. "The flight from San Francisco diverted to Vancouver after members of the cabin crew became unwell. The cabin crew were checked as a precaution at local hospitals before being discharged," the airline said in an emailed statement. The airline said that its Vancouver staff had arranged hotel accommodation for affected customers and will book them on alternative flights as soon as possible. The diverted flight landed in Vancouver on Monday at around 11:30pm (7:30pm Tuesday NZDT), said Vancouver Airport spokesman is Chris Devauld, who referred questions about additional details to the airline. "The aircraft landed safely and British Airways is now working with passengers," he said. Earlier this year, passengers told of the terrifying moment their flight was forced to make an emergency landing after up to six crew members became ill. The incident occurred on an American Airlines flight destined for Los Angeles from London's Heathrow Airport in January. According to reports in the MailOnline, one flight attendant fainted while five other cabin crew were struck down with the mystery illness. What do you think the source of the crew’s illness could have been? Let us know what you think in the comments below. Written by Matt Scuffham and Jeffrey Hodgson. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz.</a> Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/international-travel/2016/10/best-or-worst-time-to-visit-europe/"></a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/10/koala-and-butterfly-best-friends/">This koala and a butterfly are the best of friends</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/international-travel/2016/10/best-or-worst-time-to-visit-europe/"></a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/08/10-best-bird-watching-spots-in-australia/">10 best bird watching spots in Australia</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/international-travel/2016/10/best-or-worst-time-to-visit-europe/"></a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/08/breathtaking-images-of-flock-of-budgies/">Breathtaking images of flock of budgies</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/international-travel/2016/10/best-or-worst-time-to-visit-europe/"> </a>

International Travel

Crisis averted as British Airways jumbo aborts landing

A dramatic video shows the pilot of a British Airways A380 aborting a landing when the plane is just feet above the ground. Footage captured at Vancouver International Airport in Canada shows just how close the flight from London Heathrow came to touching down, appearing to "float" along the runway before performing a go around. An airline captain told the Mail Online the missed landing was likely due to pilot misjudgement. "I would say that the pilot put in too much elevator input at 50ft meaning that the aircraft 'floated' along the runway rather than continuing down to touchdown," he said. "Once beyond the end of the touchdown zone the pilots rightly elected to go around - a normal flight manoeuvre practiced every six months in the flight simulator and briefed before the approach commences. "So, it looks cool but isn't dangerous by any means." On the second attempt, the A380 made a safe landing. How scary! We’re glad the pilots were able to make a successful landing on their second attempt. Have you ever had a close call in the air? Let us know in the comments. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Related links: <a href="/travel/international-travel/2016/03/strange-and-unique-airports/">7 strange and unique airports</a> <a href="/travel/international/2016/04/landing-plane-on-bhutan-paro-airport-runway/">The world’s most difficult runway to land</a> <a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/06/passengers-share-their-worst-ever-travel-experiences/">Passengers share their worst ever travel experiences</a>

Travel Tips

Qatar Airways announces the world's new longest flight

Qatar Airways has announced it will launch flights from Doha to Auckland from December, which will become the new longest route in the world. The news comes a week after Emirates completed the world's current longest direct commercial flight from Dubai to Auckland, at 14,326 kilometres. Doha to Auckland just pips the Emirates route, at 14,539km. Qatar Airways' group chief executive Akbar Al Baker announced the new route on the opening day of the world's largest international travel fair, ITB Berlin. The daily service from Doha, the capital of Qatar, to Auckland will be the airline's first route to New Zealand, and will begin on December 3. Qatar Airways will use the Boeing 777 aircraft for this route. Travelmath puts the flight time between Doha and Auckland at around 18 hours and 34 minutes, while the Emirates service to Dubai has a scheduled flight time of 17 hours and 15 minutes. Al Baker told aviationbusiness.com.au that the airline had originally planned to launch its Doha to Auckland service in June, but decided to wait until December "as a mark of respect to Emirates". The new service is expected to appeal to travellers flying between New Zealand and European cities such as Auckland-Doha-London or Auckland-Doha-Amsterdam. Qatar Airways also announced 13 other new routes at the event, including five destinations in Europe, six in Africa and two in Asia. "These new destinations are where our customers want to go, and where we see the most opportunity to provide a best-in-class experience at great value," Al Baker said. "We look forward to growing our network and welcoming new passengers to Qatar Airways." Written by Siobhan Downes. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz.</a> Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/02/a-look-inside-first-class-cabins/">Inside 8 first class cabins that will amaze you</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/02/most-photographed-locations-in-london/">London’s 8 most photographed locations</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/02/holiday-ideas-for-animal-lovers/">8 holiday ideas every animal lover needs to experience</a>

International Travel

This British Airways ad “fuelled by love” will move you to tears

For over 90 years, British Airways has been flying to India, and in celebration of the country, the historic airline has created an ad to celebrate its love of India. Inspired by a true story, this video focuses on how the simple gestures between a flight attendant and a passenger can affect a lifetime of travel. The ad, titled "Fuelled by Love" is directed by award-winning screenwriter and director Neeraj Ghaywan. The video depicts how a young flight attendant developed her love of the country on her voyage to India after assisting an older passenger on the flight from London. We don’t want to give away too much information but all you need to know is that it’s a truly heart-warming clip that will send you on your own voyage of emotions. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/mind/2016/01/older-generation-better-at-learning/">Older generations better at learning than everyone else</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/mind/2015/12/ways-to-make-today-great/">10 sure-fire ways to make today a great day</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/mind/2015/12/positive-thinking-and-mental-health/">Can positive thinking improve your mental health?</a>

International Travel

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Qatar Airways celebrates special milestone with huge sale

Woman's identity confirmed after tragic death on Qatar Airways flight

British Airways introduces gender neutral greetings

“Never ever again”: Passenger slams British Airways for serving inedible food aboard flight

British Airways unveils VERY funny safety video – how many famous faces do you know?

Newborn baby found in toilet on Etihad Airways flight

Passenger describes “10 hours of hell” on British Airways flight

British Airways unleash hilarious new safety video

Qatar Airways boss apologises for disparaging remark of flight attendants

British Airways flight diverted after 25 crew became ill

Crisis averted as British Airways jumbo aborts landing

Qatar Airways announces the world's new longest flight

This British Airways ad “fuelled by love” will move you to tears

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