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Fiona Carruthers

February

Know your craft: How the biggest airlines rate at the pointy end

Exactly which airline and aircraft type should you choose for a long-haul flight? This handy guide helps you shop around for that sweet spot in the air.

Views over Hong Kong from restaurant Man Wah at the Mandarin Oriental.

How to nail a Hong Kong stopover

Many find the Middle Eastern stopover cities a tad too futuristic. But Honkers still charms.

Why airline execs don’t check bags (and stay hydrated)

When it comes to having a travel routine and packing for trips down pat, you can’t beat those employed in the airline industry for know-how.

Are you game enough to try this millionaire’s trick for jet lag?

Avoid fatigue, discover exotic destinations and tick the slow-travel box by recreating the kangaroo route – flying in legs of no more than three hours.

Travel bosses reveal their best (and worst) flight experiences

These Australian frequent flyers spend much of the year away from home. Here they recount some of their most memorable times in the sky.

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Nine ways to fly flat to Europe for less

It’s worth considering these often cheaper and lesser known business class options.

How Isla Fisher flies from LA to London (and back)

From early roles in Home and Away and the Wedding Crashers, this actor is now a global star. She shares her ultimate local and holiday-abroad spots.

Cathay Pacific’s Aria cabin on a refurbished 777-300ER aircraft.

The trend fuelling business class wars

When Qatar Airways introduced its new suite with a door, frequent flyers joked it was better than first class. The revolution up front continues.

December 2024

Rome was one of the most popular European cities for travellers last summer.

Europe calling? A guide to predicting the cheapest fares

If you’re wondering whether to book your 2025 flights now or to wait, recent average prices are a handy benchmark.

As Senior Vice President in the Aviation Partnerships division at Sydney Airport, Christina Werkstetter surely has one of the world’s best jobs.

Want to fly international business class every month? Try this job

Christina Werkstetter is Sydney Airport’s secret weapon when it comes to getting new airlines to fly into Australia. The perks aren’t half bad either.

November 2024

The changes to Velocity will reward big spenders but make it harder for some flyers to accrue points.

Etihad rips up Virgin frequent flier partnership after Qatar deal

The Bain Capital-backed airline has told the ACCC that it will retain alliance arrangements with Singapore Airlines despite its new major shareholder.

Melbourne-based Intrepid Travel CEO James Thornton and his son Art ion a Finnair flight from Helsinki to Kuusamo in March 2023. It was strictly economy for them.

Why free upgrades are a thing of the past (except for politicians)

Feel like a complimentary leg-up into business class is no longer a thing despite your Platinum status? You’re not alone.

October 2024

The Cathay Pacific Aria business class suite - with sliding privacy door - is now flying aboard just one retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER, with more retrofits underway.

Art gallery, luxury loos: Cathay’s business class goes next level

Hong Kong’s flagship carrier has unveiled its new business-class offering with an on-board art gallery, sliding privacy doors and touchless flush loos.

Silver Ray chefs plate up some impressive cuisine - especially in the S.A.L.T Kitchen.

How to travel with a Michelin-starred chef

New small cruise ship Silver Ray prides itself on having celebrity chefs stow away for a few nights to ensure its guests dine on the very best.

September 2024

Kathy Lette lives in London for nine months of the year, Sydney for three.

Kathy Lette on the ‘crime of menopause’, and dealing with enemies

The London-based Australian author spends her working week writing about life’s challenges. But weekends are for crosswords, laughter, cocktails and theatre.

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August 2024

This off-grid Himalayan walk will re-boot you from $1225 a day

Crawling not running towards the end of the year? Book this six-day trek in remote north-eastern India for a reality check, and a nature-fuelled recharge.

July 2024

Mayfair’s 25-metre lap pool.

Why young people love London’s newest luxury hotel

In contrast to its heritage-rich big sister in Hyde Park, the £1000 a night Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is cheekier and more focused on fun.

June 2024

View on St George island from Our Lady of the Rocks through arch. Perast, Montenegro.

Europe’s wallet-friendly alternative to Lake Como

This 10-night Mediterranean cruise on a $775-million luxury ship is a great way to discover lesser-known ports.

May 2024

The Le Petit Chef dining experience is a must when on a Celebrity cruise.

Is this the cutest restaurant on water? Sea foodies seem to think so

An energetic and animated chef keeps fine dining lively on the ocean.

The view over Portugal’s Douro River from Vinum Restaurant at Graham’s Port – an evening extravaganza courtesy of Viking Cruise Line.

On your next cruise, try a magical night onshore you won’t forget

Thanks to the growing popularity of cruising, luxury lines are coming up with ever-more exotic excursions on land – especially after sundown.

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/by/fiona-carruthers-131ne4