The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is having an unprecedented impact on the travel industry - and the world in general. Thousands of flights have been cancelled, travel bans are being introduced and millions have had their travel plans disrupted. In this episode, Matt takes a detailed look at what this all means for travellers.

 

Episode contents:

1:33 - Fortnightly news round-up
10:57  - COVID-19 and its impact on travel
15:13 - Should we be avoiding overseas travel right now?
28:20 - Changing or cancelling a trip due to COVID-19
31:34 - TAP Air Portugal status match
35:31 - Taking advantage of airline award chart loopholes

 

Links:

AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
Smartraveller COVID-19 updates
Updated WHO recommendations for international traffic in relation to COVID-19 outbreak
Bruce Poon Tip addresses coronavirus epidemic in heartfelt message to G Adventures travellers (Travel Weekly article)
Opinion: The world needs travel, and coronavirus is everywhere anyway (God Save The Points article)
IATA advice on country travel restrictions
Credit Card Travel Insurance May Not Cover Coronavirus
Cruising choices with an active Pandemic (AFF thread)
Star Alliance Status Match with TAP Portugal
Airline Award Chart Sweet Spots & Loopholes - upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar

 

Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:

Virgin Temporarily Shuts Adelaide Lounge
Virgin Australia Removes Velocity Numbers from Boarding Passes
Virgin Australia Group Cuts Capacity, Aircraft
Brisbane Airport’s New Runway Opening on 12 July 2020
Qantas Swings Boeing 787 onto Sydney-Vancouver
Air New Zealand Skynest: Will it Ever Happen?
How to Reinstate Expired Qantas Points
Flybe Collapses, Flights Grounded
Online Travel Agency Fly365 Enters Liquidation
Qantas Releases New Centenary Safety Video
Hawaiian Business Class Sale & Other Deals – March 2020
Qantas Flights to Los Angeles from $719 return
Qantas & Virgin Trans-Tasman Fares at Record Lows