2020 has been a tough year for many Australian tourism businesses. But few parts of Australia have been affected as badly as Kangaroo Island in South Australia. The island was still recovering from a disastrous summer bushfire season, which destroyed almost half the island, when the coronavirus crisis hit. With borders now closed, the island's economy which relies on tourism is struggling. In this episode, Matt takes a close look at how these dual crises impacted Kangaroo Island and its people.

In this episode, Matt also discusses what it's like flying around Australia at the moment, the future of Virgin Australia and the hierarchy of Qantas award availability.

 

Episode contents:

1:00 - Fortnightly news round-up
9:50 - The future of Virgin Australia & the risk of getting squeezed by Qantas
15:50 - What's it like flying with Qantas & Virgin at the moment - both on the ground and in the air?
20:22 - How Kangaroo Island has dealt with two crises this year, and how its tourism industry is affected
28:00 - Ask Matt: Qantas award availability when using AAdvantage or Alaskan miles

 

Links:

AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
Virgin’s “Hybrid” Strategy is Fraught with Risk
Great Food & Service at Reopened Qantas Lounges
Upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar: Australian Domestic Travel Tips & Tricks (9 September 2020)

 

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

Qantas 2019-20 Financial Results a Mixed Bag
Qantas International Flights Unlikely to Restart Before July 2021
Amex Scraps $400 Travel Credit for Platinum Reserve Card
Qantas Frequent Flyer Quietly Ends Air Niugini Partnership
Qantas Selling Care Packs for $25