Opening 9 years behind schedule, the new Berlin Brandenburg Airport in Germany became the subject of many jokes due to the ridiculous problems that plagued its construction. But now that it’s open, what’s it actually like to fly out of BER Airport? Matt recently found out and shares his experience on this episode of AFF on Air.

Also in this episode: How the Ukraine war and Russian airspace closures are impacting aviation in surprising ways, Qantas’ customer service problem becomes a mainstream issue, and how to find Hawaiian Airlines award availability.

Episode contents:

• 1:17 – Fortnightly news round-up
  
• 11:06 – Matt visits Berlin’s new airport
  
• 16:57 – The war in Ukraine and implications for Australian flyers
  
• 28:23 – Qantas’ customer service problem becomes mainstream
  
• 32:56 – Listener questions: Hawaiian Airlines award availability and credit cards for retirees
  

Links:

• AFF on Air Discussion thread – a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
  
• Wendover Productions YouTube video: “The Sanction-Fueled Destruction of the Russian Aviation Industry”
  
• Applying for New Credit Cards in Retirement
  

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

• Major Qantas Domestic Catering Problems
  
• Australia to End Pre-Flight COVID Testing
  
• Australian Passport Processing Times Blow Out
  
• Virgin Eyes High-Flying Business Travellers
  
• Virgin Extends Travel Bank Expiry Dates
  
• Rex Winds Back COVID Refund Guarantee
  
• New Qantas Routes from Sydney to Seoul & Bengaluru
  
• Virgin Delays United Partnership Launch
  
• Earn Velocity Status Credits on the Ground in April 2022
  
• How to Earn Points Paying ATO Tax & Bills in 2022
  
• Amex Reopens Australian Airport Lounges
  
• Westpac Altitude, Amplify Axe Malaysia Airlines Enrich Partnership