March 20, 2020

The World is Shutting Down Temporarily – AIR032

54 minutes

It has been a tumultuous few weeks for the airline, tourism and hospitality industries. As the coronavirus outbreak spreads exponentially, many airlines have stopped flying and international borders are being closed at unprecedented rates.

In this extended episode, Matt looks at the implications of the past few weeks on travellers and the airline industry. This episode includes interviews with travel agent Alan Lam, and Henrique Pereira from Draper Startup House in Lisbon – a hostel that unfortunately had to close due to coronavirus after just two days.

Episode contents:

1:40 – Fortnightly news round-up

7:50 – Interview with Alan Lam: How to change or cancel bookings affected by coronavirus

22:45 – Interview with Alan Lam: Changes to Finnair Business class fares

25:03 – Matt’s story

31:32 – Interview with Henrique Pereira

48:00 – Ask Matt: Award availability, frequent flyer points and aircraft maintenance during the COVID-19 shutdown

Links:

AFF on Air Discussion thread – a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions

Draper Startup House

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

Qantas Extends Everyone’s Status for 12 Months