Virgin Australia extends pets in cabins trial

Virgin Australia has announced the extension of its pets in cabin trial with more flights now available for bookings. 

The decision to extend the trial, which was initially scheduled to conclude at the end of this month, follows strong demand for bookings, well above initial forecasts, and positive guest and team member feedback since the service first launched in October 2025, Virgin said in a media statement.

Over the peak Christmas period alone, more than 300 dogs and cats flew on Virgin Australia pets in cabin flights, highlighting the demand for pet owners wanting to holiday or visit loved ones with their furry companions.

Virgin Australia has also confirmed that from January 31, cats will be permitted to travel on all pets in cabin flight services, having previously been limited to flights between Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast.

Velocity Frequent Flyer members can continue to book pets in cabin flights using Velocity Points in addition to their own fare.

Virgin Australia says it plans to expand the pets in cabin service to more eligible Virgin Australia domestic flights in the coming months.

Virgin Australia chief marketing and customer operations officer Libby Minogue said the response to pet-friendly flights has exceeded expectations, delivering bookings significantly above forecast.

“Our decision to extend the pets in cabin service trial until June this year reinforces the value of innovating around what our guests care about, and we know that they care deeply about travelling with their pets," she said.

“We’ve not only received strong, positive feedback from pet owners, but also guests travelling without pets.

“As we continue to build on the success of pets in cabin flights over the coming months, we look forward to expanding the service to other eligible Virgin Australia domestic flights soon.” 

Melbourne Airport general manager operations, Scott Dullard, said the move to allow small dogs and cats in cabins had introduced greater choice and flexibility for travellers.

"Pet-friendly travel has been an exciting service for Virgin Australia passengers, opening new travel opportunities between Melbourne and the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast for all members of the family - including the furry ones,” he said.

Melbourne Airport moves to cut down taxi rip offs

Been ripped off catching a taxi from Sydney or Melbourne airports? 

Melbourne Airport is testing a new fixed-fare taxi booking system to make it “simpler and safer” for passengers to reach their destinations, the airport says on its Facebook page. 

The airport has partnered with taxi dispatcher A2B, which supports 13cabs, Silver Top, Black and White and Silver Service, to install three kiosks that will begin trials from today at the Qantas domestic terminal. 

The system will allow customers to pre-book taxis for a guaranteed fare. 

Passengers can input their destination address and pay the fixed fare upfront, then show the receipt to a driver waiting in a dedicated bay. 

"Taxi touts rip off passengers and deprive honest drivers of work, so we’re doing everything in our power to stamp out the practice,” said Melbourne Airport chief of ground transport, property and retail Jai McDermott. 

“People shouldn’t have to haggle with a cabbie over a fare or their destination when they come to the airport, and this trial aims to eliminate that pain point.

“Our hope is that this trial will add a sense of security and certainty to the process of catching a cab from the airport.” 

The move by Melbourne Airport follows the announcement last month of fixed $60 taxi fares from Sydney Airport to the CBD, with a 12-month trial aiming to address a raft of complaints about passengers being “ripped off” by exorbitant charges. 

Jetstar delivers quality service. Twice

 

Jetstar can be much maligned - but you get what you pay for and know the potential issues when you fly with them. 

I booked a Melbourne-Hobart flight for yesterday, leaving plenty of time for my return flight from Vietnam on Vietjet to be delayed - or for me to be caught in queues at Melbourne Airport.

Neither happened. My Vietjet flight landed early - and there was no line at all to go through customs. 

My ticket had been booked and purchased through Qantas using points and pay - but Qantas was not interested in switching me to an earlier flight. That left me with seven hours to kill at the airport. 

Fortunately, Jetstar was much more helpful than Mrs No at the Qantas desk. They promptly and courteously switched me to an earlier flight on an Airbus A320, gave me a window seat near the front and did not charge me a cent. That's impressive service. 

Unfortunately, my bag (containing largely dirty laundry) did not make it through to Hobart with me. 

I filled in a form at the Jetstar desk and was told my suitcase would be delivered to my home (about 75km from the airport) when/if it landed. 

Yep. Unlikely. 

Three hours later there was a phone call. "We have your bag and are delivering it now". 

Sure enough, around an hour later a cheerful fellow delivered my bag to me front door. 

They even sent me a follow-up email

That's pretty impressive all round. 

OK, it would have been better if they hadn't misplaced the bag in the first place - but credit where it is due. Well done.  

Twin hotels add a new lifestyle precinct at Melbourne Airport

Choice is a good thing. And that is even more the case when you can choose between different hotel options that are part of the same dramatic building.

If you need to stay at Melbourne Airport you can now choose between the fun and funky ibis Styles, or its sibling, the more serious Novotel Melbourne Airport.

Both share the same reception and lounge facilities, the same signature restaurant and café, and function facilities. And both are just a hop, skip and jump from Terminal 4.

I chose to check out the ibis Styles facilities and was impressed with the whole operation.

 


The twin hotels are the largest hotel opening in Australia this year.

Vibrant pops of colour and striking lighting design greeting guests when they walk through the front doors.

RELATED STORY Novotel reinvents airport hotels

The aerodynamically inspired L-shaped building offers guests a total of 464 guest rooms split across Novotel (248 rooms) and ibis Styles (216 rooms). Despite these numbers there is a calm, relaxed vibe.

The architecture was done by award-winning Fender Katsalidis, and interior design by Woods Bagot.

The ibis property has an urban vibe, with the Novotel design a nod to the colours of regional Victoria.



“We’re thrilled to have our doors open and to be welcoming guests into these stunning new hotels," said David Alexander, who is GM of both properties.

"We are more than just your average airport hotel, offering all the facilities of a city hotel but conveniently located at the airport. Plus we are home to Melbourne Airport’s first wellness hub, Higher State, and the airport’s first co-working space, Aerofoil Workspace.

“From what we have created here, you really don’t have to be flying somewhere to enjoy our incredible facilities and hospitality. We welcome guests to stay with us while exploring all that is on offer right on our doorstep within the airport precinct including URBNSurf, Sunbury wine region and the Essendon Football Club, to name a few."

Small Holdings offers café fare, St ALi coffee and freshly baked goods and sandwiches, while Boccata Restaurant and Wine Bar celebrates Italian food culture. My review is here: 

https://www.gourmetontheroad.com/2024/08/airport-hotel-eatery-delivers-fun.html

Amber State Taphouse & Kitchen, with craft brews and barbecue flavours, offers another alternative.

There is currently an opening offer of $239 per night at the ibis Styles and $298 per night at the Novotel, but it finishes at the end of the month.

For further information, please visit all.com. Here are direct hotel links for Novotel and ibis Styles.

 

# The writer was hosted by ibis Styles Melbourne Airport 

New air link between Shanghai and Melbourne

Get ready for a new choice when flying between Melbourne Airport and Shanghai. 

One of China’s top privately-owned airlines this week announced it will launch flights between Shanghai and Melbourne starting in December.

Juneyao Airlines will operate three weekly flights to and from Melbourne Airport from December 19, increasing to a peak-season daily service for January and February.

The new flights will mark an Australian debut for Juneyao Airlines.

The airline’s flagship Boeing 787-9 will be operated on the route with 324 seats, including 29 lie-flat business class seats.

The new route takes Chinese seat capacity above pre-pandemic levels for Melbourne Airport

“We are thrilled to welcome Juneyao Airlines to Melbourne,“ Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie  Argus said.

Founded in 2006, Juneyao Air is part of Star Alliance. It has also revealed plans to connect Shanghai with Sydney from December 17. 

The airline serves almost 200 destinations in Asia and Europe, with a fleet of 92 aircraft, narrow-bodied Airbus A320s and wide-bodied Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

Airport hotel eatery delivers fun Italian flavours

 

I am a big believer that restaurant food should be fun. 

The Melbourne Airport precinct has welcomed its newest dining establishment with the recent launch of Boccata Restaurant & Bar, which means 'a mouthful” and celebrates Melbourne's migrant heritage and rich Italian food culture.

We ate there last week and really enjoyed the fun vibe of dishes like deep-fried lasagne with paprika mayo,  a mortadella pizza, a tomato-driven rigatoni and fior di latte soft serve with olive oil and Murray salt. 

 
The dessert was unconventional, sure, but absolutely delicious.

There is an experienced team behind Boccata - and some friendly wait staff as well.

Consultant chef Rosy Scatigna from Hotel Morris in Sydney has crafted the menu. Executive chef Christian Corpuz heads the kitchen team with and F&B director Dylan Wisnesky manning the floor.

Puglian-raised Scatigna’s Italian roots are reflected in the modern trattoria-style menu which features plenty of Italian flavours like garlic, chilli, fresh herbs, citrus and high-quality olive oil.

“The inspiration for the Boccata menu comes from my own family's Italian roots and the stories of Melbourne's Italian immigrant community,” Scatigna says.

“When we set out to create this menu, we wanted to honour those cherished memories while celebrating the incredible produce from Victoria's local farmers.

“Each dish is a tribute to the past and a nod to the vibrant food culture that surrounds us, blending time-honoured Italian recipes with the best ingredients this region has to offer.”

Corpuz has worked at some of Victoria's best restaurants including Estelle Bistro, Lakehouse Daylesford and Miss Mi.

Complementing the food and wine, the interiors at Boccata are designed to embrace a classic Italian design with a modern twist.

There is a decent and affordable selection of wines by the glass, but nothing thrilling.

Boccata Restaurant & Bar is within the airport precinct at the brand-new Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport. Open for dinner Monday to Sunday from 5-10pm.

See https://www.novotelmelbourneairport.com.au

# The writer was hosted by Accor Hotels 

Meet Australia's biggest airport hotel opening of the year

It is two hotels in one - and the largest hotel opening in Australia this year.

Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport opened its doors today, marking the start of the financial year in style.

The twin complex aims to offer "all the luxuries and facilities of a city hotel within easy walking distance of Terminal 4". 

The aerodynamically-inspired L-shaped building offers guests the choice of 464 guest rooms split across Novotel (248 rooms) and ibis Styles (216 rooms).

With architecture by award-winning Fender Katsalidis, and interior design by acclaimed Woods Bagot, the hotels make a design statement.

“We’re thrilled to have our doors open and to be welcoming guests into these stunning new hotels," said David Alexander, general manager of both properties.

"We are more than just your average airport hotel, offering all the facilities of a city hotel but conveniently located at the airport. Plus we are home to Melbourne Airport’s first wellness hub, Higher State, and the Airport’s first coworking space, Aerofoil Workspace.

“From what we have created here, you really don’t have to be flying somewhere to enjoy our incredible facilities and hospitality. We welcome guests to stay with us while exploring all that is on offer right on our doorstep within the airport precinct."

To celebrate the official opening, Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport is offering free buffet breakfast for all stays during July and August.

Prices start from $289 per night at Novotel Melbourne Airport and from $239 per night at ibis Styles Melbourne Airport.

For further information visit all.com

.

More hotel choices at Melbourne Airport

Travellers flying in or out of Melbourne Airport are about to get more choice with the imminent opening of two new hotels.

Novotel (above) and ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotels will open on July 1 and will be the first new-build hotels in the precinct in almost 20 years.

Owned by Melbourne Airport and operated by Accor, the hotels will food and beverageoptions, F&B offerings, a co-working space, Higher State - Melbourne’s first airport health and wellbeing club - and conference and event facilities.

The dual-branded Novotel and ibis Styles Melbourne Airport will offer travellers all the faciiities of a city hotel within easy walking distance of the terminals.

The $230 million hotel development has been designed by high-profile FK Architects with interiors by Woods Bagot.

There will be a total of 464 guest rooms split across Novotel (248 rooms) and ibis Styles (216 rooms) located within The Hive precinct.

F&B options will include Small Holdings Cafe, for coffee and pastries, Boccata Restaurant and Wine Bar for more substantial Italian fare and Amber State Taphouse & Kitchen, a modern gastro pub.

Guests at both properties will be able to use Higher State, which features an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, massage and fitness centre - perfect after a tiring flight.

 

“As the countdown begins to the launch of Novotel and ibis Styles Melbourne Airport, we're thrilled to be working with Melbourne Airport to deliver the first internationally branded hotels to open at the airport in more than 20 years," says Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer PM&E, Adrian Williams.

"Not only will the new-build hotels provide more choice for travellers seeking a place to stay, they will also offer a welcoming hub for the workers in the airport precinct."

Stuart Verrier, Melbourne Airport’s Head of Property Development and Asset Development, said “We’re excited to bring these new hotels to Melbourne Airport and give more choice to travellers and airport workers alike.

“Melbourne is now Australia’s largest city, and these hotels are essential for the growing number of people visiting our city, many of whom need a night before or after a long flight.

"But more than that, they also offer dining, wellness, conference and co-working facilities that provide a reason to come out to Melbourne Airport - even if you’re not flying.”

For further information see all.com. Direct hotel links for Novotel and ibis Styles.

Jetstar boosts international flights out of Melbourne

Jetstar has unveiled plans to add more international flights from Melbourne.

The budget airlines says it will be ramping up the frequency of flights to Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket, Auckland and Christchurch, adding a total of more than 100,000 new seats.

Starting from April 1, 2024, Jetstar will increase services to New Zealand in peak periods, using its Airbus A320 fleet.

The airline will fly Melbourne to Auckland with up to 13 return flights per week and Melbourne to Christchurch: up to five return flights per week.

From June 17, 2024, the airline will fly its Boeing 787-8 aircraft more often to major south-east Asian cities including Singapore, Bangkok and Phuket.

The announcement came just days before Jetstar launches new direct flights between Melbourne and Nadi (Fiji) from Saturday.

The three days per week service will carry up to 72,000 customers a year.

Jetstar Group CEO, Stephanie Tully said Jetstar has seen particularly strong demand for international travel out of Melbourne.

“Melburnians love to travel and we’re continuing to see strong demand," she said.

Hotel day passes a boon for anyone delayed at Melbourne Airport

There is nothing worse than a long layover – or delay – at an airport.

And such inconveniences are becoming increasingly frequent.

Should you find yourself needing a place to relax for a few hours while in transit, PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport now offers a convenient day pass.

Guests who buy the day pass can check into a comfortable, refurbished room for a nap, pop on a robe or catch a movie while enjoying the in-room dining service, burn some energy in the gym, cool off in the indoor pool, or chill out in the spa, sauna, or steam room.

Day passes will be available to book online or by calling the hotel directly from January.

A 3-hour pass is $109, a 5-hour pass is $119, and an 8-hour pass is $149.

For those looking for a pre- or post-trip place to lay their head, PARKROYAL Melbourne is the only hotel directly connected to the domestic and international terminals via a pedestrian skybridge.

“There’s nothing like starting your holiday a little early with a relaxing pre-flight stay,” said Cameron Mead, the hotel's general manager.

“By taking an extra day to let go of the hassles of work, school and everyday life, you can get into getaway mode before you get on board, and we cannot wait to share our vibrant, contemporary new accommodation with guests over the forthcoming peak travel period.”

The hotel has 276 guest rooms in various configurations. 

See https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pr-melbourne-airport.html

New Korea path from Melbourne

Seoul searching?

The South Korean carrier Asiana Airlines has unveiled plans to launch seasonal Melbourne flights linking Victoria with South Korea.

The new route will kick off from December 26, industry portal Travel Mole reports.

The full-service carrier will operate two direct flights a week between Melbourne Airport and the South Korean capital of Seoul using Airbus A350 aircraft.

With a population of more than nine million people, Seoul is a global economic hub and the major gateway for outbound tourism.

Fares are now on sale with Melbourne flights operating every Tuesday and Thursday to Seoul.

“We are excited to welcome Asiana to Melbourne and to add Seoul to our growing network," Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Jim Parashos said.

Melbourne Airport's ties with South Korea have been growing, with Korean-based Lotte taking over the operation of the airport’s duty free business in June.

Asiana Airlines is set to merge with national flag carrier Korean Air once approval is finalised by several overseas regulators.

Expect delays as Melbourne Airport starts baggage upgrade

Another reason for Australian flyers to travel with hand luggage only when possible.

Work has just started on a new state-of-the art baggage processing system at Melbourne Airport.

The new $500 million system will deliver on federal requirements for upgrades and replace the current system of conveyer belts in the international terminal.

Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer Lorie Argus said the new system would help reduce the number of lost and mishandled bags.

“Once the new system is operational, we will be able to track every bag at every moment of the journey from check-in to the aircraft,” she said.

“Bags will be stored in a central holding area before being automatically sent to their flight so we will be able to accept them for check-in much earlier."

That, of course presumes that airlines will open their check-in counters earlier.

Which, of course, would cost more money. So I don't think so.

In the meantime, delays can be expected. 

"Our team will work hard to minimise disruption, but this will be a challenging project because our baggage system is effectively the terminal arteries, so it is a bit like doing open heart surgery while running a marathon," said Argus.

The project is due for completion in 2027 and is part of a larger program of works to boost overall passenger capacity.

A very comfortable stay at Melbourne Airport

Airport hotels are not generally my favourite accommodation.

Most guests are only staying for one night and are often stressed; either about having missed a flight, having had one cancelled or catching one early in the morning.

So a nice, calm place to stay near an airport is a bonus. 

The Mantra Tullamarine Airport delivers both quiet, comfortable rooms and 24-hour meals (a restaurant open until 9pm, then overnight snacks delivered to the room).

It is a modern, well-equipped hotel located just four minutes from Melbourne Airport with an "on demand" shuttle bus service to the airport and long-term parking next door.

Pity the shuttle bus driver who picked me up gave confusing instructions as to where to catch the bus and was a leading candidate for the title of rudest person in Australia.

The morning shuttle back to the airport was a contrast, with a smiling, helpful driver on duty.

Mantra Tullamarine Hotel is certainly a comfortable and convenient choice whether you're beginning your trip, getting in late after a long-flight, or stopping over when visiting Melbourne. The beds are huge, and sleep-inducing.

Most of the floor-to-ceiling granite bathrooms include a spa bath and rooms have minibars (thanks for the crisps and peanuts, guys).

Hotel facilities include the on-site Woodlands Restaurant and Bar, a fully equipped gym, sauna and heated lap pool. A bit resort like.

My bed was extremely comfortable and rooms all feature wifi, a work desk, air-conditioning and Foxtel channels. 

There is also a conference and events centre for fly-in, fly-out meetings, corporate and social functions and training workshops.

Mantra Tullamarine also has a $100 day use rate (check in after 8am and out before 6pm), which could be really useful for anyone with a connection departing in the evening.

# The writer was a guest of Mantra Tullamarine Airport.

See https://www.mantra.com.au/victoria/melbourne-and-surrounds/tullamarine/accommodation/hotels/mantra-tullamarine/

Prepare to be ripped off at Melbourne Airport

Nowhere does rip-offs quite as well as Melbourne Airport. 

Take the area between the Jetstar check-in area and baggage collection at Terminal 4 (arguably one of the worst-designed terminals anywhere in the world).  

Thry have a captive audience here; people waiting for luggage and others waiting for time to elapse so they can check in.

The eatery in this area of the terminal is basically a convenience store with a few tables and chairs  It is a basic serve-yourself affair. 

Even given airport rents, however, it is hard to justify $9.90 for a semi-stale and almost totally tasteless curried egg sandwich.

Or $5.90 for a bottle of Gatorade you can buy at your local Woolies for $2.50 - and is coolish rather than cold. 

Or another $5.90 for a pack of  Red Rock Deli chips.

That is a tad under $23 for a very average snack.

You have to wonder who, if anyone, monitors prices at  Melbourne Airport. I’m sure they don’t care just as long as rents are paid. 

Go! Convenience boasts that it is “conveniently self-service”.

Here’s some free advice for anyone passing through. 

Either curb your appetite or bring your own food and drink.