Arrivals & Departures Weekly Travel News & Views 2 September 2025

GAP REVISITED

Australian Seniors’ Grey Gap Year Report 2025 reveals that 81 per cent of older Australians are willing to cut back on other spending to prioritise travel. They are also looking for “soul-searching” experiences. “Slow travel and solo travel (are) on the rise,” says a spokesperson for Australian Seniors, which specialises in insurance for over-50s. The spokesperson adds: “Seniors are revisiting the idea of a ‘gap year’, common among uni and school grads, later in life.”

CHECK-IN UP

Perth Airport is planning to add 95 self-service check-in kiosks at Terminal 1. The project also involves the conversion of some traditional check-in counters into 38 new automated bag drops. An airport spokesperson says the equipment is capable of using biometrics to give passengers a smooth and contactless experience from check-in to boarding.

The spokesperson says: “Travellers, with selected airlines, will be able to check-in and opt for biometrics at self-service kiosks. Then, when dropping bags and boarding the aircraft, passports and boarding passes can remain in the passenger’s pocket. Instead, a brief face scan is all that’s needed to validate the passenger’s identity and retrieve their travel records.” The project has started and is expected to be completed in late 2026.

DAILY DIRECT

All Nippon Airways will start flying daily direct between Perth and Tokyo between December 1, 2025, and April 19, 2026. It has been flying three times a week — and the new schedule will add 19,200 seats each way.

SAF IN VIETNAM

Vietjet Air claims to be the first airline in Vietnam to receive domestically blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It aims to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent over its life cycle, compared to conventional jet fuel. A Vietjet spokesperson says: “The introduction of SAF is a significant milestone in the airline’s commitment to offering more sustainable travel as the airline continues to grow its reach and services throughout the Asia Pacific and Australia.”

The airline, which employs 9000 people from 60 countries, has been named among the best workplaces in Asia at the HR Asia Awards.

AIRPORT RIDE

With airports getting bigger, my eye has fallen on the Airwheel SE3S Electric Rideable Smart Suitcase that Big W is selling. The Airwheel SE3S can do 13km/h and has a 10km range per charge. The 55cm, 20-litre capacity case is $1199. In black, pink or silver, it has an automatic handlebar and footrest extension and retraction system. Push the right button to move forwards, left button to brake, and both together to reverse. It weighs 8kg without the battery. bigw.com.au and search “Airwheel”.

ONE FOR KIDDIES

For the littlies, there’s the Samsonite Dream Rider Deluxe Ride-On Spinner Elephant. A child (up to 50kg) jumps on, and someone can pull them. Or a child can easily pull the elephant case, which weights 2.9kg and has a volume of 28 litres. It is $199 (or 39,800 Qantas points), with its spinner wheels and a retractable pull handle. marketplace.qantas.com/au. Myer and David Jones sell it online, too.

PLANE TALK

If you try to sue an airport for losing your luggage, surely you’re sure to lose your case.

What kind of chocolate do they sell at the airport? Only plane chocolate, naturally.

I won’t tell you any more aircraft jokes, in case they go over your head.

DAD’S DAY GIFT

The 2026 Beverley Airshow is on Saturday, April 11, and will feature lots of aerial and ground displays. A big highlight will be the stunning flying of Paul Bennet Airshows. Beverley Airshow committee member Dee Ridgway says: “Beverley’s aviation connection dates back to 1928 when WA’s first home-built biplane was designed in chalk on the floor of the town’s powerhouse.” Two years later, the plane, called the Silver Centenary and built by a local named Selby Ford, took to the air. Dee (who is also Beverley shire’s deputy president) adds: “The Beverley Airfield was constructed in 1943 for use during World War II and is now home to the largest gliding club in WA.” Earlybird ticket sales have opened and, as Dee says, “would make a great Father’s Day gift”. beverleyairshow.com.au

NEXUS CANCELS

I’m sorry to hear that Kununurra-based Nexus Airlines is having to suspend its flights between Broome, Kununurra and Darwin. The final flight leaves Broome and flies to Darwin via Kununurra on Monday, September 1. Nexus managing director Michael McConachy is clearly disappointed and says the decision was only made after extensive consideration.

“Having now lived in the Kimberley for nearly two decades, I witnessed firsthand how poor reliability and high fares contributed to market failure on this route, which was a key motivation in bringing Nexus Airlines to the Kimberley,” he says. “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved. The service has increased passengers travelling on the route, enhanced tourism and provided increased regional employment for both Nexus staff and third-party suppliers.”

Other Nexus routes, including flights between Perth and Geraldton, and between Geraldton, Karratha, Port Hedland and Broome, continue. “Nexus Airlines was created to improve air connectivity across regional Western Australia,” Mr McConachy says.

ILLUMINATION

Cruise expert Lyn Murphy has just sailed on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s ship Luminara, pictures at the top of the page. The superyacht has 226 suites with private terraces, five restaurants, seven bars and a wine vault. Lyn, who has cruised on many luxury ships, says: “I was not prepared for the extra level of quality, service and attention to detail. The crew are so very important and words and photos cannot convey the warm, genuine hospitality on board.”

Lyn, who is a specialist at Claremont Travel, will be available for private appointments on Thursday, September 25, to share her firsthand insights and answer questions. Appointments are essential and those interested can secure a spot by emailing info@bctravel.com.au

I’ve never seen a publicly disclosed cost for building Luminara, but understand its sister ship, Evrima, cost nearly $500 million.