Rex to cut routes?

 Australian domestic player Regional Express (Rex) has threatened to cut domestic services to regional NSW and VIC siting the federal governments lack of support for regional air services as a significant factor.

"The very high fuel price is making the situation quite untenable and all airlines are compelled to put in place rigorous measures to remain profitable,’’ Rex executive Chairman Lim Kim Hai said.

Flights from SYD to Taree, Grafton, Moruya and Bathurst, and from MEL to Griffith, Merimbula and King Island are under threat.

Read more about Rex from theaustralian.com.au HERE

Qantas baggage charge change

Qantas yesterday introduced their new charging system for domestic baggage, changing from the old weight based charge to the new number of bags charge.

Although this change was announced last October it has caught many by surprise as it hasn't been widely advertised, and was suddenly implemented yesterday.

The first piece of luggage (up to 23kg) will continue to be free, while the second piece will cost $15 if booked online or $30 at the check in desk, while the third and subsequent pieces will cost $60!  Passengers will also be slugged a $20 heavy fee if the bag is between 23-32kgs.


But it isn't all bad news for Qantas passengers

The airline has also changed its international charges to a piece-based system, but has not reduced luggage limits and has increased weight allowances for frequent travellers.

Read more about the luggage changes from theaustralian.com.au's Steve Creedy and Mitchell Nadin HERE

Rats on a plane

No not some dodgy sequel from hollywood, but an odd problem for Qantas, who were forced to ground one of their domestic 767 aircraft in Sydney yesterday after 5 rats were found in the cabin.

The rats were found in emergency medical equipment just before passenger were due to board.

Qantas do not know where the rats came from or how they got on board.  The aircraft was grounded while engineers killed the rats and checked to see they hadn't damaged any wiring, passengers were delayed slightly while the aircraft was swapped.

Read the interesting tail from news.com.au via the couriermail.com.au HERE