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Air travel

V1 is the speed where there isn’t enough runway left to safely stop the aircraft – it is committed to flight no matter what.

Why ‘black swan events’ are what pilots fear most

There are events that require a pilot to test the limits of the skills they possess, ones which even those with thousands of hours of experience would find difficult to execute.

  • The Secret Pilot
The beds are 203 centimetres long.

Air NZ reveals launch date, pricing for economy class bunk beds

Six years after first being announced, Air New Zealand has finally revealed the launch date and pricing for its revolutionary long-haul bunk beds.

  • Craig Platt
An Emirates passenger found they were the only person in the premium economy cabin on a flight from Sydney to Christchurch.

The Gulf airlines spent billions to win us over. How will they win us back?

Led by Emirates, the Gulf airlines have spent years – and billions – building up their reputations as high-quality, reliable airlines. The Middle East war has hit them for six.

  • Ben Groundwater
The new system is aimed primarily at improving border security.

Two-hour waits, missed flights: EU’s new entry system rolled out

The European Union’s new digital border control system has finally been fully implemented, despite issues causing long delays at airports. Here’s what you need to know.

  • Lyubov Pronina

BYO snacks – this red-eye flight feels like a survival exercise

Until a promised cabin overhaul reaches Australian waters, ensure devices are fully charged, pack a neck pillow, and a heavy stash of snacks.

  • Katherine Scott
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Most airlines provide you not only with a booking reference, but also a 13-character ticket number when you book a flight. This number is important.

An airline booted me from a flight over a minor mistake (its own)

A minor flight change can ruin your holiday, especially if you’re on an airline codeshare – and even if you’re not the one who made the change.

  • Chris Chamberlin
Wellington Airport and its runway – the airport is under 10 kilometres from the city centre.

This airport is functional, but don’t pass through security too early

Don’t arrive too early at New Zealand’s capital city airport and, if you do, don’t go through security until you’ve had something to eat.

  • Chris Chamberlin
The key to reducing your packing load is to be organised.

Beat the baggage fees: How to pack ruthlessly, according to experts

Bag fees can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of your flights. To maximise your ability to avoid them, follow these rules from experts.

  • Andrea Sachs and Natalie B. Compton
The crew is eager to please.

Is a cheap flight to Europe with a Chinese airline OK? Our verdict

With connections to 13 cities across the continent, this airline offers some of the most competitive fares to Europe during the current crisis.

  • Flip Byrnes
Ait Benhaddou, Morocco. Australians are keen to travel to North Africa and the Middle East.

The destinations Australians are travelling to are changing

Australians continue to travel in strong numbers, but where we go and why we go there has shifted markedly over the past decade.

  • Julietta Jameson