Air travel

11 departure lounge secrets that will change your airport experience forever

From free facials to ‘revenue seating’ and ‘wayfinding’, there’s more to a departure lounge than meets the eye.

• by Sophie Dickinson

Traveller Letters: This premium economy seat is well worth the extra cost

“The exorbitant cost of business class to Europe was out of the question. Here’s what I got in premium economy with Emirates.”

Travel quiz: What road was immortalised in song by The Rolling Stones?

Are you an expert traveller? Test your knowledge with the weekly travel quiz.

Airline review: Faulty screen and suspect chicken, but could be worse

You expect a few discomforts on a budget airline, which are usually made up for by the price. However, some things are causing extra frustration today.

• by Ben Groundwater

‘Last-minute paperwork’: 10 common airline phrases explained

Aviation breeds a language all its own. “Arm doors and cross check”, “codeshare” and “flightmare” need little explanation, but there are plenty that are more opaque.

• by Michael Gebicki

Why do we board planes from the left? 30 great mysteries of travel, solved

Why do planes still have ashtrays? Why is hotel linen always white? Why are passports so expensive? The answers to these questions finally answered.

• by Michael Gebicki

Travel quiz: What Australian island is home to Whitehaven Beach?

Are you an expert traveller? Test your knowledge with the weekly travel quiz.

Spineless government is preventing cheaper flights for Australians

With the Australian government, allowing airline lobbyists to dictate terms that override the interests of consumers shows a spineless dereliction of duty.

• by Michael Gebicki

Airport transits are the dullest of experiences. This is the key to surviving them

We don’t really take in airports, but if you get into sightseeing mode and pretend your holiday has already begun, time will pass more quickly.

• by Brian Johnston

Airline review: Competitive prices for a seat in this stylish, friendly economy cabin

There’s an impressive combination of services on board this international flight, including plenty of legroom.

• by Lee Mylne