After flying with 40 different airlines, one consistently stands out as my favorite
After flying with 40 different airlines, Qantas stands out as my favorite.
In my opinion, the airline offers great customer service and in-flight perks.
Overall, I think Qantas offers the best combination of value, service, and reliability.
When I first started traveling internationally, I wasn't loyal to any one airline. I simply chose whichever flight could get me to my destination at the lowest price.
However, in my 30 years of flying with 40 different airlines in seats ranging from business to economy, I've learned that the cost of a ticket isn't everything.
Oftentimes, the key to having a great trip is booking with the right airline. And after hundreds of flights, I have one carrier I'll choose every time I can: Qantas.
From the friendly staff to the included perks, here's why I love flying with the Australian airline.
I always feel at home on Qantas flights
When flying with Qantas, I always find the staff to be friendly and welcoming.
In some cases, they'll even go out of their way to make my trips even better. Once, after a long layover in Europe and a delayed flight with another airline, I was feeling exhausted and disheveled.
When a Qantas crew member came by my economy seat with water, we started chatting and I explained my situation. Later, they returned with a first-class amenity kit and pajamas so I could freshen up and change out of my travel-worn clothes.
This small, thoughtful act made a big difference for me on a tough travel day, and is something I'll always remember.
I never worry about hidden costs — or pay for airport food
I love that even on the shortest domestic flights, Qantas offers a free meal or snack and nonalcoholic beverages. This means I never need to arrive early to buy overpriced airport food.
Qantas also provides complimentary beer and wine on domestic flights after 12 p.m. — a nice touch that makes even short flights more enjoyable.
One of my favorite perks, however, is that baggage is included in the ticket price on all domestic and international flights. This isn't the case on most major airlines (even Southwest famously ended its free baggage policy earlier this year).
In my opinion, it's just another thing that makes flying with Qantas pretty great.
The Oneworld alliance makes US travel more seamless
Another significant advantage of flying with Qantas is the airline's membership in the Oneworld alliance — a global network of 14 airlines that makes connections easier and offers benefits across carriers.
The perks are especially great for passengers who have a frequent flyer account with one of the participating airlines.
For example, my Qantas gold status grants me priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, and access to over 600 Oneworld lounges globally.
The lounge access is one of my favorite perks, since I can grab a decent meal before boarding a meal-free US domestic flight.
Sometimes, I even shower after a long-haul journey from Australia, arriving at my final destination refreshed and for the day.
When I'm able to, I always book with Qantas
No airline delivers perfect service 100% of the time. After all, delays and cancellations happen.
However, after hundreds of flights, I've found that Qantas offers the best combination of value, service, and reliability.
Although I may occasionally find cheaper fares elsewhere, the overall experience makes Qantas my go-to option whenever possible.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNBC
6 hours ago
- CNBC
Japan is better prepared than the West for China's rare-earth mineral squeeze
Japan has been quietly blazing a trail for supply chain resilience. Long before China in early April imposed an export ban on several rare earth elements and magnets widely used in the automotive, robotics and defense sectors, Japan became something of a canary in the coal mine for Beijing's mineral dominance. The East Asian country was thrust into panic mode in 2010 when China implemented an export ban on rare earths that specifically targeted Tokyo following a heated territorial dispute. The embargo only lasted for around two months, but it was enough to incentivize the world's fourth-largest economy to change its approach to supply chain security. Alongside stockpiling, recycling and promoting alternative technologies, Japan has since invested heavily into non-China rare-earth projects — notably Australia's Lynas, the world's largest rare earth producer outside of China. As a result, Japan's overall dependence on Chinese rare earths has dropped to below 60% from more than 90% at the time of the incident, according to data provided by Argus Media. Jonathan Rowntree — CEO of Niron Magnetics, which produces rare earth-free permanent magnets — said the U.S.-based company was born a decade ago following the world's first rare earth crisis that "had a particularly significant impact on Japan, albeit less so on the rest of the world." "Because of that, Japan's actually much more prepared this time around than most other countries," Rowntree told CNBC by email. "They've stockpiled more, invested in Lynas, and secured Western rare earth supply to meet some of that demand through a combination of Lynas, the Australian mines, and their Malaysian processing facility," he added. Japan reportedly plans to further reduce its reliance on Chinese rare earth imports to below 50% this year. CNBC has reached out to the Japanese government for comment. China is the undisputed leader of the critical minerals supply chain, producing nearly 70% of the world's supply of rare earths from mines and processing almost 90%, which means it is importing these materials from other countries and refining them. Western officials have repeatedly flagged Beijing's supply chain dominance as a strategic challenge, particularly given that critical mineral demand is expected to grow exponentially, as the clean energy transition picks up pace. Japan's supply chain transformation is seen as both a template for Western nations — and a stark reminder of just how difficult it is to escape China's critical mineral orbit. Japan has enjoyed success through Lynas and its international supply chains by not only investing in rare earth mining but also in the facilities needed to process and refine the materials into usable goods, according to Nils Backeberg, founder and director at consultancy Project Blue. Still, the country has a long way to go to cut its dependency on China in some key areas, Backeberg told CNBC. This is especially true for heavy rare earth elements, which are generally less abundant in the Earth's crust, elevating their value. "Not a lot of heavy rare earths come out of Lynas, and most of the ones that do actually get sent to China for further refinement," Backeberg said, adding that China's latest export ban underscores Beijing's importance in heavy rare earths. But Lynas has continued to make progress in this area. Over the past month or so, the company has announced breakthroughs in two heavy rare earths, claiming to have produced them outside China for the first time. China's latest rare earth export curbs were implemented as part of a response to U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff increase on Beijing's products. "When the tariff war started and tariffs were put on China, the first thing that China did was say 'we're going to stop exporting rare earths.' A few weeks later, we couldn't manufacture a car in America or in Europe, so it is a real problem," Eldur Olafsson, CEO of Greenland-focused mining company Amaroq, told CNBC's "Europe Early Edition" on Thursday. "No country in the Western world wants one country to corner the market," Olafsson said. Western auto industry groups have been hit particularly hard by the export curbs, with many increasingly concerned about production outages. The disruption also extended to Japanese automakers. Suzuki Motor suspended production of its popular Swift car model earlier this month, with local media attributing the step to China's rare earth export restrictions. A Suzuki Motor spokesperson did not respond to a CNBC request for comment. Meanwhile, Japanese car giant Nissan said it was exploring ways to minimize the impact of China's export controls by working with Japan's government and the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association. "We need to continue finding alternatives for the future, keeping flexibility and keeping our options open," Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa told CNBC earlier this month. Looking ahead, Niron Magnetics's Rowntree said an all-encompassing government and industry approach would be needed to tackle China's mineral dominance, from accelerating permits for domestic mines to investing in new alternatives to provide sufficient magnet supplies. "Everyone has seen that this supply bottleneck is an issue. We've all known for a long time that this could happen, but now it has actually happened," Rowntree said. "I think many customers share my view — that this issue is unlikely to disappear and that we need to have alternatives in the West to address it." Europe's domestic production of rare earths is limited. Just like the U.S., the region heavily relies on imports, particularly from China, although plans are underway to develop domestic resources and processing capabilities. For instance, Belgian chemical group Solvay, which operates the largest rare earths processing plant outside of China in La Rochelle, France, aims to supply 30% of Europe's processed rare earths demand for permanent magnets by 2030. Gracelin Baskaran, director of the critical minerals security program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Washington-based think tank, said the U.S. and European Union will need to work together to create a market for non-Chinese rare earths. "The West is creating a nascent rare earths industry outside of China at a time when prices are low and companies are grappling with profitability," Baskaran told CNBC by email. Tax credits and subsidies will be "essential" to ensure that non-Chinese projects can build and scale up, Baskaran said, noting that rare earths go into nearly every modern industry.
CNBC
10 hours ago
- CNBC
Dollar set to finish week on upbeat note buoyed by safe-haven appeal
The dollar was set to log its biggest weekly rise in over a month on Friday, as uncertainties about a raging war in the Middle East and the repercussions it could have on the global economy fueled an appetite for traditional safe havens. The dollar index comparing the U.S. currency against six others is poised for a 0.5% climb this week. The conflict between Israel and Iran shows no signs of subsiding and market participants are nervous about potential U.S. intervention in the region. The two countries have been in a week-long air battle as Tel Aviv seeks to thwart Tehran's nuclear ambitions and cripple the domestic government. The White House said U.S. President Donald Trump will make a decision within the next two weeks about whether to join Israel in the war. The resultant recent spike in oil prices added a new layer of inflation uncertainty for central banks across regions which have been grappling with the potential repercussions of U.S. tariffs on their economies. "Rising oil prices introduce inflation uncertainty at a time when growth is weakening," said Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo. "That makes central banks' jobs much harder — do they ease to support growth or hold back to avoid fueling inflation? Most seem to be prioritizing growth concerns for now, assuming that crude gains may not be sustained." In early Asia trading, the euro inched up 0.16% to $1.151, while the dollar weakened against the yen by 0.17% to 145.23 per dollar. Also underpinning the yen's gains was hotter-than-expected inflation data that kept expectations for upcoming interest rate hikes alive. Furthermore, minutes from the Bank of Japan's policy meet this week showed policymakers agreed on the need to keep raising rates that are still at very low levels. The Swiss franc was flat at 0.816 per dollar on Friday but was set for its largest weekly drop since mid-April after the country's central bank lowered borrowing costs. Swiss rates now stand at 0%. Currencies positively correlated to risk sentiment such as the Australian and New Zealand dollars were steady, while sterling was little changed at $1.34. Although the Federal Reserve earlier this week stuck with its forecast of two interest rate cuts this year, Chair Jerome Powell cautioned against giving that view too much weight. Analysts saw the central bank's delivery as a 'hawkish tilt' further underpinning the greenback's gains this week. Investors were, however, taken aback by an unexpected 25 basis point interest rate cut by Norges bank and the krone is down by more than 1% against the dollar this week. Though geopolitical tensions were the main market focus this week, concerns about tariffs and the impact they may have on costs, corporate margins and overall growth are ever-present. These concerns have weighed on the dollar, which is down about 9% this year. Trump's early July tariff deadline looms and sources said that European officials are increasingly resigned to a 10% rate on "reciprocal" tariffs being the baseline in any trade deal between the U.S. and the EU. Elsewhere, the offshore yuan was little changed at 7.185 after China kept benchmark lending rates unchanged as expected.
Time Business News
13 hours ago
- Time Business News
ASX Today: What's Moving the Markets and Why It Matters
Every trading day, the ASX today reflects the pulse of the Australian economy. The ups and downs of the market are shaped by a complex web of factors, from global events and corporate earnings to investor sentiment and policy changes. But for investors and professionals alike, understanding what's driving the market is essential to making informed decisions. In this article, we'll unpack what's influencing the ASX 200 list, explore the latest stock market news, and explain why these movements matter for both short-term traders and long-term investors. The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) is home to more than 2,000 listed companies and plays a pivotal role in the Asia-Pacific financial landscape. Each day, the ASX index — particularly the ASX 200 — offers a real-time snapshot of market performance, investor confidence, and economic trends. As of today, several forces are influencing movements across key sectors. The major players include global market sentiment, commodity price fluctuations, earnings reports, and domestic policy announcements. Keeping an eye on the ASX today allows investors to respond proactively rather than reactively. 1. Global Economic Sentiment International markets remain a powerful force on the ASX. The overnight performance of US and European exchanges often sets the tone for the Australian open. If Wall Street rallies on strong jobs data or earnings results, local investors tend to follow suit. Conversely, concerns about inflation, interest rates, or geopolitical instability can dampen local market confidence. 2. Commodities and Resources Australia's economy is heavily influenced by resource exports. Today, iron ore and lithium prices are drawing attention. Strong demand from China continues to buoy miners like BHP, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue Metals. Investors tracking stock market news will notice that shifts in commodity prices often translate quickly into ASX performance, particularly within the materials and energy sectors. 3. Earnings Season Updates Corporate earnings remain one of the biggest drivers of short-term market movements. Companies reporting better-than-expected profits typically see a share price boost, while disappointing results can lead to a swift sell-off. Today's earnings highlights include major retail and financial sector players, and their performance is shaping broader sector sentiment. 4. RBA and Interest Rate Expectations The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) plays a key role in shaping market expectations. While the official cash rate hasn't moved this month, speculation continues about future hikes or cuts based on inflation data and economic forecasts. This directly affects bank stocks and consumer discretionary companies, which are sensitive to borrowing costs and household spending. Despite global headwinds, tech stocks on the ASX have shown pockets of resilience. Today's gains in this sector are being driven by optimism around AI applications and cybersecurity investments. However, volatility remains high, and staying updated with accurate Australian finance news is vital for understanding the risks and opportunities. – Healthcare ASX-listed healthcare giants such as CSL and Cochlear remain defensive favourites. Amid global uncertainty, investors are looking for stability, and today's activity in this sector suggests continued confidence in long-term fundamentals. – Financials The big four banks are steady performers today, supported by robust earnings reports and low default rates. However, analysts are closely watching any guidance related to mortgage activity and provisions for loan losses. Understanding the forces behind the ASX today can help investors rebalance their portfolios. For instance, a surge in commodities might prompt a reallocation towards mining stocks, while signals of rising rates could lead to caution in interest-rate-sensitive sectors. – Opportunity Timing Short-term traders look for daily volatility to generate returns. Today's activity in energy and tech presents such opportunities, but only for those equipped with timely stock market news. – Economic Insight Daily ASX movements don't just reflect investor behaviour; they also mirror broader economic health. A strong day on the ASX often points to optimism about Australia's growth prospects, consumer confidence, and business resilience. In today's digital age, it's easy to get overwhelmed by headlines and commentary. That's why accessing reliable, independent, and analytical Australian finance news is essential. Platforms like FN Arena deliver curated insights, backed by data and expert commentary, helping investors separate signal from noise. By staying informed through credible financial news sources, you gain the tools to make rational, well-timed decisions — rather than being swayed by market noise or speculation. The ASX today is more than just numbers on a screen. It's a dynamic reflection of investor sentiment, economic indicators, and sectoral shifts. Whether you're a self-managed super fund trustee, a day trader, or someone managing long-term wealth, understanding what moves the markets — and why — can make all the difference. Staying on top of the latest stock market news and broader Australian finance news helps sharpen your strategy, build your confidence, and ultimately grow your financial success. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
