One of the best parts of travelling is getting onboard the plane — but with current travel restrictions, that's become almost impossible. Keyword: almost.
How much do you miss the rush of travel? Getting to the airport, checking your luggage in. Doubtless, one of the great joys of travelling has got to be getting on board the plane and landing in your destination. Of course, with current travel restrictions, most people haven't had the chance to do that in half a year. But, as with most things, people have gotten creative. One of the newer, less conventional ways of scratching the wanderlust itch? Flights to nowhere. Also known as "scenic flights", airlines around the world have started offering travellers a slightly unorthodox way to see the world amid lockdown.
Flights To Nowhere
Recently, Qantas Airlines made headlines with their new "flights to nowhere". Unlike pre-pandemic trips, these flights begin and end at the same airport or destination. The Australian carrier promised its customers majestic bird's eye views of the Great Barrier Reef, the Uluru monolith, and the Australian Outback on a seven-hour trip around the country. Needless to say, it was a big hit. Seats sold out within ten minutes and a representative for the airline says it might have been their fastest selling flight (despite a hefty price tag that ranged from USD575 to USD2,765).
If you're surprised to hear this, don't be, because Qantas isn't the first airline to come up with such a promotion. Airlines around Taiwan, Brunei, and Japan have been hosting similar experiences for months now. Royal Brunei, EVA Air, and All-Nippon Airways have all experimented with scenic flights. Last June, Taiwan's EVA Air filled 309 seats onboard their Hello Kitty themed jet for Father's Day. Meanwhile, All Nippon Airways held a 90-minute flight for 300 people on a Hawaiian-themed flight.
More airlines are set to jump onboard the trend as Singapore Airlines announced its plan to hold a similar experience at Changi Airport in October 2020.