Qantas has launched its new checked baggage policy to support its domestic faster, smarter, check-in product. As the only Australian airline to provide customers with a complimentary checked baggage allowance regardless of their travel class, Qantas' new checked baggage policy will be piece and weight based.

Qantas will also make changes to its checked baggage allowances on international routes (excluding to/from the Americas) to align with the new domestic checked baggage policy.

Qantas will also introduce the following:

• Customers travelling domestic sectors on an international itinerary will have the international baggage allowance (same ticket only)
• Parents travelling with infants will be able to check-in three free infant items and can check-in up to 10kg of infants restricted to 10kg (international routes only)
• Parents travelling with children may check-in one stroller and one car seat free of charge (on all routes) 

Last month The Travel Authority Group along with Virgin Australia hosted a small group of 14 corporate clients from both Sydney and Perth to Melbourne for a 24 hour 'Amazing Race' experience for both travel bookers and marketing teams. Organised by the Events Authority each guest received a personalised itinerary of the event before arriving at the airport. The group stayed at the hip and trendy Crown Metropole and experienced the luxuries and service of Level 28 which is the executive floor boasting spectacular views over Melbourne.  

After arriving at the hotel, guests were whisked up to Level 28 to enjoy a light lunch before the real challenge began. With 4 colour coded teams we were highly visible around the city. All of the teams demonstrated their competitive edge and it was a race from the start, each team opened a twitter account and were tweeting from each location. Teams had to compete team challenges that lead them onto the next location, some of these included hotels around the city that they book.  The challenge ended in one of the bars at The Crown Complex and photos were downloaded along with the tweet feeds which caused a few laughs.

The event concluded with a fine dining experience at Gordan Ramsey's 'Maze Restaurant' in Crown Metropol. A big thank you to all our clients and suppliers that participated in this experience.

For any enquiries on corporate events, please contact Shelly Page, General Manager by email and she will be more than happy to put together a proposal for your next event.

The world's largest model airport/railway, the Knuffingen Airport, has gone on display at Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg Germany.

The incredible model is based on Hamburg Airport and features 40 planes and 90 vehicles that move around the airport.

It took seven years to build and cost a staggering $4.8 million.  The planes are moved around by tiny wires that make them look as though they are flying. Passengers look like they are walking around the terminals and the vehicles even feature flashing lights and indicators. The 150 square metre display even features luggage, carts, staircases and carparks.

To see a video of this display click here.

Experience luxury on Qantas Domestic Business Class. Explore Australia with these great sale fares:

Ex Perth to Sydney 

From $3,045.70 

       (or 304,570 Amex points)

Ex Perth to Melbourne                             

From $2,696.69 

         (or 269,690 Amex points)

Ex Perth to Adelaide

From $2,529.69

       (or 259,690 Amex points)

Singapore Airlines have a limited duration fare on offer to tempt you to try their First Class "Suites". Arrive at your destination relaxed and refreshed after travelling in style and comfort

Fly to Europe from $13,666.44 ex Sydney         

                            (or 1,366,644 Amex points)

There's a timeless romance that begins when you wander aboard an Azamara ship. It's easy to fall for the well-appointed amenities, impeccable service, gourmet cuisine, and warm and inviting atmosphere.

  

Each ship offers more of what you desire. Both are specifically designed to be smaller than most cruise ships and filled bow-to-stern with wondrous luxuries and appointments.

  

To help you experience Azamara we have a special offer for you. Make a new booking on selected 2011 Europe sailings in an Oceanview cabin (or above) and enjoy:

  

US$500 onboard credit per cabin

or

An air credit of A$500 per person towards your flights to Europe

  

Winter Escape Special

Prices start from $1420.00* per person

                         (or 142,000 Amex points) 

Please contact us for further information. 

*Conditions apply: Prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice. two night minimum stay applies. Valid for travel between: 1 July - 15 September 2011. Valid for all new bookings from 15 April 2011.

  

The Capital, London

The Capital is one of London's last 5 star family-owned boutique hotels located in Knightsbridge at the heart of London. We have a great deal for you this month:

• 3 nights in a luxurious room
• Full English breakfast
• Choice of lunch, afternoon tea or dinner at        The Capital Restaurant
• Round trip transfer to and from Heathrow, London City or the Eurostar Terminal (Supplement applies for Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and Southampton)

Prices start from $1199.00* per room

The Levin, London 

The Levin is known as the closest hotel to Harrods! From here it is close to get to all the sights of London. To help you explore London we have this great rate for you:

• 3 nights in a luxurious Classic King/Twin room
• Continental breakfast
• Choice of lunch, afternoon tea or dinner at       Le Metro
• Round trip transfer to and from Heathrow, London City or the Eurostar terminal  (Supplement applies for Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and Southampton)

Prices start from $999.00* per room

                         (or 99,900 Amex points)

The Sarojin, Phuket 

The Sarojin is located in a garden setting with direct private access onto a secluded 11km white beach beside the Andaman Sea and just one hour north of Phuket International Airport. 

To experience sheer relaxation we have a great deal for you:

Stay between now and 31 October and receive the same number of nights free!   

Stay 4 nights - receive 4 nights FREE! 

Prices start from $450.00* per room per night  

                         (or 45,000 Amex points)  

Includes an all day a la carte breakfast with sparkling wine for 2 people   

CALL US TODAY ON 1300 WE KNOW (935 669)

We are one of the top 100 agents in Australia with buying power from Travelscene American Express.