It seems so long ago that American airports began introducing full-body scanners for passengers to be randomly selected before passing into the secure gate area. What also seems from long ago is the issue of privacy the machines posed with the revealing images. Well, after our outright concern, abhorrence, acceptance, and return to the concern, another continent joins the scanner controversy: Australia.

Down Under follows the US and Europe, and will adopt the same "gingerbread man person" technology, which displays an outline of a gender-less person only highlighting areas of risk. Parliament also promises that all images are discarded after each passenger. We have heard this all before.]]> jetflyboy 2012-02-07T09:16:52-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2012/2/6/141741/3120

On the latest episode of An Idiot Abroad 2: The Bucket List, Karl was sent off to swim with dolphins in Australia, but we know it's never that easy.

Before getting to Australia, Karl had an extended layover in Bangkok, Thailand, where he unknowingly walked into the traditional New Year Water Festival on his way to the hotel. Surprising, Karl doesn't seem completely miserable to be in Bangkok and played along nicely with local "Ladyboys", even as they outfitted him with a bedazzled gown, make-up and wig at the Mambo Cabaret. Has Karl grown fond of international travel or is it getting more difficult to keep up the ruse? ]]> cmb 2012-02-06T15:12:21-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2012/2/2/53110/21099

Flights over the Pacific will be tapping your pockets just a bit more. In response to a carbon tax in Australia and carbon trading schemes in Europe, Qantas has announced their fares will creap up in the near future. Do not fret, as there is still time to enjoy some world-class beaches and pet a koala or kangaroo before the change.

The red roo has announced an increase of no more than 24% in fuel surcharges for international and domestic flights. International itineraries increase by flat rate, while the domestic charge depends on the length of the flight. Unfortunately, with the high cost of jet fuel and taxes, Qantas is not alone in airfare hikes. ]]> jetflyboy 2012-02-02T10:34:09-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2012/1/31/44710/5916

From time to time planes are forced into emergency landings. Sometimes the reasons are real emergencies, like a bird strike or cracked windshield. Sometimes the reasons are still real, but are only a smell of smoke in the cabin or an unruly passenger. In all cases, the crew make the executive decision to bring the bird down in the interest of safety. In many cases, the problem is detected, rectified and the passengers are on their way with a bit of a delay. They'll be a little late, but no major dramas ensue.

Over the weekend, a Qantas aircraft had such an emergency where the crew smelled smoke on board. Naturally, alarms were raised and the captain decided to divert to an alternate airport. The Boeing 767, en route from Darwin to Brisbane, safely landed in the small outback town of Mt. Isa.]]> jetflyboy 2012-01-31T08:55:11-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2012/1/26/75022/5740

What do you do when you find an Apple iPad in the seat-back pocket? Naturally, watch hours and hours of the newest television and movies. Duh.

This week, Qantas announced testing of their new in-flight entertainment system. We've already talked about the technology the Australian airline brings to cabins both domestically and internationally, and this news is an even more important cog in the wheel.

The fresh entertainment system is called Q Streaming, and it's being trialed on one aircraft at the moment. The technology allows passengers to stream, on demand, the entire portfolio of Qantas entertainment to an on-board iPad. Both business and economy customers can spend the majority of their flight with their eyes glued to the 10-inch screen.]]> jetflyboy 2012-01-27T11:03:47-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2012/1/27/05751/0897

When we travel, one of our favorite things to do is to pop into a local grocery store and check out the food products and candies we'd never find anywhere else. So we're continuing our feature, Foreign Grocery Friday, where each week we'll feature some of our (and your) favorite overseas treats. Got a recommendation? Let us know!

You've seen them in movies such as Australia and Crocodile Dundee, or you've even been lucky enough to have the opportunity to pet and feed them during a trip down under. They's kangaroos, and now the fuzzy marsupials are great for more than just cuteness. They can be for dinner! Yes, you read correctly; kangaroo meat is quite common in Australia and really worth trying if you can get your hands on it.

Just like beef, roo meat comes in many different forms, from ground meat for burgers to filets for a more refined palate. We have even mentioned having a BBQ with kanga bangas, Aussie for kangaroo sausages. ]]> jetflyboy 2012-01-27T10:13:52-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2012/1/18/51728/9249

Last time we checked in with the happenings of Aussie aviation, Virgin Australia was opening up new lounges all over their network, repainting planes and re-branding airports. It seems, however, that they may have saved that best for last. This week was the official launch of Virgin's business class cabin across their entire fleet of Boeing 737s and Airbus 330s.

Rewind to April 2011, when Virgin Australia was still Virgin Blue, and very busy refreshing itself to become a new airline capable of going head-to-head with rival, Qantas. Since the collapse of Ansett in 2001, Qantas has been the sole player in the domestic business class market. Fast forward to now, where Virgin Australia is sparkly and shiny, and has eliminated their low-cost model to become a premium airline contender. ]]> jetflyboy 2012-01-18T11:40:34-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/