Qantas launches mystery flights to Boost Domestic Tourism

Flying to nowhere? Control. Flying somewhere? Control. I fly to who knows where? That is the following.

Qantas today announced the latest in its series of highly popular concept flights to combat the border blues, with plans to operate three domestic mystery flights for travelers interested in enjoying unique travel experiences in Australia while international borders remain closed.

The national airline last operated mystery flights in the 1990s, when travelers showed up at the airport and were assigned seats on a scheduled flight to any of the airline’s destinations, where they spent a day off before flying to home.

Qantas has developed the concept and will offer three dedicated Boeing 737 mystery flight experiences that will include not just the flight, but a full day of activities at a mystery destination, so all passengers need to do is book and report to the airport.

All destinations are outside the main capitals.

Qantas Group Customer Service Director Stephanie Tully said the mystery flights were aimed at providing Australians with memorable travel experiences and promoting domestic tourism.

“Our clients tell us that it has been a mystery lately where they can and cannot travel within Australia.

“The launch of the vaccine brings much more certainty and restrictions at national borders should soon be a thing of the past.

“In the meantime, these flights turn that mystery into a positive by creating a unique experience for the many people who want to start traveling again.

“In addition to helping more of our people return to work, these mystery flights are another way to support tour operators in regional areas especially, who have been particularly affected by various waves of travel restrictions,” added Tully.

Qantas Mystery Flight Experiences follow Flight to Nowhere (when national border closures were at their peak) and Flight to Somewhere (when the initial reopening began last year), which proved extremely popular.

Limited mystery flight experiences will depart Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne for a destination in approximately two hours.

As part of creating a unique onboard experience, flights will include some low-level scenic flybys of key en-route landmarks (subject to weather conditions and air traffic control).

Field experiences can range from a winemaking course in one of Australia’s premier wine regions to a gourmet lunch with musical entertainment on the shores of one of Australia’s tropical island wonders.

Clients will be given tips to ensure it is a suitable outing for their areas of interest and to help them pack a snorkel or sneakers in their carry-on luggage.

Qantas Mystery Flight Experiences seats will go on sale tomorrow for travel in March, April and May.