Qantas launches ‘mystery flights’ to combat ‘border blues’

As the country’s vaccine rollout continues at pace, the airline is offering a trio of exclusive travel experiences in the meantime

Australian flag carrier Qantas plans to operate three domestic mystery flights for people keen to enjoy unique travel experiences in the country while international borders remain closed. 

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The three flights will be operated using the Boeing 737-800. Aviation Image Network/Bailey

Last operated in the 1990s, the scheme sees passengers turn up at the airport where they are allocated seats on a scheduled flight to any of the airline’s destinations. 

Qantas has evolved the concept and will offer three dedicated Boeing 737 mystery flight experiences that will include not just the flight, but an entire day of activities in a mystery destination – so all passengers need to do is book and turn up at the airport. All destinations are outside major capital cities. 

Boeing 737
All the destinations are within approximately two hours of the departure airports. Aviation Image Network/Bailey

Stephanie Tully, Qantas Group chief customer officer, said the mystery flights were about giving Australians memorable travel experiences and promoting domestic tourism. 

“The vaccine rollout is bringing a lot more certainty and domestic border restrictions should soon be a thing of the past. In the meantime, these flights create a unique experience for the many people keen to start travelling again. 

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Australia's borders are likely to remain closed until the completion of the country's vaccination programme. Aviation Image Network/Simon Gregory

“As well as helping bring more of our people back to work, [they] are another way to support tourism operators in regional areas especially, who have been hit particularly hard by several waves of travel restrictions,” Tully added. 

The limited mystery flight experiences will depart from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne to a destination within approximately two hours. As part of creating a unique onboard experience the services are expected to include some low-level scenic flybys of key landmarks en route. 

The all-inclusive fares, which include meals and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage plus activities on the ground, are AU$737 for economy and $1,579 for business.