Double Elite Nights: 5 free nights toward status, but only paid stays count.

Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus yanked its planned status qualification changes the morning they were supposed to take effect. The promised easier path to Platinum, Gold, and Silver tiers was the centerpiece of a July press conference, but no concrete criteria ever materialized. Members now face the old, potentially steeper earn requirements indefinitely. For anyone who booked travel expecting a smoother status track, the airline's vague 'contact the contact center' note suggests a potential waiver play if disruption hits.

From 2 February 2027, Jetstar's cheapest Economy fare includes only one 40x30x20cm underseat bag up to 10kg. The current free main cabin bag plus small item (7kg total) disappears. Adding a wheelie bag or duffel in the overhead bin now requires 'Priority Carry-on' at AU$25 on short routes, AU$33 Sydney–Melbourne, or AU$52 Cairns–Tokyo. A couple returning Sydney–Melbourne pays about AU$132 for two overhead bags. Jetstar will no longer routinely weigh cabin bags at the gate, and passengers who booked before 5 August 2026 for travel from that date get Priority Carry-on free; anyone who paid for the old 7kg option gets a refund.