Which domestic airlines still accept cash payments on board?
In-flight refreshments are increasingly a "card only" proposition.
So here's a slightly odd thing: Qantas is the only one of the major four Australian airlines to still accept cash payments for drinks on board domestic services. I was reminded of this on a flight last weekend, when a steward cheerfully pointed out that it was "cash only" if you wanted to buy yourself a cheeky glass of red.
Since March this year, Virgin Australia has only accepted card when you're paying for booze (or food). Jetstar made that switch last year and Tigerair went cashless around the same time it simplified its in-flight menu.
So while everyone else has gone card-only, Qantas is still on cash only. I suspect that since Qantas does offer a complimentary refreshment to every passenger in economy, demand isn't so high that this is a major problem.
Some Qantas flights offer free beer and wine in economy, but you have to time it right and the rules are a little complicated. Flights from Perth to the east coast include a free drink after midday, as do all flights from Canberra and flights on QantasLink turboprop services after 4pm each day. Flights between Sydney and Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide, and Sydney and Brisbane score free drinks after 4pm, but only on weekdays.
Bottom line? If you are flying Qantas in the early afternoon or on weekends and fancy a tipple, throw a few coins in your pocket.
Angus Kidman's Findings column looks at new developments and research that help you save money, make wise decisions and enjoy your life more. It appears regularly on Finder.
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