TRANSPORTATION NEWS - APRIL 2011
Posted March 30th, 2011
BREAKING NEWS ITEM
Hand Baggage Charges on EasyJet
From April 5th they have updated their pricing policy for hold luggage and for oversized cabin baggage that needs to be checked into the hold.
The following charges will apply:
At the airport check-in desk: If you purchase a bag to be checked into the hold and/or we notice that your cabin bag exceeds the maximum allowed dimensions, you will be charged £25 per bag
At the boarding gate: If you go directly to the boarding gate and your one permitted item of cabin baggage exceeds the maximum allowed dimensions you will be charged £40 and your bag will be checked into the hold
Remember: easyJet allows one item of hand baggage into the cabin per person; maximum dimensions are 56 x 45 x 25 cm.
To keep the fares low, be able to board the plane as quickly as possible and ensure your comfort onboard, if you bring more than one piece of hand baggage they'll check the extra piece into the hold. Hand bags, briefcases, laptops and laptop bags are all counted as one piece, so if you have a trolley and, for example, an additional hand bag or laptop bag you'll be asked to put those items into your trolley bag. If you can't consolidate your cabin baggage into one single item, one of your bags will be checked into the hold and you will be charged £40. They say that they do this to ensure that the boarding process isn't delayed.
British Airways is increasing their fuel surcharges from Friday 8th April to compensate for the soaring price of oil on the world markets.
The 3rd such increase in under 4 months, it will raise the cost of Premium and Economy tickets on Long Haul flights by £10. Those in Business and First Class will have to pay an extra £20 on Long Haul flights. It means that travelers in the Economy and Premium Class cabins will now be paying – for Long Haul flights, less than 9 hours - up to £85 and up to £98 for flights over 9 hours. Business and First Class passengers will now pay up to £125 for flights less than 9 hours and up to £145 for flights over 9 hours.
BA confirm that Domestic and Short Haul European flights will not be included in this increase.
AIRLINE TRAVEL NEWS
Civil Aviation Centenary Celebrations in India
Indian Civil Aviation has completed 100 years. The year 2011-12 has been declared as the Civil Aviation Centenary Year, starting 18th February 2011 and ending on the same date in 2012. On that date in 1911, the first commercial plane flew in India between Allahabad and Naini. Since then, aviation in India has grown from strength to strength. Today India is the 9th largest civil aviation market in the world and this forward march is likely to culminate in India becoming one of the three largest markets in the world by 2020.
Jet Airways announces its landmark '100th' international flight with new daily services from Bombay to Dammam & Dubai
Jet Airways, announced the addition of two daily flights that will further enhance its growing international network. It has become the first private Indian airline to operate 100 daily flights to international destinations across the globe.
The new flight between Dammam and Mumbai represents the fourth daily service from India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The airline currently operates daily flights from Bombay to Riyadh & Jeddah and from Thiruvananthapuram to Dammam.
In addition, Jet Airways is also launching a third daily flight between Mumbai and Dubai.
Air India introduces web check-in facility
Air India has launched its web check-in facility, enabling travelers to check-in online. The check-in window opens 48 hours before the scheduled time of departure for domestic and international flights originating from the six metros. For flights originating from non-metro stations, the check-in window will be open 24 hours prior to scheduled departures.
Montserrat – Antigua - New two daily return flights between Montserrat and Antigua by SVG Air (St. Vincent Grenadines Air). For schedule detials visit www.abm-air@svgair.com . Montserrat is a 20-minute flight from Antigua.
Fly Montserrat also offers daily flights between the two islands. Visit www.monair@candw.ms.
For information about Montserrat visit www.visitmontserrat.com.
Dublin to Stuttgart- Aer Lingus is now offering afour times a week service Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays Dublin to Stuttgart, capital of Baden-Württemberg. For more information please click on any Aer Lingus advertisement.
London Gatwick to Kiev - Aerosvit Ukranian will provide a five times a week service on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between London Gatwick and Kiev.
Aberdeen to London Gatwick– Easyjet is launching a newservice from Aberdeen to London Gatwick commencing 3 June.
FERRY TRAVEL NEWS
Tourist passengers heading for Spain can take advantage of LD Lines’ Portsmouth – Le Havre or Newhaven – Dieppe routes to Normandy, followed by an autoroute drive to North West Brittany, for onward travel via the new ferry link between Saint Nazaire (Nantes) and Gijón in Northern Spain.
This exclusive ‘Motorways of the Seas’ service provides three return sailings weekly. There is a special offer for tourist passengers of £84 single for a car and two passengers. This includes reserved seat on board. For £124 single you get a standard cabin.
Gijón, one of the most important ports on the Atlantic coast of Spain, provides excellent access for onward travel throughout the rest of Spain. Visiting the city of Gijón itself is a perfect way to begin exploring the rural countryside of Northern Spain. Originally a fishing village nearly 3,000 years ago, Gijón now combines the modern with the historical culture of the surrounding Asturias region.
LD Lines’ spring and summer break fares via Portsmouth – Le Havre start from£41.75 and £48.50 each way respectively, for a car and two passengers, based on a five-day return, including a reserved seat on board. A year-round service is provided by conventional ferry with an overnight departure from Portsmouth and day sailing return from Le Havre.
Additionally, a high speed ferry service operates from the end of May to September, with a crossing time of just 3 hours 15 minutes and fares start from£68.75 for a car and two passengers.
LD Transmanche Ferries’ Newhaven – Dieppe service provides two return sailings daily. Fares start from £55 each way for a car and two passengers, based on a five-day return and £15 per crossing for foot passengers.
TRAIN TRAVEL NEWS
International Rail, who offer the world’s largest selection of rail tickets and passes, are reminding travellers to remember the train when planning any forthcoming trips to Spain. Renfe (Spanish Railways) offers great flexibility and value for individuals and families alike. Travel to Spain from the UK by train and then use the train to explore and travel between the different regions, cities and towns.
International Rail, as Renfe’s appointed UK agent, has direct access to the Renfe booking system which allows them to give travellers an efficient, up to date and fast booking service for all rail travel within Spain. The service also allows UK travellers to find the best fares, train timetables, and availability.