Paul

US Airways Moves Charlotte Service To Heathrow.

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With immediate effect US Airways has switched its London Gatwick Charlotte service to Heathrow Airport.

Charlotte NC is US Airways’ largest hub airport and the switch supplements its existing London Heathrow to Philadelphia service. The Charlotte service is operated using an Airbus A330 aircraft with two cabins on board. Envoy, US Airways’ international Business Class, features a seat which converts in to a fully flat bed.

Flight US731 departs Heathrow daily at 1005am arrival 1410, with the return service departing Charlotte at 1905 arrival Heathrow the following morning at 0805.

Paul

SAS New Service Concept.

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Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is launching a new service concept on its European network, replacing the existing Economy and Business Class cabins/services, with two brand new alternatives: SAS Go and SAS Plus.

SAS Go is aimed more at the leisure market, with fares including one hold bag, plus tea and coffee served on board and the option of mobile check-in. While SAS Plus includes, two checked bags at no extra charge, SAS Fast Track, lounge access plus meals and drinks onboard.

SAS Go and SAS Plus will be introduced in June. Passengers who are currently booked in Business Class will be automatically be rebooked into SAS Plus.

So no change there then!

Paul

London Tube Strikes Planned for 2 April & 2 May.

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Jubilee Line tube drivers have voted to go on strike on April 2nd, the first day back at work for many after the Easter break.

A 24 hour walk-out is also planned for May 2nd.

Paul

100% Online Check-in.

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From April 30th 2013 easyJet is aiming to operate an online only check-in process.

Today approximately 75% of easyJet’s customers check-in online and print their boarding pass prior to arriving at the airport. However, a significant number of customers still arrive at the airport without a boarding pass.

This new iniative aims to drive the aforementioned figure to 100%. Therefore, and from 30th April, easyJet will be removing the traditional check-in desks and replacing them with Bag Drop desks instead.

If you are due to fly with easyJet on 30th April…forewarned is forearmed!

 

Paul

Lufthansa Staff On Strike Tomorrow.

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Unfortunately there is now going to be yet more industrial action taken tomorrow (Thursday 21st March), this time by Lufthansa employees in Germany.

This will affect the following airports : Berlin, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg & Munich. The strike action will commence at 0500 and finish at midday (local time).

Lufthansa has said that it will cancel most of its domestic and short-haul European operations, but long-haul flights are expected to operate on time.

We (GTM) are currently working to identify and assist any of our customers’ whose flights are affected.

 

Paul

UK Border Agency Strike – Wednesday 20th March.

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The Public & Commercial Services union has called a 1 day strike today, Wednesday 20th March.

This strike will impact UK Border Agency staff at airports and other ports around the UK. Unfortunately this information has only just reached us, hence the late posting.

According to the union’s web site another walk-out is also planned for Friday 5th April starting at 1pm.

Paul

Self Service Bag Tagging Now At Heathrow T1.

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Self Service Bag Tagging has now been introduced at London Heathrow Terminal 1. This option means BA’s customers will be able to print and attach bag tags at a self-service kiosk,  then drop their bag at a bag drop desk.

As well as easing congestion, it is hoped this new service will add speed, efficiency and convenience for BA’s customers. British Airways also has self-service bag tagging at LHR Terminal 3, London City Airport and London Gatwick airports.

What more could you possibly want!

Paul

Hand Baggage Only Air Fares.

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British Airways is extending its new “hand baggage only” fares across the whole of its London Gatwick short-haul network.

Following the introduction of this new type of air fare on February 19th, BA are now rolling the concept out across the rest of its short-haul network at Gatwick from March 7th.

Customers choosing the “hand baggage only” fare can continue to take advantage of the airline’s generous hand luggage allowance and carry on a good-sized case (56cm x 45cm x 25cm), plus a handbag or laptop bag.

It is worth noting that BA’s hand luggage allowance is more generous than that of most of the so called Low-Cost Carriers, who only permit and strictly enforce just one piece of carry-on luggage. BA’s hand baggage only fares will also be eligible for free online check-in and seat selection 24 hours prior to departure. Likewise, BA still provides complimentary food and beverages on board.

Sales pitch over!

Paul

Iberia Strike Called Off.

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Next week’s planned strike action by Iberia workers has, thankfully, now been called off. Unions representing most workers at the Spanish airline cancelled next week’s industrial action after they accepted a mediator’s proposal regarding the proposed job losses. Iberia’s management have also accepted the proposal.

Phew!

Paul

Eurostar Operational Update.

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Ongoing wintry weather conditions in Northern France and Belgium mean that there are speed restrictions on the high speed line.

Eurostar is operating an amended timetable on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 March. Trains may be delayed by up to two hours and a number of services have been cancelled. 

Freezing conditions are forecast to continue on Thursday in Northern France. While no further snowfall is forecast, a considerable amount of snow remains on the ground and we expect speed restrictions to continue on the high speed line.

Unfortunately, this means we (Eurostar) will only be able to operate an amended timetable. Journey times may be up to an hour longer than usual.

Eurostar’s advice is not to travel unless your journey is essential.