Iberia Workers Strike Set To Continue.

Following on from last week’s strike by Iberia cabin crew, ground staff and maintenance workers, a reminder that this series of planned industrial action looks set to continue in the near future.

Further action is planned for 4th – 8th March and 18th – 22nd March.

Important Update – KLM New Checked Baggage Fee.

KLM has become one of the first European airlines (with the exception of the Low-cost Carriers) to implement a new fee for Economy Class passengers, flying within Europe, who wish to check a bag in to the aircraft’s hold.

From April 22nd 2013, passengers travelling in the economy cabin will have the option of flying with just carry-on baggage, or to check in baggage at a fee. Carry-on baggage remains free of charge for one piece up to 12kgs and, in addition, one lap top or handbag may also be taken on too.

The cost of checking one piece of luggage in is 15 Euros, either via KLM’s web site, or through ourselves (this is currently subject to confirmation from our GDS provider Travelport). Should passengers have to pay for their hold luggage at the airport the fee is 30Euros. 

However, please note that there are numerous exceptions to this new rule, some of which are mentioned below, however, should you have any further questions or concerns please contact Paul Baker at pbaker@g-t-m.co.uk. Some of the ways in which you can avoid paying this new checked baggage fee are:

  • Become, if you are not already, a Flying Blue member
  • Enrol your company in Bluebiz
  • Passengers purchasing fully flexible Y & B class fares
  • Infants under 2 years old
  • Marine offshore and NGO passengers. 

Finally, please note that if you are flying via Amsterdam on a long-haul flight in Economy Class, then these new charges do not apply.

 

New Quito International Airport Opens Today!

The New Quito International Airport (NQIA) is on countdown to its official opening today, Wednesday 20th February 2013, at 0900 Ecuador time.  NQIA, which is located in the Tababela district 24 KM’s from Quito city centre, replaces the old airport, but inherits its official name – Mariscal Sucre.

Fog over London area

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London Heathrow & London City (delays and cancellations)

London LHR and London City (LCY) airports are currently reporting delays and cancellations this morning due to fog.
Travellers are advised to check the status of their flight with the airline / operating airport or GTM.

Singapore Airlines – Travel 2Gether For Less!

Singapore Airlines are currently offering for a short time only, companion fares to the Far East & Australasia.

Fares are available for two people travelling together in Economy Class from £619 per person, and in Business Class from £2204 per person (prices do include airport taxes).

Economy Class passengers must book by 7th March 2013 and travel between 1 April and 31 May 2013. Business Class passengers must book by 28th February 2013 and travel between 1 April and 30 April 2013.

Iberia Strike Action.

Please note that Iberia’s Cabin Crew and Ground Staff have voted for strike action from 18 to 22 February 2013.

Iberia are, therefore, offering passengers (with a ticket number starting 075) the choice of changing the date of their flights, or, on a refund on them. We (Global Travel Management Ltd) have already begun the process of contacting those customers who have booked a flight with us, during the aforementioned period, to assist with any changes, however, should you not have heard from us please do get in contact.

British Airways Summer 2013 Updates.

Please find below some important updates from British Airways for their summer (yes, remember the sun?) 2013 schedule.

  • **31 March** – Flights between London Heathrow, Singapore & Sydney will move from Terminal 3 to Terminal 5
  • 29 March – new service from London Gatwick to Tenerife
  • 31 March – new service from London Heathrow to Palma and Gatwick to Lanzarote
  • 27 April – start of a new weekend service London Heathrow – Ibiza
  • 31 March – flights to/from Leeds-Bradford and Zagreb (from London Heathrow) move from Terminal1 to Terminal 5
  • Flights suspensions – Dar Es Salaam & Tblisi.

 

Upgrade To First With BA!

Book a fully flexible Club World return flight by 22nd March 2013 and, subject to availability, upgrade either your outbound, or inbound, journey to First Class. Inbound travel must be completed by 14th April 2013.

This upgrade offer is also valid on American Airlines services to the US and Qantas flights to Singapore & Sydney. Executive Club members will also be awarded Avios & Tier points for the cabin they actually fly in.

More Movie Time With British Airways!

British Airways will become the first UK airline to enable customers to watch their in-flight entertainment screens from the second they reach their seat to the moment they arrive at their destination.

In line with other UK carriers, British Airways currently starts its in-flight entertainment system once the aircraft has taken off, and following various announcements, then turns it off 15-20 minutes before the aircraft lands. The airline was given the green light by the Civil Aviation Authority to introduce extended in-flight entertainment on its fleet of long haul aircraft starting last December.

Did you know? British Airways’ predecessor BOAC was the first airline to introduce inflight entertainment on its Boeing 707 flights to Moscow and Tokyo in 1970!

Emirates Adds Easyjet As Newest Skywards Partner.

In a unique partnership to facilitate travel around Europe, Skywards, Emirates’ frequent flyer programme, and easyJet, Europe’s fourth largest airline, have announced the launch of a redemption agreement of Skywards Miles for flights on easyJet.
 
Members are now able to use their Skywards Miles to fly with easyJet to over 30 countries across Europe and North Africa.