Posted on 27th January 2010 by admin in Travel
The result of the new vote by around 13,000 BA staff will be announced at the end of next month. Should they vote to strike in protest at the airline’s demand for cuts, the first action is likely to take place early in March. Unite would then be free to hold a series of walk outs which, with Easter falling at the beginning of April would have a large impact on the Airline over one of its busiest weekends of the year.
The union had planned to strike for 12-days over Christmas, but was prevented from doing so by a High Court injunction, despite overwhelming endorsement for industrial action in the original ballot. At the time Unite promised it would hold a fresh ballot as well as ongoing negotiations with the airline. A spokesman for the union reiterated what was said last month ie. they were prepared to meet with the airline at any time or place , to aim to reach an agreement between them and their employees.
Experts believe the ballot announcement will hit bookings with passengers choosing other airlines rather than have their travel plans put at risk. When Unite announced a strike ballot in November, there was a significant fall in bookings over the next five days before the BA then announced a seat sale which clouded the effect.
Those people travelling over the next two to three months, may book with a different airline than risk a repeat of what happened at Christmas. A British Airways spokesman said the company was “saddened” but not surprised by the strike ballot and was considering several options should the strikes go ahead. These included leasing aircraft and crew from other companies who would operate services on BA’s behalf. In addition Willie Walsh, the company’s chief executive, has written to staff asking if they would be willing to train as cabin crew to step into the shoes of those who went on strike.
Posted on 21st January 2010 by admin in Travel
British Airways is flying a second relief aircraft of emergency supplies and equipment to earthquake hit Haiti. A Boeing 747 freighter with capacity for up to 100 tonnes of cargo is scheduled to fly out on Friday (January 22) carrying aid from Oxfam, the Red Cross, UNICEF and the World Food Programme.
Two Toyota Land Cruisers from the Red Cross plus 50 tonnes of food and blankets from Oxfam will be loaded onto the aircraft at Stansted Airport, ready for distribution. The aircraft will touch down in Denmark, where water supplies, tents and a further 25 tonnes of food will also be loaded.
Last Saturday, the airline’s UNICEF Change For Good Programme donated £3000,000 to the relief fund, and BA sent a relief flight with supplies from Heathrow Airport to the Dominican Republic. The aircraft, crewed by BA partners Global Supply Systems, will depart from Stansted Airport at 10.35 and fly to Billund in Denmark to pick up aid before heading to Santa Domingo in the Dominican Republic.
A BA spokesperson said that it was important to work with the aid agencies in providing much needed supplies, and that they were proud that they were able to help.
Posted on 14th January 2010 by admin in Travel
Snow has continued to fall across the UK ensuing in the closure of Gatwick Airport for the second time in a week.
Heathrow is currently open but airport operator BAA has warned that there might be delays and cancellations due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions. Birmingham Airport and Cardiff Airport were both closed earlier, but have now reopened although delays and cancellations may be on the cards.
Train services have also been severely disrupted with East Coast, First Great Western, First TransPennine Express, London Midland, London Overground, National Express East Anglia, Northern Rail, South West Trains, Southeastern all experiencing delays and cancellations. Eurostar, which was forced to cancel services last week, is running a “near normal” service today.
Roads have also been affected and the M48 Old Severn Bridge is closed stranding drivers in Devon. The severe weather warnings apply to north-west England, the West Midlands, Wales and southern England. Forecasters are expecting up to 4cm (1.5in) of snow in some parts, before the weather eases at the weekend.
The runway at Gatwick Airport is undergoing snow clearance at present, and is expected to open again around 16.00 hours for departing flights only. Passengers are advised to contact their airline for the latest flight information, as there are many delays and cancellations.
Heathrow remains open, but cancellations are possible today due to the weather. Passengers should check the status of their flight with their airline. A spokesman for Heathrow stated that although the maintenance team were doing their best to keep runways open more snow was forecast, and the threat of closure still remained.
All travellers are advised to leave plenty of time for their journey to the airport.
Posted on 11th January 2010 by admin in Travel
A spokesman for BAA has stated that the company is facing a tough 2010 with Heathrow the only one of its six airports to register a rise in traffic. Its Scottish airports namely Edinbirgh Glasgow and Aberdeen were badly hit by the collapse of Flyglobespan late last year , and the recent adverse weather has added to their woes.
The number of people travelling from BAA airports fell by nearly two per cent last month due largely to the icy weather compared with December 2008, when overall figures fell by 0.9 per cent to eight million.
It is roughly estimated that the dreadful weather conditions accounted for the loss of 150,000 passengers at BAA’s airports across the country.
Airports across the world face additional fees of as much as €50,000 a week for additional security,as a result of the failed bomb attack by a Nigerian student on a Detroit-bound flight last month.
BAA has still not calculated the costs associated with this latest measure, but it will have at least four full-body scanning devices in place at Heathrow by the end of January.
However, passenger numbers at Heathrow in December were boosted by greater European traffic as well as more long-haul flights to Asia and Africa. Increases in the number of European scheduled fights – as opposed to holiday resort-bound chartered flights – also helped lift passenger numbers.
Stansted has been especially hit by the reduction in operations there by low-cost airlines.
The collapse of the major carrier Globespan was also partly to blame for a more severe decline in traffic at Scottish airports ,along with the severe weather last month being a significant factor in the decline of travellers.
Posted on 11th January 2010 by admin in Travel
Cruise.com, one of the internet’s largest cruise providers, has revealed their virtual 2011 World Cruise Lecture Series. The series has been designed to give consumers a unique insight, and a tool to learn about the world cruise experience from the comfort of their own home.
Eight different world cruises are available in 2011 including those offered on Holland America Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Seabourn Cruises, Cunard Cruises, Silversea and Princess Cruises. The first world cruise ” webinar “is scheduled for January, 2010.
The lecture series will begin with two world cruise overview presentations followed by individual seminars highlighting each of the individual world cruise departures. It will enable potential clients to take a virtual tour of almost every aspect of the world cruise experience. Each presentation will describe in depth all aspects of cruising which will be especially beneficial to first timers. Cruising differs vastly from ship to ship, depending on destinations,dining choices and entertainment offered whilst on board.
Passengers will be given all the information that they need to make an informed choice, as to which is the best ship/ cruise line to suit their individual needs. Registration for the service is free is free, and people viewing the webinars will be able to take advantage of special offers on the various world cruises. More information is available at www.cruise.com
Posted on 11th January 2010 by admin in Travel
British Airways is launching new services to popular Spanish sun spots straight from the heart of London.
The new flights to Palma, Majorca and Ibiza will take off from London City Airport in May 2010.
Travelling direct from The Docklands, on the brand new Embraer 190 aircraft, passengers can be on the beach in the Balearics is less than three hours.
It’s the first time British Airways has operated leisure only flights from London City Airport but there is a growing demand for flights to the sun, particularly with customers looking for short breaks.
The initial three-times-a-week service will operate on Friday, Sunday and Monday, offering an ideal schedule for passengers looking for a weekend or longer break. There are plans to increase the frequency in the peak summer months.
All inclusive one way fares are available from £69, and are available to book on ba.com
Flights from London City Airport are primarily busines scheduled but it is thought that the new leisure destinations will prove popular.
A spokesman observed that there is a growing population living and working in the city of London who want to take time off at the weekends and the Balearic Islands icould prove to be a perfect destination. With just two hours 15 minutes flying time and a minimum check-in time of 15 minutes at London City Airport it is very accessible. Fares are also very competetive.
The British Airways flights include complimentary food and drinks on board, free on-line check-in and seat selection 24-hours before departure and free baggage allowance.
Posted on 11th January 2010 by admin in Travel
When planning your holiday abroad before you get in a spin about making sure you’ve got enough clothes or who is going to look after the family pets, spare a thought for who is going to look after your car, unless your flying from a local airport and you can get dropped off, the chances are you will have to park you car at the airport, if you are flying to South Africa or South America for instance you may be forced to fly from Heathrow or Gatwick airport, unless you live around the London area, travelling to these airports can be a strenuous task .
So now you need to find somewhere to park your car, you will generally have 4 options
1. On Airport Parking
This will generally be the most expensive form of Heathrow airport parking but has the advantage that you can simply park up and walk to check inn avoiding any drawn out transfers to and from the airport.
2. Off Airport Parking
Parking off the airport is a cheaper option, which will involve you driving straight to the off airport car park, then being transferred to the airport, the cost of the transfer is usually included in the price of your booking.
3. Meet And Greet Parking
This is the premier option for airport parking where you drive to the airport and will be met at the terminal by a member of staff who will take your car and park it for you, then on your return your car will be waiting for you right outside the terminal ready to drive straight home, this is the more expensive option but involves less hassle.
4. Airport Hotel Parking
This is fast becoming a very popular choice among travellers, if you want to avoid the rush hour traffic and travel to the airport in your own time, then this is the option for you, by taking a Gatwick hotel parking option you can enjoy the many hotels on and around Gatwick airport which is seen by many to be an extension to the holiday. Typically you would drive to the hotel stay the night then be transferred to the airport in the morning ready for your flight.
The only thing left to do know is to research the airport parking provider you plan on using to look after your pride and joy, dont just pick the first advert you see, take some time to find out how long they have been providing airport parking and make sure they are a reputable establishment
