Amid tax and fuel increases, it is going to be an increasingly difficult task avoiding higher airfares in coming months. You can hedge your bets by scheduling flights during dips in demand such as mid-day (generally 10 am to 2 pm) or mid-week (Tuesday, Wednesday or early Thursday).International flights are becoming more volatile, and, increasingly, the price gap between one-stop and non-stop flights is widening, so always be sure to check both options.
Remember to read the small print and request cancellation fees from your Agent. If you are not provided with the Restrictions and cancellation fees, you must request them, as these can substantially contribute to overspending. This is a commom pitfall when purchasing low cost carrier fares online, or low bucket economy seats.
Happy spending!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Libya update
Coalition forces continued to bombard Libya for a third consecutive day Monday as the 'no fly zone' which was imposed on Friday got under way on Saturday. According to U.S. officials the campaign to destroy Moammar Gadhafi's air defenses and establish a no-fly zone over Libya had nearly accomplished its initial objectives. U.S. and European diplomats also moved Monday to rally wavering Arab support after key Arab officials complained that Western airstrikes appeared to exceed the narrow mandate authorized by the United Nations.
Meanwhile Libyan government forces continued to engage in scattered fighting Monday while rebel fighters trying to retake the eastern town of Ajdabiya said their advance was halted Monday by tank and rocket fire from government loyalists still controlling entrances to the city. Dozens of fighters fell back to a checkpoint about 25 miles to the north. In the western city of Misrata, forces loyal to Gadhafi still were at large and using civilians as human shields, Reuters reported. Libyan state TV said a new round of strikes began Monday night in the capital, Tripoli.
The air campaign by U.S. and European militaries unquestionably has rearranged the map in Libya and rescued rebels from the immediate threat they faced only days ago. But while the airstrikes can stop Gadhafi's troops from attacking rebel cities -- in line with the U.N. mandate to protect civilians -- the United States, at least, appeared deeply reluctant to go beyond that toward actively helping the rebel cause to oust the Libyan leader. (Updated 22/03/11 @ 12:15pm). from City Alerts
Meanwhile Libyan government forces continued to engage in scattered fighting Monday while rebel fighters trying to retake the eastern town of Ajdabiya said their advance was halted Monday by tank and rocket fire from government loyalists still controlling entrances to the city. Dozens of fighters fell back to a checkpoint about 25 miles to the north. In the western city of Misrata, forces loyal to Gadhafi still were at large and using civilians as human shields, Reuters reported. Libyan state TV said a new round of strikes began Monday night in the capital, Tripoli.
The air campaign by U.S. and European militaries unquestionably has rearranged the map in Libya and rescued rebels from the immediate threat they faced only days ago. But while the airstrikes can stop Gadhafi's troops from attacking rebel cities -- in line with the U.N. mandate to protect civilians -- the United States, at least, appeared deeply reluctant to go beyond that toward actively helping the rebel cause to oust the Libyan leader. (Updated 22/03/11 @ 12:15pm). from City Alerts
STRIKE ACTION TO CONTINUE IN BAHRAIN
Bahrain trade unionists have agreed to continue with a week-old national strike indefinitely, Gulf Daily News reports.
The decision was taken yesterday during an urgent meeting of the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions, an umbrella organisation that oversees most union activity. Members said they would return to work when security was eased and police checkpoints were removed from the streets.
The Federation first called a general strike for February 20 after the Bahraini military was deployed on the streets following a week of protests, but it was called off the same day after the tanks were pulled out. The current strike was called at the start of last week in solidarity with protesters, but the decision has more to do with the current security crackdown.
The GFBTU has communicated its decision to continue with the strike to 69 trade unions, including those at Bapco, Batelco, Bahrain Airport Company and Gulf Air. The organisation is affiliated with a seven-party coalition of opposition politicians, who have so far refused to enter a national dialogue until certain conditions are met.
Meanwhile the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office is still advising against all travel to Bahrain until further notice and those without a pressing reason to remain should leave. (Updated 22/03/11 @ 12:17pm) From City Alerts
The decision was taken yesterday during an urgent meeting of the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions, an umbrella organisation that oversees most union activity. Members said they would return to work when security was eased and police checkpoints were removed from the streets.
The Federation first called a general strike for February 20 after the Bahraini military was deployed on the streets following a week of protests, but it was called off the same day after the tanks were pulled out. The current strike was called at the start of last week in solidarity with protesters, but the decision has more to do with the current security crackdown.
The GFBTU has communicated its decision to continue with the strike to 69 trade unions, including those at Bapco, Batelco, Bahrain Airport Company and Gulf Air. The organisation is affiliated with a seven-party coalition of opposition politicians, who have so far refused to enter a national dialogue until certain conditions are met.
Meanwhile the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office is still advising against all travel to Bahrain until further notice and those without a pressing reason to remain should leave. (Updated 22/03/11 @ 12:17pm) From City Alerts
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Pay Full Economy and Fly Business Class with SAA!
WITH the introduction of South African Airways’ new A330-200 aircraft comes a new offer particularly suited to corporate travellers.
Dubbed YUP fares, the campaign allows passengers to pay for a full economy-class seat and fly business on a range of domestic and regional routes including Johannesburg to Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and East London. Regional routes like Blantyre, Dar es Salaam, Entebbe, Kinshasa, Harare, Lagos and Luanda, among others, are also included.
The benefit is applicable at the time of booking and is clearly indicated in the GS showing the Y UP fare basis. The passenger is confirmed immediately in business class while still adhering to corporate travel policies that inform the class of travel allowed within a time frame.
Access to the SAA lounges in SA and in destinations like Lagos, allows passengers the privilege of a quiet and comfortable space to relax.
Meanwhile, SAA has welcomed its new A330-200 on its Johannesburg to London route. The airline has leased six new A330-200s to replace its aging A340-200 fleet with all six aircraft to be delivered by the end of the year.
The new aircraft has 36 business-class seats and 186 economy-class seats with a new in-flight entertainment seat electronic box having been integrated into the seat structure in economy, enhancing space for passengers.
Codeshare with LH
Effective March 2011, SAA has expanded its LH codeshare on flights beyond Frankfurt and Munich. Codeshare connections on LH include Brussels, Stockholm, Helsinki, Oslo, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Paris, Madrid, Geneva, Zurich, Milan and Rome.
Dubbed YUP fares, the campaign allows passengers to pay for a full economy-class seat and fly business on a range of domestic and regional routes including Johannesburg to Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and East London. Regional routes like Blantyre, Dar es Salaam, Entebbe, Kinshasa, Harare, Lagos and Luanda, among others, are also included.
The benefit is applicable at the time of booking and is clearly indicated in the GS showing the Y UP fare basis. The passenger is confirmed immediately in business class while still adhering to corporate travel policies that inform the class of travel allowed within a time frame.
Access to the SAA lounges in SA and in destinations like Lagos, allows passengers the privilege of a quiet and comfortable space to relax.
Meanwhile, SAA has welcomed its new A330-200 on its Johannesburg to London route. The airline has leased six new A330-200s to replace its aging A340-200 fleet with all six aircraft to be delivered by the end of the year.
The new aircraft has 36 business-class seats and 186 economy-class seats with a new in-flight entertainment seat electronic box having been integrated into the seat structure in economy, enhancing space for passengers.
Codeshare with LH
Effective March 2011, SAA has expanded its LH codeshare on flights beyond Frankfurt and Munich. Codeshare connections on LH include Brussels, Stockholm, Helsinki, Oslo, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Paris, Madrid, Geneva, Zurich, Milan and Rome.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Breaking news: Japan hit by 7,9 magnitude earthquake (updated 09h58)
Updated 09h58
Tsunami warnings has widened to now include the rest of the Pacific coast, including Australia and South America following the eartquake in Japan.
Updated 09h41
Following, what is now being said to be a 8,8 magnitude quake, a ten metre tsunami has hit, sweeping away everything in its path.
Meanwhile both Narita and Haneda airports have been closed.
Cathay Pacific issued a statement saying that due to the earthquake in Japan, airports in Haneda and Narita are closed. Customers are advised to check flight status before departing for the airport. The airline is monitoring the situation and will have more information available at a later time.
Older posts:
JAPAN’s norhteastern coast has been hit by a 7,9 magnitude earthquake at around 14h46 local time on March 11. This follows after several quakes had hit the same region in recent days, including a 7,3 magnitude quake on March 9.
Japan’s meteorological agency has since warned that a tsunami reaching 20 feet(6 metres) could hit the coast near Miyagi.Smaller tsunamis of up to 50 centimetres reached some coastal communities, the agency said.
Reuters reports that the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii said a tsunami warning was in effect for Japan, Russia, Marcus Island and the Northern Marianas. A tsunami watch has been issued for Guam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia and Hawaii.
Police and coast guard officials said they were assessing possible damage from the quake.
Tokyo's Narita airport is currently evacuating travellers and has stopped all flights following massive earthquake and tsunamis.
From ETNW
Tsunami warnings has widened to now include the rest of the Pacific coast, including Australia and South America following the eartquake in Japan.
Updated 09h41
Following, what is now being said to be a 8,8 magnitude quake, a ten metre tsunami has hit, sweeping away everything in its path.
Meanwhile both Narita and Haneda airports have been closed.
Cathay Pacific issued a statement saying that due to the earthquake in Japan, airports in Haneda and Narita are closed. Customers are advised to check flight status before departing for the airport. The airline is monitoring the situation and will have more information available at a later time.
Older posts:
JAPAN’s norhteastern coast has been hit by a 7,9 magnitude earthquake at around 14h46 local time on March 11. This follows after several quakes had hit the same region in recent days, including a 7,3 magnitude quake on March 9.
Japan’s meteorological agency has since warned that a tsunami reaching 20 feet(6 metres) could hit the coast near Miyagi.Smaller tsunamis of up to 50 centimetres reached some coastal communities, the agency said.
Reuters reports that the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii said a tsunami warning was in effect for Japan, Russia, Marcus Island and the Northern Marianas. A tsunami watch has been issued for Guam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia and Hawaii.
Police and coast guard officials said they were assessing possible damage from the quake.
Tokyo's Narita airport is currently evacuating travellers and has stopped all flights following massive earthquake and tsunamis.
From ETNW
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