The Cheap Flights News weekly roundup

It's not every week that a global airline agrees to merge with another carrier. After more than a year of talks, British Airways and Iberia have agreed to a tie-up. Should this deal be completed (if BA finds a solution to its pension deficit problems and the merger gets past the European Commission, that is), the resulting airline will be the third-largest in the world.

BA is widely considered to have come out on top in the negotiations. The head office will be in London, Willie Walsh will be Chief Executive and the flag carrier will have 55 per cent of the new company, but others are not quite so happy.

Weak pound influences Britons' travel plans

A poll by World Travel Market (www.wtmlondon.com) trade exhibition, which opened today in London, reveals the effect that the weak pound is having on Britons' travel plans.

Twenty-nine per cent of respondents who had taken holidays this year said that the value of the pound would influence where they holidayed next year while 27 per cent said they were undecided about the destination they would travel to at a time when the euro is stronger than the pound.

The figures suggest that holiday stalwarts Spain, Portugal and Greece may struggle to attract British holidaymakers next year should the pound remain weak against the euro.

Airports welcome fewer flyers this year

A study by RDC Aviation reveals that airports around the UK are handling fewer passengers this year.

Passenger numbers are down at 33 airports around the country during the first eight months of this year, a period that includes the peak summer season when airports are usually experiencing their highest numbers.

Britons are taking almost 10 per cent fewer trips overall, with Spain and the US two of the destinations that have lost the most visitors. Visitor numbers to Spain are down by 16 per cent and 10 per cent fewer Britons took trips to the US.

Reminder for Brits not to overstay Oz visas

Gap year travellers enjoying a break down under have been warned by the Australian government not to forget that they have to return to Britain.

The reminder follows news that UK travellers – particularly men under the age of 25 – now account for the country's largest proportion of illegal 'over-stayers'.

Immigration Minister Chris Evans told the Australian parliament that the problem appears to be getting out of hand and punishments must be enforced.

APD hikes 'will lead to holiday cancellations'

The government's recent increase to the rate of Air Passenger Duty (APD) will significantly dampen future demand for overseas travel, new research has revealed.

A poll for the World Travel Market found that 52 per cent of people who took a holiday this summer now plan to cut back on trips abroad due to the increased burden of APD.

The disappointing news follows Whitehall's decision to ignore a chorus of criticism from within the travel industry and press ahead with hikes to what has been dubbed its 'holiday tax'.

Air passengers hit by first wave of APD hikes

Despite a wave of criticism from within the travel industry, the first of two rises to Air Passenger Duty (APD) came into effect at all UK airports yesterday.

Under the new system Economy passengers must add between £11 and £55 to the cost of each flight from the UK, with further rises slated for November 2010.

Although the controversial tax has been billed as an environmental levy, the government has steadfastly refused to demonstrate how the funds are to be distributed.

Spike in alcohol-fuelled air rage incidents

The chance of your next flight being disrupted by fellow passengers slugging it out is rising, if new figures from the government are to be believed.

Research published by the Department for Transport shows that there were 3,529 reported incidents of air rage aboard UK aircraft between April 2008 and March 2009.

That marks a dramatic increase against the previous year's figure of 2,702, and what's more alcohol is being singled out for blame in many of the most serious incidents.

Baby named 'AirAsia' after in-flight birth

It might lead to a lifetime of resentment, but a woman who gave birth on an AirAsia (website: airasia.com) flight has decided to name her baby after the budget airline.

Little AirAsia, or Asia Liew Ya Hang as he is known in Mandarin, was born on Flight AK 6506 from Penang to Kuching while the jet was still 2,000 feet in the air.

Passenger smuggles Chihuahua in hand luggage

Security staff at Dublin Airport must have thought they'd gone barking mad after spotting a Chihuahua wriggling about on their X-ray machine last Friday (October 23).

The customs officers noticed the tiny dog in hand luggage on a flight from Madrid, initially suspecting it was a stuffed toy.

But after searching the bag they quickly realised that the figure on the screen was alive and kicking, prompting its detention along with the immediate arrest of its Bulgarian owner.

Government to reconsider Caribbean APD charges

Hopes are growing that the government will look again at disproportionate increases to Air Passenger Duty (APD) slated for flights to the Caribbean.

Cheapflights reported in July that the simplistic way in which the controversial tax is calculated means that Caribbean passengers will be unfairly penalised.

When the new rates come into effect next month, travellers to the Caribbean will pay more than those flying to America – despite much of the US being further away.

DfT to airlines: Buck stops with you on CO2

The UK Director General of Civil Aviation has issued a stern reminder to the airline industry that it will soon be held accountable for its carbon footprint.

Writing to the heads of 891 UK-regulated aircraft operators, Jonathon Moor urged carriers to prepare for a tough new EU directive governing aviation emissions.

From January 1, 2010, all European airlines will be held responsible for monitoring and recording the volume of carbon dioxide their flights emit into the atmosphere.

Air passengers face steady rise in surcharges

Legacy carriers will continue their move towards Ryanair-style no-frills service as doubts grow about traditional business models in the ailing sector, it has been claimed.

According to a new study by ancillary revenue specialist Collinson Latitude, the majority of global airlines are now committed to boosting their profit margins with add-on charges.

It found that almost two thirds (65 per cent) of the world's carriers say they will grow their ancillary revenue by between six and 20 per cent during the course of the next year alone.

European skiers 'beat Brits to the piste'

Brits who are planning to take to the slopes this winter have been advised to book early due to an influx of European skiers at resorts on the continent.

Independent bed bank Holiday Brokers is warning that while UK bookings are down 30 per cent against last year, sales in the euro-zone have skyrocketed.

The Cheap Flights News weekly roundup

It has been a notable news week, with many points of interest for travellers - a cure for jet lag, "naked" scanners and greater protection for holidaymakers should things go wrong. We also reported on recent,  and useful, Post Office research that shows where a savvy traveller should go for cheap skiing this season. Another piece of research - from PricewaterhouseCoopers - suggests frugality may not be necessary. The top-end holiday industry is doing very nicely thank you. And then there was the mid-air ruckus over a stolen miniature beer can on an Air Canada flight. When the plane landed, the Mounties were waiting and, true to form, got their man...

First ever natural gas commercial flight takes off

Qatar Airways is claiming to have made aviation history after operating the world's first ever commercial passenger flight fuelled by natural gas.

The Middle Eastern carrier flew an Airbus A340-600 from London Gatwick to Doha on Monday (October 12) using a synthetic blend of gas and oil-based kerosene.

Major breakthrough in development of jet lag pill

There is new hope for sufferers of jet lag after scientists in Manchester made a groundbreaking discovery about the way our body clocks work.

It has long been known that the human body regulates sleeping patterns by using dusk and dawn as cues for complex neuron activity deep within the brain.

But following an intensive new study, researchers have found flaws in several previous studies about the enigmatic region known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).

Cabin crew hopping mad after mid-air beer theft

A pilot on an Air Canada Jazz (website: flyjazz.ca) flight had to divert his plane on October 13 after a row broke out over the alleged theft of a beer can.

The Vancouver to Fort McMurray service was forced to make an unscheduled detour when cabin crew complained that a passenger had raided their beverage cart.

Top-end holidaymakers undeterred by recession

Luxury travel operators have chalked up significant success in weathering the economic downturn, according to new research by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

The financial firm revealed that just one in five luxury travellers is cutting holiday spend during the recession, suggesting fears of a collapse in the sector are misplaced.

Montreal Accord confirms ICAO as aviation’s interface with governments on climate change

Stringent Environmental Objectives Set

According to Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO, the world’s aviation industry achieved “significant progress” and a “step in the right direction”, toward a global sectoral approach in achieving ambitious environmental targets proposed at last week’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) High Level Meeting on International Aviation and Climate Change (HLM-ENV).

More protection for DIY holidaymakers

A new European Commission directive looks certain to improve the lot of travellers who have put together their own trips.

A change to the Package Holiday Directive will mean that holidaymakers who have booked the different parts of their trips (flights, accommodation, rental car etc) via the internet, rather than using a travel agent, will be covered should things go wrong.

Meglena Kuneva, the European Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, will signal the change in Brussels later this month while plans are expected to be finalised in 2010.

Ski resorts in Eastern Europe are best value this year

Cash-strapped skiers and snowboarders should look east for value this year. According to new research by the Post Office the best-value destinations are Romania and Bulgaria.

The Post Office looked at the cost of lift passes and equipment hire for six days as well as the cost of a meal for a family of four in Europe and North America's top ski resorts - Poiana Brasov in Romania, Borovets in Bulgaria, La Thuile in Italy, Courchevel in France, Soldeu in Andorra, Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany, Obergurgl in Austria, Verbier in Switzerland, and in North America Vail and Banff.

The Cheap Flights News weekly roundup

It has not been a great week for flag carriers. British Airways announced 1,700 job losses, Aer Lingus said that it will axe 670 jobs. Meanwhile, Air India hit the headlines for very different reasons - a brawl between pilots at 30,000 feet.

While the restrictions on carrying liquids on flights look likely to remain in place until 2012, travellers at big airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester may be able to bring more than 100ml in hand luggage sooner than that. Travellers from non-EU countries may also be able to bring their duty-free purchases on board. For the smaller airports, passengers may have to pack that resealable bag for another five years...

Top travel firms commit to a 'green' future

British Airways and other prominent names in the travel industry such as the Association of British Travel Agents (better known as Abta), Thomas Cook, TUI Travel (Thomson Holidays' parent company), Carnival UK, The Co-operative Travel Group and Advantage have pledged their commitment to a "green" future at Abta's annual convention in Barcelona this week.

The initiative - called Tourism 2023 - looks at four challenges facing the UK travel industry. These are: climate change, resource scarcity, the impact of growing domestic demand, and increasing travel from emerging economies.

Restrictions on liquids on flights to remain until 2012

European transport ministers due to attend a meeting in Brussels later today are expected to confirm that the ban on carrying large amounts of liquids on board flights will stay in place until 2012.

The current restrictions, which have caused much confusion among travellers, were put in place in 2006 following the detection of a plot to blow up transatlantic airliners by using explosives in hand luggage. While the ban is scheduled to run out in April 2010, the fact that scanners that would detect bomb-making chemicals inside bottles are not yet in place means that passengers will still have to bag their liquids, gels and aerosols in bottles with a capacity of no more than 100ml.

Global tourism sector set for 2010 recovery

The global travel industry could be on the verge of a post-recession renaissance, according to the UN World Tourism Organisation's latest forecast.

Officials within the world body have revised their macroeconomic predictions upwards for the sector, painting a rosier picture of the tourism sector in 2010.

ABTA proposes new passenger protection scheme

Passengers who book flights direct with airlines may soon enjoy the same protection as those booking with travel agents, a leading industry group has claimed.

The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) says it is drafting a new scheme which safeguards holidaymakers' money regardless of whom they booked with.

Talks with the government are reportedly underway, and if approved the new system would close an oft-complained loophole in the sector which leaves  many travellers exposed.

Premium Economy passengers 'hardest hit by APD'

Concerns are growing that the government's hugely controversial plans to double Air Passenger Duty (APD) could spell an end to Premium Economy cabins.

For many no-frills travellers a premium upgrade is an absolutely vital purchase on long-haul flights, affording precious extra legroom space and often a seatback TV.

But it now appears that Premium Economy seats will be bunched with Business and First Class when APD charges are calculated – adding up to £170 per passenger.

Tory manifesto to renew Heathrow runway opposition

The Tories will use this week's party conference in Manchester to renew their opposition to the third runway at Heathrow Airport, it has been confirmed.

Shadow Transport Minister Julian Brazier told The Evening Standard that his party remains committed to opposing Heathrow expansion on environmental grounds.

His pledge is apparently aimed at quelling speculation – spurred by comments from a senior front-bencher – that the issue will be "revisited" once the Tories are in power.

Jump the immigration queue? That'll be £50

Travellers arriving at London airports will soon have the chance to clear immigration more quickly than their fellow flyers - for a yearly fee of £50.

BAA, and the UK Border Agency, are to trial new fast-track gates at Stansted and Heathrow (Terminal 4) next year, which will allow travellers with biometric passports and those who have paid £50 to whizz through immigration.

Air rage on Air India flight - pilots and crew trade punches

Travellers have become used to the idea of air rage among passengers over the past few years, but pilot rage is, thankfully, a rare occurrence.

However, on a recent Air India flight from Sharjah (in the United Arab Emirates) to Delhi via Lucknow, the 106 passengers were treated to the sight of pilots and cabin crew throwing punches at each other.

The Cheap Flights News weekly roundup

This week was dominated by the tsunami that hit Samoa and American Samoa in the south Pacific, and while our thoughts remain with those affected by the disaster, we reported that prospective travellers with Air New Zealand and Polynesian Blue can rest assured that they will have their cancellation fees waived.

British Airways' new all-Business-Class service from London City to New York took off on Tuesday, and Martin Rivers reported how the flight was "Tweeted" by @TimesTravel, CNN's @RichardQuest and even @VirginAtlantic.

All Nippon Airways has novel idea to cut carbon emissions

In an attempt to cut its carbon emissions - and use less fuel - All Nippon Airways, the Japanese airline, has started requesting that its passengers use the lavatory before boarding flights.

The idea is that passengers are lighter after visiting the bathroom and therefore lighter to carry, ie, less fuel is required.

ABC News reports that the trial began yesterday (Thursday, October 1) on 42 domestic and international flights. Staff at boarding gates will ask passengers to use the lavatory before getting on the aircraft.

Forgetful Brits sitting on £1bn in leftover currency

Brits are hoarding nearly £1 billion in foreign currency left over from their trips abroad, surprising new research by American Express has revealed.

The findings suggest that some £800 million is lying around in British homes, with disturbingly high numbers of Brits not bothering to change it back into sterling.

Samoa travellers offered refunds after tsunami

Holidaymakers planning to fly from Australia to Samoa are being offered full refunds without incurring charges in the wake of yesterday's tsunami.

Air New Zealand and Polynesian Blue website: www.polynesianblue.com have both said passengers who no longer wish to travel to the South Pacific island will have their cancellation fees waived.

Far East offers best value for holidaymakers this autumn/winter

With thoughts turning to winter sun, travellers looking for a bargain should look to the Far East, to Thailand, Bali and Malaysia, rather than to destinations around Europe or Down Under, according to the Long Haul Holiday Report 2009 compiled by the Post Office.

The Post Office looked at the cost of a typical basket of goods in 16 countries. The "basket" includes items such as a cup of coffee, bottle of lager, mineral water, Coca-Cola, suncream, a postcard and stamp to the UK, insect repellent, a packet of Marlboro Lights cigarettes and a three-course evening meal for two including a bottle of house wine in a local restaurant.

The Cheap Flights News weekly roundup

The week started with exciting news for Cheapflights as we were featured, for the sixth consecutive year, in the Sunday Times Microsoft Tech Track 100 awards. We also launched a new online game that gives holidaymakers the chance to test their travel knowledge and win terrific prizes. And we canvassed our users' opinions in our new poll on connecting flights. Perhaps unsurprisingly, cost is shaping up to be the reason why travellers might take indirect flights. Let us know what you think, and then, read on for our roundup of the week's travel news.

Exchange rate ignorance 'costs Brits dearly'

British holidaymakers are throwing away money because of their ignorance about currency exchange rates, new research has revealed.

Thomas Cook found that one in four Brits makes no effort to convert local prices into Pound Sterling, meaning they often end up paying over the odds.

Airlines pledge to halve CO2 emissions by 2050

The aviation industry is committed to slashing CO2 emissions by half by 2050, delegates at the UN's climate change summit in New York will hear today.

British Airways Chief Executive Willie Walsh will outline what he calls "the best option for the planet," pledging to cut emissions by 50 per cent against 2005 levels.

His proposal would plug a gaping hole left by the now defunct 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which excluded air transport, but critics have been quick to voice doubts.

Ban on liquids at large airports to lift in 2012

The ban on carrying liquids in hand luggage that has caused much confusion among travellers is to be lifted in two phases, the Guardian reports.

Travellers departing from major airports (those that handle more than ten million passengers per year such as Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester) will be able to carry greater amounts of liquids in 2012, but the ban will stay in place at smaller airports until 2014. However, smaller airports will be able to lift the restrictions sooner than 2014 if they invest in approved scanners that can detect suspicious liquids.

The Cheap Flights News weekly roundup

The week started with encouraging news for travellers. The restrictions on carrying liquids, which have been in place since 2006 and have caused much confusion, could be lifted within a year. New scanners are being trialled around Europe, including at Manchester Airport, that will be capable of differentiating between harmless and potentially dangerous liquids.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, and Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York, have struck a deal to boost tourism in the two metropolises. Under the terms of the deal, New Yorkers waiting at bus shelters will see advertisements for London and Londoners taking the tube will see ads for New York.

Survey: Eastern Europe offers best value for money

Holidaymakers looking to snap up the best deals would be well advised to consider Eastern Europe, according to new research by Tesco Travel Money.

The firm found that holidays in Hungary, Poland and Bulgaria offer the best value for money, whereas Reykjavik, Rome and Nice were the most expensive.

A week-long family holiday in Iceland's capital will currently set you back £2,602, Tesco found, compared with just £1,038 for an equivalent trip to Bulgaria.

IATA: Cheap flights here to stay, some airlines not

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has said that high fuel prices coupled with concerns about the economy will keep fares low for years.

Issuing the latest in a series of glum industry assessments, IATA Chief Executive Giovanni Bisignani said he believed prices will remain depressed until at least 2013.

He revised predicted losses for 2009 up to $11 billion (£6.7 billion) across the sector – $2 billion higher than previously forecast – and said more airlines will falter.

Liberal Democrat MP slams 'rip-off' airport parking

A senior Liberal Democrat MP has gone on the offensive against rip-off airport parking charges, singling out London City Airport for the heaviest criticism.

Norman Baker, a member of the Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet, told The Daily Express that in many cases the charges outweigh savings from cheap flights.

Boris Johnson seals London, New York tourism deal

Boris Johnson, the mayor of London, and his New York City counterpart Michael Bloomberg have struck a deal to boost tourism in the two metropolises.

The two-year agreement will see both cities provide each other with advertising space, as well as working closely to share ideas and run joint publicity events.

It will be seen as a significant coup for the Eton-educated London mayor, whose unconventional style appears to have gone down well in the US financial hub.

Passengers inadvertently told to prepare for crash

French passengers flying on an Aer Lingus jet had the fear of God put into them after they were mistakenly advised to brace for a crash.

The drama unfolded during a flight from Dublin to Paris, when mid-air turbulence prompted cabin crew to request that passengers return to their seats.

Their English announcement was then followed by a pre-recorded one in French, only this time airline staff accidently played back an emergency broadcast.

Airlines 'profit from innocent booking errors'

Some airlines are using innocent booking errors as a means of squeezing extra cash out of passengers, new research has revealed.

The Air Transport Users Council (AUC) found that obvious and easily-corrected mistakes are being seized on by cash-strapped carriers as a source of revenue.

It cited the case of one Thomas Cook passenger, who was hit with a bill for £195 after he inadvertently gave his middle name instead of his forename.

The Cheap Flights News weekly roundup

A memorable week in which England qualified, with games in hand, for the World Cup. This sparks lots of questions. Are there cheap flights to South Africa available? How will I get from game to game? And where can I get tickets? We've answered some of those questions. Just like the rest of the country, we are expecting John Terry to hold the Cup aloft on July 11, 2010.

In other news, a recent study by the Post Office revealed that Brits are going long haul, far flung and exotic with their holiday destinations, rather than staycationing. We came up with seven reasons to visit Australia and then rounded up all the sales we could to help you get there even cheaper.

New call to curb aviation emissions by 2050

Airlines must put a cap on their CO2 emissions if Britain is to meet targets for combatting global warming, a governmental advisory board has said.

The Climate Change Committee has written to Transport Secretary Lord Adonis and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband, saying that "ambitious" measures are required.

But it insisted that there is no need to cut overall flight numbers, with advances in energy efficiency paving the way for the aviation sector to continue expanding.

Maldives proposes another green tax for tourists

Holidaymakers visiting the Maldives will be hit by yet another so-called 'green tax' if the president of the island chain gets his way, the Associated Press reports.

Mohammed Nasheed said he wants to impose a $3-a-day (£1.80) charge on anyone visiting the Indian Ocean archipelago, famed for its stunning natural scenery.

He said that the fee would help global efforts to combat climate change, but with passengers already footing fuel surcharges and APD the move has attracted criticism.

EU attacks new US travel plan

A proposed new plan by United States authorities to charge a fee to US-bound travellers from visa-waiver countries* has been attacked by the European Commission.

The fee would be used to promote foreign travel to the US, but John Bruton, the European Commission's Ambassador to Washington, said: "Only in 'Alice in Wonderland' could a penalty be seen as promoting the activity on which it is imposed,"