Showing posts with label Airlines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Airlines. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is a low cost American air carrier, which has headquartered in Dallas, Texas. It is one of the major low cost carriers in America. The business models adopt by this airline has been a major inspiration for other low cost airlines that are operating these days. The airline's total market share is about 10% of the United State passenger market. There are a number of complementary on-board services offered to passengers. They include - beverages like coffee, Cocktails, beer, wine, soft drinks, juice, and snacks like packaged peanuts and pretzels.

For passengers who are looking for a cross country flight, Southwest Airlines is the best option. It is possible to get discount on the ticket booked for this airline. If you know someone who works for this airline, you can use the buy use the buddy passes. Employees get these passes as bonus, which can be used by family and friends for traveling.

For passengers of Southwest Airlines who are looking for a cross country flight have program of five levels - Silver, Gold, Diamond, Diamond Plus and Platinum. Miles accumulated by passengers through this program can be used for class upgrades, bonus tickets and several other services offered by the airline company.

Passengers can buy discounted gift certificates for eBay. These are legitimate certificates and you can use that to buy the tickets at a lower rate. Buying tickets from the web is the best way to book ticket for Southwest Airlines, no matter where you are traveling.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Bassinets and Airlines

On long haul flights most airlines will provide Bassinets providing for by infants under the age of 2 years with the condition that the infant does not way more than 10kg and under 6 months of age. If a bassinet is not available or required the infant aged 2 years or under may sit on the parent's lap or have a seat allocated to them at 10% of the adult fare. The cabin crew will install bassinets only after take-off. Parents assume sole responsibility for infants using bassinet facilities

Safety

Bassinets are available on board for infants; however it is advisable to call your airline to make the necessary reservations at least 48 hours before boarding, as your infant's height and/or weight may make bassinets unusable for them from a safety and comfort standpoint. A limited number of bassinets are provided on some of our domestic aircraft The cabin crew will provide you with a specific safety briefing to ensure you understand special requirements for young travellers. Please also note that international safety and hygiene regulations do not allow Cabin Crew to feed children, administer medication, take children to the toilet, and change nappies. For safety reasons an adult can hold only one infant and children under the age of 15 may not hold infants.

Flight

Don't forget to re-book your bassinet when changing your flight. Please remember that for safety considerations, each and every time the seat belt sign is switched 'on' during the flight you will be required to remove your infant from the bassinet as this once again is a safety requirement. Up to 2 years, free bassinets are provided on 747s, 757s or D710s (mostly international flights). For international flights, request a bassinet, which fastens to bulkhead. If you use the bassinet you will have to hold the baby during take-off, landing and any turbulence during the flight. If you wish to obtain seating with access to a bassinet, contact your Flights to determine the availability on the flight. If your ship flight is available, so book your trip early, you give your preferences crib and get your seat assignment as soon as possible.

If you are against the prospect of a long flight with a child, it is possible that with a cradle is worth its weight in gold.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

About Kingfisher Airlines

It is one of the privately owned and famed airlines in India, based in Bangalore India this airline has created a mark for itself over last few years since its commencement of operations in 2005. Kingfisher Airlines comes from the parent company "United Breweries Group" or popularly known as the "UB group". Having the main bases at Bengaluru International Airport, Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Indira Gandhi International Airport, it operates a network of around 40 destinations with more than 200 flights per day.

Though being an domestic airlines till yet, it has shown intensions to fly to USA following the lease of new Airbuses A320 and A200 in coming times with Bangalore being its major hub. Currently this airline flies with two service classes Economy and Business and has been granted a 5 star rating from Skytrax.

Kingfisher as per its expansion plans have also acquired stake in Air Deccan airlines, which is an LCC in the market and have also shown intensions to acquire further stake in the same. Due to its inflight services and operations, Kingfisher airlines have also been awarded with lot of accolades and awards like the Business leadership award by NDTV, Economic Times Avaya award, India's favorite airlines in a survey by IMB, Service excellence for a New airline by Skytrax and more.

Kingfisher airlines have also started The Kingfisher airlines Tennis Open championship which has come up as a prestigious and high profile event by tennis fans across the world. This whole thing was started in order to reinforce the winning attributes and values of the Kingfisher brand. The currently held event of IPL cricket also had Kingfisher airlines as a sponsor for the Bangalore team. Mr Vijay Mallya, being the proud owner of this airline is all set to achieve higher targets and objectives in the coming time and he is all minds for it.

Friday, December 10, 2010

The Process Airlines Use For Hiring Flight Attendants

Before you submit an application for a position as a flight attendant with an airline, you should be aware of the process that airlines usually go through when hiring flight attendants. You need to thoroughly read the job posting to determine the preferred method of submitting the application. Most airlines now want the applications submitted electronically, but you may still be able to send your resume in the mail. This is easy enough to do by logging onto the airline website and using the appropriate link for sending email.

Once you have all your documentation in place and you write the cover letter and your resume, then you submit and wait anxiously for a call for an interview. This interview may be conducted over the telephone if you do not live in the vicinity of the head offices of the airline or you may have to go to the nearest airport to meet with the human resources personnel. More often than not, the airlines hold an open house interview in which all applicants where you meet with the recruiters and pass in your resume and application at the same time. This will give the recruiters an opportunity of how well you conduct yourself when speaking to a group of people because you will have to give a short description of your work experience and qualifications to the group.

After this open house interview, the recruiters will select the applicants they want to interview one-on-one and will announce the names of those that they would like to stay or come back later for a second interview. You may have to return home and wait for a call for the second interview or receive notification by mail. In this second interview, you will be questioned by a panel and you may have a scenario in which you have to demonstrate your skills at handling problems that could arise onboard the aircraft.

How often an airline does hire flight attendants depends on their needs. Since airlines have their own training facilities, they may wait until they have openings for a few jobs or several airlines may work together to hire enough flight attendants to fill a class. Once you do submit your application and have gone through the first stage of the interviewing process, you should never call the airlines to check on your hiring status. Don't narrow your possibilities by applying to only one airline ?apply to several and hope to get hired by one of them.

Even when you pass the interviewing step, you still have to pass the training required by the airline to be officially hired for the position. This training could be from 4 to 7 weeks in duration depending on the size of the airline and the number of flights it has.

There could be between 30 and 100 trainees in the class, which starts at about 8 in the morning and runs until about 4:30 or 5 in the evening. In this training you learn emergency evacuation procedures, how to deal with safety and security issues, how to handle difficult or nervous passengers as well as flight regulations and procedures and the company policies. You do need to pass this training with a mark of at least 90%.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Tips While You Travel Through Southwest Airlines

If you reside in the south west or you have to travel to the southwest, most of the times you travel through Southwest Airlines. You can take help of the south west airline guide to know all the available flights and the arrival and departure time as well the fares and all the necessary information related to your travel. But to save some bucks and make your travel easier, you need to follow some tips.

1. You should seek for the best fares available for a travel program and because these are very time limited you need to decide fast that which one will be good for you. You can plan in advance for your travel visit and check out the website of the airlines or help guide so as to save many bucks of yours.

2. You can also join the Southwest Frequent Traveler Program whereby if you have to make frequent visits with southwest you can buy tickets for your short trips and use the free tickets that you will earn for your longer and expensive trips.

3. Since Southwest finds that boarding is better and takes less time when they board the travelers in groups, they do not assign seats. You have groups namely A, B and C where A is the best group that gives you a chance to board first. You can also make more seating selection and can also assure a bin for your carry on luggage when you get the A-status. You would get a C- status that will end up you in a middle seat or you have to check your carry on luggage.

4. The pilot of the airlines stands below the Jet way before the incoming flight arrives and you need to queue up before some time the flight arrives. If you stand half an hour before the arriving flight, you should find your place next to a seat in the boarding area but this works when your place in the queue or line happens to be next to a seat.

5. Sometimes you will need to wait to get your pass. You can obtain a pass by paying a small fee to some companies that assist you in reserving your pass in advance.

6. Before the general boarding, children of the age group in between five to eleven who are not accompanied by elders, adults traveling with any child below the age of five and people with physical disabilities are allowed to board first. As such, when you make your reservation and check in you should provide your personal or special status.

7. Previously you had to print your boarding pass at home even if it was midnight before you travel but now they have a 24 hour window that provides you with printed boarding passes.

8. You need to weigh your luggage prior you proceed to board in the flight and since there are certain luggage policies you are allowed to carry small personal size briefcase or purse with you and you need to place large items in the overhead bins. In case you had a C status and all the bins are filled up you will have to check your carry on luggage.

9. You should try to reach on time and while you board go directly to your chosen row, set your luggage and sit down instead of chatting with your friends. When the plane fills up, you can head to back and never backtrack. Don't carry heavy luggage that you can't lift up to the overhead bin because at that moment you yourself are responsible for settling down your luggage.

10. You can avail gifts and discounts while you are on the board as you get some discount coupons and can get rapid rewards and credits that you can use in your later travel.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Kenya Flights - All Scheduled - Kenya Airlines & Kenya Charter Flights

Unless you are traveling overland from southern Africa or Egypt, flying is by far the most convenient way to get to Kenya. Nairobi is a major African airline hub and flights between Kenya and the rest of Africa are common and relatively cheap. It's important to note that flight into Kenya availability and prices are highly seasonal.

Conveniently for Europeans, the cheapest fares usually coincide with the European summer holidays, from June to September. An economy return flight ticket from London can be about UKP400, but during December and January flight prices soar and availability plummets.

It's also worth checking out cheap charter flights to Mombasa from Europe, although these will probably be part of a package deal to a hotel resort on the coast. Prices are often absurdly cheap and there's no obligation to stay at the resort you are booked into.

A few adventurous and resourceful souls with their own vehicles still travel overland to Kenya from Europe, but most routes pass through several war zones and should only be considered after some serious planning and preparing.

Entering Kenya

Entering into Kenya is generally pleasingly straight forward, particularly at the international airports, which are no different from most western terminals. Visas are typically available on arrival for most nationalities (passport photos required), but you should contact your nearest Kenyan diplomatic offices to get the most up-to-date information. Currency Exchange offices or moneychangers are always present and visa fees can be paid in local currency or dollar.

Airlines in Kenya
Including the a national carrier, Kenya Airways, four Kenya domestic flight operators of varying sizes now run scheduled flights within Kenya. All appear to have a virtually clean slate safety-wise. Destinations served are predominantly around the coast and the popular southern national parks, where the highest density of tourist activity takes place.

With all these Kenyan airlines, be sure to book well in advance (this is essential during the high season). You should also remember to reconfirm your return safari flights 72-hours before departure, especially those that connect with an international flight. Otherwise, you may find that your seat has been reallocated.

The following airlines fly domestically in Kenya

· Air Kenya: Flying scheduled flights to Amboseli, Kiwayu, Lamu, Lewa downs, Maasai Mara, Malindi, Meru, Nanyuki, Samburu

· Kenya Airways Flying scheduled flights to Kisumu, Lamu, Malindi, Mombasa

· Mombasa Air safari Flying scheduled flights to Amboseli, Ukunda, Lamu, Masai MARA, Malindi, Tsavo

· Safari Link Flying scheduled flights to Chyulu hills, Kiwayu, Lewa Downs, Masai Mara, Naivasha, Nanyuki, Samburu, Tsavo West

Charter Airlines

Chartering a small aircraft saves you time and it's the only realistic way to get to some parts of Kenya, but it's an expensive business. It may be worth considering if you can get a group together. For a three-day trip from Nairobi to Sibiloi National park on the west of Lake Turkana, you can expect to pay US$ 350 to US$ 400 each, if five people are sharing.

There are dozens of Kenyan air charter companies operating from Nairobi's Wilson airport. For example

· Excel aviation air charters

· Z-Boskovic Air charters

· Blue Bird Aviation Air charters

A couple of small charter-type airlines run occasional scheduled flights from Diani Beach, Lamu, Mombasa and Eldoret.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Low Cost Airlines: Advantageous Always?

World travel guide to save money:  Do you know by buying roundtrip travel deals with two different international air companies is even more advantageous for savings? But first of all:

Hidden costs

From the very first screen of the air international company site, you should have a clear indication of the total flight ticket price. In this airline review we show how some travel companies take a incorrectly procedure offering cheapest airfare. Some air travel sites shows  the actual price of the flight ticket only ahead to the buying page.

Other irregularities applicated concerns the costs for the purchase with a credit card that "should be clearly indicated." Most in fact, calculate the Committee only with the purchase.

But mistakes do not end there. Very common is the combination of automatic ticket purchase insurance clause: users pays at least 10 dollar more of their travel deal price. So, good travel guides for cheapest airfare are showed in air companies websites as EasyJet, MyAir, Ryanair, Vueling and Volareweb: the box in the online forms which covers the insurance is already selected. Customer  has the opportunity to pull out, but in Ryan air air travel site the way to do this is rather complicated.

The cheapest airfare: during holidays period, in particular near departing day, the flight ticket price increasing for all airlines, including cheapest airfare companies.  Giving you an idea. rates could lifting up within a few days, with RyanAir in fact, traveling from Rome to London, December 3, would cost about  $100.00, after a week $ 70 more. Smaller increases for Vueling, Milan-Paris ticket increased in 7 days  from 70 to $ 110.

But there is no reason to be desperated. You may be able to find a flight ticket with reasonable price for any time and even at the New Year. Also Air ticket to the most common destination, as Madrid, Paris and London. As already mentioned, rates vary all the time, but savings for the most careful traveler can be considerable.

Air travel "one way": comparison between cheapest airfare companies gives surprises. Names of traditional companies such as Alitalia and AirOne are showing competitive prices with those offered by low cost airlines. Air ticket to go from Rome to London offered by AirOne equals the RyanAir rate. However this last comparison shows  the dual benefit of landing in the main airport in London and  the chance of travelling more comfortable with free in-flight services.

 A closer look, find another surprise: it may be more convenient travelling with two different carriers. For example: going from Milan to London on December 28 has the lowest fares by RyanAir (approximately $ 150.00). In return, however, those who choose Easyjet saves $ 50 compared to passengers who choosen the Irish company. Again: from Rome to Paris a carefull tourist should choose Vueling (less expensive, with about $ 170).  Returning to capital  if is opted  RyanAir, savings will be almost $ 37 compared to departure company (132.5 U.S. dollars against 169). That is why, when you bid on a site, it is better to select the "one way"  and distinguish the figures.

In conclusion, as said in this travel review, the secrets to find travel deals and save are three: try to get to and with other companies, consider the traditional airlines and rely only on the final price of the ticket. This one is only the real comparison. Even at New Year.

How is working with "Cheap Flight ticket"?

These travel deals offered by small companies are often affiliates of major airlines that gives different methods of booking compared to traditional companies.

Coming directly to the customer by purchasing online from the site,this system, along with others, allows a substantial savings to travelers.

You may have doubts about the reliability of these cheapest airfare gived, comparing to conventional flight. The reason is explained by the slogan "just cheap flights, no Frill". For example,

Catering fee: the winner aspect with "cheap flight ticket" is the very absence of a rigid reservation structure , replaced by a system booking via Internet, direct and transparent.  Absence of traditional tickets are being replaced by email and a code,  check-in is also automatically generated if you do not have luggage.

Reducing the cost of the flight ticket is given by the following factors:

On board service missing

The sale of tickets is made via Internet or through call centers

Paper tickets are absent, replaced by email and a booking reference.

Flight times off-peak

Use of secondary airports

Booking of airline tickets: cheap flight ticket reservation system on Internet has generated the emergence of such a variety of Web sites that let you save on flights. There is no site better than another, on where to book cheap flights,  the goodness of one or other is to be measured taking as parameters the ease of booking and in particular the issue strictly economic.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Emirates Airlines Flights Are More Than Just Comfort

Emirates Airlines is the largest airline operator in the Middle East, operating more than 2000 flights per week. The airline's hub is at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 and operates flights to more than 100 cities in 62 countries across six continents. Emirates Airlines has a mixed fleet of Boeings, airbuses and wide body aircraft. In fact, it is one of the nine airline company that operates wide body aircraft. Traveling classes of the airline include first class, business class and economy. You can book your tickets with the airline for any class, depending on your requirements.

If you are traveling via Emirates Airlines or any other carrier, it is better to know their baggage rules before you reach the airport. It can be really frustrating to find out after reaching the airport, that you cannot carry your favorite bag due to their baggage policy. Depending on the destination you are traveling to and the class you are flying, baggage policy of Emirates airlines can change.

Passengers can carry only a single cabin baggage weighing 7 Kg in economy class; business and first class passengers can carry a cabin baggage weighing up to 12 kilograms. Be sure to check the latest guidelines of the airline, before you reach the airport. This will ensure that you comply with their rules regarding carrying of baggage. They have specific rules about carrying musical instruments, sports gear, perfumes, liquors and cigarettes etc.

Emirates Airlines has an award winning culinary team that provides wonderful delicacies to travelers. In fact the menu can be easily compared with some of the best five star hotel menus. Sophisticated international fliers from all over the world, use this airline, so special care is taken to prepare food that is suitable for all types of taste buds. Breakfast can include squeezed juices, pastries, homemade breads etc. Lunch and dinner menus are different consisting of various delicacies from across the world. Choice of wine and food differ for different category of fliers.

Skywards is Emirate's loyalty program and it has been used my more than 5 million customers till date. This program has three tiers, they are - blue silver and gold. Passengers will have to travel for 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or more each year on discounted economy tickets to reach silver tier. Other tiers also have certain qualifying requirements for passengers to enjoy the facilities offered through this loyalty program.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines was founded in 1929 and currently serves 18 domestic and international destinations in the Pacific region. Mea Ho'okipa, the concept observed by the company, means, "I am host." The nature of the Hawaiian Islands translates into the airline company that showcases Hawaii's nature and heritage. The company makes sure that a Hawaiian vacation for visitors begins in the aircraft itself.

It specializes in air transportation among the Hawaiian Islands and helps tourists reach various points in Hawaii. The airline now carries around six million passengers a year and provides high-frequency jet service on a daily basis to seven destinations throughout the Hawaiian Islands. It also provides a weekly service to the South Pacific destinations of Tahiti and American Samoa.

Hawaiian Airlines was incorporated on January 30, 1929 as Inter-Island Airways Ltd. In 1941 Inter-Island changed its name to Hawaiian Airlines and also introduced the 24-seater DC-3 into Hawaiian skies. The airline was also granted an air cargo certificate issued by the Civil Aeronautics Board. Hawaiian Airlines also provided an aerial lifeline to neighboring islands during World War II.

The introduction of commercial jet service in the 1960s resulted in increased air traffic into and out of Hawaii. In 1966, the airliner introduced a new service that connected the islands to each other; in other words, they started inter-island flights. This reduced the travel time between islands to a mere 20 to 30 minutes. In 1984 Hawaiian began worldwide charter services with three long-range DC-8 jets. In 2001, the airline started a fleet modernization program with the delivery of thirteen new Boeing 717-200 aircraft to replace the DC-9 fleet.

Hawaiian is the only airline company that provides single-carrier service from the Western U.S. and the South Pacific to each of Hawaii's islands.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Surf Travel - Surfboard Travel Bags - Baggage Limits on International Airlines

So, you got a great deal and found a cheap flight to your surfing destination. If you are packing up your Dakine bag with your two favorite surfboards, you may be in for a nasty surprise. In the world of surf travel, not all airlines treat your surfboard the same. How do the airlines stack up? Many of them, not so well.

Let's start with the worst. One major US based air carrier charges between $175 and $250 each way for your surfboard bag. To fly with this airline with your surfboard you are going to be paying between $350 and $500 round trip just for your surfboard. You can buy a new surfboard for $500 or a used surfboard for even less. Maybe you could use that money to buy a surfboard when you land and give it to a local kid when you leave. Essentially you would be giving the money to a local kid rather than a business that was trying to stick it to you for simply wanting to travel with your surfboard. When you get back home, all of your surfboards are still going to be in the shape you left them and you won't be out any more money than if you had brought your own surfboard with you. That is one way to make a good situation out of an ugly one.

Now for the bad. Unfortunately, most of the other major airlines around the world fall into this category. It is common practice for the airlines to deem your surfboard bag excess luggage and levy high fee's on the surfboard bag. You can expect to pay around $100 each way with most airlines to travel with your surfboard. If you plan to travel with your surfboard, I can not recommend highly enough that you check the airlines policy on surfboard bags prior to booking any flight. Many airlines have luggage restrictions at certain times of the year and you may not be able to bring your surfboard for any price on the airline.

In today's world of high jet fuel prices, it seems the airlines are competing tooth and nail on price and then try to make up for it with all of the "extras". Well, here is the good news. Several airlines do want surf traveler's business. A handful of airlines offer free travel for your surf bag. Quantas Airlines was awarded Surfer Magazine's "Airline of the Year Award". One of the factors in their decision was because Quantas do not charge for surfboard travel bags. In addition, Virgin Atlantic also offer free surfboard bag travel.

It is interesting to note that in November 2007 British Airways made a decision to no longer accept surfboards on all of their flights. This caused a stir with many travelers and even made its way into discussion in Britain's parliament. In September 2009, thanks to a campaign on Facebook, British Air eventually reversed their decision. They now allow surfboards up to 6'3 (190cm). However, for many surfers this unfortunately means longboards and minimals (funboards) are not allowed.

If you are taking your surfboard on your next flight, I suggest you take the time to email any airlines that you chose not to fly with because of their baggage rules / fees on surfboard travel bags. Let them know they lost business. The Facebook campaign is an example that consumer pressure makes a difference. While you're at it, let the airline you chose know what you think of their policy on surfboard travel bag charges.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Electric Wheelchair Travel on Airlines and Cruise Ships

Electric wheelchair traveling can be a hassle for the users but if they are well prepared, there is no place on earth that is out of bounds for wheelchair users.For most wheelchair users when traveling, accessibility is always an issue, be it boarding the plane or cruise to moving along the narrow aisle on board them. This article discusses about traveling on different modes of transport for wheelchair users going overseas and the things to look out for when traveling.

Electric wheelchair users have to make sure his wheelchair or handicap scooter is in good condition before leaving home. It is advisable to send your wheelchair for servicing especially before a long haul trip. Remind the service man to tighten any loose bolts and screws and also add lubricant to the axles of the wheels. You would want your wheelchair to be in tip top condition when traveling to prevent any problems that will wreck the enjoyment of the holiday. Time can be better sightseeing than finding a repair shop and waiting for repair.Write your name,contact number, return address and destination on tags that can be attached to your electric wheelchair and any removable parts. Some of the parts are expensive and difficult to replace so it is recommended that you take care of them too. Electric wheelchairs with pneumatic tires run a risk of having flat tires. It is therefore handy to bring along a repair kit that contains parts necessary to switch a flat tire. The repair kit can be a small palm sized box but enough to store the crucial parts that are small.

When traveling by cruise, boarding and disembarkation is the more troublesome parts of the journey. Basically, there are 3 ways a wheelchair user can disembark from the cruise ship: The first way applies to users who are able to walk down the gangway and the wheelchair will be handled separately by the ship assistants. For those who have problems walking, I suggest you stay on the wheelchair and allow the strong sailors to carry the wheelchair plus yourself down the gangway. The last method is by using what we call "creepy crawler". It is a mechanical system which the electric wheelchair mounts onto, converting it to a "walking" system. Electric wheelchair and scooter users have to take note that they are unable to employ the last two methods of disembarkation as the weight of the electric wheelchair is simply too heavy to be carried and also risk damaging the electronic components with too much vibrations. Ship assistants will advise you to transfer to a manual wheelchair and transferred off the ship separately. You can return to your electric wheelchair or scooter at the pier.

The most common form of transport is by air and the different airlines actually perform differently when wheelchair travelers are concerned. It takes extra efforts to provide satisfied service for wheelchair travelers and proper training should be rendered to the airline staffs. Back to the wheelchair users, call to confirm your flight details as they are subjected to change. Electric wheelchair users will spend a lot more time transferring between airport terminals if they arrive at the wrong one. You need to also inform in advance the airline that you will be traveling in a electric wheelchair, manual wheelchair or handicap scooter. Ask for additional assistance when you reach the airline counter.Electric wheelchair users have to request for "gate check" as it allows you to move directly onto the plane. The airline staff will assist you in placing the wheelchair at a corner after you transfer to the seat, usually by the aisle. You are reminded to remove the leg and seat cushions and carry along by your side as these loose components may go missing while in storage. If the wheelchair can be folded, use duct tapes to tie the wheelchair together, keeping it as compact as possible. This will prevent damage from rough airport handlers.

Other steps to take while traveling by used electric wheelchairs and scooters include the type of batteries to use. The best form of batteries to use for traveling are the gel cell and dry cell batteries. Refrain from using wet cell batteries as there is a possibility of leakage and airlines usually ban them from being taken on board.If your electric wheelchairs were to be stored in the goods compartment of the airplane, you must take precautions to prevent unwarranted use of your electric wheelchairs by the handlers. Set the electric wheelchair transmission to neutral gear such that it can be manually pushed to its storage location. Remove the battery connections between both chair and battery and use a duct tape on both ends. Never leave a open wire dangling. Keep the power cord by your side at all times. You also have to remove the joystick and keep beside you or if it is fixed to the electric wheelchair, loosen the joystick and point it downwards. This is to prevent damage to the joystick due to other weights being piled on top of it.

For electric wheelchair travelers who often have to move along the aisle of the transport vehicle i.e. plane or cruise, the electric wheelchairs have to be left behind as they are too wide for the narrow aisle. In these situations, the transport operators have to provide aisle chairs which are skinny enough to move down the aisle and bring the wheelchair user to his or her seat. In recent years, airlines have made provisions such as knock down arm rests among its seats on board flights. This helps to cater to the increasing number of savvy wheelchair travelers worldwide and airlines have also gained in their image as all encompassing enterprises with no discrimination.

As a last piece of advice for wheelchair travelers, do not assume the care of your electric wheelchairs to be the prerogative of the transport operators. You, as the owner, should take every steps to prepare for wheelchair travel and cooperate with the standard operating procedures of the operators as far as possible. Being considerate is the key here, it will also be the deciding factor whether the you will enjoy your holiday or completely spoil it. Pack up and enjoy electric wheelchair users out there!

Low Cost Domestic Airlines

AirDeccan is a recognized name in the airlines industry, this major and most rapidly mounting low priced domestic airlines division in India is AirDeccan. This Airline is fairly a well-liked one when it comes to the preference of the tourists in terms of Airlines choice. AirDeccan lays unparalleled in the service division of India when offering most excellent and unsurpassed quality service and tremendous happiness for the tourists is concerned when they are on a holiday across India on an AirDeccan flight. It makes possible for every Indian to take off with the vision and motto; this Airline offers secure and comfortable journey with the cheapest possible prices at the same time linking to all chief cities and towns of India. The travelers here get a promising comfortable journey without any hassles. The main target of this particular airline is the complete satisfaction of the travelers.

AirDeccan is now also well known by the name of Kingfisher Red. AirDeccan was shaped and created on 23rd August 2003 and the planner of this Airline is Capt. G.R Gopinath. AirDeccan started its first flight from Bangalore to Hubli. In recent times, this Airline has been overtaken by most important leading business tycoon Mr. Vijay Mallya's UB group and given a new name to the airline as simply Fly Deccan. There are many changes introduced since it has been taken over by the UB group. It has been given a fresh red logo with a Kingfisher in flight. AirDeccan flight tickets can be reserved online with straightforward and uncomplicated steps to go behind and get a comprehensive list of flight position and timetable offered.

Delhi is well linked to the remaining of the chief towns and cities by income of a numbers of AirDeccan flights which gets tourist from all the corners of India to Delhi and flights from Delhi to the remaining parts of India. There are numerous of AirDeccan flights functional from different parts of India to Delhi. AirDeccan flights from Chandigarh to Delhi operate on a day to day basis. AirDeccan at present function flights from major cities like; Delhi to Bangalore, Mumbai, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai along with approximately all provincial and local destinations. Now if you want to plan your trip to Delhi and reserve your flight tickets through online it is just a mouse-click away.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Low Cost Airlines - A Flight Cheaper Than a Taxi

It seems strange that the taxi fare to the airport can cost more than the actual flight to a foreign land. Well that is what the low cost airlines have done to the flight trade over recent times. The business model was started in the USA by South West Airlines and now has pretty much been copied over the world with Easyjet and Ryanair dominating the UK. I have been to Italy for 99p each way and Salzburg for under a tenner and even Stockholm for £15. It's quite amazing how the most expensive form of travel bar space flight can now be one of the cheapest. There are lessons here for every type of transport and business.

If you really want to cut costs and start your business with that in mind from day one, anything can be achievable. There are disadvantages though, if you require to be booked all the way through to follow on flights it isn't going to happen. The same is true for your luggage; you will need to wait until it is unloaded then you collect it to book on your next flight. If you wait until the last minute you will find your flights are actually very expensive with even the top airlines beating the price. However if you book early especially as the flights are released, do not have any follow on flights and are not bothered about meals then you are in for some real bargains.

The ironic thing is also that the UK low cost airlines have some of the newest planes in the sky. The 737, now the low cost airline standards are ordered in there hundreds and their safety record is extremely good. It would make perfect sense that with the huge amount of extra flights per day these carriers make, that it is just a matter of time for an accident. It wouldn't be that the airlines were unsafe just a case of statistics, more flights more chance of an accident but don't forget air travel still is a thousand times safer than driving your car. These airlines have brought about jobs and prosperity for related trades too. As many fly from small airports, these once near deserted airports are now springing to life with of course shopping and other services like airport parking. Strangely enough some of the airports are easier to get to, have less time waiting for baggage, less walking to flight gates and cheaper services. Some of the big airports are now mini cities and the costs just to get there are a bigger chunk of your total travel costs.

Low cost airlines have changed the way we travel, brought regular traveling to the masses and created jobs and prosperity to the related industries. Long may this remain true!

Friday, November 26, 2010

How Do Airlines Set Their Ticket Prices?

Have you ever wondered how airlines calculate ticket prices or why some times it cost more to fly 500 miles then to fly half way around the world. Clearly it has got nothing to do with the length of the journey. So what does it have to do with? We did some research and here is what we found.

Airlines set their ticket prices based on a number of different criteria. One of the primary sources the airlines use to set ticket prices is based on the popularity of the destination. For example, you will find the ticket price to Orlando, Florida; will not fluctuate from month to month and or from airline to airline.

It also depends on demand to a certain destination, ticket prices to Europe in the summer will always cost more then then tickets in the winter because it's high season and people are willing to pay top dollars for that ticket. While travel to Iceland in the winter is minimal, airlines will reduce the price of a ticket as much as possible.

A ticket price also has to do with the competition. If a competing airline offers a price to a popular location like Las Vegas, at a discount rate, the other airlines must match that ticket price, or lose the travelers to that airline. When an airline sets a ticket price based on a competitor's price of a ticket, the airline then has to adjust and perhaps change the price of the ticket after the current promotion is over in order to meet their profit margins.

It is also required by law that an airline keep a certain amount of sale tickets. According to airline executives, the percentage is 7 to 10 percent of each flight. These fares usually appear online in the mid-night hours, 2-4 am.

There are a lot of variables that are out of the control of the airlines. The price of gas has a major factor in the setting of ticket prices, as well as the estimated amount of travelers to a certain destination. An airline that will fly with at 60% passenger capacity will need to adjust ticket prices to the point that the airline can break even. An airline that is operating at a full capacity of a flight, will often times discount that particular ticket price to achieve close to 100% capacity on that particular flight.

As the airline industry grew, there was a need to make the process of selling, and storing information more efficient. For this the airlines invented the GDS (global distribution system). Today there is five global GDS systems and with each system there is a unique algorithm that calculates ticket prices. It has become so complicated over the years, that no one has a clue how the systems calculate ticket prices and that why it sometimes cost less to fly from New York to Sydney then to fly from New York to Boston.

Low Cost Airlines

When Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes launched a no-frills, low-cost airline in 2002 with only two planes, few people realised the effect it would have. From only four routes, Air Asia set off a low-fare revolution that changed the face of the airline industry in the region. It is a stunning success story and now has 35 aircraft and flies millions of passengers across south-east Asia every year.

If you want to book a ticket with a low-cost carrier, the first trick is to find out which airlines serve your intended route. With lower advertising budgets than traditional airlines, this is often quite difficult. For your convenience we have listed the major budget carriers serving the two prime destinations - Singapore, Thailand.

Singapore:

The major budget carriers operating to and from this island state are JetStar Asia and Tiger Airways. JetStar Asia covers most major destinations in south-east asia, as well as Bangalore and Kolkata in India.

Tiger Airways covers Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand, Macau, and Padang in Indonesia. It is the only budget carrier direct to Vietnam from Singapore and the only budget choice to Australia, flying from Singapore to Darwin).

Thailand:

The three main operators in Thailand are Thai Air Asia, Nok Air and One-Two-Go. Thai AirAsia was launched in January 2004. Based primarily in Bangkok, the airline serves Thailand's major domestic destinations, as well as Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kota Kinabalu), Singapore, Macau, Xiamen and Hanoi.

Nok Air, a subsidiary of Thai Airways International, flies from Bangkok to domestic destinations such as Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Udon Thani. One-Two-Go covers the major domestic routes within Thailand with fixed-price tickets.

As the number of people flying has increased, so has the demand for hotel accommodation and other products. Both Thailand and Singapore hotels are experiencing boom times as more people can afford to visit.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Philippine Airlines 1

The Philippine airlines are one that is also known as PAL and does service worldwide destinations. The Philippine airline is one of the oldest airlines that remain after the global changes in fuel costs, and in the rising safety concerns. The Philippines airlines services over fifty different destinations, some internationally. Manila is the home of the Philippine airlines. Direct competitors for the Philippine airlines are those from Japan and from China. Thousands fly the Philippine airlines weekly, making this one of the larger competitors in the worldwide market when you are thinking about airline travel.

Philippine airlines has been servicing flying needs since the early 1940's making it Asia's oldest airlines and one of the oldest in the world as well. There was a group of businessmen who started this airline, to service their own business traveling needs, and then as the needs increased to make a Useful, opened the Philippine airline transportation to the paying public.

The Philippine Airlines continuous public service needs. In the history of Philippine Airlines was facing breaks and stops during the Second World War. The first aircraft carrier in the Philippines, where they were used in the Beech Model 18 and the Douglas DC 3. These were some of the oldest aircraft, and not today. The Philippines were the first airlines to crossPacific. They did this by transporting a few Americans to California in the late 1940's. Philippine airlines was the first to transport people between Manila and San Francisco, which was a very big accomplishment in that time of history when flying was still young compared to what we have today.

During the late 1970's, the plane was redesigned and Philippines airlines expanded with the use of the Boeing 727, and the Boeing 747. The plane that was also known as the love bus was introduced into the fleet of the Philippine airlines, which was the Airbus A300. Airlines in Singapore always seemed to be just one step behind in attaining the planes and in expanding fleet services.

In the 1990's the Philippine airlines was moved and sold to a company. Previously the Philippine airlines were a company, an airline that was controlled by the government. In the later years of 1990's the first Airbus A340 was put into action in the Philippine Airlines, and further enhance the ability of airlines to fly. During the early 2000s, had faced difficult times, Philippine Airlines, and were to shut down. But the company has recovered and continues to fly the sky all because, like the passengers were able to book flights online, and get tickets, the territories were competitive in the Philippine Airlines, as compared to other airlines that have the same service.

During the early yearsof 2000, the Philippine airlines began servicing additional locations in the US, such as in Las Vegas. This allowed travelers additional choices in flying and making Philippine airlines one of the favorites, known more locally as PAL instead of the long name of Philippine airlines.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Indonesia's Budget Airlines

Indonesia has been going through a quiet economic revolution and part of that has been the opening of Indonesia's skies to low budget airlines. This has fuelled a change in the way most Indonesians travel, and opened up previously unknown destinations to local tourism.

Before Indonesia had an open skies policy, most Indonesians used to travel on long journeys bus or a boat. To many migrants who flocked to the nation's cities, this often meant traveling for days, to get home to see their loved ones.

All this has changed as many more destinations have opened up, and airports have sprung up in the most isolated and unlikely places. Average Indonesians are on the move, as air flights still remain low compared to International prices- largely fuelled by the country's cheap oil.

This quiet revolution in Indonesian air travel, was not without its critics. During the early days of deregulation, some airlines sprung up selling cheap tickets, but cut back on safety to make a profit. Adam Air was one infamous example, but after one plane simply disappeared into the sea, and several accidents. They were closed down.

The days of the 'wild west' feel of flying domestically in Indonesia has changed. Safety measures have meant that ticket prices have increased, but so has the choice of destinations- and most domestic airlines can now fly again to Europe, and other areas of the World.

There are over half a dozen low budget airlines in Indonesia. Some are regional, ferrying workers to far off Islands in Riau province, to national airlines which ply all the major cities in Indonesia. Some airlines specialize in more remoter destinations, opening them up to tourism and boosting their local economies, offering Indonesians weekend packages to more exotic, and previously neglected destinations. Boosting local business, and connecting the local population to cheaper trade routes.

Sukarno-Hatta airport in Jakarta, is the main regional hub for domestic airlines, and it resembles more an upscale bus terminal nowadays, with affordable food courts, and a wide array of safe transport to the city. But so has Batam in Riau, or Makassar in Sulewesi, and a wide range of lesser airports like Surakarta airport in central Java that has flights to Singapore, and Malaysia.

Indonesian airlines also have adopted a sophisticated booking system, with etickets, and a payment system through local ATM's. Prices are based on the European model, depending on the season, and how long you book in advice, may differ. Consumers in Indonesia are kept up to date by the airlines, receiving regular text messages offering "specials" on certain routes- and passengers can relax in private lounges offered by the airlines, if they become members of their "club."

The benefits of Indonesia's open skies policy has shielded the country from the recession, and created hundreds of thousands of jobs. Businesses are expanding throughout Indonesia, to cater for the growing demand in inter-island commerce, and tourism.

Yet the main benefit has been for the Indonesians themselves, who now can easily visit there loved ones, and move around more quickly to seek business or newer employment opportunities. Whilst International tourism should grow as the knowledge of this quiet revolution should attract thousands of visitors - who can now directly reach most destinations in Indonesia, within a few hours.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Singapore Airlines - Offers You Comfort and Convenience

Singapore Airlines is one of the major airline operators in Asia. Founded in 1947 the airline has a fleet of more than 150 aircrafts operating to more than 60 destinations across the world. The airline has consistently maintained its five-star ranking for a long time. The airline operates non-stop commercial flights from Singapore to California, Los Angeles and New Jersey. It was also the first airline to operate Airbus A380 to the Heathrow Airport in London. The airline plans to include newer destinations like Hong Kong, Beijing, Melbourne, and Los Angeles where Airbus A380 will operate.
IT has a strong presence in Southeast Asian region. Along with its subsidiary SilkAir, this airline connects to more international destinations in this region than any other airline operating from here. Singapore Airline is a major name that operates flights to Kangaroo Routes between United Kingdom and Australia. Singapore Airlines has code-share agreements with - Malaysia Airlines, Singapore SilkAir and United Kingdom Virgin Atlantic Airways. To book online tickets for Singapore Airlines, log on to their official site. After that you can follow a simple process to book tickets to and from your preferred destination.
Allowance for carrying in-flight baggage changes depending on which class you are traveling. Different classes of the airline are - Cabins, Business Class, First Class, Economy Class and Executive Economy Class. Passengers in economy class are allowed to carry one piece of baggage, which must not be more than 7 kg or 15.4 lbs. The baggage must easily fit in the overhead compartment or below the seat in your front. Dimensions for checked baggage for economy class passengers must not exceed 273 cm or 107 inches.
it provide excellent services to passengers; it has won many awards for this. The airline claims to be the 'World's Most Awarded Airline'. In flight entertainment options available include - Widescreen LCD TV, TV, music, games, collection of movies etc. The airline has two categories of frequent flier programs, they are - KrisFlyer and The PPS Club.
Passengers of all class traveling in Singapore Airlines can enjoy can enjoy world class delicacies. Regional dishes are also available in some of the destinations. Business class passengers have the option of using 'Book the Cook' service. In this, passengers can select specific dishes in advance from an extensive list the menu.


Reference : www.thaisabuy.com

Use Airlines Safety KPI to Improve Security Protocols

As a response to the tragedy which is now notoriously known as the "9/11 attacks", the United States Department of Transportation and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration had to immediately implement changes in air travel regulations to tighten the security of both airports and aircrafts. In fact, many airlines had to decrease the number of their daily flights in compliance with the new regulations. Since then, various changes have been made to make aviation standards tougher. These had been a cause of concern for all companies belonging to the airline industry. Airlines safety KPI or key performance indicators are often used by these companies to determine if their security protocols are at par with standards.

Generally, airline companies provide air transport services for transportation of items or passengers. Some of these companies own their aircrafts while others just lease them. Services by airlines are categorized as intracontinental, intercontinental, or domestic, depending on the type of operation that they do. Just like airports, airlines are also mandated to observe security measures or procedures so as to provide protection for passengers when they are aboard aircrafts. The concept of "airline security" particularly refers to all security procedures and infrastructure that are used to prevent security problems in aircraft. This concept is somewhat related to the concept of "airport security." The primary difference between both is that the latter is more concerned about security protocols observed in airports.

Even before the 9/11 attacks, airline security had already been a major issue in the aviation industry due to the number of hijack situations that had occurred through the years. Another airline security problem is the probability that a passenger or an airline crew may take suicidal actions while on air. In response to these threats, airlines have made it a priority to train their employees on how to handle hijack scenarios and other life-threatening situations. After 9/11, the United States Congress had enacted laws in an effort to boost airline security. One of the more controversial of which is the law that allows aircraft pilots to carry handguns for their personal safety. After all, an attempt on the life of a pilot while an aircraft is on air is synonymous to an attempt on the lives of all aircraft passengers. Moreover, $250 million has been allocated by Congress to make cockpit doors of commercial aircrafts more secure.

The airline industry is one of the most customer-sensitive industries in the world. Also, the profitability of airline companies may be drastically affected by external factors that they do not have control of like weather disturbances. Keeping airline security protocols at par with set standards is also a major concern for these companies because money would have to be spent to accomplish them. It is for this reason that they regularly evaluate implemented safety measures to ensure that these are effective and not just a waste of financial resources. For evaluation purposes, several airlines use predetermined airlines safety KPI to indicate efficiency or inefficiency of assessed security protocols.

Friday, November 5, 2010

10 ideas for a carry-on luggage for travel by the airlines Pack

I have a grown daughter, whom I like to travel with, and we are fortunate to various places around the world together. As they say, they would pack everything but the kitchen sink and I knew if I would have forgotten something. When they return home for Christmas, we always laugh that they had to bring two suitcases and go for seven-day stay.

This same daughter returned from a trip to Switzerland and Prague this year and informed me that he was onlyAA-on luggage. I was amazed. I asked if, as they felt more needed and she said no.

Performance with only one hand baggage on flights:

· It 's wonderful to check bags and do not wait in line to check and then wait even longer for them to come down the line. This saves time and frustration.
· Know that you will not lose your bag.
Not with • To carry heavy luggage up and down the stairs and off and on trainsor other means of transport.
· Packing only the essentials.
· Money Save money to pay for one or more pieces of luggage.

Just as the earth is not enough to pack carry-on luggage rather than large bags? I went to Japan for 10 days, so I have some first hand knowledge of how they did it. At first I had to calm my daughter, I could do it, because honestly I do not know how I can do it. While packing only a carry-on baggage does not give theLuxury Pack clothes "just in case, I could do, planning ahead is very important. All that parcel will be used.

• In the first place, check with the airline can do it online to find out what their size limits. National and international may be different. Measure your bag as three options, the length, depth and width. Add these three together and you have the size of your pocket.

• I continue to pack everything in plastic bagsPress the air, the more you can get in them. Rolling your clothes take up less space. Are you worried about wrinkles can buy clothes wrinkle free, use the hotel iron, or lay it flat in one way and then as you pull up things that your trip for the return journey to collect.

· Insert blouse and shirts to take two more for a total of three. These are two short sleeves and a long sleeve if going to air a warm climate, or vice versa for a cold. Check 'weather before you pack.

· Wear long pants and pack a small pair, or vice versa depending on the weather. If you like to wear skirts or dresses, or change one of them.

• How many socks and underwear companies are ready to wash, I mean, if only every five 56 days, then wash it take so many.

• You wear shoes and bulky to pack lighter. If you only need a pair, which saves even more space. Two pairsmight be a good idea if you go to the beach, plan for the evening, or if you think you get your feet wet.

• For cosmetics take as little as possible and are 3 ounces or smaller, as the rules of the TSA. Place all liquids and gels in a quart plastic zipper bag size before the airport. Put them in the outside pocket of your luggage and you can take easily pass through security.

· Pack enough medications for the duration of the tripand a couple of pills in an emergency. Keep these in their original bottles, ask the pharmacist of information available in smaller bottles with a label.

• If you have a curling iron and hair dryer to buy a travel size. Everyplace I now providing a hair dryer. Buy small hairbrush.

· Use walk to a bungee cord, a jacket, the bag at the airport when you eat, do not take up valuable space inside the bag.

I do not recommend theHard case as hand luggage, because there are pockets on the outside you can put things like your plastic bag of liquids. And other things you need to put in a second.

If you often travel to the United States to homes of relatives to keep things as hair dryer, extra toothpaste, brushes and so on in a closed container can be kept off the road on a shelf or under a bed in their homes. This will save space when traveling and keepsorganized.

If you travel often produced small to hold the plastic zip lock and keep it with your travel supplies. The next time you take your personal belongings are all ready to go, and this saves time.

If you are traveling with children, who receive "take-ons can not only draw, but keeps all her clothes and things, even if you bring with you are a paying customer can not operate on a piece of hand luggage on and personal object. Too often I see children dragCute carry-on.

It can also be a personal element so you use the backpack for the book to read, what you do to keep your ID, money, sweets and other things that you can get without opening the luggage compartment. For children with their backpacks full of things that are for travel, activities and processes needed him the most important things that count.

Time management is important for all of us, not just most of the time, but you will see that hisorganization has clear benefits for travelers.