|
Talking of Windows I came across a Gulfstream owned by an American gentleman who is touring South America with it. He had come up from Patagonia to Rapa Nui - Easter Island staying in our lodge.
He was only supposed to be there 2 days but unfortunately the crew found a crack in a window so stuck there and no room at lodge so had to move elsewhere. Not a happy camper and it was still there when we left yesterday. Must be a nightmare to fix in that location. Cheers Mr Mac |
For info, there are some cracking prices atm for business and first class, with BA on the LHR-JNB route. :ok:
|
Originally Posted by Helol
(Post 12016893)
For info, there are some cracking prices atm for business and first class, with BA on the LHR-JNB route. :ok:
I've discovered that Emirates don't haggle ('Esteemed guest, our price is for the Emirates experience, which is unequalled') but I'd like to have a guideline price. As Emirates seem only to be interested in giving out Emirates Skywards Miles, not in actually redeeming them, I don't feel a lot of loyalty toward them. |
Originally Posted by justapax
(Post 12017026)
Well as BA Club is other airlines' Premium Economy with lie-flat, and their First is slightly above others' Business, I suppose they should be cheap. If I can talk in terms of filthy lucre, how much did it actually cost you? Once I've done the Big Expensive One (LHR - PER- Indian Pacific - SYD - LHR) I hope to do Rovos Rail Pretoria - Cape Town just as soon as my finances have recovered. I expect the air legs of the flights will cost about the same as your LHR-JHB-LHR.
Well, I have the outbound in First, and inbound in Business, on the A380, at £3081. Cash, no avios. But if you look at the dates in the region of 15 March - through to first week in April, there are some decent prices, certainly compared to what I have seen previously. As you probably know, I would happily fly Virgin in UC, except they use those sh ite 787's, so I don't. The only time I did, was when they were using their A350 ac. I really like the A380 and I pay for the convenience of a direct flight, hence I don't fly East to fly South, though I did try that once, but convenience (for me) wins every time, and I am only 30 mins drive from LHR. |
Originally Posted by Helol
(Post 12017075)
How uncouth, to discuss money. ;)
Well, I have the outbound in First, and inbound in Business, on the A380, at £3081. Cash, no avios. But if you look at the dates in the region of 15 March - through to first week in April, there are some decent prices, certainly compared to what I have seen previously. As you probably know, I would happily fly Virgin in UC, except they use those !!!!e 787's, so I don't. The only time I did, was when they were using their A350 ac. I really like the A380 and I pay for the convenience of a direct flight, hence I don't fly East to fly South, though I did try that once, but convenience (for me) wins every time, and I am only 30 mins drive from LHR. |
I agree that the A380 direct to JNB is my choice. I also (as I have often said) do not like dimmable windows. I did not know that they are in A350s. The crux is whether the airline choose to lock them down without option.
This is a clip from an article I read a couple of months ago - I cannot recall where: Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian, despite earning $27 million annually, often chooses to fly in economy class. His recent remarks about doing so during an interview with Fortune sparked fresh discussion about airline leadership, image, and perception. In the video shared by Fortune, Bastian explained that he often finds himself seated near the restroom, catching up on emails mid-flight, and chatting with surprised passengers. CEOs from the major U.S. carriers frequently mention how they fly economy, especially on domestic routes. While it might seem like a gesture of humility, it’s also a calculated decision rooted in both optics and practicality. For staff, it signals shared experience; for passengers, it creates a story worth sharing. Encounters with CEOs in the back of the plane regularly go viral, giving airlines a wave of positive publicity without spending a cent on marketing. It also aligns with how loyalty programs drive profit. Since upgrades are among the biggest incentives for frequent flyers, a CEO taking one of those coveted seats would be a bad look. Staying in economy helps preserve that perk for paying loyalists while allowing executives to appear grounded, figuratively and literally. Despite occasional economy flights, airline CEOs still enjoy premium travel on long-haul routes or for major business trips. Their choice to fly coach on domestic legs isn’t about saving money—it’s about managing perception. |
Originally Posted by PAXboy
(Post 12017102)
I agree that the A380 direct to JNB is my choice. I also (as I have often said) do not like dimmable windows. I did not know that they are in A350s. The crux is whether the airline choose to lock them down without option.
This is a clip from an article I read a couple of months ago - I cannot recall where: |
Originally Posted by Helol
(Post 12017130)
When I flew on VIR A350, afaik, the windows were not dimmable. This was back in 2022 (I think).
Starlux being the first to operate with them. |
For a trip Westwards this year, I had no choice but to book the 78 on BA. I wait with trepidation to see what they do with the windows. As it is a daylight - I hope nothing! The return is on their 351 and is overnight. :sad:
|
Originally Posted by PAXboy
(Post 12017678)
For a trip Westwards this year, I had no choice but to book the 78 on BA. I wait with trepidation to see what they do with the windows. As it is a daylight - I hope nothing! The return is on their 351 and is overnight. :sad:
|
We are in PE for this trip. Last PE with BA have been on the 380 upstairs which is reasonable. You may be sure of my trip reports ...:}
|
Originally Posted by Mr Mac
(Post 12016848)
Talking of Windows I came across a Gulfstream owned by an American gentleman who is touring South America with it. He had come up from Patagonia to Rapa Nui - Easter Island staying in our lodge.
He was only supposed to be there 2 days but unfortunately the crew found a crack in a window so stuck there and no room at lodge so had to move elsewhere. Not a happy camper and it was still there when we left yesterday. Must be a nightmare to fix in that location. Cheers Mr Mac It depends how you define "nightmare". True, a long way from anywhere to get engineers in to rectify, but that in itself isn't really a problem. Windows, generally, are relatively straight forward in the cabin, ( think unbolt, remove, bolt back on...sorry if that sounds a bit simplistic and the luxury trim would probably be a sort of nightmare I suppose) it's the ones at the front which can prove, ahem, " problematic" depending on how much combing you have to remove for access...and, subsequently, the curing time / temps for any sealant. Never touched a Gulfstream so I don't know, but, I would imagine their product support, for obvious reasons being a prestige marque, will be well versed and capable of rectifying the defect. Far more pertinent I would suggest would be determining the causal factor of the crack. |
KnC
It was apparently flight deck window according to the owner, but he didn’t know cause when I was speaking with him. Thanks for background and Gulfstream were sending some people and replacement but it was still on the ramp when we left 5 days ago. Cheers Mr Mac |
Interesting experience with the Emirates website this week. Booking a Business ticket London- Australia with a stopover in Dubai .
Do the usual stuff, clear the cached data and cookies, start looking at various airlines. Get a price circa £ 6700 rtn. from Emirates - go and check other websites - come back and have to enter the details in again on Emirates - now £ 6200.................. booked Also flights from AMS were a lot cheaper than say Paris - which was only slightly cheaper than LHR (not enough to pay for the hassle) |
What is KLM's secret?
They recently added a 18th UK airport to their extensive Cityhopper network...that is despite the demise of Eastern who used to fly a few of their Cityhopper routes from/to the UK from/to AMS (now covered by KLM Cityhopper themselves or German Airways). How do they manage it when UK's own regional airlines (and supposed flag carrier) barely musters a dozen UK airports on regular services.......KLM have sewn up the UK regional services, OK so having to go to AMS when connecting tween UK airports is a bit of a pain (when looking at flights to SOU last year KLM had HUY-AMS-SOU with 23 hours at AMS) but at least they are making the effort to get UK airports, especially regionals, connected with each other and the outside world. The usual excuse is Brexit....well KLM is from an EU country and they have no trouble getting bums on seats to /from UK airports, and with AMS being an excellent hub for the rest of the world, they onto a good thing surely? KLM Cityhopper are making several UK based airlines look pretty silly......the only UK airline who seems to making an effort is Loganair but even they have a long way to go to beat KLM Cityhopper on linking UK regional airports to main hubs. |
It's MUCH easier changing planes in AMS than at LHR - thats a major factor for many. And sometimes you get a much lower price on long haul, especially in business, by bypassing LHR
I've paid 60-70% of the LHR price by going through CDG or AMS |
Originally Posted by Asturias56
(Post 12028450)
It's MUCH easier changing planes in AMS than at LHR - thats a major factor for many. And sometimes you get a much lower price on long haul.....
KLM Cityhopper exists to transfer passengers from UK regional airports onto KLMs wider network. It's not really intended to connect those UK regional airports (albeit it can be done). |
Originally Posted by Asturias56
(Post 12028450)
It's MUCH easier changing planes in AMS than at LHR - thats a major factor for many. And sometimes you get a much lower price on long haul, especially in business, by bypassing LHR
I've paid 60-70% of the LHR price by going through CDG or AMS However, KLM Cityhopper are actually linking UK airports with each other via AMS....so if, for example you wanted to go from Humberside to Southampton or Cardiff to Humberside you can do so with Cityhopper via Amsterdam, no UK airline links those airports together on regular services. Is it not odd that a European flag carrier can do flights that no UK carrier (flag or standard) can't do? |
Originally Posted by BonnieLass
(Post 12028458)
However, KLM Cityhopper are actually linking UK airports with each other via AMS....so if, for example you wanted to go from Humberside to Southampton.....
You also don't seem to entirely understand the way the hub and spoke system works. |
Originally Posted by Andy_S
(Post 12028461)
And yet you yourself said that the connection time was 23 hours. That might tell you something.....
You also don't seem to entirely understand the way the hub and spoke system works. Loganair and easyJet are the only UK airlines putting in the effort but they are still a very long way off the committment being shown by KLM for the UK airports. |
Immigration and security queues at AMS makes trips into the city a non starter unless you have a lot of time !
|
Originally Posted by BonnieLass
(Post 12028516)
KLM obviously manage the financial bottom line on linking UK regional airports....even with a long connection at AMS, which is not a bad airport to be in that long since there is plenty to see and do whilst there, including going into the city or going up onto the balcony to watch the comings and goings (plus go have a climb aboard the Fokker on the roof there). KLM put UK airlines to shame, frankly, they are making an effort to connect UK regional airports and it must be paying them to do so cos they keep adding new UK airports and multiplying their flights.
Loganair and easyJet are the only UK airlines putting in the effort but they are still a very long way off the committment being shown by KLM for the UK airports. |
Originally Posted by wowzz
(Post 12028668)
So to get from HUY to SOU will take well over 24 hours, plus the cost of a hotel room in Ansterdam. Not exactly cheap or convenient.
(Maybe she's forgotten!) |
TV series "Border Force New Zealand".....the mind boggles at the antics of some aircraft pax...
A woman flew to Auckland from an airport somewhere in the US for a holiday......with her cat When challenged by airport authorities about her cat (called Petra) she stated that she assumed that flying internationally was the same as a domestic US flight and that her beloved Petra would be fine to travel with her in a pet carrier within the cabin of the aircraft. She admitted to making zero enquiries about the legality of taking Petra on holiday with her to another country, she just thought it would be fine. The woman was in her early 50's maybe, apparently well travelled and had always gone everywhere with Petra. Needless to say the New Zealand authorities at Auckland airport were none too pleased......they were pretty baffled too as to why the woman assumed an international flight would be the same as a domestic one. New Zealand immigration refused her entry into the country and sent her home on the first available flight. Petra did not survive the trip, she was euthanised as the US authorities refused to allow her back into the country. What baffles me more is how the heck did she manage to board the aircraft in the US carrying a cat.....checking in she would have had to deal with all of her baggae. How did she manage to do it? |
|
Originally Posted by BonnieLass
(Post 12033087)
TV series "Border Force New Zealand".....the mind boggles at the antics of some aircraft pax...
A woman flew to Auckland from an airport somewhere in the US for a holiday......with her cat When challenged by airport authorities about her cat (called Petra) she stated that she assumed that flying internationally was the same as a domestic US flight and that her beloved Petra would be fine to travel with her in a pet carrier within the cabin of the aircraft. She admitted to making zero enquiries about the legality of taking Petra on holiday with her to another country, she just thought it would be fine. The woman was in her early 50's maybe, apparently well travelled and had always gone everywhere with Petra. Needless to say the New Zealand authorities at Auckland airport were none too pleased......they were pretty baffled too as to why the woman assumed an international flight would be the same as a domestic one. New Zealand immigration refused her entry into the country and sent her home on the first available flight. Petra did not survive the trip, she was euthanised as the US authorities refused to allow her back into the country. What baffles me more is how the heck did she manage to board the aircraft in the US carrying a cat.....checking in she would have had to deal with all of her baggae. How did she manage to do it? I'm curious why the US refused to allow Petra back into the country. Did they deem her to be a biosecurity risk after going on a plane? |
Originally Posted by BonnieLass
(Post 12028458)
I agree with you completely
However, KLM Cityhopper are actually linking UK airports with each other via AMS....so if, for example you wanted to go from Humberside to Southampton or Cardiff to Humberside you can do so with Cityhopper via Amsterdam, no UK airline links those airports together on regular services. Is it not odd that a European flag carrier can do flights that no UK carrier (flag or standard) can't do? Air Anglia merged with other carriers to become Air UK which was eventually bought out by KLM to become KLM UK |
"What baffles me more is how the heck did she manage to board the aircraft in the US carrying a cat..."
You assume that the checkin agent knew ANYTHING about the world outside the USA - that's sometimes not the way to bet IMHO |
Originally Posted by Asturias56
(Post 12033443)
"What baffles me more is how the heck did she manage to board the aircraft in the US carrying a cat..."
You assume that the checkin agent knew ANYTHING about the world outside the USA - that's sometimes not the way to bet IMHO Poor cat paid the ultimate price, she got euthanised.....dozy owner had owned Petra for 7 years and she had gone everywhere with the owner so goodness knows how many other flights it went on in that time. |
probably thought she had permission - there have been some serious issues with US pax and their pets, guide dogs, emotional support rhinos and the like.
goes all over social media and the staff are often abused and hung out to dry Easier to turn a blind eye knowing that Oz/NZ/Chile will be all over them on arrival |
Being used to the everything-goes pre-Brexit phytosecurity regime, I found the tv series about entering Australia as I intend to do in the spring quite instructive, i.e., if you don't finish your lunch on the plane you can't take it with you to finish later and you can't save the chocolates to give to your kids (they like chocolate, I don't). Nothing made of wood, either. I guess in Europe because we are so interconnected that we just accept that diseases like Xylella fastidiosa are going to spread across the continent and destroy olive crops, in Aus they are determined not to let it in.
|
Having just returned to Australia after an extended stay in the Uk (25 years), there are a lot of hoops to jump through re biosecurity.
If you're going in as a tourist, it's easy. To play it safe, don't take any food across the border. There are a lot of bins around so it's easy to dispose that apple etc. Commercially sealed products "may" be ok, to be safe, just declare it and let them decide. It's really easy and quick. Dirt from farms/fields on your shoes will attract attention as well, I just declared it. Easy. They treat the shoes on the spot. You can bring in chocolate, it just must be a commercial product, for personal use and still sealed and less than 10kg. :) However, if it's from the flight, you can't bring it in. :) This ABF is a good reference for any traveller. |
I flew in from Fiji. "Any animal or organic products to declare"? "None" said I.
30 seconds later I was relieved of my rather nice straw hat!! |
" you can't save the chocolates to give to your kids (they like chocolate, I don't)"
We've never had any issue with chocolate going into Australai or New Zealand but we ALWAYS declare it - as long as it's wrapped they don't seem to have many worries but they like to be asked. And the sniffer dogs will find it every time Last time we went through NZ we'd been walking in the bush in the Paciifc. We'd scrubbed the shoes but kept them in a seperate plastic bag which we showed to bio-security at Aukland - they did a careful check and waved us through with some nice words. They're realy looking for the idiots who never think about it. As Redsnail says it can add quite a bit to your time in the airport - at ADL the e-immigration desks take about 10 minutes - the line for bio security is often 45+ minutes |
Are the various rumours correct that WestJet and Air Transat have dropped almost every route to/from the US indefinitely due to the trade impasse and Canadian boycott of all things US?
|
P&O Cruises have announced their airline partners for their Caribbean cruises from October 2026 thru March 2027
Between October 2026 and March 2027, Norse Atlantic will operate Saturday flights from Manchester and London Gatwick to Antigua on selected departure dates, according to the company. Norse Atlantic will also offer flights to Barbados from London Gatwick, Manchester and regional flights from Cardiff, Glasgow and Newcastle on selected departure dates. TUI Airways will operate Friday and Saturday flights to Barbados from London Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester. TUI Airways will also offer regional flights from Belfast, Bournemouth, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow and Newcastle on selected departure dates. Both TUI Airways and Norse Atlantic operate Boeing 787 Dreamliners with economy and premium economy cabins. Virgin Atlantic will operate an Airbus A330 whole plane charter in a three-class configuration from Manchester every 14 days for Arvia’s guests joining in Barbados on a Friday. All guests flying on the three airlines will receive a choice of economy or premium economy, plus upper class with Virgin Atlantic. |
BonnieLass
Are the various rumours correct that WestJet and Air Transat have dropped almost every route to/from the US indefinitely due to the trade impasse and Canadian boycott of all things US? |
Originally Posted by S.o.S.
(Post 12039925)
BonnieLass
I am pretty sure that I have seen that reported elsewhere. USA companies that rely on international tourists are not enthusiastic about their lot. |
Guardian today
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is suspending the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs as a partial government shutdown continues.The programs are designed to help speed registered travelers through security lines. Suspending them could cause headaches for passengers. |
I know it is the wrong place, I cannot access the right one....
Having seen the images from the tragedy at LGA, I wanted to pass on my very sincere condolences to the families of both flightcrew and hopes that all those who were hurt by what happened recover fully from their injuries and that all involved receive the care and support that they need. I hope that the controller involved is getting enough help and support too as he will be devastated by what happened on his watch. I also hope that this tragedy will not be made political and that would be wrong. Incursions happen every day, mostly and thankfully without harm being done. The main thing to be doing is to not allow it to happen again, that is not a political situation or decision, it is a basic safety matter. RIP to the two pilots, strength to their families at this tragic and difficult time in their lives. |
| All times are GMT. The time now is 00:12. |
Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.