Southall – A Treasure Trove of Indian Flavours

Oozing the awe-inspiring splendour of India, Southall is one quaint destination in England that leaves indelible marks on every holidaymaker who takes flights to this overwhelming country. Boasting the largest concentration of South Asians outside the Indian sub-continent, Southall boasts a striking aura that reflects shopping and eating scene that wonderfully mirrors the flavour of India!

No wonder, Southall caters to all sorts of holidaymakers. A mosey over the main shopping area ‘The Broadway’ is all about ambling in a vibrant Indian bazaar that leaves shoppers gloating over their decision of booking cheap tickets on flights to the county with the agents. While food tickles the senses and transports the foodies to a culinary heaven, the sightseers can browse through the fascinating Hindu and Sikh places and wallow in its entrancing aura in the town.

Apart from being a thriving eating and shopping destination, Southall is a flourishing business centre and has become a hub of Southall based travel agents that shell out extremely cheap deals on flights tickets to India and other Asian countries. Since most of the travel agents have roots in India, they provide experienced and organised services in terms of flights tickets, and offering info on destination’s culture, travel tips and attractions. 

These travel agents enjoy immense popularity among Britons as well as non-Britons. Cheap Ticket is one of the leading Southall travel agents and offers unbelievably cheap tickets on flights to India. Alternatively, Air Ticket is another popular travel agent in Southall that ranks high among travel buffs contemplating to book flights tickets to India with agents.

World's Top 10 Safest Airlines According to the ATRA

Air Transport Rating Agency (ATRA) has come with a report that lists the world’s most safe airlines. This report was released by the agency yesterday and already it has created quite a flutter in the industry and raised a few eyebrows.

According to the report, no airline from Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East is ‘safe enough’ to be listed in the top 10. On the other hand, as many as six American airlines -American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways - have made it to the list.

Air France-KLM, British Airways and Lufthansa are the three Europe-based airlines that are included in the top 10 safest airlines list. Whereas, Japan Airlines is the only Asian carrier that will appeal to the anxious traveller looking for cheap flight tickets!

It is interesting to note that the list of safest airlines has no crossover with operators providing top notch customer service. It seems that passengers who buy air tickets can either have good customer service or excellent flight safety!

Geneva-based ATRA is a rating agency that deals with aviation risk evaluation and advanced data analyses in the air travel sector. The agency has conducted this first of its kind study and it is reported that the agency has examined publicly available information on 15 criteria before coming up with these rankings. Few criteria that were considered by the ATRA are the figure of travellers and cabin crew employees, the average age of the carrier’s aircrafts and number accidents taken place in last decade. Air Transport Rating Agency also took in the consideration the availability of dedicated flight academy pilot-training facilities and dedicated full flight simulators.

ATRA explained that just depending on the accident figures to come up with a quotient of airline safety is not entirely right. One is needed to look into the “technical, human, organisational and external” elements before making the call.

ATRA hailed European Union’s ‘blacklist’ as the step in the right direction as far as airline safety rating is concerned, but the agency believes that EU’s list led to a belief that airlines which do not feature on the 'blacklist' are all on the same level as far as safety in concerned.

“Even though the European Union publishes a 'blacklist' of dangerous airlines, there exists a real difference in safety between the other airline companies,” ATRA was quoted by various news portals.

No Skytrax Awarded Airline in ATRA’s List

None of the airlines that are renowned all over the world for their superior customer care or in-flight services have found a place in the ATRA’s newly released list. Cheap flights on 5-star airlines like Qatar Airways and Asiana remain much in demand but it seems when it comes to safety these airlines do not actually grab the top honours.

World's Top 10 Safest Airlines According to the ATRA

Air Transport Rating Agency (ATRA) has come with a report that lists the world’s most safe airlines. This report was released by the agency yesterday and already it has created quite a flutter in the industry and raised a few eyebrows.

According to the report, no airline from Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East is ‘safe enough’ to be listed in the top 10. On the other hand, as many as six American airlines -American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways - have made it to the list.

Air France-KLM, British Airways and Lufthansa are the three Europe-based airlines that are included in the top 10 safest airlines list. Whereas, Japan Airlines is the only Asian carrier that will appeal to the anxious traveller looking for cheap flight tickets!

It is interesting to note that the list of safest airlines has no crossover with operators providing top notch customer service. It seems that passengers who buy air tickets can either have good customer service or excellent flight safety!

Geneva-based ATRA is a rating agency that deals with aviation risk evaluation and advanced data analyses in the air travel sector. The agency has conducted this first of its kind study and it is reported that the agency has examined publicly available information on 15 criteria before coming up with these rankings. Few criteria that were considered by the ATRA are the figure of travellers and cabin crew employees, the average age of the carrier’s aircrafts and number accidents taken place in last decade. Air Transport Rating Agency also took in the consideration the availability of dedicated flight academy pilot-training facilities and dedicated full flight simulators.

ATRA explained that just depending on the accident figures to come up with a quotient of airline safety is not entirely right. One is needed to look into the “technical, human, organisational and external” elements before making the call.

ATRA hailed European Union’s ‘blacklist’ as the step in the right direction as far as airline safety rating is concerned, but the agency believes that EU’s list led to a belief that airlines which do not feature on the 'blacklist' are all on the same level as far as safety in concerned.

“Even though the European Union publishes a 'blacklist' of dangerous airlines, there exists a real difference in safety between the other airline companies,” ATRA was quoted by various news portals.

No Skytrax Awarded Airline in ATRA’s List

None of the airlines that are renowned all over the world for their superior customer care or in-flight services have found a place in the ATRA’s newly released list. Cheap flights on 5-star airlines like Qatar Airways and Asiana remain much in demand but it seems when it comes to safety these airlines do not actually grab the top honours.

Cheap flights available in south-east Asia

The number of cheap flights available in south-east Asia makes it easy for Brits to explore the region, claims Lonely Planet.

Heather Carswell, a spokeswoman for the travel guides, explained that many tourists initially take flights to Thailand but in recent years people are starting to then visit other places across Asia because flights are affordable.

She explained: "An increasing number of visitors are flying to the major cities such as Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur and jumping on a cheap flight, for example to Siem Reap in Cambodia to see Angkor Wat or Vientiane to explore Laos."

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United Airlines Retains Economy plus Seats on Flights

United Airlines will continue with the Economy Plus® seating arrangement on its flights. There had been apprehension over the future of these seats right since the merger plan was announced between United Airlines and Continental Airlines. However, it has emerged that United will not only retain these seats, but even install them aboard the aircrafts of Continental Airlines, which is projected to take effect from 2012. As of now, travellers can go ahead and buy a ticket with United for the spacious and comfortable Economy Plus seats.

Features of Economy Plus Section and Future Plans

The Economy Plus seats of United Airlines are very popular with passengers who seek cheap flights with the airline. These seats which are a feature of the airline’s cheap Economy Plus section are more spacious and comfortable.

• United introduced Economy Plus seats aboard its flights in 1999. These seats increase legroom space by up to 5 inches.
  

• Elite class Mileage Plus® members of United and OnePass® elite members of Continental do not have to pay extra charges and can avail the benefit on all flights offering Economy Plus seating.
  

• Right now, there is no Economy Plus seating option with Continental, but the airline will be refurbished with an Economy Plus class in the future. However, Continental does offer its own version of extra legroom seats.
  

• Presently, United passengers can also enjoy the Economy Plus benefits on their cheap flights with over 150 larger regional jets of United Express®. In fact, all the 359 mainline aircrafts of United are equipped with these seats and these seats are complimentary for Mileage Plus and OnePass Frequent Flyer members.
  

• Economy Plus can be availed while buying tickets, at the airport, during check in, and while viewing reservations through the ‘My Reservations’ section of United’s website.
  

• United has voiced plans to introduce Economy Plus on more than 700 mainline aircrafts, including Continental’s mainline aircrafts and the larger regional aircrafts. Once this multi year plan takes shape, United will have 40,000 Economy Plus seats, which translates as 122,000 Economy Plus seats everyday for passengers booking their tickets with United. Presently, no airline has this capacity.
  

What Experts Say

Mr Jim Compton, the chief revenue officer of United Continental Holdings, commented upon the occasion in the words, ‘Our customers value Economy Plus and the additional personal space that it provides’. He further said, ‘customers who sit in Economy Plus are significantly more satisfied with their travel experience, as are travelers who choose other options that enable them to tailor their travel to their liking’. Industry experts feel that United’s decision to retain Economy Plus shows that the airline is dedicated towards offering a customised travel experience and creative choices to its passengers.

Egypt Crisis - FCO Chartered Flight Gears to Take Off

British Government’s special charter flight arranged by Foreign Office gets ready to take off from the Cairo airport with 180 passengers as Egypt crisis gets murkier and bloodier. Keeping the grim situation in mind, the Foreign Office (FCO) announced that a new flight is also being arranged for British tourists to fly them out later in the week.

FCO spokesperson was quoted by news portals as stating, "The plane will depart from Cairo on Saturday, and will supplement existing commercial services. We will provide further such flights as necessary."

The announcement came after a mob of pro-government supporters attacked protestors in Tahrir Square. FCO also advised British travellers to leave Cairo as soon as possible.

"The situation in Cairo remains unpredictable, and the FCO advises all British nationals to leave the city unless they have a pressing reason to stay," FCO spokesperson was quoted by online resources.

"A large team remains on the ground, including significant specialist reinforcements sent in the course of the last week from London and other British Embassies in the region.

"Staff who are not immediately involved in responding to the crisis or helping British nationals are being temporarily removed in line with our travel advice," spokesperson further added.

The first flight that is slated to depart today from the crisis-stricken country was sent by Foreign Office on Wednesday to ensure that there is enough capacity to allow Britons to leave Egypt without many hassles.

Passengers will be charged £300 per air ticket on the charter, which is more or less the same price as a seat with a commercial airline would cost.

FCO defended its policy of not rolling out cheap tickets on the flight as it does not want to undercut commercial airlines by offering a cheap flight.


Cheap Holiday Deals amidst Egypt Protests

There is also a section of people who plan to take benefit of the current turmoil in Egypt by grabbing some great holiday deals for Sharm El Sheikh. The normal operations at the Sharm El Sheikh International Airport have boosted the holiday makers’ confidence in the claims that the Red Sea’s resort coastline is calm and peaceful.

Reports suggest that Red Sea resorts like Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada have not been affected by the turbulence seen in Egypt’s main cities.

However, countries like Australia and the United States have advised its citizens against visiting any part of Egypt in the current conditions.

On the other hand British travel firms are rolling out attractive and cheap holiday packages to entice tourists into buying air tickets to such Red Sea resorts. Some travel operators are even offering as much as 50% discount on holiday packages.

FCO Announces a New Charter Flight as Egypt Descends Into Violence

FCO’s special charter carrier is set to take off from the Cairo International Airport amidst growing tension in the country. Meanwhile, FCO announced another flight for its fellow citizens stuck in the country that just witnessed a gruesome attack on anti-government protestors by a mob of pro-government supporters in Tahrir Square.

Foreign Office’s first charter that is slated to depart today is carrying out nearly 180 Britons out of the country. Passengers on the special flight are required to shell out £300 per air ticket, which is approximately the same amount for an air ticket with a commercial airline would cost, a move that has been criticised by many.

FCO defended its decision of not offering cheap tickets on the flight as it does not want to undermine commercial airlines by offering tickets in much a cheap flights.

FCO also advised travellers to get out of Cairo as early as possible as political heat is set to rise in the region.

"The situation in Cairo remains unpredictable, and the FCO advises all British nationals to leave the city unless they have a pressing reason to stay," FCO spokesperson was quoted by online resources.

"A large team remains on the ground, including significant specialist reinforcements sent in the course of the last week from London and other British Embassies in the region.

"Staff who is not immediately involved in responding to the crisis or helping British nationals are being temporarily removed in line with our travel advice," the spokesperson further added.

Emirates introduces Seychelles to Dubai flights

Dubai-based airline Emirates has begin a new initiative to promote flights to Dubai from the Seychelles.

The island nation in the Indian Ocean will benefit from three new flights to Dubai per week starting on March 28th.

Proving the extra services will boost capacity between the two destinations by 42 per cent per week as well as increasing the travel options for holidaymakers.

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