Welsh rugby fans advised on travel insurance

Welsh rugby fans jetting off to New Zealand have been reminded of the importance of travel insurance.

Welsh rugby fans who are looking for cheap flights to New Zealand have been advised to take out travel insurance policies before they leave home.

A surge in the number of people booking flights to the country has taken place after the national rugby team made the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup against France, but the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has reminded supporters not to forget their travel essentials.

In particular, the number of road traffic accidents which take place in the country each year was noted to be twice that of the UK.

"We urge fans to avoid penalties such as a costly trip to the hospital by taking out comprehensive travel insurance and to take care on the roads," said Phil Lord from the FCO.

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Emirates hosts event ahead of new route launch

Emirates held an evening to mark the opening of a new route into Baghdad.


People taking flights to Dubai with Emirates could be interested to know the carrier is also expanding into other countries in the region.

The airline has announced that it will be offering a route to Baghdad from November 13th 2011 and to mark this new service it held a gala dinner, with dignitaries and business people from across Iraq.

Speaking at the event, Ahmed Khoory, Emirates senior vice-president for commercial operations in the Gulf, Middle East and Iran, explained that it is hoped business users will be attracted to the service.

"With much of the country's manufacturing, finance and commerce concentrated in and around Baghdad, our new service will play a central role in linking the city with the broader business community," Mr Khoory added.

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Deckchairs to be put out in Sydney

The streets of Sydney will soon become home to a number of deck chairs.

People on cheap flights to Sydney who want to put their feet up on arrival will soon be able to relax in a deck chair in the city.

The lord mayor of the city Clover Moore has announced that it will be playing host to a Chairs in the Square project this year, which will see 190 of the items of furniture put out in Sydney Square and Barrack Street Wynyard.

Cafe chairs and tables will also be put out in the areas and will remain in place for six months as part of the City of Sydney 2030 vision for the future initiative.

"Come and enjoy a bit of sun in our free deck chairs over this spring and summer," Ms Moore said.

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Air France announces rise in passenger numbers

Air France has announced that it saw an increase in passenger numbers during the month of September.

Passengers travelling on flights to India and other countries with Air France may have been among those who boosted its passenger numbers last month.

The carrier has announced that it saw a 9.3 per cent increase in travellers during the four-week period.

It saw increases in travellers across many areas of the world, with a 12.2 per cent increase in travellers to the Americas and a 9.7 per cent lift in the amount of people taking flights to Asian nations.

Announcing its winter schedule, the carrier also revealed it will be offering a 3.4 per cent rise in capacity, with long-haul numbers expected to rise by 1.9 per cent, with Latin America and Asia seen as the main targets.

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Air Canada Flight Attendants Issue Strike Notice

Air Canada’s flight attendants have rejected the tentative deal that was reached between them and the airline. They have issued a strike notice and are poised to go on a strike at 12:01 a.m. Thursday if no new labour pact is reached till then.

Air Canada’s component of Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents 6,800 Air Canada flight attendants, issued the strike notice on Sunday evening. The decision to issue a strike notice was taken after 65% of the union members voted against the new labour agreement of last month.

The airline’s tentative agreement with flight attendants featured wage raise of 2% in the first three years, and 3% in the third. It also included steps to move new hires into a hybrid pension scheme. Some other modifications were proposed in the agreement. But it seems that all these gains were not good enough for the flight attendants who said that these improvements fell short of what they expect after years of concessions at the airline.

“We are perplexed and disappointed that two tentative agreements negotiated in good faith with and unanimously recommended by the democratically elected representatives of our flight attendants have failed to be ratified,” Duncan Dee, Air Canada Chief Operating Officer, was quoted by different news websites. “Air Canada remains hopeful that a disruption can be avoided,” he added.

Air Canada is one of the busiest airlines in the world. Millions of travellers meticulously plan their travel and book months in advance, cheap tickets on flights of this popular airline every year. Now it remains to be seen whether travellers who ‘struggled’ to get cheap flight tickets with Canada’s flag carrier will be subjected to anguish by the looming strike.

Air Canada says it will offer to rebook flights for ticket holders who are travelling in the coming days. The airline will implement a partial travel schedule in the event of a strike.

Troubled Times for Air Canada

As far as its labour relations are concerned, Air Canada seems to be going through a very bad patch. In June, a three-day strike was conducted by carrier’s sales and service agents. Last week the security screeners at Toronto's Pearson International Airport conducted work-to-rule protest that resulted in several flights getting delayed and affected the holiday weekend for many.

It is no doubt that a flight attendant strike is likely to create much more trouble for the airline. Federal regulations make it obligatory for every flight to feature a certain number of flight attendants.

Moreover, the airline’s pilots and its dispatchers too rejected a tentative agreement with the airline and new negotiations will now take place. The carrier’s machinists and ground crew union is also to negotiate a new labour pact this year.

Emirates announced as sponsor for London scheme

Emirates airlines has been announced as the sponsor for a new cable car scheme in London.

People on flights to Dubai with Emirates airlines could be interested to hear that they could take a trip with the carrier close to home soon.

The company has announced that it to be the new sponsor of a cable car system which is being constructed across the River Thames in London.

Named the Emirates Air Line, the new public transport service will provide a link from Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Victoria Docks.

The two stops will also have their own specially created roundel symbol that will be included on the London Underground map when it opens in summer 2012.

"We are always looking for new ways to support the communities we serve and what better way than to bring this ground-breaking transport scheme to residents and visitors alike," said Tim Clark, president of Emirates.

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Arts prize to be hosted in Cape Town

Cape Town is to be the first South African city to host the Freedom to Create Prize ceremony.

Holidaymakers heading on flights to Cape Town could be able to see some famous names from the world of the arts ahead of the Freedom to Create Prize, which is being held in the city this year.

It is the first time that a South African city has been chosen to host the global awards, which are held to honour those artists who use their art to highlight and important social issue or cause.

This year's judges are to include famed ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov, actress Daryl Hannah and author Salman Rushdie, with the awards ceremony to be held on November 19th.

Freedom to Create spokesperson Priti Devi said: "The cities of South Africa including Cape Town, have rich culture heritage and a complexity of issues that form part of the fascinating history of social change in South Africa."

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Hunt for bargains at Sydney Vintage Fair

Pick up a unique bargain by heading to Sydney's Vintage Fair.

Travellers on cheap flights to Sydney could be planning to leave some extra space in their suitcase for some fashionable bargains if they head to the Sydney Vintage Clothing, Jewellery and Textiles Show.

Taking place at the Function Centre at Canterbury Race Course, the show opens on October 14th 2011, with entrance charged at AU$14 (£8.80) or AU$24 for a pass allowing entrance to both days of the event.

A huge array of stalls are available to shoppers who love vintage clothing, with entertainment being offered alongside a list of sellers including Lou Murray Vintage, The Kween's Emporium and Cinderida Bygones.

Attendees can also pick up tips on vintage style and behaviour at the Lindy Charm School for Girls.

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Bangkok crowned food capital of Asia

Bangkok has been named as the best place to eat out in Asia.

People on flights to Bangkok could be planning to loosen their waist bands as the city has been named the best place to eat out in Asia.

A study of destinations across the continent carried out by Trip Advisor found that the Thai city offered the best food and drink.

Based on the views of the millions of travellers who have used the site, the 2011 Traveller's Choice Food and Wine Destination found that Bangkok, with its array of dishes from the likes of Pad Thai to insects sold by street vendors, combined to make an unmissable dining experience.

It was not the only Thai destination to make it into the top ten, as Koh Samui came in tenth place due to its abundance of affordable restaurants.

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Melbourne University 'best in Australia'

Melbourne University has been named as the best place to study in Australia.

More people could be looking for cheap flight to Melbourne soon as the city's university has been named the best in Australia.

The institution took the position in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) study, which also listed the university as being the 37th best in the world.

It beat off competition from the likes of the Australian National University and the University of Sydney to be named the best in the country.

Melbourne University vice-chancellor Glyn Davis said the results come on the back of recent curriculum changes.

"Perhaps what really makes Melbourne world class is its ability to innovate, to rise to the challenge of equipping a changing student population with the skills they will need in a global environment," he wrote for THE.

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Holidaymakers 'unaware of risks travelling uninsured'

Travellers heading overseas have been urged to remember to take out cover before taking their trip.

Holidaymakers booking flights to Australia and other locations have been advised of the importance of taking out cover before their trip.

A study carried out by Abta - the travel association showed that 20 per cent of travellers are still running the risk of incurring high medical bills by not taking out cover before they leave home.

The company reported that the most alarming point to come from the research was that 21 per cent of people mistakenly believed that the UK government will cover the cost of their bills if a mishap occurs when they are abroad.

John de Vial, Abta head of financial protection, said: "It is very worrying that so many people are putting their health and finances at risk by travelling abroad without insurance."

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Travel insurance 'needs to cover natural events'

Travellers have been advised to make sure that the cover they have will protect them against natural disasters.

People taking flights to India and other countries have been advised that when taking out a travel insurance policy it is important to look for cover which protects them against natural occurrences.

Sean Tipton, senior press officer at Abta - The Travel Association, said that people who are travelling independently need to know what their policy does or does not cover.

He explained that one area which is now often covered as standard is delays or cancellations which have been caused by volcanic ash clouds.

"It's more of an issue for the simple reason that many more people are making their own arrangements rather than booking packages," Mr Tipton explained.

The expert said that the situation is different for people who travel as part of a package as any issue will be covered by their tour operator.

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Emirates A380 'now flying to Johannesburg'

Emirates airlines has made its first journey to Johannesburg with an A380.

Passengers looking for flights to Johannesburg could be planning to fly with Emirates in the future after the airline made its first journey to the location with an A380 aircraft.

The carrier is now travelling to the South African city with a larger plane as demand for the trip has increased, requiring them to use a different aircraft.

Jean Luc Grillet, Emirates' senior vice-president for commercial operations in Africa, said that journeys between the United Arab Emirates and South Africa have long been based on the pillars of tourism and business.

"In introducing our flagship aircraft and the extra capacity it offers, Emirates will help to further boost this important partnership," Mr Grillet added.

The aircraft includes 399 economy class seats, 76 lie-flat beds in business class and 14 first class private suites.

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Qatar Airways 'receives 100th plane'

Qatar Airways is celebrating after adding its 100th aircraft to its fleet.

People on flights to Dubai or other destinations with Qatar Airways could be excited to hear that they may be on the 100th plane that the carrier has added to its fleet.

The airline announced that it now has 100 aircraft after it received a new Boeing 777-200LR.

It is the 27th Boeing 777 of various types which it now runs, with seveal 777-300ERs and 777-200LRs also being used by the carrier to operate its services.

The aircraft was handed over to Qatar Airways in a ceremony which was attended by chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker.

"Since we received our first Boeing 777 in November 2007, the airplane has earned itself a reputation for comfort, versatility and reliability, and it is only fitting that our 100th aircraft is a 777," said Mr Al Baker.

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Celebrate different cultures at Auckland Carnival

Auckland is set to come alive with its different cultures at this year's Auckland International Carnival.

Travellers on flights to Auckland next month could take part in the city's annual International Carnival, which celebrates the diverse cultures in New Zealand.

Taking place on October 15th 2011 in Glen Innes, this one-day festival will see people from all backgrounds living in the city come together to celebrate their individual cultures.

Parades of people in national costumes will take place, with stalls set up to offer delicious foreign foods for the visitors to sample.

Kids and teenagers are specifically catered for with designated areas offering a range of cultural activities specifically set up for them.

Talented skateboarders and basketball players will also be taking part in competitions, showcasing the skills of the area's young people.

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Thailand's Suvarnabhumi Airport 'sees 47m passengers'

Thailand's main international airport has seen a staggering number of passengers.

People on cheap flights to Bangkok who are due to land at Suvarnabhumi Airport could help to add to the incredible number of passengers who have travelled through the terminal in the past year.

In total, 47 million people have passed through the airport over the past year, constituting an impressive 12 per cent rise on the number of visitors during the 2010.

The airport has recently celebrated its fifth anniversary and airport spokesperson Wilaiwan Natwila noted that almost 37 million of the people visiting were coming from overseas.

On an average day, 120,000 people will use the airport, with Chinese, Japanese and Russian travellers making up the largest groups of foreign visitors.

The airport is expected to see more travellers in the final quarter of 2011 a people from northern hemisphere countries travel to its warmer climes.

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Women's road races planned for Johannesburg

Women heading to South Africa who want to take part in a challenge could enter the 10km race.

Women on flights to Johannesburg who want to try something energetic during their trip could sign up to the Spar Women's 10km race.

Taking place on October 9th 2011, the race will begin at 08:00 local time and will see around 16,000 runners taking part as they compete for a place on the podium and prize money.

While the race is stated to only be for women, men can also join in the fun too at the Old Parktonian Sports Club, but only if they are dressed in drag.

For those who think a 10km race sounds too strenuous, a 5km race will also be taking place on the same day.

The race is the last of a series of events of this kind, with other 10km road races being held earlier in the year in the likes for Durban and Pretoria.

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American Airlines to revamp its in-flight meals

People travelling on an American Airlines flight could soon be able to sample some delicious meals.

Passengers on flights to Thailand and other countries who travel with American Airlines could soon be able to sample the delights of a new in-flight menu.

The airline has teamed up with chefs Richard Sandoval and Marcus Samuelsson to produce a new range of meals, which be available on flights around the globe.

Chef Sandoval is known for making delicious Latin American-influenced cuisine and the meals he has created include lemongrass marinated chicken breast with yucca puree and chayote salad with a citrus sauce.

Meanwhile, those on domestic flights can sample Samuelsson's meals, with an artisan turkey and chutney sandwich among his offerings.

"Chef Sandoval and chef Samuelsson will further enhance the onboard travel experience for our customers by providing a broader range of options to satisfy our customers' diverse tastes," said American Airline's vice-president Rob Friedman.

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