Cathay Pacific Airways and Dragonair will be upgrading their current reservation system from Saturday 11 Feb 3pm to Sunday 12 Feb 2012 8pm, their reservation system will not be available during the system upgrade. For any flight service request or amendment, passengers are suggested to contact your service team before 10 Feb 2012 Friday.
CX / KA system migration period: Saturday 11 Feb 3pm - Sunday 12 Feb 2012 8pm - Unable to make new bookings or amendment - Unable to make frequent flyer redemption bookings or amendment - No advanced seat reservation service - No online check in service - No special service request - No e-ticket issuance, revalidation, ticket void service - No MMB (Manage My Booking) service on CX.com or KA.com - No Ticket sales service available at the airport on 11 Feb and 12 Feb
If you have an urgent query about flights leaving between 11 Feb and 12 Feb, please proceed to the Airport for Assistance.
If you wish to check in at the airport, you should arrive at the airport a little earlier than normal and bring a print out of your e-ticket; CX and KA check-in counters open three hours before flight departures.
For further information and travel arrangement assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your designated travel consultant. Thank you.
11 Jan 2012
Issue 528
India: Air India flight attendants in Delhi begin no-work protest
The Times of India reported as many as 231 Air India flight attendants refused to work on Tuesday, and plan to continue protesting the non-payment of salaries and sustenance allowances.
Four international flights from Delhi, India, were delayed between two to three hours as the airline had to find replacements to meet the minimum cabin crew requirement for flights. The delayed flights on Tuesday were scheduled to fly to Chicago, Newark, Paris and Riyadh.
The number of flight attendants participating in the no-work protest may increase, the news source indicated.
The management has started giving us threatening calls, said an unidentified flight attendant. What we have been saying is that we won't operate flights to destinations which involve layovers as we will have to spend from our pockets and that is difficult when we have not received salaries for two months, the attendant added.
Until the dispute is settled, Air India passengers should contact the airline to confirm flight status.
Those planning to travel by air to or from this destination should check with their airline or travel agent immediately to reconfirm travel arrangements. If your flight has been canceled, request the next available flight. Traffic on roadways leading to airports may be considerably slower than normal. Airports are likely to become very crowded, and lines will be long. Allow a good measure of extra time to get to the airport, check in and go through security.
For further information and travel arrangement assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your designated travel consultant. Thank you.
16 Dec 2011
Issue 527
United Kingdom: Severe weather warnings/possible flight disruptions
The United Kingdom Meteorological Office has issued severe weather warnings, as inclement weather is expected to affect large parts of the UK between 16 and 18 December. Warnings for heavy rains followed by snowfall are in place for parts of south west England, south east England, London, the east and west Midlands and Wales. Warnings for severe ice are also in place for parts of Northern Ireland, south west Scotland and the Lothian Borders.
Heathrow International Airport has warned of possible flight disruptions due to severe weather on 16 December. The adverse weather conditions carry the potential to cause localised flooding, and the heavy snowfall and subsequent icy road conditions could result in hazardous road conditions and significant travel disruptions. Air travel may be affected, with possible flight delays or cancellations. Adverse weather conditions in parts of the United Kingdom may continue until 18 December and Met Office warnings may be upgraded during this period to indicate changing weather conditions.
Clients travelling in the United Kingdom are advised to anticipate travel disruptions and monitor local media for further updates and advisories from authorities. Clients planning to travel via Heathrow International Airport on 16 December are advised to monitor relevant sources for possible flight delays/cancellations and to reconfirm all flights with their airline or travel provider prior to departure.
For further information and travel arrangement assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your designated travel consultant. Thank you.
15 Dec 2011
Issue 526
France: Strike by security personnel set to disrupt airport operations
Unions representing security personnel at France's airports have called for strike action on 16 December to demand a renegotiation of salaries and to protest against working conditions.
While it remains unclear how many members will participate in the strike action, disruptions to airport operations, including delays to flight services, as well as at check-in and screening procedures, are possible at all domestic and international airports in France on the day. Airport authorities will implement contingency plans on 16 December which are expected to further minimise disruptions on the day.
Clients intending to transit any airports in France on 16 December are advised to contact the respective airport or their travel provider for the latest information on the status of airport and flight services.
For further information and travel arrangement assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your designated travel consultant. Thank you.
13 Dec 2011
Issue 525
Spain: Pilots of Iberia airline set to strike in December
Pilots of Spain's Iberia airline, represented by the SEPLA union, are set to hold 24-hour strikes on 18 and 29 December to protest against plans to launch a low-cost Iberia Express.
The labour dispute has been ongoing since 2009, when Iberia first announced plans to create a low-cost carrier. While the company has reached agreements with ground staff and cabin crew, it failed to negotiate an agreement with the pilots up to this date. Iberia is expected to implement contingency plans to maintain a minimum of services on the respective days; however, cancellations and delays of domestic and international flights departing from Spain should be anticipated.
Clients intending to use Iberia flight services on 18 and 29 December are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider prior to departure to confirm the status of their flight(s).
United Kingdom: Severe weather warnings issued
The United Kingdom Meteorological Office has issued severe weather warnings, as inclement weather is expected to affect large parts of the UK from 12 December. Gale force winds and heavy rainfall have been forecast for Wales, and parts of south and northwest England on 12 and 13 December. Rainfall, strong winds and snowfall have also been forecast for Northern Ireland, Wales, south west Scotland and large parts of England until at least 16 December; relevant severe weather warnings are in place until this time. Forecasters indicated that winds of up to 160km/h may affect the abovementioned areas.
The adverse weather conditions carry the potential to cause localised flooding and icy road conditions, which may result in significant disruptions to road travel. Strong winds have recently resulted in significant disruptions to flights to and from a number of airports in Scotland and similar disruptions are possible at airports in the affected areas.
Due to the threat of localised flooding, clients in the UK are advised to exercise caution, particularly in low-lying areas and near rivers, and should monitor local media for further updates and advisories from authorities. As traffic disruptions are possible, clients should exercise caution when travelling on roads in the region. Clients are further advised to monitor relevant sources for possible flight disruptions in the coming days.
For further information and travel arrangement assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your designated travel consultant. Thank you.
09 Dec 2011
Issue 524
United Kingdom: Severe weather conditions causing travel disruptions
Severe winds of up to 260km/h and rain are affecting parts of Scotland, northern England, Northern Ireland and northern Wales. In Scotland, disruptions and flight cancellations have been reported at a number of airports, including the Glasgow and Edinburgh international airports. Rail and road transport has also been affected in places and power outages have affected approximately 12,000 households. In Cumbria, northern England, flooding has been reported in the Windermere area causing road closures, while hundreds of passengers were reportedly stranded on the Rotterdam-Hull ferry off the East Yorkshire coastline. Northern Ireland's northern coastline and the north of Wales are also experiencing severe gale force winds. The adverse weather, including strong winds and possible blizzards, are expected to continue in the north of Scotland into 9 December.
Clients in the affected areas are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. Furthermore, persons flying via air, particularly to or from airports in Scotland, are advised to reconfirm all flights with their travel provider or airline prior to departure.
Furthermore, as numerous road, rail and sea transport routes are affected clients intending to use these in the affected areas are advised to reconfirm all services with the relevant authority prior to departure.
For further information and travel arrangement assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your designated travel consultant. Thank you.
01 Dec 2011
Issue 523
France: EasyJet strike leads to flight disruptions
Flight attendants of the low-cost carrier easyJet have launched an open-ended strike in France on 30 November. Disruptions to easyJet flights, including cancellations and delays, have been reported at Paris's Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports as well as Lyon's Saint Exupery Airport. The UNAC union, which represents about 40 percent of easyJet's flight attendants, called for strike action to demand better contract conditions for its members. The expected duration of the strike is currently unknown.
Persons who have booked tickets with easyJet and intend to transit through any of the above-mentioned airports are advised to contact easyJet, the airport or their travel provider for further information on the status of their flight(s).
Greece: General strike and protests to disrupt public services
A general 24-hour strike, called by the private sector unions GSEE and ADEDY, is set to proceed as planned across Greece on 1 December. The countywide strike will mainly affect public services, including postal services, public hospitals and local government offices. In Athens, the strike is expected to lead to limited bus services as drivers will only work between 09:00 and 21:00 local time. Elsewhere in the country, ferry services, national rail services (OSE) and Proastiakos suburban rail services will be suspended for 24 hours. Air traffic controllers have thus far not announced any strike action, and their participation is not expected at this stage.
On 1 December, union members are set to stage a protest rally in the capital, Athens, commencing at 11:00 local time, and proceeding from Pedion tou Areos to Syntagma Square. Similar protests and demonstrations are also possible elsewhere in Greece, particularly in Thessaloniki. The strike will be the latest since a 48-hour general strike on 19 and 20 October, and will be the first since the appointment of an interim coalition government on 11 November. The strike has reportedly been called in opposition to proposed government policies and expanded economic austerity measures. Associated protests have resulted in violence and a large-scale security deployment is likely in Athens ahead of the strike action. Clients are advised to anticipate disruptions to public transport and other public services across the country on 1 December.
Clients are also advised to avoid all large protest gatherings and demonstrations as a precaution against violent civil unrest. The planned protest rally in Athens may also result in localised traffic disruptions in the city centre.
For further information and travel arrangement assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your designated travel consultant. Thank you.
30 Nov 2011
Issue 522
UK: Strikes and protests expected to cause travel disruptions across UK
The previously announced 'National Day of Action' will proceed as planned across the UK on 30 November. Strike and protest action by members of some 30 labour unions, including UNISON, Unite, TUC, GMB, PCS and Prospect, are expected to mainly impact on government and council services, as well as on medical and educational institutions across the country.
However, delays to operations at all UK airports and localised public transport disruptions are also expected on 30 November. Delays to operations at all UK airports are possible as immigration officers of the UK Border Agency are expected to suspend work throughout 30 November. Although UK authorities are in the process of implementing contingency plans, prolonged delays at passport and immigration control are likely to lead to flight disruptions. A number of airlines have announced plans to reschedule flights, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific Airways. In addition, localised public transport disruptions are likely at the Tyne and Wear metro network, at the Shields Ferries, in the Greater Manchester Area, in Cardiff (bus services) and across Northern Ireland (bus and rail).
Furthermore, clients should expect demonstrations and protest marches in major cities and towns throughout the UK on 30 November. A march has been confirmed in the capital, London, and is expected to attract a large number of people. The route includes Lincoln's Inn Fields, Aldwych, Strand, Trafalgar Square, Northumberland Ave and Victoria Embankment. Police presence is set to increase along the route and road closures will restrict traffic in the affected area. Although all protests are expected to conclude without incident, all related gatherings should be avoided as a precaution.
Furthermore, clients in the UK should prepare for countrywide disruptions to public services, including transport in places. Clients scheduled to arrive or depart from the UK on 30 November are advised to contact the airport, their airline or travel provider for updates on the status of their flight(s).
For further information and travel arrangement assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your designated travel consultant. Thank you.
24 Nov 2011
Issue 521
UK: Upcoming public sector strike in the United Kingdom
Numerous trade unions, including UNISON, Unite, TUC, GMB, PCS and Prospect, are set to hold a 'National Day of Action' on 30 November to protest against government's plans to reform public service pensions. Unions are currently in the process of preparing a countrywide mobilisation of public sector workers, which includes numerous strikes and protests. In addition to the six main labour unions, a number of smaller, sector-specific unions plan to join the strike; these include various teacher and medical unions. The UK's largest transport union, the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), is not expected to participate on a large scale in the campaign; currently RMT members of the Tyne and Wear metro network and the Orkney Ferries have issued strike notices. As such, strikes are expected to mainly impact on government and council services as well as on medical and educational institutions.
However, public transport disruptions are likely in the Greater Manchester Area, Cardiff (bus services) and across Northern Ireland (bus and rail) as local transport workers are represented by Unite. In addition, clients should note that the PCS represents a number of airport workers, including border and immigration staff at the UK Border Agency, and air traffic controllers. Although the active participation of air traffic controllers in the strike has not been confirmed by PCS, clients are advised to prepare for disruptions at airports and other ports of entry in the UK on 30 November.
Furthermore, clients should expect demonstrations and protest marches in major cities and towns throughout the UK. A march has been confirmed in the capital, London, and is expected to attract a large number of people. The route includes Lincoln's Inn Fields, Aldwych, Strand, Trafalgar Square, Northumberland Ave and Victoria Embankment. Police presence is set to increase along the route and road closures will restrict traffic in the affected area. As such, extensive disruptions to travel and congestion of roads should be anticipated in central London on 30 November.
Clients are advised to prepare for disruptions to public services on 30 November, and to make possible adjustments to their travel itineraries in advance. While all rallies and marches are expected to conclude peacefully, clients should exercise caution and if possible avoid all related gatherings and concentrations of security personnel.
For further information and travel arrangement assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your designated travel consultant. Thank you.
09 Nov 2011
Issue 520
India: Kingfisher Airlines cancels several flights in India
Kingfisher Airlines is scheduled to cancel more than 20 flights per day between 8 and 19 November due to an alleged shortage of pilots and cabin crew. Domestic routes, which will be affected by the flight cancellations include the capital, New Delhi, and the cities of Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. However, flights to and from the urban centres of Amritsar, Jaipur, Pantnagar, and Bagdogra, may also be subject to disruptions.
Kingfisher Airlines is reportedly experiencing ongoing financial difficulties, which has already seen the airline company undergoing debt restructuring. According to the airline company, the issue of staff shortages will likely ease as of the 19 November, although service disruptions may continue into December.
Clients who are scheduled to fly with the Kingfisher Airlines between 9 and 19 November are advised to contact the airline company and/or their respective travel provider to confirm the status of the flights before departing for the airport.
For further information and travel arrangement assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your designated travel consultant. Thank you.
Delta Amends Various Baggage Fees and Allowances Beginning 01July
Effective July 1, 2011, Delta Air Lines is amending various baggage fees and allowances for Delta and Delta Connection flights. These amendments are in addition to previously-announced amendments to policies that began on June 1, 2011.
The changes, which are effective for tickets issued on or after July 1, 2011 for all applicable travel dates, are being implemented to provide fee simplification and harmonization for international travel regions.
Please Note: Fee decreases are effective for travel on or after July 1, 2011, regardless of ticket issue date.
Highlights of the allowance and fee changes and applicable travel areas that are affected: - The term “Plus 1” refers to allowing one additional bag over normal checked bag allowance for Elite members in certain cases. - Effective for tickets issued on or after July 1, 2011, the “Plus 1” baggage allowance benefit is extended to all SkyTeam Elite/Elite Plus passengers.
*For complete information on all of Delta's baggage policies, allowances, fees, restrictions or exceptions and for travel to/from other areas, visit Baggage at www.delta.com.
01 Jun 2011
Issue 502
Delta Amends Various Baggage Fees and Allowances
Effective June 1, 2011, Delta Air Lines is amending various baggage fees and allowances for Delta and Delta Connection flights. These changes, which are effective for tickets issued on or after June 1, 2011 for all applicable travel dates, are being implemented to provide fee simplification and harmonization for international travel regions.
*For complete information on all of Delta's baggage policies, allowances, fees, restrictions or exceptions and for travel to/from other areas, visit Baggage at www.delta.com.
26 May 2011
Issue 501
British Airways - Reward for New On Business Accounts
Just fly two return Club World business class flights from Hong Kong to London to redeem a reward flight on World Traveller economy class for new On Business accounts.
Please contact your travel consultant for On Business Accounts' enrollment details.
With effective 01June 2011, Thai Airways will levy a fuel surcharge of HKD236.00 per sector for sectors in / out Hong Kong until 30June 2011. This surcharge is applicable to all tickets issued or re-issued or sold in Hong Kong.
25 May 2011
Issue 498
Cathay Pacific - New Fuel Surcharge
All Cathay Pacific tickets issued or re-issued on / after 01 June 2011 for travel on/after this date will be subjected to new fuel surcharge:
USD144.10 / HKD1124 / CAD143.80 / NZD186 (From USD132.10 / HKD1030 / CAD130.70 / NZD168) for flights between Hong Kong and Southwest Pacific, North America, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Indian Subcontinent.
USD30.30 / HKD236 / NZD39 (From USD28.50 / HKD222 / NZD36) for flights not mentioned above, including flights to / from Japan, itineraries originated from Korea as well as flights between New York and Vancouver.
The surcharge will apply per flight sector, including children and infant fares.
25 May 2011
Issue 497
Air New Zealand - Passenger Fuel Surcharge
The fuel surcharge will be revised to HKD1124.00 per sector for all tickets to be issued and reissued between 01Jun - 30Jun2011.
04 May 2011
Issue 495
Vietnam: Hue Airport suspends service from May 13 to Jun 13
Please be advised of the following development(s) that may impact your travel programme:
Hue airport will be closed from 13 May 2011 00:01 till 13 June 2011 23:59 for runway maintenance.
If you have made any booking to Hue airport for the above mentioned period, please contact our travel consultant for further information.
29 Mar 2011
Issue 492
Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements For Passengers Returning From Brazil (Sao Paulo) To Singapore On SQ67
Please note that Singapore is one of the countries that requires passengers returning from Brazil to produce proof of the Yellow Fever vaccination before allowing entry.
Customers who have intent to travel to Brazil on Singapore Airlines flight SQ68 and/or returning from Sao Paulo (GRU) on SQ67 are advised to take the Yellow Fever vaccination prior to travel ex-SIN.
For passengers who are allergic to the vaccine, they should obtain a Medical Contraindication to Vaccine form signed by their doctor.
The Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is considered valid if:
• At least 10 days after the date of vaccination
• Within 10 years of vaccination
Passengers bound for Sao Paulo (GRU) from Singapore (SIN) on SQ68
SIN airport staff checking passengers to GRU will check for the certificate if the passenger’s immediate onward/return destination needs one.
If passenger is not holding onto a valid yellow fever certificate, staff will recommend that passenger obtain his/her vaccination at least 10 days before departure from GRU.
Passengers will still be allowed uplift from Singapore.
Passengers returning from Sao Paulo (GRU) to Singapore (SIN) on SQ67
GRU airport staff will request that passengers traveling to SIN present the Yellow Fever certificate for sighting.
For passengers who are doing a stopover in Barcelona (BCN) from GRU, Yellow Fever vaccination is not required for entry into Spain.
Passengers traveling to SIN without a valid vaccination certificate will be handled as per the procedures for entry visas and denied boarding. This is also practiced by other airlines operating at GRU.
Please note that the vaccination certificate is considered valid only if the vaccination was done at least 10 days prior to the day of departure from GRU.
Exceptions are passengers who are allergic to the vaccine. Instead, the passengers should produce a Medical Contraindication to Vaccine form signed by their doctor.
16 Mar 2011
Issue 490
Japan: Japan races to contain nuclear crisis
Please be advised of the following development(s) that may impact your travel programme:
TOKYO – Radiation near the quake-hit Fukushima No.1 plant has reached levels harmful to health and was high overnight, officials said, advising thousands of people to stay indoors after two explosions and a fire at the facility Tuesday.
Four of the six reactors at the crippled facility, 250 kilometres (155 miles) northeast of Tokyo, have now overheated and sparked explosions since Friday's massive earthquake and tsunami knocked out their cooling systems.
The blasts at the seaside plant have shattered buildings housing the reactors but have apparently not penetrated the steel and concrete containers surrounding the fuel rods, reducing the risk of massive contamination.
Workers have used fire-fighting equipment to pump seawater into the reactors -- and fears have spiked sharply after separate containment pools holding spent fuel rods at reactor number four started to heat up, threatening to run dry. If the water in the deep pools evaporates, this would expose the fuel rods to the air, destroying them and sending radioactive materials into the air. The water in the containment pool of reactor number four may have been boiling earlier, Kyodo News reported.
Worsening levels of radiation on Tuesday forced the company to pull out most of its hundreds of workers who have been battling the emergency. They later evacuated the plant's central control room and were now monitoring the site remotely, Kyodo reported.
Tens of thousands have already been evacuated from within a radius of 20 kilometres (12 miles) of the 40-year-old plant, and Prime Minister Naoto Kan urged people living within 10 kilometres of that zone to stay indoors.
Radiation levels were monitored at 4.548 millisieverts per hour at 11:00 pm (1400 GMT) and rose further to 7.966 millisieverts less than an hour later at the plant's entrance, Jiji Press reported, quoting TEPCO officials. Levels fluctuated throughout the day. A single dose of 1,000 millisieverts -- or one sievert -- causes temporary radiation sickness such as nausea and vomiting.
Higher than normal radiation was detected in Tokyo on Tuesday, prompting many people to flee, but a city official said it was not considered at a level harmful to human health and the level fell later in the day.
Travelers are advised to check the status of their flight prior to leaving for the airport
