8 UPDATES American Airlines Move to


Heathrow’s T5 AMERICAN Airlines has announced that they will begin provisionally operating all flights from London Heathrow (LHR) Terminal 5, the home of its Atlantic joint business partner and fellow oneworld member, British Airways. The co-location of American’s operations into Terminal 5, voted best airport terminal in the world six times (Skytrax World Airport Awards), will make connecting at Heathrow quicker and easier than ever. Terminal 5 is also home to Iberia; this move will


enable the carriers to operate flights seamlessly this summer from the same Heathrow terminal. American will be operating four daily flights from


LHR Terminal 5 to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK), Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Miami (MIA).


Ferry Well Placed for End of


Travel Restrictions ALTHOUGH specific dates have yet to be announced by all the administrations across the UK and Ireland, Stena Line has just recorded its best booking week for passenger travel in July and August as the move towards normality continues. Ferries are perhaps one of the best equipped sectors


of the travel industry to be able to operate effectively under the new safety and social distancing rules, with fresh air continually circulated around the ship and a comprehensive range of hygiene protocols just some of the benefits to ensure safe and enjoyable crossings. Paul Grant, Stena Line’s Trade Director said: “With


growing optimism that the current restriction on non- essential travel will be reviewed in the weeks ahead, more and more of our customers are making preparations to take a well-earned break to visit family, friends…or just travel to the places they love to be. “2020 looks like it will be the year of the staycation


or as we say the year of the car-cation, and we are fully prepared to help our guests max out safely on their enjoyment and relaxation, as soon as they board our ships. In these challenging economic times, we have also worked hard to provide great value, with fares from only £109 single car and driver, on our ex Belfast, Cairnryan, Holyhead and Fishguard sailings. It has been an extremely difficult time for everyone over the last few months so the opportunity to get away from it all, literally, may well be embraced as never before.” Stena Line provides a range of booking options from


the lowest Economy fares for fixed travel plans, moving on to Flexi and Premium fares which provide greater flexibility to amend or cancel bookings. Premium fare offers customers the most favourable conditions, including access to the exclusive Stena Plus Lounge as well as priority boarding and disembarkation.


Jersey Open to Visitors Again


JERSEY has reopened to visitors with new Covid- related health and safety measures in place. On arrival, visitors must either provide documentary


evidence of a negative PCR test, taken within 72 hours of arriving in Jersey, or be swab-tested at the airport or harbour. While waiting for the results, holidaymakers must limit the time spent away from their accommodation, limit social contact and, where possible, avoid public transport and indoor gatherings. In addition, all passengers must complete a pre- registration before travelling.


Ryanair Promises to Deal with Refunds Backlog


RYANAIR has promised that there will be “rapid progress” in dealing with the large backlog of refund applications for flights cancelled from March to June. The budget carrier has promised that 90% of the


backlog will be cleared by the end of July. The airline has said that additional staff have been trained to deal with the backlog. Ryanair CEO, Eddie Wilson said: “Over 90pc of passengers who booked directly with Ryanair and who requested a cash refund for travel between March and June will receive their refunds before the end of July. Ryanair has also called on “screenscraping” online


travel agents (OTAs) to provide “accurate details of their unauthorised bookings so Ryanair can also process these refunds”. “It is worrying however that a significant rump of our customers, who made bookings through unauthorised third party screenscrapers or OTAs, have yet to receive their refunds because the OTAs gave Ryanair fake email addresses or virtual credit card details for these customers,” added Mr Wilson.


Aer Lingus Extends Change Fee


Waiver Until End of Year AER Lingus has extended its change fee waiver until the end of the year – December 31, 2020. In a statement, Aer Lingus said: “We want you to be


able to book with peace of mind. So don’t worry if your travel plans are changing – we’re waiving our change fees to give you choice and flexibility. We are currently waiving our change fees across all fare types and in all markets.”


August 2020 Travel News


10 STRATEGIES THAT 25 AIRLINES ARE USING TO INCREASE TRAVELLER


CONFIDENCE A


SURVEY with 25 of the world’s leading airlines in June 2020 has identified 10 key strategies that are boosting traveller confidence during the pandemic.


Spray and wipe disinfecting: The passenger cabins of the


world’s airline fleet should be sparkling clean after all the spray-wipe-repeat activity promised by airlines. Without exception, carriers describe a cleaning regimen occurring before flights and becoming more robust during overnight stops.


Electrostatic antiviral spraying: This method, widely


used by US-based airlines, dispenses disinfectant with a mild positive electrical charge. The small particles are then attracted to cabin surfaces as these have a natural neutral or negative charge. It’s a very effective method to coat every surface such as overhead bins, seats, air nozzles and light controls, and tray tables. Face covering required: All airlines in the survey, with


the exception of Qantas, require passengers to wear face coverings. Air France, as a result of home government regulation, requires passengers to upgrade to surgical masks. Care kits for travellers: Items provided free of charge to passengers may include some or all of these elements: face mask, sanitising wipes, and sanitising liquid. Temperature check required: It’s difficult to discern from


airline websites if these checks are administered by an airline (such as Air Canada and Frontier) or by airport authorities, especially at major hub locations. Cabin baggage restrictions (CB): Airlines restrict carry-


on bags to create a safer and less congested boarding and deplaning process. Hand sanitiser (HS): The table reflects airlines that


indicate the availability of hand sanitiser in gate areas and on aircraft.


Middle seat kept empty (MS) Protective equipment for cabin crew (PE): Beyond the provision of a higher quality mask, some airlines provide cabin crew with clear face shields or goggles, and plastic blouses/aprons.


Spraying or fogging disinfectant (SD) “It’s hugely encouraging to see the proactive and sensible measures airlines are taking to prioritise passenger health and safety,” said Aileen McCormack, Chief Commercial Officer at CarTrawler, speaking in Dublin today. “The travel industry has been hit hard, but these measures signal positive momentum and will provide consumers with the confidence and peace of mind they’re seeking.”


Survey courtesy of CarTrawler. Ryanair Crew Agree to Pay Cuts


RYANAIR crew have agreed to a pay cut of up to 20% in order to save jobs. Unions have secured agreements with Ryanair which will result in no job losses among cabin crew and pilots. Unite, which represents cabin crew, has hailed the airline’s ‘constructive’ approach as being in direct contrast to other airlines. As part of the negotiations, Ryanair said pilots have agreed a 20% pay cut, to be restored over four years. They have also agreed productivity improvements on rosters, flexibe working patterns and annual leave.


workers will have a temporary tiered pay cut; the lowest paid will have a 5% pay cut, then 7.5% and the highest paid will


Unite agreed the following measures: l


have a 10% l


2024 l


will be retained and will be phased in from 2023 l


the pay cuts will be returned in two tranches in 2023 and the current pay agreement covering increases in wages there will be a review clause which if Ryanair returns


to pre-Covid-19 levels of business earlier, the pay cuts can be reversed earlier. In a statement, Ryanair said:”This agreement gives Ryanair


the framework to flex its operation during the Covid-19 crisis and a pathway to recovery when the business returns to normal in the years ahead.”


WIDELY regarded as a masterpiece of 18th century Baroque architecture, ‘Britain’s Greatest Palace’ was built as a gift to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, from Queen Anne and a grateful nation in thanks for his victory at the Battle of Blenheim on 13th August 1704. The Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage


Site houses one of the most important and extensive collections in Europe, which includes portraits, furniture, sculpture and tapestries. To mark its re-opening the Palace is also putting on


display a set of four Marlborough family portraits; one of which features the 4th Duke of Marlborough as a


World’s leading airlines identify key strategies to boost consumer confidence


International Flights to Melbourne Suspended INTERNATIONAL flights to Melbourne


have been temporarily suspended due to a spike in Covid-19 cases. All inbound international flights have been postponed until mid-July. Aussie carriers Qantas and Virgin had already


IHG HOTELS & Resorts opens the first and only branded boutique hotel in Cyprus – Hotel Indigo Larnaca. Each of the hotel’s 40 bedrooms are all uniquely designed and inspired by Cyprus’s craft heritage with balconies overlooking the picturesque city of Larnaca. Just a five-minute drive from the airport, the


hotel is centrally located in one of Larnaca’s most historic areas, near the church of St. Lazarus and close to Finikoudes and Mackenzie beaches. Within walking distance to the beach, the hotel combined two traditional Cypriot beach homes into a new hotel, marrying design elements from both old and new. The bedrooms have a modern yet contemporary feel by merging raw concrete with locally – made, brightly – coloured traditional textiles and light wooden furnishings. The en- suite bathrooms have spa-like rain showers, with brushed concrete flooring and original Cypriot tiling. All the balconies are fitted with traditional Mediterranean yellow shutters, reminiscent of old Cyprus, and mimicking the sunset amongst the surrounding mountains. Hotel Indigo Larnaca also offers a stunning


rooftop pool and Kampana Pool Bar with breathtaking views of the sea. The regionally inspired onsite restaurant, Avli, and the Oinotelia wine bar, are conveniently situated on the ground floor and are a destination for locals, tourists, and guests.


Inspired by the neighbourhood around each property, just as no places are alike, no two Hotel Indigo properties are the same. Each Hotel Indigo


child and has never been on show to the public before. Other new features will see the Library decorated in


the style of the 1920s and the coronation robes, chairs and coronets used by the 10th Duke and Duchess for the crowning of King George VI in 1937 will also be on show.


Visitors will also be able to enjoy al fresco dining in a series of outdoor marquee pods in the Italian Garden next to the Orangery restaurant, which will be serving lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. As part of its re-opening Blenheim Palace has introduced a series of ‘keeping safe’ measures. Daily visitor numbers are limited and admission is


suspended all international services but some foreign airlines were still serving Melbourne. They are Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, China Southern, Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways.


Boutique Hotel Brand, Hotel Indigo, Opens First Hotel in Cyprus


property features thoughtful design touches and vibrant restaurants and bars connected to the spirit of the local neighbourhood. Hotel Indigo Larnaca takes in the rich history of the Agios Lazaros area and is ideal for romantic getaways and caters to the most seasoned traveller. Hotel Indigo Larnaca will operate under


the international agreement between IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the largest hotel groups in the world, Sunnyseeker Hospitality which is the fastest growing hotel management company and Quality Group, one of the largest companies of land development and investment on the island. There are currently 119 Hotel Indigo properties


open globally including the recently opened Hotel Indigo Verona – Grand Hotel Des Arts, with another 104 in the pipeline to open in the next 3-5 years.


US Airlines Suspend All Flights to Hong Kong


US AIRLINES have stopped all flight to Hong Kong due to the new Covid-19 testing requirements which have been put in place for all inbound crew memebers. Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection now


require foreign flight crews to take a deep throat saliva test. Anyone refusing to be tested could be fined or even be jailed.


‘Britain’s Greatest Palace’ Re-opens to Visitors BUT Pre-Booking is Essential for All


only via online pre-booking. Visitors will be welcomed at a safe distance, all transacions are cashless and staff in key engagement areas will be wearing personal protective equipment and be behind protective screens. New signage, barriers and announcements form


part of the visit, and additional staff are on hand to provide advice and information. Extra temporary outdoor toilets with washing and hand sanitising areas have also been set up. Visitors can also watch an explanatory video online


prior to arriving on site, which clearly explains the new procedures.


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