Economy Class & Beyond

UK Secretary of State for Transport: More Body Scanners to come

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It seems the political leaders are drinking some sort of drink to believe everything, with the Secretary of State for Transport Justine Greening coming out and saying that more scanners should be deployed, a lack of opt-out (scanning to remain compulsory for those selected), and for scans that are conducted to be reviewed by machine, rather than by humans. It seems the UK … [Read more...]

Thomas Cook in trouble…

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It seems the tour operator and airline Thomas Cook is in a bit of a fiscal trouble zone, with it postponing its disclosure of the groups its full-year results to allow it time to talk to the banks over easing the money burden. Thomas Cook blames a "deterioration of trading" in parts of the business that has hit its cash and liquidity. In particular, the holiday sector in … [Read more...]

Astraeus Airlines ceases operations

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Who you might be asking? Astraeus Airlines was an airline that did a lot of wet-leasing and chartering of it's aircraft to companies that needed extra capacity (BMI Veterans would recognise this when they were flying Boeing 757's for BMI on routes). Additionally, they've flown for British Airways, Iceland Express, Thomson Airways, Thomas Cook and Iron Maiden where they flew … [Read more...]

Travelling out of Heathrow/London City today? Fog inbound – expect delays

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It seems the winter season has finally arrived, with the first major fogging of the season. 132 flights have been cancelled due to the fog today out of London Heathrow, and 44 delayed or diverted away from London City due to the fog The BBC Weather Centre as well as the Met Office predicts the fog will lift around 10:00 on Monday Morning (21st November), however with fog, … [Read more...]

Train Travel Saturday. Talk about cramming them in…

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Alas, I've had need to go down to London this weekend. And unlike a lot of people - I actually can't stand the place. Far too busy, people rushing and rude (I lived in Essex - a county near London for 20 years - enough to put anyone off London) - but as a I need to build up my "other" Photographic portfolio's, needs must. Now there are 4 viable ways to get to London from … [Read more...]

Safety Video Saturday – China Airlines

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It's Saturday again, so it's time to put your seat back in the upright position and stow your tables as China Airlines show off their safety video for their Airbus A330's. Another safety video next week.... and I'll try and find some fresh content. If you see one that you like, why not Tweet me @Ghettoife or email blog@ghettoife.com ... or leave a comment for me to … [Read more...]

Idea… Video Trip Report/Video Review…

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So I'm idly thinking of the next trip report, and I'm seeing the current fashion to do video trip report/review. First up - good or bad idea? And Secondly, apart from my bad camera work, what would you want it to contain? Thoughts welcome as I think about this... what I'm thinking could be a suspect idea at best.... … [Read more...]

SkyTeam to expand again – Xiamen Airlines to join

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News from China and SkyTeam that Xiamen Airlines is set to join the alliance, and will become a full member towards the end of 2012. In some ways this isn't surprising at all as Xiamen Airlines is  60% owned by China Southern Airlines - who also happens to be sponsoring their entry into the alliance. Xiamen Airlines currently operates a mostly China domestic programme … [Read more...]