Economy Class & Beyond

Brussels Airport – Take 2

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Good evening from Brussels National Airport, where I'm kicking back after a day walking around Brussels. Whilst the walk around Brussels haven't changed my views of the city, yesterday's TravelMagic conference showed there is a burgeoning points and miles scene in Europe, that's waiting for right credit card companies to exploit and offer the promos to get the consumer … [Read more...]

Host, Chain or Independent?

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With my  trip to Travel Magic 2013 in Brussels, I face the usual dilemma of hotels (after feeling cheesed off with the Saturday away rule with Brussels Airlines) And it boils down to three choices for me: Stay at the Host Hotel Stay at a Chain Hotel and boost my points Try a new experience and stay independent The Host Hotel (The Hotel) isn't that bad an option - … [Read more...]

No, I didn’t miss my flight…

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Good morning from TravelMagic 2013. And however SNCB tried to keep me, and the madness that is the Brussels transport system, I've made it here. As for Brussels Airlines (with FlyBe operating).... the quick review is this: The seat pitch is tight, but the service was great... … [Read more...]

Wandering over to TravelMagic tomorrow… (and a giveaway AT TravelMagic)

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Tomorrow, I'll be joining a variety of other travellers, mile collectors and bloggers  (including  Points to be Made and Lucky - after he recovers from Crazy Taxi) at TravelMagic 2013 After the last trip, I'm praying for something a bit simpler this trip (as well as making the plane there and back... I don't think I'm going to live that down in a hurry). The … [Read more...]

Miles and More prepares more cuts to earning miles using low fare tickets

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When you are in the hunt for miles, there are some words that you never want hear. This came from Lufthansa: For flights from 1 January 2014 onwards, the mileage credit in Economy Class will be linked even more closely to the value of the airline ticket. Uh oh. More follows Consequently, the mileage award in the lower-priced Economy booking classes will be reduced for … [Read more...]

Emirates to launch a service to Boston

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Emirates will be launching its 8th US destination as commences a service to Boston next year. The planned timetable is below: EK237 DEPART DXB 09:45 ARRIVE BOS 15:15 EK238 DEPART BOS 22:55 ARRIVE DXB 19:10+1 Commences: 10th March 2014 Operates Daily Booked Equipment: Boeing 777-200LR Emirates Boeing 777-200LR product will feature on this plane, offering: 8 First … [Read more...]

Lufthansa fleet renewal – A350s and 777-9Xs on the way

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Lufthansa has confirmed today that it is continuing its long term fleet renewal for the main fleet, with an order from both of the major manufacturers The order will be comprised of: 34 Boeing 777-9X aircraft 25 Airbus A350-900 aircraft The fleet will be phased in from 2016. There are additional option of 30 aircraft from each supplier, with the ability to chop and change … [Read more...]

EVA Air presents… Hello Kitty Boeing 777 – “Hand in Hand”

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I know a lot of people who are devotees of differently painted planes. I also know a lot of people who are devotees of a mouth-less cat promoted by Sanrio. Well, Hello Kitty finally has her Boeing 777-300ER, painted up by EVA Air. The scheme is called "Hand in Hand" Hello Kitty Jet "Hand In Hand" - Image EVA Air via Facebook The Boeing 777-300ER being painted - … [Read more...]

Air France prepares for big layoffs and fleet cuts

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Air France-KLM Group seems to be suffering still, with further deeper cuts to be made, with a further 2,800 jobs on the line as the airline tries to cut costs. Air France will try and make these cuts via voluntary redundancy. Already, the airline has is to cut 5,100 staff from its global 69,000 workforce, but the group is missing the savings required. For those remaining in … [Read more...]

First Boeing 787-9 completes its first test flight sucessfully

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A short while ago, ZB001 - the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner completed its first flight from Paine Field to Boeing Field in Seattle. The plane completed a five-hour sortie, which took it over Washington State and Mount Rainer according to Flightaware: Image and Data: Flightaware - http://uk.flightaware.com/live/flight/BOE1 The plane landed safely at Boeing field at … [Read more...]