Economy Class & Beyond

Alaska Airlines formally joins Oneworld

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Today, Alaska Airlines formally joined the oneworld alliance, making it that 14th full member to join.   The airline joined the alliance after being invited in July 2020 - a mere 8 months (a rather rapid join). With its membership in the alliance, Alaska will add seven new airline partners and enhance its six existing partnerships with oneworld members, expanding the … [Read more...]

Ryanair to roll out its own Covid-19 Document Carrier

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Travel Wallets containing COVID-19 immunisation or testing status have been a thing that many have worked on - from IATA to VeriFly.  Ryanair is to roll out its own version - with the Ryanair app. Ryanair Boeing 737-800 departing Dublin Airport - Image, Economy Class and Beyond In the Irish airline's app. Ryanair customers will be able to upload their negative PCR … [Read more...]

British Airways to partner with Dettol…

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Commercial tie-ups have been a thing in forever (especially during COVID, when brands have been partnering with airlines to supply cleaning or disinfection materials). British Airways has partnered with Dettol as part of its ongoing commitment to help keep its customers and colleagues safe. These will be offered in the air from March 2021. British Airways’ … [Read more...]

Welcoming the Year of the Ox – Kung Hei Fat Choi!

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A new lunar cycle has begun. It is, therefore, time to welcome the Year of the Ox to us.  The arch at Wing Yip, Birmingham - shot on New Year's Eve. The year of the Snake was marred of course by the pandemic, which has seen travel cut massively and people separated at a time when they are due to come together (with both local and international travel Your writer … [Read more...]

Emirates prepares to restart flights FROM the UK

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Emirates hastily pulled its operations to the UK on Friday with the recent direct travel ban announced. Well, it seems the airline is restarting services on the 2nd February, operating services from the United Kingdom to Dubai, but not carrying passengers from Dubai to London. Emirates Airbus A380 departing Heathrow - Image, Economy Class and Beyond Instead, the outbound … [Read more...]

UK to impose mandatory hotel quarantine for arrivals from 30 countries and restrictions exiting the country.

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There's has been a lot of chatter about plans for the UK Government to impose hotel quarantines. Well, it seems this is now going into effect, with both the Prime Minister and Home Secretary making announcements in parliament. This will require arrivals - both UK Nationals and Visitors, to isolate at government-provided accommodation such hotels, for 10 days without … [Read more...]

So, I got my first COVID-19 vaccine shot…

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The UK has been busy starting vaccinating its population against COVID-19. I was recently offered a chance to get immunised. Here are a few thoughts, witterings and such. How did I qualify to get a vaccination? Contrary to some people's thoughts, it's not because I'm a blogger, a vlogger, social media professional or anything at all like that. Rather, I was offered … [Read more...]

Lufthansa Group tightens its face covering policy

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It seems Lufthansa Group is tightening the rules regarding wearing face coverings aboard their aircraft. Lufthansa Airbus A320neo at Frankfurt Airport - Image, Economy Class and Beyond. The group are introducing a requirement to wear a medical protective mask on their flights to and from Germany. You will be required to wear either a surgical … [Read more...]

U.K. to require COVID-19 tests before arriving

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In a move that has been nine months too late, Her Majesty’s Government is to require passengers arriving into the UK to test negative for COVID-19, before travelling to the United Kingdom.  Negative Test Required A full statement has been published of the Government's intent at … [Read more...]

Review 2020: My (Limited) Travels

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Welcome to the last part of Review 2020 at Economy Class and Beyond - This time focused on my travels. Or lack of them thereafter. A year of cancellations My trip list has ended mostly in the bin - like a lot of peoples did. Here's a smattering of what ended up in the bin: Hamburg for Aircraft Interiors Expo Chicago (both in Spring and Autumn) to catch up with … [Read more...]