Economy Class & Beyond

Protests at Heathrow expansion forces a runway closure

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The Plane Stupid group today caused chaos at London Heathrow Airport when 13 of their protesters breached a security fence, and chained themselves together on  a runway - in a protest against Heathrow Expansion. The incursion occurred at 03:30BST with a runway closed for 3 and a half hours for them to be cleared.  The affected runway reo-pend to traffic at 06:20BST. By … [Read more...]

Hamad International Airport – It needs a passenger experience makeover.

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Good morning? Yes, it is morning I suppose from Hamad International Airport. Or as I'm calling it - "Hot Mess International". I'm sorry Hamad International Airport - Your cute bear lamp cannot save you from a hot mess of an airport. I'm sure you're aware of the mess I had of transit through here last time. Well, this time - I've had more fun this morning (and I'm … [Read more...]

Paris Orly gets a new oneworld lounge for OpenSkies and British Airways

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Paris Orly Airport. Words that can send shivers down anyone's spine. However, there's news of a welcome change at the airport, with the launch of a new lounge. The lounge is called 212 Orly West, and is operated by OpenSkies and British Airways... and it looks... rather nice. Images oneWorld/British Airways The lounge takes its inspiration from the New York loft … [Read more...]

Frankfurt Airport *does* have free Wifi…. and it works…

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Good morning/afternoon/I've lost the plot on time zones from Frankfurt Airport. Frankfurt Airport Flapperboard departure board - Image, Economy Class and Beyond It seems Frankfurt Airport has finally got onto the bandwagon of offering free at through the terminals at last. In the past, this was limited to 30 minutes or so via a ridiculous signup method that required you … [Read more...]

The joy of bussing… at Heathrow (or the hell of Gate T5-A10)

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Good morning from Terminal 5, where I'm pondering what designer built this wonderful place... because there are certainly never enough gates at Terminal 5. Why? I'm at everyone's non-favourite gate at Terminal 5 - A10.  For the uninitiated, T5-A10 is the bussing gate at Terminal 5A - for when an airline runs out of gates. And it's a miserable place to be. And … [Read more...]

The Davis Commission suggests a 3rd Runway at Heathrow

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Well, as if not many of us could guess the result, the Davis Commission has released its report today (Warning: Heavy Reading) on the need of a new runway in the South East of England, which recommended a 3rd runway should be built at London Heathrow Airport. Heathrow Airport at Takeoff, Image - Economy Class and Beyond So you think that's it - get the diggers in … [Read more...]

Plaza Premium adds a new lounge at Singapore

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Plaza Premium appear to be popping up more lounges around the world - with the launch of a lounge in Singapore Changi Airport.   Now, Singapore Changi Airport is one heck of an airport - lets make no bones about that, so a lounge may seem suplurious. But there are times where you need to take a break away from the masses to get on with some work in peace or relax - and … [Read more...]

Goodbye Heathrow Terminal 1

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Today marks another important day in Heathrow history - with Terminal 1 closing after opening in 1968. Heathrow Terminal 1 in 2008 - Image, Economy Class and Beyond. The last flight will be operated by British Airways, operating BA970 with a flight to Hanover as the last flight out of the terminal. British Airways is the last operator in the terminal, with all … [Read more...]