Economy Class & Beyond

Air Asia abandons counter check-in fee for international flights

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In what seems like a turnaround for a low-cost carrier, Air Asia has announced that it will be abolishing the counter check-in fee for all international flights. The RM10 fee (~$3/£2 or so) will no longer apply for International bookings from 22nd December 2011 onwards, however Domestic flights with Malaysia (which is fairly spread out) will be required to pay the fee - or … [Read more...]

BMI to leave Star Alliance upon sale completion

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Looking through the slide deck from the IAG  have published on their investors relations site, it is now confirmed that BMI's membership of Star Alliance will terminate upon completion of the purchase of BMI by IAG. The transaction is due to be completed by 31st March 2012, subject to regulatory approvals. The slide deck also reveals a few more features: BA will be … [Read more...]

From the horses mouths: Lufthansa and IAG on the BMI sale

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The press releases for today's big announcement today of the sale of British Midland Airways to International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) First up, Lufthansa - http://presse.lufthansa.com/en/news-releases/singleview/archive/2011/december/22/article/2054.html Following the announcement on November 4, 2011, Deutsche Lufthansa AG (Lufthansa) and International Airlines … [Read more...]

Lufthansa sells BMI to… IAG (BA/Iberia)

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Well it seems Virgin was too late to the party with Deutsch Lufthansa AG deciding to sell it's British Midland Airways subsidiary to ... International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG). For IAG, the spoils of war are simple: 56 slots at Heathrow. The cost has been revealed to be  £172.5m, and IAG/Lufthansa aim to have the deal done in the next 3 months. The deal of … [Read more...]

Bad news: LOLCats are coming to GhettoIFE

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It seems the Internet is powered and populated by Cats from what I've seen. And it seems this corner of the Interwebs will be invaded by LOLCats too. Quick primer - Take an image of a cat. Add a few funny or appropriate comments (Ideally in IMPACT font). Add childlike language. Boom. You can haz LOLCat! However, LOLCats have a lot to do with frequent flying. And over in … [Read more...]

IAG pledges to “Grab” BMI according to Bloomberg

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The ongoing saga of who is buying British Midland Airways (owner of British Midland International and BMI Baby) continues to rumble on with International Consolidated Airlines Group (owner of British Airways and Iberia) seemingly wanting BMI according to Bloomberg. IAG concedes that whilst the sales process is taking longer thanks to Virgin Atlantic Airways putting it's … [Read more...]

ANA International 787’s delayed

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As I eluded to last week, ANA were having trouble with it's 787 delivery schedule from Boeing (As I was almost hit with the changes to my upcoming 787 flight). Well, more details are emerging. ANA has taken 2 of the 787's into service, but blames Boeing for a "productivtiy" issue over the 3rd plane that was due to be delivered. As such, it's had to trim following … [Read more...]

UK Regulated Rail fares to rise by 5.9% Average – but expect chaos

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Things are not peachy with the UK rail network - itself one of the most expensive networks in Europe, but there is some small relief when in the Autumn statement, the Chancellor capped the rise in fares in regulated fares from 8% to 6%. Average rises amongst the train operating companies have settled down near the top, at 5.9%. However don't read too much into that. Whilst … [Read more...]

Just a reminder – Holiday Inn 2012 sale for £20.12 is on now

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Just a quick reminder for those who want some bargain rooms in January 2012, ICHG is running a London 2012 tie-in promo where you can get your rooms... for £20.12. Book at http://www.holidayinn.com/2012 But check the terms and conditions The £20.12 room-rate promotion is available at participating Holiday Inn hotels in the UK for room bookings only for stays between … [Read more...]

UK Banks and Credit Card companies to scrap *some* fees on ForEx

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News from the BBC indicates that some fees on Foreign Exchange are being scrapped by Banks and Credit Card companies after pressure from the Office of Fair Trading. The OFT has been looking at a complaint has filed by consumer focus (that the banks moaned about because they had no consultation) More importantly, fees that are charged will be displayed more clearly in … [Read more...]