Travellers ferry happy to take the boat New figures from the Passenger Shipping Association suggest that ever-worsening airport delays in the UK are inspiring people to take more ferry holidays. Nearly 43 million journeys were made in and out of the UK during 2007, an increase of 419,000 over the previous year. UK-to-Ireland routes fared particularly well, with numbers rising from 5.3 million to 5.5 million. And passengers taking their cars over to the Continent went up from 1.27 million to 1.36 million.
Airline passengers set for refunds
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have agreed to pay refunds to passengers. It's all because of the fuel charge price-fixing saga involving the two airlines, for which BA received a huge fine last summer. Air travellers who flew on BA or Virgin between 11 August 2004 and 23 March 2006 may be in line for a refund of up to £11.50 per flight. Claims can be made when the website at www.virginbapassengerrefund.com goes online in the very near future.
Canada provides a Dome away from home
A small slice of Canada has gone on show at London's Canary Wharf; the Canada Dome is a fully interactive visitor attraction that has shrunk down seven of Canada's provinces and showcases their highlights. Visitors will get a taste of what it's like to go fishing on Canada's Atlantic coast, sample the rich aromas of Ontario's vineyards and hear some snippets from Quebec's sultry nightlife. As well as the chance to learn about Canada, the dome is also hosting a competition to win a 13-day trip for two to the country's Eastern coast. If you can't make it along to the dome in person, the competition can be entered online too, by visiting www.canada.travel.
Cabin luggage rules set to confuse
From 7th Jan, travellers departing from most UK airports will once again get to take two cabin bags on to the plane rather than one, as strict rules introduced in 2006 are eased. However, the one-bag-rule will remain in place at London Gatwick because the required new security measures have not yet been fully implemented there. Adding to the confusion, several airlines are keeping their own specific rules in place as to how much baggage you can carry on. If you're in any doubt (and we bet you are), contact your airline to find out more.
Kenya violence: latest advice
The Foreign Office has now advised against all non-essential travel to Kenya, following the outbreak of post-election violence in the country and many deaths. If you were due to travel to Kenya in the near future you should contact your tour operator or travel agent to find out about changes to your plans. The situation is constantly changing so it's not impossible that the advice will change at short notice; visit the Foreign Office website for the very latest advice and information.
Airport strike called off
Some better news now... Trades Union officials have called off strikes that had been planned by airport staff, potentially causing massive delays at airports across the country. A dispute over pensions has been put aside as consultations continue, so there won't be any walkouts in the immediate future.
MAXjet files for bankruptcy
The first airline to launch business-class-only flights to New York has gone bust; MAXjet Airways had been flying from London to New York, Washington and Las Vegas since launching in 2006, but ceased operations on Christmas Eve. The airline said that high fuel prices and the US credit crunch were to blame. Analysts are watching with intrigue as rival business-class carriers EOS and Silverjet claim to be thriving, but may face a tricky year as the new Open Skies agreement comes into play, as well as new restrictions on flights from New York and those pesky global financial nerves. Watch this space...
Batteries not included
The latest change to security rules for air travellers flying in or from the US is that batteries will only be allowed in checked-in luggage if they're within an electronic device. Loose batteries, apparently, are a fire hazard and can't be allowed to roll around in suitcases willy-nilly.
No nookie for A380 passengers
First-class passengers on Singapore Airlines' new Airbus A380 have officially been asked to resist the temptation to do anything saucy in the aircraft's huge new suites. The premium cabins are spacious and secluded but not sound-proof, so the airline has politely asked travellers not to try to join the mile-high club as they may offend fellow passengers...
Nepal keen to ban Everest nudity
Authorities in Nepal are set to take action to stop climbers setting novel records on the world's highest mountain. Last year a Nepali climber stripped off on Mount Everest for several minutes to claim the "world's highest display of nudity", whilst a Dutch man recently set off up the mountain wearing just a pair of shorts. Locals consider it disrespectful to Everest - which they worship as a god - and have asked the government to impose a ban on mountainside nakedness.
