Airport parking and Hotels (APH), the long stay airport parking and travel extras specialist, has turned the spotlight on its own industry by highlighting the extra charges imposed by airport parking booking companies. The research compares the extra charges imposed by the top, airport parking booking agencies offering services at all major UK airports, including credit card charges, debit card charges, cancellation fees and refunds. The table is available in the ‘Know Before You Go’ section of the website at www.aph.com/charges.

Cancellation and amendment fees were found to be the highest charge added to the booking with all the companies charging cancellation fees if a booking is cancelled close to the travel date, however some charge hefty fees even if customers cancel well in advance. Airparks, BCP and Holiday Extras (all part of the same company group) charge £9.50 for each cancellation if not done within 24 hours of making the booking, whereas Airport parking and Hotels (APH) and Purple parking have no charges for cancelling at least a day in advance of the departure date.

Nick Caunter, managing director of Airport parking and Hotels (APH) says: “The good news is that compared to the no frills airlines where the extra charges often occur, the airport parking industry has many fewer “extras”. However, customers really need to be savvy about who they book with because there are significant differences between companies.”

Airport parking and Hotels Ltd is one of the UK’s leading booking agencies and this year celebrates its 30th year as a retailer and operator of pre-booked airport parking and travel extras. APH offers parking at all major UK airports, ports and Eurotunnel terminals plus airport hotels packaged with parking, airport lounges, travel insurance, car hire and holiday taxis. APH is also a carbon balanced company and has, through the World Land Trust, helped purchase more than 1,000 acres of Belize rainforest.

For further information visit www.aph.com or call 01342 859515.

Leading regional airline kicks key flight from Dublin to Southampton into touch for crucial England-Ireland rugby  clash.

Flybe, the UK’s Number One Domestic Airline and one of Europe’s largest regional airlines, will be using one of  its larger aircraft on the last flight of the day from Dublin to Southampton on Friday 26th to cope with the  increased demand from Irish fans wanting to travel to London to watch their team’s crucial Six Nations Rugby match  against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

The airline will operate one of its popular 118-seat Embraer jet aircraft on the 2035 departure from Dublin in  making sure that no Irish rugby fan will miss out and limited seats are still available for booking now at  www.flybe.com

The move re-iterates Flybe’s commitment to bringing affordable, convenient travel to its customers and builds on  Flybe’s tradition of championing sporting activity in the regions in which it operates.

Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mike Rutter, says: “At Flybe, we always try to respond quickly to the needs of  our passengers and the aircraft upgrade from our usual 78-seat Q-400 is a perfect example of this.

“We never fail to be amazed by the sporting passion demonstrated by our passengers as they travel to support their  teams and are only too happy to help them fly their team’s flag wherever possible.”

No.1 Traveller launches on Monday 1 February – a new approach to catching a flight that combines chauffeured airport transfers, airport concierge services and exclusive lounges, to create a seamless journey for the discerning passenger, from driveway to runway.

Created by innovative travel company, the No.1 Group, which last year opened stylish new lounges at Gatwick and Stansted airports (called No.1 Gatwick and No.1 Stansted), the No.1Traveller experience finally makes catching a flight a real pleasure.

No.1 Traveller is available to everyone, from companies to the individual business traveller, to the holidaymaker or honeymooner.

No.1 Traveller offers a tailored service at each step of the journey to and through the airport, with a focus on exceptional service, delivered at great value. No.1 recognises the need for a stress-free, and reliable experience when catching a plane. And, as airport security once again becomes more time-consuming, No.1 offers havens within the airport, where the traveller can make the most of their time, working or relaxing as they choose.

Airport Transfers The company boasts a modern fleet of Mercedes-Benz E, S and V class vehicles, with punctual, experienced and immaculately-presented drivers, and prices comparable to the cost of a standard people carrier from London’s leading minicab operators. Prices to Heathrow from London’s West End start at £58.20.

Concierge Whether printing off vital documents, arranging a return car journey or sorting out what to do with the house keys, No.1’s concierge service is an invaluable safety net for any traveller, and is available to all our members and anyone using our services on the day.

Lounges No.1 lounges are a haven within the airport. Each lounge has a number of areas in which to relax, work or socialise, features a fully-tended bar and offers table service from our welcoming and attentive team. The complimentary food and drink offering includes a range of cakes, savoury snacks and fresh fruit, with light bistro-style dishes available to order. The bar serves a full range of hot and cold drinks, wines, beers and spirits. A range of champagne and cocktails is also available for purchase. Lounge access can be purchased for £17.50 per adult (or less, if booked as part of a package with a car, or by using a No.1 card).

Corporate Membership & the No.1 Card Companies can optimise their staff’s travel time in one easy move by taking a corporate membership for five or more employees.

Each member gets a No.1 card, which also offers discounts on cars, lounges and complimentary use of the concierge service – which employees can also use for their own leisure travel, as an added perk. Individual travellers can subscribe to the No.1 Card for just £28 per annum, which includes one free lounge entry.

The No.1 Group is a British company, founded by the multi award-winning West End theatre producer, Phil Cameron. “As a frequent traveller, I know how stressful and unpredictable getting to the airport can be. We’ve created No.1 Traveller to take the hassle and stress away, and to let the traveller actually enjoy catching a flight again.

“We’re excited about this major launch in the UK and to building a reputation as the obvious choice for getting you, the passenger, to your flight. Whether it’s for work or a wedding, everyone wants their trip to get off to a good start, and for the best possible price. We’re here to make sure our customers feel their journey is happening their way.”

The company opened its first lounge at JFK International Airport in 2007 and, since then, has served hundreds of thousands of satisfied passengers. It will continue to extend its services to major airports across the UK during 2010 and 2011, with coverage of over sixty percent of the UK travel market in the next eighteen months.

Thomas Cook Airlines is flying high as it becomes the first charter airline in the UK to launch an internet check-in service for passengers. Customers will now have the choice to book in online in advance of arriving at the airport, or continue to use the traditionalmethod.

Online check-in is currently available for outbound Thomas Cook Airlines flights from London Gatwick, London Stansted, Leeds Bradford, Bristol, Belfast and Newcastle.  The service is due to be extended to the other UK airports from which Thomas Cook flies in the near future.

Online check-in couldn’t be easier or more convenient. When purchasing a flight or holiday at a Thomas Cook or Going Places store, at thomascook.com or over the phone, customers can select a Seats Together/Your Seat Your Choice option. This enables them to choose their seats and check-in online, and print their boarding cards from the comfort of their own home, up to seven days before the flight departs. On the day of their flight, they take their luggage to the
Thomas Cook Airlines designated bag drop before heading to passport control.

Seats Together/ Your Seat Your Choice costs from £12 per person return and Priority Seat Selection, which enables seat selection up to 98 days before travel, costs from £6 per person per flight. Extra leg room seats are also available from £23.50 per person per flight.

Joanna Wild, Director of Customer Services at Thomas Cook Airlines, said: “We’re always looking at ways that we can give our holidaymakers more control over their booking and this innovation gives people the freedom to chose where they sit as well as making the airport experience a quick and easy one.

“We’re really proud that we’re the first to offer this to charter passengers and look forward to rolling it out to our full flying programme soon.”

London oxford Airport welcomed its first international scheduled service in 72 years when full-frills Swiss regional carrier Baboo commenced weekly flights to Geneva on Saturday.

Among the passengers that boarded the first south-bound Bombardier Q400 advanced turboprop were several last minute bookings. Were it not for the new oxford service they had faced waiting until Tuesday to get to Geneva owing to weather disruptions at congested airports and rail stations. “We were absolutely delighted they turned to oxford,” said London oxford Airport Managing Director Steve Jones.

Baboo CEO Jacques Bankir flew back to Geneva with the first flight. “We have really been excited about this airport. It is ideal for Baboo. Our passengers have a stress-free experience, enjoying facilities designed for business aviation clients and it is a great complement to our 11 weekly services out of London City Airport.” He confirmed that Baboo plans a connecting flight from Geneva to Rome in the New Year that will connect with the oxford departures. This is possible through the airline’s newly ratified codeshare partnership with Alitalia.

Baboo’s flights from oxford to Geneva are particularly aimed at ski traffic (no ski equipment surcharge) from the home counties, but they provide a user-friendly link between two international, high-tech destinations that are popular with tourists too.

Ahead of the Geneva services London oxford Airport invested in full winter kit, including runway de-icing and snow clearing equipment and built a modular baggage arrivals hall capable of handling 75 passengers and their luggage. The airport is also installing a fully computerized Departure Control System (DCS) which it hopes to have operational from mid January.

Sion Airport welcomed its first service direct from London Stansted this weekend when Snowjet commenced twice weekly flights to the Swiss Alps on Saturday. A total of 75 passengers boarded the Bae146-200 aircraft for the inaugural flight.

David Lacy, Snowjet’s Managing Director said: “Our Sion flights operated exactly to schedule, despite challenging weather conditions across the UK and Europe this weekend. Marcel Maurer, Mayor of Sion, greeted the first flight on Saturday and expressed his delight at having direct services from London, which will benefit Swiss travellers as well as British winter-sports enthusiasts.

“Flying direct to Sion, in the popular Swiss Valais Region, is the fastest route to some of Switzerland’s top ski resorts, including Zermatt, Verbier, Saas Fee, Crans Montana, Nendaz and Veysonnaz. Verbier, for example, is just 35 to 40 minutes away from Sion, compared with two and a half hours from Geneva.”

Snowjet’s Sion flights are the only scheduled services from the UK to this exclusive and efficient Alpine airport. As well as being the closest airport to some of Switzerland’s finest ski resorts, Sion has the added benefit of handling a low volume of passengers, meaning skiers don’t have a long wait at baggage reclaim or at check-in, enabling them to spend longer on the slopes. The airline also secured very civilised flight times, ensuring passengers can enjoy their winter break to the full.

The Bae146-200 utilised on the route is configured with just 80-seats with a seat pitch of 32 inches, providing passengers with extra leg room and comfort. The flights (number ZT 6411/2) operate twice-weekly, every Saturday and Sunday, through to 18 April 2010, departing London Stansted at 1000, arriving Sion at 1300. From Sion, departures are at 1400, arriving London Stansted at 1500 (local times).

Flights to Sion airport complement Snowjet’s established routes with flights to Chambery from London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham. Snowjet’s flights to Chambery are popular with skiers travelling to Meribel, Val d’Isere, Tignes, Courchevel, Val Thorens, Les Arcs and La Plagne as they offer significant time savings on transfers to these resorts and others in the region, compared with flying to any other ski airport. Snowjet’s new Gatwick-Geneva service, which also commenced on Saturday, provides a gateway to further resorts including Chamonix, Morzine and Avoriaz.

All Snowjet flights are available to book online at www.snowjet.co.uk, with a lead in fare of just £29 one way, including all taxes and a free 20kg baggage allowance. Ski-carriage is just £14.99 one way.

With around three million Brits preparing to travel abroad over the festive season, the country’s airports are likely to be extremely busy.

However, with a little forward planning, travellers can ensure they get their break off to a stress-free start, it has been claimed.

According to insurance provider Essential Travel, passengers should always check whether their flight is on time before leaving home.

“A little knowledge can go a long way and if there is any disruption, you can ensure you know how to handle it. The key is to learn the basics and keep in good spirits,” company spokesman Richard Hannan told the Daily Mirror.

Holidaymakers should also consider flying from a smaller airport, as these are likely to be less congested than the UK’s main transport hubs, such as Heathrow and Manchester Airport.

According to Abta ? The Travel Association, holidaymakers should ensure they check airline luggage restrictions before jetting off this Christmas.

Ryanair ANNOUNCES 39th BASE AT Faro

3 aircraft, 28 routes and 1.3M passengerS P.A. from 2010

500,000 €5 JANUARY SEAT SALE

Ryanair, the world’s favourite airline, today (16th Dec 09) announced it would open its 39th base at Faro in March 2010 with 3 based aircraft and 14 new routes (28 in total) being launched.

Ryanair will create over 150 direct jobs and offer over 200 weekly flights to/from Faro in an investment of over $200 million in the airport.

Ryanair’s 14 new routes from Faro to Billund, Birmingham, Derry, Eindhoven, Kerry, Knock, Madrid, Marseille, Maastricht, Milan (Bergamo), Oslo (Rygge), Paris (Beauvais) and Stockholm (Skavsta) will increase Ryanair’s traffic at Faro to 1.3million p.a. which will sustain 1,300 well paid local jobs in the region.

Ryanair celebrated its new Faro base by releasing 500,000 €5 seats for travel on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays on over 500 routes across its European network in January.

These €5 seats are available for booking on www.ryanair.com <http://www.ryanair.com/>

until midnight Thursday (17th Dec).

In Faro today, Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary said:

“Ryanair is delighted to announce Faro as our 39th base with 14 new routes from next March which go on sale on www.ryanair.com <http://www.ryanair.com/>

tomorrow. With a total of 28 low fare routes from Faro next summer Portuguese consumers and visitors can beat the recession by choosing Ryanair’s lowest fares and our no fuel surcharge guarantee on 28 exciting destinations all over Europe including France, Italy and Germany among others.

Ryanair’s 1.3m passengers p.a. will sustain 1,300 jobs locally at Faro Airport”.

14 New Faro routes in 2010 to:

Billund

Marseille

Birmingham

28 Mar

Maastricht

Derry

Memmingen (Mun)

Eindhoven

Milan (Bergamo)

25 Mar

Kerry

Oslo (Rygge)

Knock

Paris (Beauvais)

Madrid

Stockholm (Skavsta)

Guilhermino Rodrigues, CEO of ANA, said:

“This is a great day for our airport and our region as Europe’s largest airline opens a base in Faro. Today’s announcement shows Faro as an exception in the sector and will help create much needed jobs. It shows Ryanair shares our confidence in the tremendous opportunity for strong market growth at Faro”.

Founded in 1910, Shoreham (brighton City) Airport is the oldest licensed airfield in the UK.

Celebrating its 100th birthday in June, the airfield is now used by privately owned light aeroplanes and flying schools, as well as playing host to the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Shoreham Air show each summer.

http://www.visitbrighton.com

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is inviting private pilots and others involved in aviation around Kent, to attend a General Aviation Safety Evening on Tuesday 12 January.

The event will give those involved in light aircraft flying an opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of aviation safety matters. The evening will be held at the TG Aviation Thanet Flying Club, Manston, and will be introduced by the CAA’s Safety Promotion Officer, David Cockburn.

Those attending will be able to discuss with David and other experts such topics as:

· aircraft accidents involving pilot handling skills;

· decision making, including weather recognition;

· aircraft maintenance; and

· air traffic control services and airspace matters.

They will also have the chance to win a selection of prizes donated by sponsors from the aviation industry.

The evening forms part of the CAA’s commitment to working with the aviation industry to continue to improve air safety. Around 20 Safety Evening presentations are held throughout the UK each year. Last year, over 1,000 people attended the events that took place at locations from Cornwall to Scotland.

David Cockburn said: “Private aviation in the UK has a good safety record, however all pilots, from trainees to experienced instructors, whatever their aircraft type, should be continually seeking to refresh and refine their skills and knowledge.”

Anyone who is involved in general aviation is welcome to attend the Safety Evening which is free and starts at 7.30 pm. To reserve a place, or to find out more information, please telephone 01843 823656.

For media enquiries please contact Cheryl Walmsley on 020 7453 6026.