This week saw passengers on Virgin Trains able to relax and enjoy their journey even more with the option of free luxury hand massages on board.  In partnership with lastminute.com teams of qualified beauty specialists walked the aisles on selected London to Manchester and Manchester to London trains offering those travelling a treat.

To further emphasise to passengers that travelling by train is a far easier and less stressful mode of transport than by air or car, the free hand massages lasted 2-3 minutes apiece. Lastminute.com used the opportunity to promote its spa break packages and distribute money-off vouchers. 

Says Jim Rowe, Senior Communications Manager, “We trialled this luxury treatment free of charge for customers and we hope it improved their overall experience of travelling by train. Quicker journey times, no traffic, free Wifi and now beauty treatments on board – what better way to make a journey! Over 100 people benefitted from the service and we will now review whether to introduce this across our network as a permanent offer.”

2/5/2010 9:32:01 AM UTC    Comments 

With the addition of a new First Class cabin TAM now offers a choice of three classes on its daily Boeing 777-300ER services between London Heathrow and São Paulo Guarulhos.

Reflecting the increase in premium business traffic between the UK and Brazil, TAM Airlines has introduced a new First Class cabin on its daily services between London Heathrow and São Paulo Guarulhos. Introduced on 5 February, the new cabin compliments the airline’s existing business and economy class services.

TAM’s exclusive new First Class cabin on the daily Boeing 777-300ER service between the UK and Brazil offers just four flat sleeper seat units that have been designed for the passenger’s maximum privacy and comfort. The aircraft offers a further 56 seats in business and 302 in economy, and flight times in both directions are designed to maximise convenience and connecting services at both ends of the route.

As well as the personalised service TAM is known for across all its cabins, passengers in First Class can choose their own amenity items from a selection carried on board. The amenities consist of natural products from the Greek range of Korres, as well as pyjamas, slippers and eyeshades.

On board entertainment includes individual 23-inch screens offering 24 video channels that are programmed monthly with the latest film releases, as well as classics from the archives, TV programmes, and documentaries. There are 11 music channels catering to every taste, and a further choice of a 50 CD library to enjoy. The flight can be followed on an on screen map, and cameras on the fuselage allow passengers to view what is in front and below the Boeing 777 from take off to landing.

As well as the electronic entertainment system, passengers in TAM’s First Class cabin have a selection of Brazilian and international magazines and newspapers to read, and those passengers who wish to work have a special reading light and power points for laptops.

2/5/2010 9:31:20 AM UTC    Comments 

Something magical is happening at The Alnwick Gardens this month, as Alice and Wonderland comes to town.
 
From the 13th to the 28th February, The Garden will be filled with fun and fantasy as Britain’s favourite children’s story comes alive with the famous – and infamous – Wonderland characters.
 
There will be mad hatter tea parties, March Hare dancing and Alice in Wonderland fancy dress...watch out for the Queen of Hearts as she stomps around The Garden looking for people having too much fun – off with your head!
 
The Alnwick Garden has become known worldwide for its gigantic Treehouse, mysterious Poison Garden, beautiful water sculptures and unconventional - yet family friendly - garden design.

www.alnwickgarden.com

2/4/2010 12:27:39 PM UTC    Comments 

Body-scanning equipment has been introduced at Heathrow’s Terminal 4 as part of a UK Government move to further strengthen security at airports. The technology will better enable the detection of concealed items while allowing passengers to remain fully clothed.  The introduction of this technology is mandated by the Department for Transport.

Ian Hutcheson, BAA Security Director said: “The security and safety of our passengers and staff is BAA's first priority.  The introduction of full-body scanners and other technology is one significant step towards a more robust defence against the changing and unpredictable threat posed by terrorists. However it is important that, as a country, we make better use of the intelligence available to industry and Government and continue to promote the close assessment of passengers’ behaviour.  Only by doing so will we build a robust security system that is dynamic enough to respond quickly and effectively to the emerging threat.”

Passengers may be required to undergo the additional screening, having passed through the standard security search process.  The Department for Transport requires that all passengers selected for screening must do so and images of passengers are destroyed after being viewed by specially-trained security officers based elsewhere in the airport.  The process takes around seven seconds.

BAA undertook the first ever trial of body-scanning technology in 1991. 

2/2/2010 2:18:25 PM UTC    Comments 

Gulf Air, has launched Web Check-in and advanced seat selection from London Heathrow as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the travel experience of its passengers. 

Passengers flying from London Heathrow can now check in online at gulfair.com by selecting the “Check-in” tab on the homepage between 24 hours and 90 minutes before the scheduled departure of their flight.  They can also choose the seat of their choice using the new online interactive seat map.  The Web Check-in service also allows customers to check in additional passengers travelling with them on the same flight, making those hectic and, often stressful, family or group airport check-in processes a thing of the past. 

Christina Vidos, Commercial Manager UK and Ireland said: “We are very excited to be bringing this new service to our passengers travelling from our new home at London Heathrow Terminal Four.  As we strive to offer our customers a fast, efficient and hassle free travel experience, our Web Check-in service promises to reduce the valuable time our passengers need to spend at the airport.  By checking-in online and printing off their boarding pass before arriving at the airport, passengers travelling with no baggage can proceed directly to the boarding gate through airport security.  For passengers with baggage to check-in, dedicated ‘Web Check-in Baggage drop’ counters are available at the airport.   We are also delighted to be adding to our ‘family friendly airline’ status with our service that allows one passenger to check in fellow travelling companions online all at the same time.” 

2/1/2010 3:54:51 PM UTC    Comments 

Boingo, has announced it has signed an exclusive deal with BAA to be the sole provider of retail Wi-Fi services at six major airports in the United Kingdom.

The airports to be powered by Boingo include London Heathrow, London Stansted, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Southampton. Wi-Fi services were previously provided in parallel by multiple operators, including Boingo.

“Boingo’s proven track record as the global leader in neutral host airport Wi-Fi was crucial to our decision,” said Ian Denchfield, Head of Commercial Telecoms for BAA.  “The company’s dedication to world-class customer service and neutral host roaming, as well as longstanding success in network reliability and revenue growth, made them the obvious choice.”

“BAA’s UK airports are the crown jewels of hotspots in the British Isles,” said David Hagan, CEO and president, Boingo Wireless. “We intend to bring our full complement of expertise to bear in ensuring travelers have an optimal Wi-Fi experience when flying into, out of, or through the UK and on to their final destinations.

After connecting to the “Boingo Hotspot”, travellers will be redirected to a Boingo landing page -- accessible on both laptop and mobile devices -- with several Wi-Fi access options including day passes and subscriptions, with options to choose local or global access and pay in Pounds Sterling or the Euro.

www.boingo.com.

2/1/2010 3:54:06 PM UTC    Comments 

Virgin Atlantic, has launched a Upper Class seat sale to many of its destinations.  The fares are available to cities such as New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington, Miami, Las Vegas, San Francisco,  Los Angeles, Delhi,  Shanghai, Tokyo, Dubai, Johannesburg. The fares will be available until 09 February 2010 for travel on selected dates up to September 2010.

Upper Class ticket includes dedicated check in at all airports, invitation to Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses, Revivals Lounge at Heathrow, priority boarding at all airports, the Upper Class Suite onboard an onboard bar, Freedom menu and award winning inflight entertainment.

www.virginatlantic.com

1/29/2010 10:31:01 AM UTC    Comments 

Continental Airlines announced today that it will increase its schedule of flights between London/Heathrow and its New York hub, Newark Liberty International Airport, during 2010.  The airline will add a fourth daily service to the route in March and a fifth daily service in October, bringing the total number of Continental daily departures from Heathrow to seven, including its twice-daily service to Houston.

In addition, Continental announced that effective June 2, 2010 all aircraft scheduled for its flights departing Heathrow will feature new, flat bed seats in BusinessFirst, its business-class cabin.

“Heathrow-New York is a flagship route for Continental.  As the leading airline in the New York market, we are excited about introducing these schedule and product improvements for our London-New York travellers,” said Jeff Smisek, the airline’s Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer.  “All our London-New York customers will benefit from more flight options, while those travelling in BusinessFirst – whether to New York or Houston -- will be assured of a flat bed seat whenever they choose to fly with us.”

In addition to its Heathrow services, Continental operates non-stop services to New York from Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester, as well as Dublin and Shannon, serving more cities in the U.K. and Ireland than any other trans-Atlantic airline.  In addition, Continental and Virgin Atlantic Airways codeshare on several Virgin Atlantic-operated flights from London/Heathrow and London/Gatwick. 

www.continental.com/uk.

1/29/2010 10:09:27 AM UTC    Comments 

Aegean is expanding its services in neighboring countries adding to its network two new destinations. From January 1, 2010 Aegean will begin daily non-stop flights to Tel Aviv and Belgrade. The flight departure and arrival times are ideal for both business and leisure travelers. The flight schedule has been designed to allow for excellent connections with AEGEAN’s domestic destinations.

The flights to Tel Aviv will be operated by brand new Airbus A320, in dual class configuration. Business class passengers will be able to enjoy improved seat comfort, a choice of meals, as well espresso or cappuccino.

Starting from January 1, AEGEAN will begin flights between Athens and Belgrade.  There will be seven flights a week, carried out by the four- engine 112 seater AVRO RJ 100 aircraft.

www.aegeanair.com

1/28/2010 8:20:18 AM UTC    Comments 

Heathrow Express, is offering two for one travel between Thursday 11 February and Tuesday 16 February 2010 as a Valentine's special offer for return journeys.

When purchasing Express Class return tickets online between now and 16 February 2010, customers will receive their second journey free, saving them £32.00.

The offer is ideal for customers looking to snap up a great deal for the Valentine's weekend. Whether passengers are planning a romantic weekend to celebrate Valentine's Day, or just travelling somewhere with friends, they can save money with our exclusive 2 for 1 offer.

To take advantage of this great promotion visit heathrowexpress.com and type in the following promotional code: HXLOVE. Terms and conditions apply

1/26/2010 12:48:06 PM UTC    Comments 

Air New Zealand will transform international air travel later this year when it introduces revolutionary, Kiwi designed lie-flat economy and ground breaking premium economy seats, together with enhanced comforts for those wanting the ultimate in luxurious Business Premier travel.

The airline today revealed its prototype designs in a full-scale Boeing 777-300 cabin inside its design innovation centre in Auckland’s CBD. Chief Executive Officer Rob Fyfe says when the airline takes delivery of its first new Boeing 777-300 ER in November this year it will redefine the long haul travel experience and set a benchmark for competitors to follow.

“For those who choose, the days of sitting in economy and yearning to lie down and sleep are gone.  The dream is now a reality, one that you can even share with a travelling companion – just keep your clothes on thanks!” The ‘Skycouch’, a specially designed row of three seats, has been engineered to create a lie-flat, flexible space all the way to the seat-back in front, providing a place for the kids to play, or the holy grail of economy travel – a flat surface for adults to relax and sleep.

Twenty-two sets of Skycouch seats will be available, being the first 11 window rows in the Economy Class cabin. For two adults travelling, purchasing the Skycouch will be based on buying two seats at standard prices with the third seat at approximately half price. Full airfare details will be announced when it goes on sale from late April.

Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy cabin has also had a dramatic makeover.

1/26/2010 12:30:13 PM UTC    Comments 

Air France will gradually be introducing from 30 January 2010 onwards on its short-haul flights, a brand new seat on its Airbus A319, A320 and A321 fleets operating on the domestic network.

Air France’s new short-haul seat, designed jointly by Air France and Recaro, which received an award for innovation at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, provides additional comfort and more space with:

• 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) more legroom,

• An enhanced seatback with a natural 15° recline,

• A more streamlined and comfortable foam seat.

This new seat is also more environmentally friendly, since environmental aspects were taken into account at the start of the design stage.

‘Following investment on the long-haul network with the new Premium Voyageur cabin class, Air France is now investing on the domestic network to provide passengers with a more comfortable seat that is also environmentally friendly’, said  Patrick Roux, head of marketing at Air France-KLM.

1/20/2010 1:13:31 PM UTC    Comments