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Do You Know Why First Class Tickets Are So Expensive?

Flying first-class is every travellers dream!

The free-flowing champagne, comfortable seats and a luxurious treatment at 30000 feet in the air would be on anyone’s ‘Bucket List’.

But these days, first-class airfares have become more expensive than spending an evening at a 5 Star hotel.

Have you ever wondered why?

Well, we did some digging and found out a few reasons why airlines charge you a bomb when you fly first-class.

1.First-Class Perks & Services

The main reason why first-class tickets are kept high is because of the perks that come with it.

Unlike the bland food in economy class, a first class passenger is treated to world-class cuisines prepared by Micheline-Starred Chefs, which they can enjoy in front of a personal entertainment system.

Once you are full, the airline provides you sleepwear to doze off on those comfortable flat beds.

Apart from all these services, some airlines also offer you shower facilities.

Its almost like your personalized bedroom in the sky.

2.Exclusive Access At The Airport

Special treatment is not just confined to airplanes for first-class passengers.

Many international airlines have luxurious first-class lounges at airports to pamper you before and after the flight.

You can grab a drink before you board the airplane or take a shower once you arrive at your destination, at these first-class airport lounges.

If that wasn’t enough, airlines also provide you a chauffeur-driven Mercedes or Porsche to ferry you to and from the airport.

3.Allows Airlines To Offer Discounts

First class prices are kept high so that they can be discounted or promoted.

Airlines bank on corporate deals which offer free upgrades or discounted first-class tickets because these partnerships are profitable.

These days airlines are going beyond corporates and offering lucrative discounts to leisure travellers as well. For example, some airlines offer their passengers free upgrades to first class when they pay full-fare on a  business-class ticket.

4.People Don’t Usually Pay Full Fare

Airlines don’t expect people travelling in first class to pay the full fare.

In fact, you will be surprised to know only a few people travel first class by paying the full ticket amount.

Apart from corporate employees, people use their frequent flyer miles as well to get upgrades or discounts on first-class tickets.

So those Rs 40000 worth first-class seats? Only a few people are actually paying that price!

5.Sense Of Exclusivity

First-class seats are considered a premium product and like all luxury goods, they are expensive.

Airlines try to create an experience where they make the passenger feel special and high prices are necessary to maintain those standards.

You feel like you are getting more than what you expected, which makes the flying experience exclusive.

6.Rising Airline Costs

Air ticket prices have changed from what they were a decade ago. This is because the associated costs of an airline have increased over the years.

According to Global Statistics, the cost of airplane fuel in 1996 was just 55 cents per gallon, however, as of April 2018, airplane fuel costs $2.2 per gallon.

Apart from rising oil prices, airline taxes, security costs and airport maintenance costs have also increased leading to airline pushing that burden onto passengers by increasing airfares.

7.First-Class Takes Up Space

According to a research conducted by travel site, Momondo, on an average, first class seats are 32 inches wide with a seat pitch or length of 92 inches.

This allows the passenger to travel in comfort and have privacy.

On long-haul flights, a first class seat takes up the space of four to six economy seats. That’s why airlines price it four to six times higher or more, considering the demand for economy seats.

The perks are there to help justify the price difference to customers.

8.Dynamic Pricing

Airlines decide their price tickets based on what a customer is willing to pay rather than how much they should pay to cover their “fair share.”

So if you have the money, the price of the tickets won’t make much difference and you can pay a premium for the convenience of first-class.

The concept of dynamic pricing is used in many industries but the airline industry is its best example.

Nowhere will you find, two people using the same service and paying different prices for it, which usually happens in the economy cabin.

Flying first-class is expensive, but if you want to get around it, read about the “10 Ways To Upgrade Your Seat To First-Class”.

Can’t wait to experience the luxury of first-class?

Download the AirWhizz App and get real-time flight updates, information about airlines and things to do at the airport at your fingertips. So go ahead, travel in style and fly stress-free!

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Airports Authority Of India May Ban Plastic At All Its Airports!

Indian airports managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) may soon put a ban on plastic by the end of 2018.

The main focus of this move is to stop the use of plastic which is used to wrap or pack food items served at the airport.

AAI currently manages 125 airports and discussions to implement this rule at these airports have already started. Authorities are consulting other departments of the government to find alternative packaging solutions.

Ready-To-Eat food is one of the primary products which is sold at airports and they are generally wrapped in thin plastic covers. The main focus is to stop that practice and find alternative solutions like using ‘Bagasse’ as packaging material.

From 23rd June 2018, the use of plastic bags will be banned in Maharashtra and AAI airports like the Pune Airport are gearing up for it.

All the instructions have been passed on to the necessary stakeholders, such as food stall owners, by the Pune Airport authorities. They will be keeping an eye on the facilities inside the airport to make sure that this practice is implemented.

Plastic and garbage dumped around the airport is the major cause for attracting animals and birds. There have recently been a lot of complaints at the Pune Airport about the growing number of stray dogs in the vicinity. In fact, in 2017, there were 2 incidents of airplane bird strikes which were reported.

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Jet Airways To Revise Baggage Rules From July 2018!

India’s second largest airline, Jet Airways, announced on Friday that they will be revising their baggage rules from 15th July 2018.

The airline has said that they will be changing their baggage policy from the ‘Weight’ concept to ‘Piece’ concept for check-in luggage on all their domestic flights.

Here are the details of the revised baggage policy-

  • For economy class passengers, the airline will allow only one free check-in bag which does not exceed 15kg.
  • Business or ‘Premiere’ class passengers can carry 2 check-in bags for free which do not exceed 30 kgs (15kg per bag)
  • ‘Jet Platinum’ members who are travelling in the economy class can carry 2 bags, with a maximum weight of 15kg per bag.
  • ‘Jet Platinum’ members travelling in the ‘Premiere’ class have been allowed two bags not exceeding 25kg per bag.
  • The new rules won’t apply to those who have bought their tickets before 15th June 2018.

Currently, passengers flying on domestic routes have a restriction on the weight of the luggage and not on the number of bags they can carry. Jet Airways will be the first airline in India to implement this system.

The concept of free baggage allowance based on the number of bags is a popular concept in countries like the United States and most international airlines follow this. In fact, many airlines in India follow this rule when they fly internationally.

This move will benefit the airline because, with lesser bags to load, the flight will be able to take-off quickly. Also, it will free up space in the belly-hold of the aircraft, which can be utilized for carrying extra cargo and in the process, increase their revenue.

*Learn more about different ‘Airline Baggage Rules In India’

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Top 10 Airport Gyms In The World!

When you’re waiting at the airport for your connecting flight, its easy to settle into a comfy chair with your book or laptop and munch on some snacks to kill time.

But these days, with people becoming more fitness conscious, airports and nearby transit hotels are incorporating health clubs and gyms to keep travellers fit, energetic and in good spirit.

So why not use those extra hours between flights to squeeze in a workout before a week full of meetings or to burn off that extra holiday fat.

To help you make better use of your layover, here’s a list of the top 10 airport gyms which you can visit the next time you fly to these destinations!

1.Baltimore-Washington International Airport (ROAM Fitness)

This gym offers travellers one of the most convenient workout experiences at an airport.

You can find cardio machines, free weights as well as weighted machines at the gym. The best part about this facility is that it is located after the airport security area.

To deliver a top-of-the-line fitness experience, the gym offers running shoes and workout clothes on rent. Showers are located inside the gym itself and there’s a wide range of post-workout nutrition products on display that you can choose from.

2.Dubai International Airport (G-Force Health Club)

If you’re flying through the Dubai International Airport, do visit the G-Force Health Club located in Terminal 1.

The health club gives you a world-class experience by offering you a full-size swimming pool, sauna, a jacuzzi lounge, showers and a gym.

It’s open 24 hours a day and you can avail different packages it offers, some of which include a Swedish massage.

3.Singapore Changi International Airport (Airport Wellness Oasis)

The best airport in the world offers cutting-edge fitness centers at all 3 terminals, so there is no excuse for you to skip a workout.

All three fitness centers offer state of the art facilities including free weights, exercise bikes and cross trainers.

You can relax post-workout with a nice shower and a soothing massage which is available inside.

4.Toronto Pearson International Airport (GoodLife Fitness)

A partnership between Canada’s largest fitness company and its main airport, GoodLife Fitness allows thousands of passengers to stay fit and energetic whenever they travel through Pearson.

The gym gives you the option to store your luggage and offers workout clothes and shoes.

The best part about this gym is that you get to experience a great workout while travelling without burning a hole in your pocket.

5.Munich Airport (Hilton Fit And Fly Spa)

The next time you’re passing through the Munich Airport and have some time to spare, visit the Hilton’s Fit and Fly Spa located inside the Hilton Munich Airport Hotel.

The fitness center offers travellers a 17-metre long pool, a gym with personal trainers, sauna, steam bath and a Jacuzzi.

There is also a spa which has state of the art facilities and a massage therapist on call.

6.Vancouver Airport (Fairmont Hotel Health Club)

The Fairmont Airport Hotel located inside the Vancouver International Airport offers not only luxury rooms but also a health and fitness center.

The health club has a ‘Fit & Fly’ programme for travellers who are not hotel guests and are just passing through the airport.

An ‘Economy Pass’ includes gym, sauna, showers and a pool access. Their ‘Club Pass’ includes everything an economy pass has to offer plus Reebok workout shoes and clothes.

They also have a ‘Platinum Pass’ which offers you a healthy post-workout meal, in addition to the services available in the Club Pass

7.Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (MyFitness)

This is a ‘Pop-up’ gym and is not that big, buts its convenient location within the airport makes up for that.

It is located right inside the terminal just beside the boarding gate and is available for you to use free of charge.

It has a treadmill, rowing machine, exercise bicycle and a staircase trainer, all equipped with a screen and connected to the Internet.

8.Chicago O’Hare International Airport (Hilton Athletic Club)

This Health club at the Hilton Chicago O’Hare Hotel is located right opposite the domestic terminals.

It provides travellers with an excellent opportunity to break a sweat before, after or while waiting for their flight.

In addition to the usual cardio machines, the fitness center is fully equipped with free weights which will keep serious weightlifters happy while travelling.

9.Detroit Metropolitan Airport(Westin Workout Fitness Studio)

This airport offers passengers a fantastic fitness studio equipped with treadmills, free weights and an indoor heated swimming pool.

The gym also provides its guests with a set of new shoes and workout clothes.

Apart from this they also have regular live spin classes and It’s open 24 hours a day.

10.Zurich Airport (PACE Fitness Club)

At a walking distance from the Zurich Airport, this gym is located in the basement of the Radisson Blu Hotel.

Even though it is a bit expensive, the fitness club offers a wide range of services for you to stay fit and relax after the workout.

It is spread across 2000 sqm and has a fully equipped gym with personal trainers, sauna, steam, waterbeds and Turkish Baths.

Don’t want to skip your workout the next time you fly? Simply download the AirWhizz app and get information about different fitness/Yoga centers available at the airport along with real-time flight updates on the move.

Stay fit and Fly Stress-Free!

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Airports May Soon Stop Stamping Of Boarding Pass For Domestic Passengers!

Passengers flying on domestic routes from Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore Airport may not have to get their boarding pass stamped with “Security Checked” in the near future.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has approached Delhi and Bangalore Airport to carry out this pilot project. Mumbai Airport will also start this practice within the next 3 months.

CISF and airport authorities have already stopped stamping hand baggage tags at several airports in the past one year.

Hyderabad Airport was one of the first major airports to carry out this pilot project and now have an E-Boarding gate. Airports Authority of India(AAI) plans to start the e-boarding system at 3 airports by the end of 2018.

Mumbai Airport is replacing its old cameras with ‘High Definition’ ones as a part of this project. They are replacing their CCTV cameras at the domestic departure terminal. Authorities will be able to get ‘crystal clear’ pictures of passengers right from the time they enter the terminal to when they board an airplane.

Stamping of the boarding pass is done to find out who frisked the passengers and also to ensure that everyone is frisked before being allowed to board the aircraft. This information is used if an incident occurs on a flight due to a security-lapse. These HD cameras will allow authorities to do the same without ever needing to stamp a boarding pass.

CISF’s new Director General, Mr. Rajesh Ranjan, had recently said that he wanted to enhance an air passengers experience by taking steps such as putting a stop to boarding pass stamping.

He said that there have been instances where a security personnel has forgotten to stamp a boarding card and then the passenger has had to return from the boarding gate, which often led to them getting frisked again. If stamping is done away with, passengers will be able to have a seamless travel experience at airports.

Delhi and Bangalore Airport authorities have agreed to this request made by CISF. Bangalore Airport’s spokesperson, Archana Muthappa, has said that they will work closely with regulatory authorities to ensure that the airport uses the most current, cutting-edge technologies in security checks.

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Regulatory Body Proposes 74% Cut In UDF At Bangalore Airport!

Passengers flying from the Bangalore Airport may soon have to pay less for their flight ticket.

The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has proposed a 74% cut in the User Development Fee (UDF) on both domestic and international flights.

User Development Fee is the tax that is levied on the passenger by the airport operator, to receive a fair share of return on the investment done for development of the airport.

Passengers currently pay a UDF of Rs 1226 for international flights and Rs 306 for domestic flights. AERA has proposed, that this fee should be reduced to Rs 316.8 and Rs 79.2 for international and domestic flights respectively.

AERA will conduct a stakeholder’s consultation meeting with Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), various airlines and government officials on 18th June 2018.

The meeting will be held to discuss about reducing the UDF for passengers, as well as reducing the landing, parking and housing charges imposed on airlines by 90%.

Reduction of landing and parking charges will result in lower costs for airlines, a benefit they may pass on to the passengers by reducing the airfare. However, aviation experts say that this may not happen immediately due to rising oil prices.

UDF is revised every 5 years by the AERA and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The fee was last revised at the Bangalore Airport in 2015 and this is the first time that the UDF is being reduced. Currently, Bangalore Airport charges the highest UDF in India.

If all the stakeholders agree to the terms proposed by AERA, the new rates will be applicable up to 31st March 2020. However, from April 2020 the UDF may increase to Rs 416.22 and Rs 104 for international and domestic flights respectively.

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Government Plans To Sell 100% Stake In Air India!

After an unsuccessful attempt to sell 76% stake in Air India last month, the government is reconsidering its terms and might sell the airline’s entire 100 % stake.

Government’s transaction advisors, Ernst & Young, conducted an analysis and found out that there were four reasons why no one bid for Air India –

  • The reluctance of the government to sell 100% shares of the airline.
  • The clause to retain over 27000 employees for a year.
  • The buyer taking over 61% (Rs 33,392 crore) of the total debt of the airline.
  • Keeping the operations of the airline independent of the buyer’s business for at least 3 years.

EY has said that the biggest reason for the failed disinvestment bid was the government’s clause to hold a minority stake in the airline after the sale.

The Government will review EY’s report and take a call. A group of secretaries will hold a meeting to discuss the terms of Air India’s disinvestment. Based on their decision the Air India Specific Alternative Mechanism (AISAM), a group of ministers headed by Mr. Arun Jaitley, will do what is necessary.

According to one of the officials, Air India sale will be decided on the political will of the government. He also said that there is no reason that the deal should be called off, however, it will all depend on AISAM’s decision.

Meanwhile, the government is planning to lend Rs 32 Billion to Air India as part of the bailout package that was announced in April 2012. Till now the airline has received Rs 260 Billion under this clause.

A few days back the airline had asked for short-term loans from banks to handle its day to day operations, but banks such as Dena Bank, Standard Chartered Bank & Allahabad Bank have already refused to extend their line of credit.

Aviation Experts have asked the government to take bold steps to sell Air India, citing that a massive debt burden might cause the airline to close down.

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Varanasi Airport To Get Facial Recognition Security System!

Passengers flying from Varanasi Airport will soon experience a hassle-free journey from the airport’s entry to the boarding gate.

The Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi is all set to become the first Indian airport to install an automated Facial Recognition Security System.

Here are the details of the new system being implemented –

  • Installation of the automated security system has already started at the airport.
  • The walkthrough security scanners will be equipped with facial recognition technology.
  • They will be installed at the entrance, security checkpoint and the boarding area inside the airport.
  • The system will be put into service over the next four months.
  • This system is being implemented, thanks to the ‘DigiYatra’ initiative started by the government.
  • This system will soon be implemented at airports in Vishakhapatnam and Kolkata.

These walkthrough security scanners will make entry for passengers into the Varanasi Airport faster. It will enable them to automatically check-in and travel paperless.

Once the system is in place, security checks will be done through facial recognition as soon as travellers walk through the scanner. Passenger details will be examined digitally by comparing their Aadhar information with the information given by them while booking the flight.

However, there will be no change in the way luggage is being checked.

DigiYatra is a great initiative by the government. It aims at developing a digital ecosystem to provide a smooth paperless travel experience to air passengers at every stage of their journey.

In addition to automated security system, the scheme also aims at providing real-time notifications on air traffic congestion, price trends and calculating future airfares in the coming few months.

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