Air Travel

Over 60 Flights Affected At The Delhi Airport Due To Dust Storm!

AirWhizzMay 14, 2018 No Comments

Over 60 Flights Affected At The Delhi Airport Due To Dust Storm!

Aviation Insider

Flight operations were suspended at the Indira Gandhi International Airport after a massive dust storm hit Delhi and its surrounding areas, yesterday evening. 40 airplanes were diverted, and more than 20 flights were delayed.

Here are the details –

  • All domestic and international airlines were affected by the dust storm
  • The Runway was closed down and flight operations were suspended between 4:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.
  • More than a dozen flights were diverted to Jaipur International Airport and Amritsar International Airport.
  • 9 Delhi bound flights were diverted to Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow.
  • Vistara flights from Mumbai, Goa, Srinagar and Bhubaneswar which were told to divert as well.
  • International flights from Tokyo, Newark and Colombo were diverted to different places.
  • Flights from Riyadh, Colombo, Kathmandu, Kabul and Jeddah were delayed due to bad weather.

The Indian Meteorological Department said that the wind speeds were as high as 109 Kmph during the dust storm. There was a sudden change in weather at around 4:30 p.m. which was accompanied by powerful winds and heavy rain.

The department has also warned that 26 districts of Utter Pradesh might see harsh weather changes today.

In the past few days powerful dust and thunderstorms have affected people in Delhi, U.P., Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Punjab and surrounding areas. Almost 152 people have lost their lives and over 430 people have been injured during this stormy season.

If you want to know whether your flight has been delayed or diverted, Simply download the AirWhizz App. Get real-time flight updates and Information on your phone itself and plan your journey accordingly.

Stay safe and Fly Stress-Free!

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Why You Should Always Travel Light!

AirWhizzMay 11, 2018 No Comments

Why You Should Always Travel Light!

Travel Like a Pro

We try to pack everything that we love when we are going on a trip.

Those brand new shirts you bought last week or the 5 pair of heels that go with 5 different dresses, you’d love to bring them all along wouldn’t you?!

The question is, how many of these would you actually use?

Remember, dragging heavy luggage while travelling is a real pain and you’re going to regret all the extra items you packed unnecessarily.

And if that’s not reason enough to pack light, here are a few more!

1.SAVE MONEY

Packing light is easy on the pocket!

A lot of airlines charge for check-in baggage these days.

Why not spend that money on food and other things during your trip?

You can avoid checking-in your luggage if you are travelling light and can easily bring it along with you on the airplane.

Also, you won’t have to book a taxi to keep your extra suitcases and pay a bomb for the ride. Just pick your backpack and take local transport, which is cheaper.

2.SECURITY

Packing light keeps your things safe!

If you don’t have to check-in your bag, it’s in your possession at all times! Your possessions remain safe and you avoid damage or loss of baggage by the airline. And if you’re backpacking and staying in hostels it’s ideal as you take all your stuff with you!

3.MORE FLEXIBLE

Packing light allows for greater mobility!

It will help you to move around the airport quickly, without the hassle of carrying a trolley. It is easier to carry light luggage for longer distances.

When you are at your destination, You can be spontaneous!

You can just pick up your bag and leave. You won’t have to worry about carrying those extra suitcases or finding a safe spot to keep them.

4.AVOID INJURIES

Packing light keeps you safe!

We all can agree that no one wants to go sightseeing with a backache!

Carrying around heavy luggage can strain your back. Not to mention, it is exhausting!

Avoid putting that stress on your body by travelling light. You will stay fit and will be able to make the most of your trip.

5.HELPS YOU PRIORITIZE

Packing light is more organised!

We all fell like packing those extra pairs of shoes or T-shirts in the hope that they will be useful, and then we don’t end up using them.

When you have fewer bags to carry you can prioritize what you want to bring along for your trip.

You will keep only the things that are necessary for the vacation and won’t have to go through all your bags to find something.

6.SAVES TIME

Packing light lets you make the most of your time!

You won’t have to arrive at airports early and you’ll be among the first to leave the airport after your arrival while others wait at baggage claim.

Also, with less to pack up at the end of your vacation, you can squeeze every last moment from your trip. Ultimately, you’ll spend less time worrying and more time enjoying your travels.

 

So now that you know why it’s silly to lug huge suitcases we’re also giving you few packing tips that will help you travel light on your next trip.

 

1.USE SMALL, LIGHTWEIGHT LUGGAGE

Don’t be tempted to carry a big suitcase! We tend to pack more and fill up empty spaces with unnecessary items.

Use a small lightweight suitcase or a backpack to pack your belongings.

They are easier to carry around and it will make sure that you only carry things that are necessary for your holiday.

2.MINIMIZE TOILETRIES

Toiletries are essential and there are items, like toothbrushes, that you just cannot do without.

However shampoos, conditioners, moisturisers, hair products etc all come in bulky packaging which will make you luggage heavy.

Carry small versions of the toiletries or don’t carry them at all. You can buy whatever you need once you reach your destination.

3.CARRY ZIPLOCS

Ziplocs are a great way to store accessories, medicines and toiletries.

It will help you save more space in your suitcase or backpack.

Ziplocs are easy to carry, and you can even put your laundry in it to separate the clean clothes from used ones when you are travelling.

4.ROLL YOUR CLOTHES

Rolling your clothes will help you save up on space in your bag and ensure your clothes don’t get crumpled.

Clothes like t-shirts, shorts, socks and jeans are easy to roll and take less space. However, this method may not work on thick jackets and sweaters.

5.BE TECH-SAVVY

We all like to read books, watch movies on our laptop and play games on it to occupy our free time during travel.

The only problem is things like books, laptops, travel guides etc take up space in your bag and can make them heavy.

Instead, carry a Tablet/iPad along with your smartphone. They are light, agile, easy to store and will keep you entertained on your trip.

If you are looking for lightweight luggage to carry with the next time you travel, look no further. Simply download the AirWhizz app, add your upcoming flight and get up to 25% discount on Swiss Military Lightweight Luggage and other products from the brand.

Make the most of your trip by travelling light and Fly Stress-free!

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PIL filed in High Court to Cap Airfares!

AirWhizzMay 10, 2018 No Comments

PIL filed in High Court to Cap Airfares!

Aviation Insider

The Delhi High Court has asked the Ministry Of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to look into the high airfares charged by Airlines in India.

Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar have issued a notice to the ministry and DGCA, based on a Public Interest Litigation(PIL) asking airlines in India to cap airfares charged to the passengers.

Here are the details of the Case –

  • Consumer rights activist, Bejon K Misra, has alleged that authorities are acting as ‘Silent Spectators’ to the random or ‘arbitrary’ fixing of airfares by the airlines.
  • He has claimed that airlines charge 10 times higher than the fixed price when there is a shortage of seats.
  • To stop this practice he has asked the airlines to put a cap on the airfare.
  • The court has asked authorities for a response before the next date of hearing on 8th

To support his case, Mr. Misra has given the example of a recent incident, where Indigo passengers had to book last minute tickets at High rates on other airlines, after several Indigo A320 Neo airplanes were grounded due to engine trouble.

He has also said that it is necessary to put a cap on airfares to ensure greater transparency for the passengers and accountability on part of the airline. Capping on airfares will also discourage airlines and other stakeholders to benefit and make profits from unfair means.

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Why You Should Always Carry Lightweight Luggage When You Fly!

AirWhizzMay 07, 2018 No Comments

Why You Should Always Carry Lightweight Luggage When You Fly!

Travel Like a Pro

A suitcase is easily one of the most essential travel items that you can own. After all, you rely on it to pack all things you love.

Juggling between gifts for the family and airline Baggage Allowance can be a tough task.

And that is exactly why lightweight luggage is so essential.

So save on baggage fees without having to leave anything behind and invest in your luggage!

BENEFITS OF LIGHTWEIGHT LUGGAGE

1.MOBILITY

Greater mobility means it won’t slow you down as you rush through the airport.

The materials used to make your luggage lighter ensure that it is easier for you to carry them even when they are completely full.

It’s great not only when you need to carry your bag through the airport, but also when you have to stowe it in the overhead bin on the airplane or pick it up at luggage belt.

2.SAVE MONEY

Airlines are strict when it comes to baggage weight limits and charge an exorbitant fees if your luggage is over the limit.

And it would be such a waste to pay the extra fees because your bag itself is adding to the weight apart from your personal items.

Lightweight luggage can help you avoid additional charges and you can spend that money on just about anything else!

3.SPACIOUS INTERIORS

The design of modern lightweight suitcases is such that they are expandable. The structure of the bag isn’t bulky and there is a lot more space than conventional suitcases.

This means that you can pack a lot more stuff and it also has room for any shopping you may do on your trip.

4.EASY ON YOUR BODY

Heavy baggage requires some heavy lifting which may lead to injuries, like strained muscles and backaches. Not to mention it’s tiring when you travel.

Why make your body suffer?  Just do away with heavy bags!

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING LIGHTWEIGHT LUGGAGE

Now that you know a bit about the benefits of lightweight luggage, There are a few things you should consider while buying a lightweight bag that suits your needs.

1.DURATION OF THE TRIP

The duration of your trip is an important thing to consider when you buy a lightweight suitcase or bag.

Whether you are going for a weekend trip with your friends or planning a couple months of adventuring, you’ll need to decide on the size of the suitcase.

You don’t necessarily need the biggest bag available even for a long trip, think about what you want to take with you.

2. ENVIRONMENT

Your travel destination’s environment plays a big role in finding the best lightweight luggage for you.

For starters, ask yourself what kind of climate you’ll be in. Then, think about the types of activities you’ll be engaging in and how it’ll affect your suitcase if you bring it along.

For example, if you are taking a trip to somewhere cold, a hard shell suitcase is better suited for the trip. Even if you’re just walking with it in your hotel, it will hold up better against the cold or wet weather of the location.

3.PRIORITY

Ask yourself what is the most important feature you look for in a suitcase. If your priority is finding a bag within a specific price range, you’ll shorten the list with ease. If durability is your focus, digging into reviews for individual bags and their specs will be a necessity.

If style is your main priority, then you can only search for lightweight luggage from the brands that suit your flavour.

There are a number of benefits to using lightweight luggage, just remember to choose a brand that is durable and reflects your personal style!

If you are looking to buy lightweight luggage that is affordable, durable and available at great prices we might have just the right thing for you. Simply download the AirWhizz app, add your upcoming flight(s) and get up to 25% discount on Swiss Military Lightweight Luggage and other products from the brand.

Travel Light and Fly Stress-Free!

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In-Flight Wi-Fi & Calls May Cost More Than Your Flight Ticket!

AirWhizzMay 05, 2018 No Comments

In-Flight Wi-Fi & Calls May Cost More Than Your Flight Ticket!

Aviation Insider

The Telecom Commission on Wednesday approved the decision to allow in-flight wi-fi And Calling services on international and domestic flights.

Passengers will now be able to better utilize their time spent travelling. They will be able to stream videos online, answer E-mails, catch up on pending work and make calls at 30000 feet in the air.

But at what cost?

According to the proposal approved by the Telecom Commission, the prices of these services will be decided by the airlines and the service provider.

Countries that have allowed airlines to use these services charge around $4.5 for using 10 MB internet data. Domestic airlines expect that passengers using internet services on flights will most likely have to pay between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 on a 60-minute flight.

Below are some of the reasons why In-Flight internet and Calling services will be expensive –

  • Unique antennas will be installed on the airplane which will increase the drag of the aircraft. This will mean that the aircraft will consume more fuel and add to the fuel costs.
  • Installing this equipment on every plane will be a costly affair for airlines and they will have to spend between $400,000 to $600,000.
  • Engineering and Maintenance of equipment will also add to the cost

The airlines will pass on all this cost to the passengers. This means that travellers will have to pay much more for in-flight wifi services as compared to what they have to pay for data on their mobiles and public Wi-Fi networks on the ground.

In fact, in some cases, the use of in-flight Wi-Fi and calling services may cost more than your flight ticket.

Airlines like Air France, British Airways, American Airlines, Aeroflot, Air Asia and Emirates provide in-flight Wi-Fi services, but they charge handsomely.

According to eDreams, an online travel agency, the charges for In-Flight Wi-Fi usage may cost Rs 3350 for 150 MB on Aeroflot, Rs 302 for 10 MB on Air Asia, Rs 2412 for 200 MB on Air France, Rs 2144 for whole journey on British Airways, and Rs 1071 for 500 MB on Emirates.

Will it burn a hole in your pocket? Probably!

Is it worth it? You decide!

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10 Pro Tips To Fly With Your Guitar!

AirWhizzMay 04, 2018 No Comments

10 Pro Tips To Fly With Your Guitar!

Travel Like a Pro

For a guitarist, their guitar is the most precious thing in the world.

They use it to woo thousands of people at a gig and for jamming along with their band mates and friends.

No wonder, when you ask a guitarist how they are going to carry their guitar on the flight for their next big concert, they become nervous.

Most people tend to cross their fingers and just hope for the best when it comes to safely storing their guitar on the airplane

However, with a bit of planning it is possible to make sure that you can get your guitar safely through the flight.

We have compiled a list of travel hacks that will help you fly stress-free the next time you bring a guitar along with you on your flight!

1.CHECK THE AIRLINE INSTRUMENT POLICY

You can save yourself a lot of anxiety if you check with the airline before booking your ticket.

Most of the airlines in India are generally friendly to musicians and allow guitars as ‘Carry-On’ baggage which can be kept in the overhead bin.

In case you are flying on a small commuter aircraft, be prepared that your airline will check-in your guitar as there is less cabin room as compared to larger aircrafts.

2.INVEST IN A GUITAR CASE

Based on your airline’s policy, decide whether you are going to carry your guitar with you or get it checked-in on the flight.

If you are bringing the guitar on your flight, carry a soft well-cushioned case so that it is portable and well protected in the overhead bin.

If you are getting your guitar checked-in, invest in a hard case. Sturdy cases will last you a long time and your guitar will make it out alive from the wilderness of the airport luggage bay.

3.LOOSEN THE STRINGS

Prepare your guitar for travel!

Temperature and pressure changes in-flight can put enough strain on your instrument. This can cause the guitar’s neck to break, unless your strings are loose.

Also, while putting the guitar in the case, make sure it rests tightly so that there’s no room for bumps and damages.

4.STUFF YOUR GUITAR CASE

Guitars are fragile. But a lot of people don’t know this.

It’s a good idea to give your guitar some extra padding and support by stuffing t-shirts, socks, towels or bubble wrap in your guitar case.

This will minimise the movement of your guitar within the case and provide a cushion to your guitar during take-off and landing.

5.CONSIDER BUYING A TRAVEL GUITAR

If you are going on a vacation and are looking for a convenient travelling option, buy a travel guitar.
They are much smaller and some guitars even fold in half which can fit into specially designed backpacks.

However, if you are a professional musician you will need to carry a proper guitar to perform since these guitars are not gig friendly.

6.PUT ‘FRAGILE’ STICKERS ON THE CASE

Ensure that there are plenty of ‘Fragile’ stickers on the case

There are high chances your guitar will get pushed around by the baggage handling crew. So make sure you cover it with bright red fragile stickers so that they take it easy.

Also, attach a label with your personal contact details to your guitar case.

7.PHOTOGRAPH EVERYTHING

There have been incidents in the past where airlines have returned broken or damaged guitars to their customers.

In the (very) unfortunate circumstance that your instrument does get damaged, make sure you have lots of photos of it in its pre-flight state.

It will help prove your case if airlines deny damaging your instrument.

8. BOARD THE AIRPLANE FIRST

The nicest flight attendants in the world can’t help, if there isn’t any room on the airplane for your guitar.

There’s one fool-proof way to fix this though. BOARD FIRST!

If you are the first one to board the airplane you will get an empty overhead bin to store it and won’t have to worry about space later.

9.CHOOSE YOUR SEAT WISELY

Book your seat in the front or rear of the airplane.

You won’t have to walk through the whole cabin with your guitar and you can directly go and grab your seat.

Also, there are closets in the front and rear of the airplane, so you can ask the flight crew to place it in the closet. This will make it easier for you to keep a check on it.

10.CONSIDER SHIPPING YOUR GUITAR

Shipping is not always ideal because it’s expensive.

But it’s safe and convenient when flying with a guitar is not an option.

You won’t have to carry it around on the airplane and worry about it getting damaged. In addition, you get the added security of insurance.

If you want to know whether you can carry your guitar on the flight, look no further. Simply download the AirWhizz app and get information about airline policies on your phone.

Have a great gig and Fly Stress-Free!

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Government Set To Improve Airport Infrastructure In India!

AirWhizzMay 03, 2018 No Comments

Government Set To Improve Airport Infrastructure In India!

Aviation Insider

Airports in India handled almost 300 million passengers last year which was 16.5 % more than the passengers handled in 2016.

With India set to be the 3rd largest aviation market in the world, the government has planned to grow and improve the infrastructure of airports to handle the increasing air passenger traffic.

Here are the details of what the government is doing to improve this infrastructure.

NEW TERMINALS AT CHENNAI, GUWAHATI & LUCKNOW AIRPORTS

On Wednesday, The Union Cabinet approved the proposal to upgrade airports located in Chennai, Lucknow and Guwahati.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), has given approval for new terminals at Chennai, Guwahati and Lucknow airports at a cost of Rs 2,467 crore, Rs 1,383 crore and Rs 1,232 crore, respectively.

Here are the expansion details and how it will help the respective airports –

Chennai Airport – The new terminal building at the airport will expand across 3,36,000 sq.m. The terminal will also incorporate green building features. With this expansion, the airport will be able to handle 35 million passengers annually.

Lucknow Airport – The terminal building at the airport will have a capacity to handle 13.6 million passengers annually. The New Terminal building will have an area of 88,000 sq.m.

Guwahati Airport – The new terminal building at the Guwahati airport will have an area of 1,02,500 sq.m. This will help the airport to handle 9 million passengers annually.

2ND BIGGEST AIRPORT OF INDIA WILL BE CONSTRUCTED IN MOPA, GOA

A joint team of Airports Authority Of India(AAI) and Commerce Logistics Department will be visiting Goa to facilitate the development of the new airport in Mopa.

Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, and Goa will benefit greatly from this airport as it will improve connectivity on the coastal belt of western India.

Mopa airport will have the capacity to handle 30 million passengers annually as well as cargo. The airport will be functional by 2020. Dabolim airport will also be upgraded with an investment of about 600 crores.

The airport in Mopa along with the Dabolim Airport, will make goa the logistics hub of India.

In the last three years, there has been a growth of 18 to 20 percent in the aviation sector. These initiatives by the government will surely help airports in India to handle this huge growth and will help position India as one of the top players in the Global aviation market.

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Telecom Commission Permits Use of Mobile Phones To Make Calls On Flights!

AirWhizzMay 02, 2018 No Comments

Telecom Commission Permits Use of Mobile Phones To Make Calls On Flights!

Aviation Insider

Air travellers in India will now be able to use the internet and make calls on the flight. This is due to the Telecom Commission approving the proposal for In-flight connectivity on Tuesday.

While mobile phone usage will still be restricted during take-off and landing, the Telecom Commission has lifted the ban on the use mobile phones and internet services on the airplane while cruising in the sky.

The in-flight connectivity facility is expected to be rolled out in 3-4 months, once the licenses and back-end agreements are worked out. The telecom department will now have to create a separate category of licensees called In-Flight Connectivity(IFC) provider.

In an article published by us last month, we mentioned how Telecom Regulatory Authority Of India(TRAI) had recommended to the government that in-flight mobile usage and internet services should be allowed under certain conditions.

Here are the highlights of the conditions sent by TRAI –

  • Wi-fi onboard should be provided once boarding is complete.
  • Mobile communication on aircraft be allowed at a minimum altitude of 3,000 metres.
  • Passengers should use internet services in airplane mode.
  • Foreign satellites and gateways should be permitted for IFC providers to operate in-flight wi-fi.

Telecom Commission has accepted all recommendations of TRAI except the use of foreign satellites and gateways because the telecom department wants IFC providers to use Indian satellites for In-flight services and the gateway to be in India.

The prices on which in-flight Wi-Fi will be provided to the passengers will be worked out on a mutual agreement between the service provider and the airline. Passengers may have to pay Rs 200-300 for a 2-3 hour flight and more for international flights.

Major airlines, including Air India and Vistara welcomed the Telecom Commission’s decision, with Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu saying he will ensure “earliest implementation” of the proposal.

Globally, many airlines are already offering wi-fi for passengers, but they currently have to switch off the facility when they enter the Indian airspace.

AirAsia, Air France, British Airways, Egypt Air, Emirates, Air New Zealand, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways and Virgin Atlantic are amongst 30 airlines that allow mobile phone use on the aircraft.

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