Airline

Hundreds Of Passengers Stranded At Mumbai Airport After Flight Delays!

AirWhizzJun 04, 2018 No Comments

Hundreds Of Passengers Stranded At Mumbai Airport After Flight Delays!

Aviation Insider

A series of flight delays at the Mumbai Airport, on Sunday, left hundreds of passengers stranded, which resulted in a huge ruckus.

Here are the details of the flights that got delayed!

Jet Airways

158 passengers of Ahmedabad bound Jet Airways flight 9W-2314 were stuck at the airport after the flight failed to take off at the scheduled time.

The passengers were told by the cabin crew that the flight did not take off because the Ahmedabad airport was closed.

However, the Ahmedabad Airport Director had given a statement saying that a NOTAM(Notice To Airmen) was issued for runway maintenance work from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. but the Jet Airways aircraft had been given permission to land.

It was discovered later that the Jet Airways flight had a technical fault in the aircraft which caused the delay.

Air India

Air India Flight AI 625 got delayed for 6 hours which left hundreds of passengers fuming at the Mumbai Airport.

The Lucknow bound flight was supposed to depart from Mumbai at 8:30 a.m. and arrive in Lucknow by 10:30 a.m. However, the flight could not take off till 2.30 in the afternoon.

According to one of the passengers, it felt like a hostage situation and were stuck at the boarding counter without food, water or any kind of answer from the airline officials.

The passenger also said that officials kept avoiding them and the ground staff was very rude. A few people got agitated and started protesting. The CISF had to come in and handle the situation.

The airline has not given any official statement as to why the flight was delayed.

Several other flights including those of GoAir And Qatar Airways were delayed by short intervals and diverted as Mumbai witnessed its first Pre- Monsoon showers on Saturday.

So, If you want to know whether your flight has been delayed due to bad weather, look no further. Simply download the AirWhizz App to get real-time flight and weather updates on your phone to plan your trip on the move and Fly Stress-Free!

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Singapore Airlines Will Re-Launch The World’s Longest Flight!

AirWhizzJun 02, 2018 No Comments

Singapore Airlines Will Re-Launch The World’s Longest Flight!

Aviation Insider

Singapore Airlines announced this week that they will relaunch the world’s longest flight, from Singapore to New York, in October.

Here are all the details about it –

  • The airline will fly from Singapore’s Changi International Airport to the Newark Liberty International Airport in New York.
  • The aircraft will cover a distance of 16,700 Km in 19 hours, making it the longest flight, by duration, in the world.
  • Singapore Airlines will use the long-range Airbus A350 – 900ULR for this route. The airline has ordered 7 of these airplanes with the first one arriving in September and the rest 6 by end of this year.
  • This aircraft is configured to carry 161 passengers with 67 seats in Business Class and 94 seats in Premium Economy. This flight does not have an Economy Class.
  • The airline will launch their flights on this route from 11th October 2018.

Till 2013, the airline used to regularly operate its flights to Newark Airport but had to stop owing to the rising fuel costs, which made flying their previous jets, Airbus A340 – A550, uneconomical. Since then it has flown to JFK Airport in New York via Frankfurt.

Currently, the record for the longest flight is held by Qatar Airways Flight 921 from Auckland to Doha, which takes 17 hours 40 minutes.

With no economy class on this flight, the airline is looking to tap into the premium market and wants to promote their brand amongst wealthy customers. The airline has said that they have plans of flying non-stop from Singapore to Los Angeles using the same airplane.

This decision will help Singapore Airlines fetch more revenue, since long-haul flights often make more cash than flights with more than one stop and make a mark in the highly competitive international aviation market.

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10 Things To Bring Along On A Long-Haul Flight!

AirWhizzJun 01, 2018 No Comments

10 Things To Bring Along On A Long-Haul Flight!

Travel Like a Pro

In recent years, travelling by air has become really comfortable and the flight crew does their best to keep it that way. But, travelling for long hours, especially on international flights, can get boring and tiring at times.

Long-haul flights are a test of endurance, whether you are a frequent flyer or are new to air travel.

But If you are well prepared and know what to take with you onboard, it can make a whole world of difference to your flying experience.

To help get you through a long flight comfortably, we have come up with a list of 10 essential items you must have with you onboard.

NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES

Airlines these days make sure that there is minimum noise in the airplane cabin, but if you are a light sleeper, noise cancelling headphones can make it easier for you to sleep on the flight.

Also, headphones that the airlines provide are not that great when it comes to quality.

So, if you are going to spend several hours on a flight, might as well get a good pair of headphones to enjoy in-flight entertainment and help you doze off.

MINI TOILETRY BAG

If you’re travelling on an overnight flight, make sure you pack a small pouch of toiletries in your carry-on bag.

These days you get travel sized disposable toothbrush, hand sanitizer, toothpaste and dry shampoo spray so go ahead and take advantage of them when you fly.

SLEEPING GEAR

If you’re on a long-haul flight and want to avoid jet lag when you reach your destination, you’ll need to get some sleep.

Pack an eye mask and bring a travel pillow along with you.

You’ll be able to doze off easily with them and the constant chatter in the cabin or your neighbour’s reading light will not affect you.

TRAVEL WALLET

Use a travel wallet to organize and store all your important documents in one place.

They are deep enough and have various pockets to fit your cash, tickets, immigration forms, ID and passports.

Plus, it’s easier to pull out the whole wallet rather than looking around for different documents in your bag.

SNACKS

The food that is served on flights can make you feel bloated and feeling uncomfortable especially on a long-haul flight.

Fruits, salads, mixed nuts and vegetable sandwiches are all good options to bring on your flight.

Munch on some healthy homemade snacks while you watch an in-flight movie and skip the bland airplane meals!

Here are some tips on How To Eat Healthy When You Fly!

ENTERTAINMENT

It’s going to be a long flight, so prepare yourself to fill every hour with some form of entertainment.

Download some movies, songs, TV series or video games on your mobile or tablet before you leave as backup, in case you get bored of in-flight entertainment!

It will keep you entertained when you are done sleeping and will also keep you alert during the flight.

BOOKS/MAGAZINES

Bring at least one book or a magazine with you!

It will be useful when your airplane is landing/taking off or when you need a break from your device’s screen.

Also, it’s a good option to keep a backup if your tablet’s battery dies.

WIPES/TISSUES

Airplane lavatories are covered with germs and it’s easy to catch an infection.

Make sure that you pack some bleach wipes or sanitized tissues for your long trip.

Also, one more advantage of packing them is that it eliminates the need for liquids in the carry-on, they are easy to carry and don’t leak or spill in your bag.

MEDICINE KIT

Carry a small medical kit with you, regardless of whether it’s a long flight or not.

Dehydration can cause a headache, cabin pressure can trigger sinus problems, the lack of proper cleaning can set off dust allergies and strange food might give you stomach issues.

Be prepared for every situation and pack the medicines you think you will need or consult your family doctor.

*Remember carry only over the counter unprescribed medicines and check whether the destination you are flying to allows them.

SCARF

Avoid using airplane blankets and carry a long scarf.

All seasoned travelers carry scarves with them because they can be used as blankets when your airplane’s AC is at full blast.

Also, make sure you dress comfortably overall, since you will be in the same clothes during the flight and wearing loose clothing in the airplane will help you sleep better.

So, the next time you fly and are looking for travel accessories, headphones, sleeping gear or just a nice book to read, download the AirWhizz App. Avail exclusive discounts on Swiss Military accessories as an app user and get information about airport shops and their location on the move.

Have a comfortable flight and Fly Stress-Free!

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No Bids For Air India As Deadline Expires!

AirWhizzJun 01, 2018 No Comments

No Bids For Air India As Deadline Expires!

Aviation Insider

The government’s plan to sell Air India has come to an unfortunate end as no buyers have shown interest in the national carrier.

The Civil Aviation Ministry published a tweet at 5 p.m. yesterday, saying that transaction advisors (Ernst & Young) have informed them that they have not received a response to the Expression of Interest (EoI) for the disinvestment for Air India.

Civil Aviation Secretary, Mr. R N Choubey, had released a statement saying that the May 31st deadline set by the government will not be extended and was confident that they will receive bids for the airline.

The deadline for potential buyers to submit a response was extended from 14th May 2018 to 31st May 2018.

Here are some of the reasons that may have put off potential buyers –

  • The new buyer would have had to take over 61 percent (or Rs 33,392 crore) of the debt burden.
  • They would have had to accommodate Air India’s 27000 strong-workforce.
  • The Government would have retained 24% stake in the airline.
  • A rise in crude oil prices globally.
  • The general elections being held in 2019.

Industry experts have said that the government needs to tweak its terms of sale if they want the airline to be privatized, however, with only a few months left to the general elections, the possibility of that happening is looking bleak. They have also said that offering the entire equity would be a wiser option as private players want no government intervention.

The government will take Inputs from Ernst & Young on what went wrong and will decide what further action has to be taken.

They will also discuss the airline’s expansion plan about adding more airplanes and routes to their network, which were put on hold due to the planned disinvestment.

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IndiGo Increases Airfare On Domestic Routes To Counter Rising Oil Prices!

AirWhizzMay 31, 2018 No Comments

IndiGo Increases Airfare On Domestic Routes To Counter Rising Oil Prices!

Aviation Insider

In a bid to cater to rising oil prices, IndiGo will increase the fuel surcharge on flight tickets for domestic routes. This will increase air ticket prices and it is speculated that other airlines may follow IndiGo’s footsteps.

The cost of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) has increased by 30% in the past 1 year and it was just a matter of time, that airlines passed on this burden to passengers. IndiGo is the first domestic airline to do so.

Here are the details of the price hike –

  • IndiGo flight tickets will carry a fuel surcharge of Rs 200 for a short flight, covering a distance of 1000 Km and below.
  • Flights on longer routes, which cover more than 1000 Km, will carry a fuel surcharge of Rs 400 per passenger.

To make things clearer, you will be charged Rs 400 for fuel on a return flight ticket from Delhi-Chandigarh and Rs 800 on a return flight ticket from Delhi-Mumbai.

In addition to fuel charges, a passenger pays a CUTE(Common Use Terminal Equipment) charge of Rs 50, Rs 200 for the Regional Connectivity Scheme(RCS) provision and Rs 153 for Passenger Service Fee along with airport development fee and taxes on a flight ticket.

All this, along with an increase in fuel charge, will surely affect passengers and their holiday plans.

According to Mr. Sanjay Kumar, IndiGo’s Chief Commercial Officer, ATF prices in India have increased by 25 % in the last month, which is the highest in the last 3 years and the airline has no other option but to pass on some of its increased cost burden to the passengers. He also said that the airline is confident that this marginal increase in ticket prices will not affect the demand.

ATF accounts for 45% of the total operating cost of an airline. With Indigo being the first airline to make this move, others may follow them and aviation experts are saying that airlines in India may increase their ticket prices by 15%.

With people gearing up for summer vacations, the timing of this decision could not have been worse. People who were looking forward to booking last minute tickets to holiday destinations within India will be very disappointed.  However, this decision will not affect those who have booked their flight tickets well in advance.

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TRAI Won’t Regulate Prices On In-flight Internet!

AirWhizzMay 28, 2018 No Comments

TRAI Won’t Regulate Prices On In-flight Internet!

Aviation Insider

A few weeks back, the Telecom Commission approved the decision to allow passengers to access internet and make calls while travelling on an airplane.

However, the Telecom Regulatory Authority Of India(TRAI) announced yesterday that they will not regulate the tariffs paid by passengers for In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) services over Indian airspace.

According to TRAI’s Chairman, Mr. RS Sharma, tariffs in the telecom sector are governed by market forces and In-flight connectivity is no exception.

He also said that the manner in which Inflight service is provided will be structured and decided upon by both Indian telecom companies and International telephone operators as per rules. The latter will have to act as an intermediary between local telecom companies and the airline.

What this means is, in order for international flights to start getting signal when they enter Indian Airspace, Indian telecom operators handling local stations will have to make arrangements with International service providers. They will not go to the airline directly.

What Telecom Companies Think!

With the In-flight Connectivity (IFC) initiative, Aircraft companies such as Airbus and Boeing can partner up with Indian telecom operators to install the necessary equipment on flights and allow them to enter into a pact with local broadband providers.

In India, companies such as Reliance Jio Infocomm, Bharti Airtel, Tata Services and Hughes Communications are VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) & CUG (Closed User Group) license holders. They can look forward to tying up with International telecom companies.

However, Indian companies are not enthusiastic about the decision by the Telecom Commission and are rethinking about investing in IFC.

They say that only the airlines will be benefitting from this because they are the ones who will be fixing the prices. Also, the revenue that the telecom companies will make from IFC may not be significant in the initial stages, so it may not be the best plan to invest in this.

They have also asked domestic airlines to rethink about providing calling services.

What Does The Aviation Industry Think!

According to Kapil Kaul, CEO of CAPA for the Indian Subcontinent & Middle East regions, it will cost Rs 125 to Rs 150 per minute for calling, as airlines will have to invest millions of dollars to install the equipment. He also added that it would make no business sense for providing these services on airlines in India since the duration of a domestic flight on an average is 1.5 hours.

Read more about IFC services and what it may cost you!

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Airlines Unhappy About New Air Passenger Charter!

AirWhizzMay 26, 2018 No Comments

Airlines Unhappy About New Air Passenger Charter!

Aviation Insider

A few days back the government proposed a new passenger charter for changes in the rights of air travellers in India.

Airlines in India, however, have shown their displeasure towards these proposed changes saying that if new rules are implemented, it will lead to a rise in airfares.

According to experts, these rules will have a massive impact on air ticket prices since airfares in India are already at a lower level as compared to other countries. They have said that the government has to decide whether they want air travel to be accessible to the common man or treat aviation as a luxury sector.

Airlines are opposed to the rules regarding relaxation in cancellation charges. Currently, every airline has a cancellation policy of their own. For example –

  • IndiGo charges its passengers a minimum of Rs 3000 on cancelling flight tickets
  • In case of GoAir, a passenger has to pay Rs 2950 for cancelling the ticket within 2 hours of the flight’s departure time.

Airlines like Vistara and Jet Airways allow their passengers to modify or make cancellations for free within 24 hours of booking the ticket, but the government is looking to make this a standard rule across all airlines in India.

Airlines have come out strongly against the proposed changes in compensation for loss or damage of passenger baggage as well. According to the government’s proposal –

  • The airline has to pay Rs 3000 Per Kg for loss of baggage.
  • For damaged baggage, the airline has to compensate Rs 2000 per kg.

Airlines claim that the compensation for loss is 10 times that of what a passenger pays for excess luggage and these rules may lead to scams. It may lead to a situation where a passenger can tell another person to pick up their bag and claim it as lost.

This latest development can slow down the government’s plan to empower air travellers and safeguard their rights against flight cancellations, delays or other inconveniences caused by the airline.

The passenger charter has been published on ministry’s website for public consultation. The public has a 30-day window to put in their recommendations and the new norms will be released by 15th July 2018.

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10 Simple Tips To Fly With Your Pet!

AirWhizzMay 25, 2018 No Comments

10 Simple Tips To Fly With Your Pet!

Travel Like a Pro

A few years back, travelling by air for a pet owner meant that they had to bid a painful farewell before going on a trip.

Today, that scenario has changed. Thanks to airlines and hotels becoming pet-friendly, you can now bring along your furry friends with you when you fly.

But you need to prepare yourself if you want to enjoy a hassle-free flight along with your pet.

We at AirWhizz have come up with a few simple tips you can follow the next time you decide to fly with your pet!

1.CHECK AIRLINE POLICY

Check whether your airline allows pets on board and if they do, carefully read the airline’s policy regarding travelling with them.

There are rules regarding the pet’s size and weight which you have to keep in mind.

So go through the guideline and restrictions mentioned in the airline’s policies multiple times before booking flight tickets.

In India,  Air India, Jet Airways, Spice Jet and Vistara allow you to carry pets on their flights.

2.BOOK EARLY

If the airline allows you to bring your pet along, you will have to book your flight tickets by directly calling the airline.

Also, airlines only allow limited pets on board.

So, the sooner you call them and book, the better. Also, it would be clever on your part to select a backup airline just in case the first option doesn’t work out.

3.VISIT THE VET

Now that you have selected the flight you and your pet will travel in, check whether your pet is fit for travel.

Consult your vet as to how you can keep your pet comfortable on the flight and whether they should be given a sedative.

Also, don’t forget to get the clearance certificate from the vet deeming them fit to fly and carry an up-to-date copy of the vaccinations that have been given to your pet.

4.GET A COMFORTABLE PET CARRIER

Buy an animal carrier which is comfortable for your pet and meets the criteria given by your airline.

A few weeks before your flight, take your pet out for car rides in their pet carrier. This will help them to get used to it and will be comfortable when they fly.

Also, attach an information label to the carrier with your personal details and the details of the destination you will be travelling to.

5.GIVE THEM SOME EXERCISE

Do everything you can to get them tired before getting on the airplane.

Take them for a long walk, play catch and spend time talking to them before leaving for the airport.

Get all that playful energy out and hopefully, they will be tired enough to sleep through the flight.

6.PACK YOUR PET’S TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Pack your carry-on with things that are essential for your pet.

It’s important to make sure you have enough toys and treats to keep your pet occupied for a while during the flight.

If possible, carry a collapsible travel bowl inside of the carrier and place a few ice cubes in it on the flight.

Don’t be alarmed if your pet doesn’t play with his favourite toy. This could just be due to travel anxiety. Similar to how humans get butterflies when they lift off!

7.FEED YOUR PET

Feed your pet and make sure they are well hydrated before boarding the flight.

Many airlines suggest that your pet must be fed four hours before the flight’s scheduled departure so that they are comfortable on the flight.

Just make sure you don’t stuff your pet with food or give them too much water to drink. A pet with a full belly may vomit from anxiety and travel sickness.

8.ARRIVE EARLY AT THE AIRPORT

Once you’re set to go with your pet, make sure you reach the airport well in advance.

Pets need to go through additional security checks where they are weighed, measured and examined properly before boarding the flight.

Many airline policies state that the extra fee for carrying pets has to be paid at the airport and not during the booking.  Try to reach the airport as early as possible so all such formalities can be taken care of conveniently.

9.CONSIDER UPGRADING YOUR SEAT

If you want to travel comfortably on your flight, then you might want to consider upgrading your seat.

Your pet’s carrier will be eating up a lot of your seat’s leg room.

An upgrade would mean you will be able to stretch your legs comfortably and will get some extra space for your pet’s carrier.

10.EXAMINE YOUR PET UPON ARRIVAL

When you arrive at your destination, open the carrier as soon as you are in a safe place and examine your pet.

If something seems wrong, take your pet to the vet immediately. Don’t forget to get the results of the examination in writing with the date and time on it.

Follow these travel tips and make air travel simple for you and your pet. After all, your pet is also going on a trip!

If you want to know about your airline’s policies for carrying pets on flights, Simply download the AirWhizz app. Get all the information about your airline’s regulations regarding pets along with real-time flight updates on your phone itself and plan your trip on the move.

Bring your faithful companion along the next time you travel and Fly Stress-Free!

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