Travel news
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Duplicate Booking Issues
We have been advised by a number of major carriers that they have started implementing a new procedure whereby they will start to charge travel agents for bookings that are made but not ticketed. They will be checking the systems and if there are bookings without ticket numbers after the ticketing deadline has expired, they will be cancelling the bookings and issuing a charge to the travel agent.
From now on, we will be giving you a ticketing deadline wherein you will need to advise us if the booking should be ticketed or cancelled. If we do not hear from you by that time, we will automatically cancel those bookings so as not to incur any additional charges.
Good value holidays in the Dordogne France
Did you not manage to get away for the summer, or were you waiting for the hoards to return so that you could escape in peace? For a tranquil and edifying break, try the Dordogne in South Western France. It is easy to get to (well serviced by low cost carriers) and if you want to take advantage of bringing back some of the local delicacies (Wine from Bergerac, Foie Gras…)why not drive? It takes no more than 12 hours door to door from South East England.
See www.lesgrezes.com for affordable and flexible accommodation.
Source: BJB WEXAS Travel; 2nd September 2010
Airports strike threat lifted after new pay offer
The threat of a strike by staff at six UK airports this month has been lifted after a new pay offer was tabled.
The Unite union and the airports’ operator BAA agreed a "basis for settlement" following a day of talks.
A strike was threatened at Heathrow, Stansted, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton after engineers and other ground staff rejected a pay deal.
Agreement to end the strike threat came after nine hours of talks, but no details of the new offer were released.
Source BBC News 17 August
BAA workers vote to strike
Members of the Unite union working at six BAA airports have voted to strike in protest at an offer of a 1% pay increase.
The vote went in favour of a strike by three to one after ballot papers were sent to 6,185 firefighters, engineers and security staff.
Unite representatives will met on Monday to decide what form of of action its members will take. The union will have to give BAA at least seven days notice of the strike and August Bank Holiday has been suggested as the target of the action.
Unite national officer Brendan Gold said the ballot result reflected what members felt about BAA and called on the airport operator to "return to the negotiating table with a fair offer".
However, BAA claimed the vote did not give Unite a mandate to strike as fewer than half of the staff eligible to vote did so.
BAA will have to close their airports during the strike days as they cannot function with without the safety-critical staff involved. The closures will mean as many as 300,000 people and about 2,500 flights a day will be hit by the strike.
Unite balloted its members at Heathrow, Stansted, Southampton, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen over what it called a “measly” pay offer from BAA.
The airport operator was offering a 1% increase, plus another 0.5% that was conditional on changes to a sick leave agreement. It said the offer was fair in a time of recession.
Unite said staff accepted a pay freeze last year and should also be paid a performance related bonus promised by BAA.
But a BAA spokesperson said: “"We regret the uncertainty this vote has already caused our passengers and airline customers. We hope that the union will engage with us quickly to conclude an agreement.
“Fewer than half of those people eligible to vote have done so and we do not believe this result provides a clear mandate for strike action."
Brian Boyd, Unite national officer for civil aviation, said the 1% pay offer was "simply confrontational".
"BAA chief executive Colin Matthews recently hailed BAA’s financial performance, and passenger numbers at Heathrow reached a record high in July. BAA has constantly ignored the contribution its employees make to the ongoing success of the business. Unite members have delivered a strong message that they deserve more," he said.
Source TTG notice to agents 12 August PM
UK Flight disruption Friday 16 April PM
Statement on Icelandic volcanic eruption: Friday April 16, 1445
The cloud of volcanic ash continues to move south through the UK and the eruption in Iceland continues.
Following a review of the latest Met Office information, NATS advises that restrictions preventing flights in controlled airspace over England and Wales will remain in place until 0700 (UK time) tomorrow, Saturday 17 April, at the earliest. From 1900 (UK time) today ATC restrictions will be lifted in a large part of Scottish airspace including Scottish airports, Shetland, Orkneys and also Northern Ireland.
On this basis, North Atlantic traffic can also operate to/from points in this airspace. Please note these arrangements do not mean that all flights will operate. Anyone hoping to travel today or tomorrow should contact their airline before going to the airport.
We are looking for opportunities when the ash cloud moves sufficient for us to enable some flights to operate under individual coordination with ATC. Some aircraft were able to operate at Manchester this morning, although restrictions are now reapplied to Manchester.
We hope there may be some opportunity from the north into Newcastle after 0100 (UK time) tomorrow - Saturday. We will review further Met Office information and at 2030 (UK time) we will advise further arrangements. In general, the situation is dynamic and subject to change.
We continue to work closely with airports, airlines, and the rest of Europe to understand and mitigate the implications of the volcanic eruption.
Source NATS.co.uk 16 April PM
UK Flight disruption due to volcanic eruption . Friday 16 April
The cloud of volcanic ash continues to cover much of the UK and the eruption in Iceland continues. Following a review of the latest Met Office information, NATS advises that restrictions preventing flights in English controlled airspace will remain in place until 0100 (UK time) tomorrow, Saturday 17 April, at the earliest.
Flights in Northern Ireland and the Western Isles of Scotland to and from Glasgow and Prestwick will continue to be allowed until 1900 (UK time) subject to individual co-ordination. North Atlantic traffic to and from Glasgow, Prestwick and Belfast may also be allowed in this period.
From 1900 (UK time), forecasts indicate that Scottish airspace may be able to accept domestic flights within Scotland and Northern/Southern Ireland, and North Atlantic flights to/from airports in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
We will review further Met Office information and at 1430 (UK time) we will advise further arrangements. In general, the situation is dynamic and subject to change.
Source NATS.co.uk 16 April
UK Flight disruption
Updates concerning the Icelandic volcanic eruption
NB Passengers seeking flight updates should consult the websites of their Airlines directly.
Statement on Icelandic volcanic eruption: Thurs April 15, 14:00
The cloud of volcanic ash is now spread across the UK and continuing to travel south. In line with international civil aviation policy, no flights other than agreed emergencies are currently permitted in UK controlled airspace. Following a review of the latest Met Office information, NATS advises that these restrictions will remain in place in UK controlled airspace until 0700 tomorrow, Friday 16 April, at the earliest. We will review further Met Office information and at 2000 today (local) we will advise the arrangements that will be in place through to 1300 tomorrow.
We continue to work closely with airports, airlines, and the rest of Europe to understand and mitigate the implications of the volcanic eruption.
Source NATS.co.uk 15 April
UK Flight disruption due to volcanic eruption in Iceland
There was a large volcanic eruption in Iceland on Wednesday April 14.
Due to the weather conditions, a plume of volcanic ash has now spread southwards towards northern Europe and is severely affecting all airlines’ flight activity in the area.
For safety reasons and on the direction from Air Traffic Control Service (NATS) a decision has been made to cancel a number of flights and close all London airports.
As a result ALL airlines will be impacted and we will therefore not be able to operate services after 11.30am from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London City. Additionally, all British Airways domestic services have been cancelled on Thursday 15 April.
You are advised to check the status of your flight before leaving for the airport.
Source britishairways.com 15 April
Eurostar revised timetables due to the National Rail Strike
Due to Industrial Action in the UK, there are some alterations to our service from 6 to 9 April, including a small number of cancellations.
revised timetables arve availble on the eurostar website.
BJB will contact any passengers who are effected
Source: eurostar for agents 1 April 2010
End of British Airways Cabin Crew Strike
Unite’s second strike which began on 27 March has now come to an end.
Our schedule is now up to date for flights after 30 March.
Source britishairways.com 31 March
British Airways cabin crew strike update 29 March 2010
We have been able to expand our flight schedule up to 30 March because of the increased numbers of cabin crew wishing to work as normal.
We will fly more than 75 percent of customers booked to travel during this period despite Unite’s unjustified strike action.
We have also now published our shorthaul flying schedule for 31 March and 1 April and are expecting to operate a normal shorthaul schedule from 2 April.
We will update ba.com with any further changes as soon as possible and would recommend that you regularly check the status of your flight.
The following flights will operate normally and changes to bookings on these flights are subject to the original fare rules:
- All flights to and from London City
- All flights to and from London Gatwick
- All flights operated by our subsidiary, franchise, alliance and codeshare partners
Updated information regarding reinstated flights etc can be found at www..britishairways.com
Source britishairways.com 29 March
British Airways Strile update 26 March 2010
We have been able to expand our flight schedules between 27 and 30 March because of the increased numbers of cabin crew wishing to work as normal.
We will fly more than 75 percent of customers booked to travel during this period despite Unite’s unjustified strike action.
We have also now published our shorthaul flying schedule for 31 March and 1 April and are expecting to operate a normal shorthaul schedule from 2 April.
We will update ba.com with any further changes as soon as possible and would recommend that you regularly check the status of your flight.
The following flights will operate normally and changes to bookings on these flights are subject to the original fare rules:
- All flights to and from London City
- All flights to and from London Gatwick
- All flights operated by our subsidiary, franchise, alliance and codeshare partners
For updated information regarding reinstated flights and for updates for travel on strike dates please go to www.britishairways.com
Source britishairways.com 26 March
British Airways strike action update
We have now announced our schedule for Unite’s second set of proposed strike dates of 27, 28, 29 and 30 March.
We have been able to expand our flight schedules for the strike period because of the increased numbers of cabin crew wishing to work as normal.
Arrivals and departures is now up to date for flights up until 30 March 2010.
The following flights will operate normally and changes to bookings on these flights are subject to the original fare rules:
- All flights to and from London City
- All flights to and from London Gatwick
- All flights operated by our subsidiary, franchise, alliance and codeshare partners
At Heathrow, we plan to operate an extended schedule of up to 55 percent of all shorthaul flights and 70 percent of longhaul flights.
We have also reinstated a number of previously cancelled flights up to 26 March 2010.
For updated information regarding reinstated flights and for updates for travel on strike dates please go to www.britishairways.com
source britishairways.com 24 March
British Airways Strike update
On March 12, Unite, the union that represents British Airways (BA) cabin crew, announced strike dates of 20,21, 22 and 27,28,29 and 30 March 2010.
The first strike period is now underway and we are planning to operate 60 per cent of flights.
If your flight has been cancelled please do not come to the airport.
We are currently reinstating a number of flights over the next few days due to the number of crew who are reporting to work.
The following flights will operate normally and changes to bookings on these flights are subject to the original fare rules:
- All flights to and from London City
- All longhaul flights to and from London Gatwick
- All flights operated by our subsidiary, franchise, alliance and codeshare partners
For updated information regarding reinstated flights and for updates for travel on strike dates please go to www.britishairways.com
source britishairways.com 22 March
Industrial action on French railways on 23 March 2010
Eurostar services operating normally on Tuesday 23 March
There is planned industrial action on French railways from 20h00 CET tonight, Monday 22 March until Wednesday 24 March 08h00 CET.
Eurostar services will operate normally, however travellers with onward rail connections from Lille or Paris are advised that their journeys may be impacted.
Affected travellers can exchange their tickets for travel within 120 days. All exchanges must be completed no later than 60 days from the original date of travel.
Source:Eurostarforagents 22 March
British Airways strike update
Updated 15 March 1650
British Airways cabin crew strike
Unite, the trade union that represents the majority of British Airways (BA) cabin crew, has announced its intention to take strike action on the following dates:
- 20, 21 and 22 March 2010
- 27, 28, 29 and 30 March 2010
All of our flights are continuing to operate as normal up until the first day of the strike.
All flights to and from London City and all longhaul flights to and from London Gatwick will continue to operate normally throughout any strike period and any changes to bookings on these flights are subject to the original fare rule
Travelling on 20, 21 and 22 March 2010
Not all of our flights will be cancelled due to the strike action between 20 and 22 March 2010.
If your flight is operating it will either:
- be operating normally
- be operating with a different level of onboard service
- be operating by a charter company flying on behalf of British Airways
Due to the complexity of our flying schedules it will take us a number of hours to update every booking that is affected.
However, the Arrivals and Departures facility is now up to date with details of flights that have been cancelled and those that are operating with details of exactly how we intend to operate them.
This link is found on www.britishairways.com/travel/strike
Travelling on 23, 24, 25 and 26 March 2010
The vast majority of our flights will be operating normally during this period.
However, due to the knock-on effects of the previous days strike action a small number of flights may be cancelled.
Flights that do operate will either be operating normally or with a reduced level of onboard service.
Shorthaul flights are expected to operate normally during this period.
Options for changing your booking between 23 and 26 March 2010
If your flight is operating or cancelled between 23 and 26 March you have the option of changing your booking.
rebooking options found on www.britishairways.com/travel/strike
Travelling on 27 to 31 March 2010
At the moment flights on 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31 March are planned to operate as normal.
The decision on which flights will operate and those that will be cancelled as a result of the strike threat is planned to be made on 22 March at the earliest.
Cabin crew strike - what it means for you
Unite, the trade union that represents the majority of British Airways (BA) cabin crew, has announced its intention to take strike action on the following dates:
- 20, 21 and 22 March 2010
- 27, 28, 29 and 30 March 2010
At the moment all of our flights are continuing to operate as normal.
If a strike does go ahead, we are intending to operate a range of flights.
Not all our flights will be cancelled.
We are currently finalising our flight schedules for the strike period and have temporarily stopped selling seats on all flights operating on the strike dates.
We will finalise these schedules in the next few days and further information will be posted here as soon as it is available.
The most up to date information is given on our website and at this stage our call centre agents will not have any additional information regarding which flights are operating during the strike period. For More information please see www.britishairways.com/travel/strike-ballot
BJB Travel will rebook alternative flights and contact you if your flight is affected
Cabin crew strike ballot
Unite, the trade union that represents the majority of British Airways (BA) cabin crew, has announced that its strike ballot has closed with a vote in favour of industrial action. The outcome of the ballot is very disappointing and brings a renewed threat of industrial action, which is completely unjustified.
In the weeks before and during the ballot period, Unite claimed that we had breached individual crew members’ contracts by making modest changes to onboard crew numbers on flights from Heathrow. We have always said this claim was false, and it was rejected by the High Court three days ago.
The vast majority of crew who voted in this ballot will have done so before the High Court decision. We hope Unite will bear this fact in mind as it considers its next steps. We believe some progress has been made in recent talks under the auspices of the TUC and we reiterate our wish to resolve the issues between us in the interests of our customers and all our staff. However, we will not allow Unite to ruin this company. Should a strike take place, we will do everything we can to protect your travel plans as far as possible. We would like to reassure you that all of our flights are continuing to operate as normal at this time.
If strike dates are announced
If strike dates are announced we plan to continue operating some of our flights. We will put contingency plans in place and communicate them as soon as possible.
You will be able to rebook, free of charge and subject to availability, onto other British Airways flights outside of the strike period for up to 355 days from the original date of travel.
Refunds will only be available if flights are actually cancelled or if the original booking conditions allow.
In the event that cancellations are made due to strike action
You will be able to:
- Rebook onto another British Airways flight to the same destination within 355 days of the original date of travel
- Rebook onto another British Airways flight to/from the nearest alternative airport (for example, if booked to/from Boston you could rebook to/from Philadelphia or New York)
- Cancel your booking and get a refund.
- All rebooking options will be subject to availability.
More detailed information about rebooking options, including specific dates covered by these guidelines will be made available if a strike is announced. Normal Conditions of Carriage will apply for any flights that are cancelled outside of the strike period. British Airways Executive Club members will continue to earn Tier Points and BA Miles for flights cancelled due to any strike action.
Source. Airline notice to agents. 23rd February 2010
Lufthansa strike off
A strike by about 4,000 pilots at German airline Lufthansa has been suspended - with union officials agreeing to resume negotiations. The action - which had been scheduled to run for four days - was called off after less than 24 hours of delays and cancellations for passengers. There will be no further action until at least March 9, the union said.
Lufthansa had predicted the strike would cost it about $34 million per day.
A spokesman for the Cockpit union added the two sides had reached an agreement after a two-hour long hearing at a Frankfurt industrial court. But the strike has already disrupted an estimated 10,000 passengers around the world, with the carrier trying to arrange alternative travel for them.
Source. Travelmole. 23rd February 2010
New service from CityJet at City Airport
CityJet, the London City specialist of the AIR FRANCE KLM Group is launching City Plus, the new approach to business travel.
This premium economy offer provides comfort and well-being assuring passengers arrive at their destination relaxed and refreshed. City Jet now has two competitive fare structures:
- City Plus: A range of fully flexible fares, all of which are changeable and refundable
- City Value: The new Economy offer, ideal for travellers who know their date and time of travel. Tickets are changeable at a fee.
Download this document for more information
Schedule details of routes operated by City Jet out of London City Airport.
Source. Airline notice to agents. 23rd February 2010
Gatwick Airport re-opens at 15.15
Updated at 15.20: Following the earlier closure of Gatwick Airport due to snowfall, the aiport re-opened at 15.15. Priority is being given to flight departures, with some limited arrivals.
There are significant delays and cancellations. Passengers are advised to contact their airline for the latest flight information.
We regret the disruption to our passengers’ travel plans but the safety of aircraft and passengers is our top priority.
Source. www.gatwickairport.com 13 Jan
Eurostar Update Wednesday 13 January
From Wednesday 13 to Friday 15 January, we are running a near normal service with a small number of cancellations. There may also be some slight delays to your journey. Please consult our revised timetables via the link below.
From Saturday 16 January onwards, we will run a normal service.
Source. www.eurostar.com 13 January
Travel Update for Heathrow Airport.
Heathrow remains open, but cancellations are possible today due to the weather. Passengers should check the status of their flight with their airline. Our airfield team is working round the clock to keep both runways clear but the threat of further snow and ice at the airport remains. We are doing everything we can to support both passengers and airlines. Please leave plenty of time for your journey to or from Heathrow and take extra care on the roads.
Travel to the USA
Passengers travelling to the United States should expect their airline to carry out additional security checks prior to boarding. To support this important process and keep delays to a minimum, we would advise passengers to check the relevant airline website or call the airline for specific advice before travelling to the airport, arrive promptly at check-in, and limit the amount of baggage being taken on board the aircraft . If in any doubt, please contact the relevant airline for further information.
Source. BAA Heathrow 13 Jan
Eurostar update 13 January
We will be running a near normal service on Wednesday 13 January with a small number of cancellations. If your train is not running, we have allocated you a seat on the next available train, these trains are:
From the UK
Train 9112 departing from London at 07.30 to Bruxelles is not running. Customers will be able to travel on train 9120, departing at 08.27.
Train 9044 departing from London at 17.30 to Paris is not running. Customers can travel on either train 9042, departing at 16.55 or train 9046, departing at 17.55.
Train 9154 departing from London at 18.34 to Bruxelles is not running. Customers will be able to travel on train 9158, departing at 19.34.
From the Continent to the UK
Train 9113 departing from Bruxelles at 08.05 to London is not running. Customers will be able to travel on train 9109 departing at 06.59 or train 9119 departing at 09.29.
Train 9157 departing from Bruxelles at 18.59 to Lille and London is not running Customers will be able to travel on train 9163, departing at 20.17.
Train 9053 departing from Paris at 18.43 to Ashford and London is not running. Customers will be able to travel on train 9055, departing at 19.13.
We are offering customers whose alternative train times are not suitable a free exchange or refund.
Please consult our revised timetable via the link www.eurostar.com
Source. Eurostar.com 13 Jan
Winter Sale from Cyprus Airways
Cyprus Airways is offering some fantastic Winter Sale offers for BJB Travel Partnership Clients. These fares are available for sale until 31 Jan 2010.
Terms and conditions
- Sales Period: 30Dec09-31Jan10
- Travel Period: 31Dec09-20Jun10 (travel to be completed)
- Children/Infants: No discount for children / Infants without a seat pay 10% of the adult fare
- Refunds: Tickets are non refundable
- Changes: Permitted at a charge of GBP40 in the same booking class or by upgrading to any higher fare plus the penalty fee
- Ticket Deadline: 3 days after res / 1 day after res for bookings made within 3 days from departure date.
Fares start from GBP 102.00
Let us know if we can arrange a trip for you.
Source: Cyprus Airways notification to Travel Agents. 5th January 2010.
