07.31.2007 | 1:09 pm | Flight Comparison
They may advertise themselves as a no frills airline, but there seems to be big money in the no frills game. Budget airline Ryanair has just announced profits of £94 million for the first three months of 2007, a 20% increase on the same period last year. Surprisingly the company have also offered a detailed insight into just how they make their money - you may be surprised!
It now appears that one pound in every six which the company receives actually comes from “non fare” purchases. Apart from the obvious profits from on board drinks and food, the company have also arranged potentially lucrative deals with hotel and vehicle hire companies, in which Ryanair receive a slice of any income from their passengers. A move that effectively subsidises ticket prices, allowing Ryanair to be more competitive than many other budget airlines.
The company also issued a rather revealing list of charges which have helped to increase profits, which include :-
· £5 for each bag stored in the hold.
· £5.50 per kilo of excess baggage.
· £20.50 to change flights.
· £15.50 for travelling with bulky sports gear or musical instruments.
While these are just a few of the fees incurred by many customers, Ryanair are still one of the cheapest airlines around, a fact endorsed by an 18% increase in passenger numbers compared to the same period last year. The company have been very vocal in their opposition to government tax increase, and moves to curb the power of the budget airlines, although the UK government seem determined to level the playing field for more traditional airlines.
In a separate move it has also been announced fare regulations are to be lifted on international flights. It was thought that flights between the US and UK would be exempt for the moment, but many expect the restrictions to be lifted very soon - yet more competition appears to be on the way for the traditional airlines!
07.30.2007 | 10:34 am | Flight Comparison
As the worldwide holiday market continues to grow, we are seeing more and more interest in places such as Mexico, Brazil and the like. These are areas of the world which have been “out of bounds” for many, but recently opened up to the masses. Mexico has so much to offer, that there is something for everyone!
Situated to the South of the United States of America, Mexico offers the perfect back drop between cultures of the US and cultures of South America, a mix which can be potent for those looking for a good time. Covering almost 2 million square kilometres, the country has a population well in excess of 108 million and growing. The recent years of political uncertainty and a volatile economy have been replaced by a more sedate and predictable scenario - resulting in a large increase in visitor numbers.
Mexico has a culture all of its own, with influence from the many wars the country has seen, the close relationship with the US and close association with other South American countries. Surprisingly the weather, while general hot, can be a little cooler in the winter season in some areas of the north, perhaps going against the general impression that the country is hot all of the year.
While the country as a whole has much to offer it is the capital, Mexico City which seems to draw most of the attention from the tourist market. Standing between two snow capped volcanoes, the scenery is second to none, as is the culture, the architecture and the people. Many people seem to use Mexico City as their base when visiting the country, and using the infra structure to visit many of the tourist attractions around the coast and inland.
For those looking to sample a little of the South American way of life, Mexico would be one of the countries to consider.
07.27.2007 | 10:00 pm | Flight Comparison
As the price of air travel continues to fall across Europe, it is becoming just as cheap (if not cheaper) for party goers to travel abroad than to travel the length and breadth of their home country. This is a trend which continues to grow in the UK with many choosing to spend their pre-wedding celebrations overseas.
A quick flight over to Prague, Ibiza or any of the other popular venues has never been cheaper, with more and more flights available at short notice. The budget flight companies have soon realised the growth potential in this market, with many specifically catering for this area of the holiday market. Quite a few have now teamed up with the various holiday companies across Europe, enabling them to discount the cost of flights, and subsequently increasing the depth of the market.
While historically many airlines have shied away form large group bookings, due to the potential for “over exuberance”, there are now strict laws and firm guidelines for behaviour onboard flights. As well as ensuring that behaviour is kept as under control as much possible, it has also given many more the assurances they require to even consider the budget flight companies.
However, many governments around the world have realised that it is now often cheaper to travel overseas than to travel locally. This has resulted in a major review or airport taxes and additional charges which many governments are looking to introduce under the “green” banner.
While this has increased the cost base for the budget airlines, they have been prepared to absorb some of the increased costs themselves, in order to remain competitive. Price comparison sites have sprung up over the last few years, and for many they are now their first port of call when looking at flight prices.
07.26.2007 | 8:49 pm | Flight Comparison
If you need a holiday, but are unable to take extended time off work, why not try a city break? A short time away from home may be just what you need to re-charge. Whether you want to visit art galleries, take a cruise on a river, shop or sample the local cuisine, many cities are just a short hop from the UK.
Top destinations for a city break are:
Paris
You will probably need more than a weekend to take in the beautiful and romantic city of Paris. Each district has something different to offer - art, architecture, haute couture, cuisine, history and beauty. The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Arc de Triomphe area must for any tourist. If it is art you are interested in, then be prepared to spend a whole day in the Louvre examining the 35,000 works including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. The Musee D’Orsay is also worth a visit, housing one of the largest permanent collections of Monet paintings. In the evenings, you could take ion a show at the Moulin Rouge and experience fine French
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is easily reached from the UK, with the flight taking just 45 minutes. Why not take in the Van Gogh, Modern Art and Anne Franks Museums? Amsterdam is known for many things – diamonds, tulips and flower markets, cheese, clogs, architecture and the many canals. It also has an interesting and liberal nightlife with plenty of “brown cafes” and the locals are friendly too.
New York
New York is just a 6 hour flight away from the UK and is possible for a mini-break. Stay in downtown Manhattan, close to the tourist hot spots of the Empire State Building, Macys and Central Park. If you are fan of Art Deco and Art Nouveau, then you will be enchanted by the many buildings on Broadway and the Chrysler Building - all gleaming metal, marble and clean lines. The Statue of Liberty is best seen by a cruise on the Hudson river and is especially beautiful at dusk.
07.25.2007 | 10:17 pm | Flight Comparison
While on the face of it there may seems little or no correlation between cheap flights and the price of property throughout Europe, and worldwide, you may be surprised. Research has shown that the massive increase in cheap flights has also instigated a rise in the number of people purchasing holiday homes.
It seems that for many countries of the world it can often be cheaper and quicker to fly out of the country than use the infra structure, the UK being a prime example. While it can take more than 6 hours to travel the length of the UK by car, train or bus, within only a couple of hours you could be in mainland Europe and sunning yourself by the sea.
Many developers are actually using these flight paths to calculate the best places to building future properties, and which markets to target these at. This is proving very attractive to some of the older members of society who are making full use of cheap flights to often extend and add a new dimension to their retirement.
The internet is also playing a major part in this expansion, with cheap flights advertised in many different places on the internet. Even though the UK has been one of the main exponents of the cheap flights industry, this has caused ripples overseas and an increase in cheaper services available. As new flight paths open up on a regular basis, and the smaller airlines push for greater access, we are starting to see some resistance from the majors, who are finally starting to recognise the dangers the low cost airlines may pose to their traditional lines of business.
It seems as though the demand for short haul flights is set to increase for some time, with prices expected to fall and the consumer due to benefit. As some point prices will “bottom out” but there is little if no likelihood of major increases in the foreseeable future.
07.24.2007 | 10:08 pm | Flight Comparison
If you are fed up of the miserable wet summer of the UK, why not plan your trip to Europe where temperatures are soaring! The UK has had one of the wettest summers on record with cool temperatures and not much opportunity to enjoy the sun.
If you would like to escape to warmer climes and enjoy a much-earned break with the family, why not consider the delights of Greece? Whether, you want a beach holiday, vibrant nightlife, to explore ancient monuments and ruins, take in the culture, enjoy moussakka and stuffed vine leaves or fancy splendid isolation, then Greece is the perfect destination for you.
If it is peace and quiet that you crave, then the island of Kefalonia (where Captain Correli’s Mandolin was filmed) was filmed is a must. It is an island of contrasts with sharp landscapes, shady inlets and fine beaches. It has caves and ancient sites to visit including the ancient Mycenaean tombs and ruins.
Many people visit the islands of Greece that include Corfu, Zante, Kos, Rhodes and Crete and enjoy sunning themselves on the beach and visiting the local tavernas and night spots. Mainland Greece, including the Pelaponnese has a lot to offer in terms of archaeology and culture and is famous for its Kalamata olives. Areas to visit include Olympia (home of the original Olympic Games), Sparta, Corinth and Messene (all of which featured in Greek Mythology). The Temple of Zeus used to stand at Olympia and was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Alternatively, If you want a holistic holiday, then Skyros could be your ideal location. It is a compact island but offers themed holidays to practice yoga, write, salsa dancing, meditation or take a course in art, psychology, music and dance. This is definitely a place to re-charge your batteries.
07.23.2007 | 10:06 pm | Flight Comparison
The flight comparison market has never been more competitive as companies struggle to contain the increase in fuel costs, labour expenses and the so called “green” taxes. Many are becoming more and more desperate to ensure that their planes are running at 100% capacity, and it is very easy to get some great value deals if you book well in advance or last minute - but which ones offer the best value?
While it can sometimes depend upon the flight destination, it seems there are more great offers available if you can wait until the very last minute to book your place. Bags in hand, passport in your pocket and ready to fly - these are the people who seem to be able to squeeze out the cheapest flight tickets. But why?
The one thing which all airlines dread is the possibility of having empty seats on their flights, because empty seats mean lost revenue which mean increased expenses per passenger. At a time when airlines are trying to cut their flight costs to the bone, they really need to fill every seat, which can then give them a chance to sell other services to more customers. This is the reason why you will often see tickets changing hands at the last minute for only a few pounds, but unfortunately it is not all passengers who are in a position to take advantage of these situations.
Over the last few years we have seen some major US airlines in trouble, with many seeking chapter 11 protection from bankruptcy, allowing them more time to sort out their finances. The last few years have also seen the power move back to the passenger with more airlines to choose from, and an increase in the so called budget airlines who are not competing on some of the most lucrative routes in the skies - all to the benefit of the passenger.
07.17.2007 | 11:34 am | Flight Comparison
Aeromexico has announced it will be increasing the number of flights between Austin, Texas and Mexico City from four times weekly to a daily service.
Aeromexico currently serve 15 destinations across the States, as well as 40 cities in Mexico and also fly to Europe and South America.
Speaking about the benefit of the new route timetables, Carlos De Uriarte, Aeromexico district manager for Texas said: “It is exciting to be able to increase our service substantially to daily flights in order to better service the Central Texas market.”
The new flights will take just a little over two hours and will depart from Austin at 3.00pm and from Mexico City at noon each day.
The news comes in the midst of a seemingly unstoppable boom in air travel, which has already seen many airlines announce more routes and increased flights.
Yesterday interest into business class meant JAL airlines increased to daily the regularity of its flights between Tokyo and New Delhi.
07.16.2007 | 11:47 am | Flight Comparison
The Japanese Airline JAL will begin flying to New Delhi daily from October it has been revealed.
JAL, which recently announced its intentions to increase the number of flights from four each week to five, has since had to up the number of flights yet again to seven.
The move is down to the high demand from business passengers, according to a statement made to the press: “As business passenger demand on this route has been particularly strong, JAL has decided to increase flight frequently further.”
Starting on October 28th, the new flights were announced soon after Japan’s trade minister Akira Amari visited the country to pledge aid to improve the south of India’s infrastructure; prime minister Shinzo Abe will also visit the country next month with a commercial delegation, underlining the financial importance of the link between Tokyo and New Delhi.
07.12.2007 | 9:38 am | Flight Comparison
If you’re thinking of a holiday with a wine theme, you’re probably planning a trip to France, Chile or California.
But how surprised would you be to discover that the US’ Virginia entered the top five areas to visit for a wine-making getaway, along with Italy, Chile, Spain and New Zealand?
Bruce Schoenfeld, wine and spirits editor of New York magazine Travel and Leisure, compiled the top five destinations, but insisted that he had based them not just on the best vineyards but also on the provisions that exist for a good holiday.
“The idea is there’s a critical mass of stuff,” he explained.
“I think of it as great places to stay, a terrific local cuisine and wines worthy of seeking out to visit.”
The majority of the best wine is made in Charlottesville and Northern Virginia, according to Mr Schoenfeld.
It must be a good year for Virginia, as the Travel Industry Association also recently voted the area into the top 12 wine-related holiday spots.
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