The travel industry is in a really tough place right now. I can’t see how airlines will survive without government financial aid. Every airline is making major changes. The tally is one airline shut down forever, six who have suspended all operations for a period of time and several who have made massive cuts to operations. What do you need to do? Whatever they are doing, if you are tickets, then you and/or the airline will probably be making some sort of changes to flight time, date or destination. If you have booked through a…
Should you travel? No.
Unless you have to, NO. While people are taking advantage of air and hotel discounts, everything is in such a state of flux right now. Airlines are shutting down If you have an urgent reason to travel or you are going home, then proceed as quickly as you can. Travel safe. Staying in another place means you increase your risk, potentially put others at risk and overwhelm health systems. While I understand that hotels, restaurants and venues are suffering, the situation cannot be helped by us. To those struggling, I hope to be able to…
SAS suspends nearly all operations
This is a weird time in the world. Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS), the flag carrier of Denmark, Norway and Sweden shuts down due to the essentially non-existing demand for air travel from Monday March 16 and until further notice. The airline said “ Due to the coronavirus and the measures implemented by national authorities, the demand for air travel is essentially non-existent. SAS has therefore decided to put most of its operations on hold, starting Monday March 16 and until necessary prerequisites for commercial air traffic returns. To support our customers, we will in the…
American ditches Fleet, Network and Frequency
Sunday evening March 15, I fly to Dublin, Ireland with American Airlines. Little did I know when I booked my trip that this would be the very last day for that flight until at least May. Flights from Charlotte, Philadelphia and Phoenix to London Heathrow, Dublin and Manchester will be suspended on March 15 and the return trips back to the USA will be flown March 16. These are part of a 75% cut in American’s international capacity which will be accompanied by a 20% cut in its domestic capacity in April and…
Travel just got interesting- Impacts & Info for a Pandemic.
The WHO has finally called the COVID19 virus situation a pandemic. Before now, the UN’s health agency described it as an epidemic. Calling it a pandemic, states that it has officially spread around the world and reflects WHO’s concern at what it calls the “alarming levels of the coronavirus spread, severity and inaction”. The reaction has been swift. India invoked section 2 of its Epidemic Diseases Act to deal with #Coronavirus crisis by sealing its borders from Friday 13 March until 15 April. All visas (except for official ones) are suspended. President Donald Trump said…
Why can’t they virus test before flight ?
Many of us are nervous to travel because we are not sure if we could be exposed to COVID19, the new Corona virus at airprots, in aeroplamnes or tranis tstauons. Why can’t governments insist that all passengers traveling across international frontiers must be screened before boarding? If all passengers had to get a clean bill of health two days before flying, this would reduce fear and slow the spread of the disease from country to country. Medical staff wearing protective gear are testing thousands for Corona virus , at hospitals, clinics and “drive-through” virus test…
Good Bye Hong Kong Airlines. Facing curtains, they shaft their passengers
This post is both a farewell to Hong Kong Airlines personally and an acknowledgment that they are most certainly finally finished as an air carrier. I have used Hong Kong Airlines a few times now to zip around Asia and have loved them. As my reviews have previously noted, their service has been top notch. They also give/gave good points earning options for my Virgin Australia Velocity frequent flyer program. My enthusiasm for them has been tempered by my concern over their precarious financial situation and concerns that every flight with them might be my last! …
Premier Inn less helpful than North Korea in emergency situations
A UK couple were forced to cancel their North Korea trip after that isolated nation closed its borders to the virus. One would assume that getting the money back from the North Korean tour company, the Chinese airlines and hotels would be a nightmare. The Time of London reports that every penny of the £2,860 (approx $US3,700) they had given to the companies in China and North Korea was refunded -within days. They were reportedly delighted. Less delightful was their experienced with UK hotel operator Premier Inns. They had booked a non refundable night for…
CoronaVirus- Health Info Country by Country
The Coronavirus COVID-19 is here to stay for a while and so too are the rumours, myths and truths which seem to be spreading faster than the virus. One way to monitor the situation is to check with government websites and the WHO (World Health Organisation site). Click below on the country name to access information material published by that country’s health authority. This map shows where the cases are. Check out also my embassy information page and my page on What to do to prepare for a potential disaster while travelling. Also see my…
Do I wear a mask on the plane? Latest on staying healthy.
By now you will have seen the picture of the guy wearing a tent on his plane to protect himself from the corona-virus. Impractical, and uncomfortable but necessity is mother of invention! I cannot see them being sold by airlines as part of their onboard merchandise! As someone who lives in Asia and travels extensively, I am following the news of the current coronavirus now known as COVID-19 very closely. Here is as much info as possible to assist fellow travellers which does not include selling you a tent. What is COVID19 COVID 19…
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