Media Releases

Would You Like An Airfare With Those Extra Charges?

Jun 28, 2011

EXTRA charges are taking off in the new age of air travel.

Airlines throughout the world are rapidly “unbundling” their fares and asking passengers to pay for services that were traditionally included in the standard ticket price.

These optional extras are referred to as ancillary revenue and now represent a multi billion dollar industry, with a recent study showing that 47 of the world’s airlines collected more than $USD21billion in extra fees during 2010.

“In this ever changing environment, it’s important for travellers to recognise that these optional charges can significantly increase the cost of a ticket,” Flight Centre Limited executive general manager of marketing Colin Bowman said.

“For example, it’s reasonably common for extra charges on some low cost carriers to be higher than the actual airfare price and higher than the cost of a normal ticket on a full service airline.

“When you compare fares today, you really have to look at what you’re getting for your money and how much extra you will need to pay for the services you require when you’re travelling internationally or domestically.”

Flight Centre has scoured the fineprint to compile a list of services that are no longer automatically included in ticket prices in the new age of air travel.

1) Boarding passes

United States low cost carrier Spirit Airlines recently announced a $USD5 charge for boarding passes printed by its ticket agents. Passengers can avoid the fee by printing their passes at an external computer.

2) Credit cards

Airlines throughout the world frequently apply fees if customers choose to pay with anything but a particular style of credit card. If you don’t have the right card, you have to pay the fee.

In addition, you may have to cough up the fee for each person travelling and for each travel sector, even if you pay for the entire trip in a single transaction.

3) Checked bags

If you’re travelling with more than hand luggage, you may need to pay extra.
Checked baggage charges are now one of the largest sources of airline ancillary revenue.

Typically, you will be required to pay in advance. If you pay at the airport, additional charges may apply.

In addition to charging for checked bags, airlines strictly police luggage weight limits, which means you may be charged extra if your suitcase is overweight.

4) Hand luggage

Spirit Airlines added a new dimension to baggage charges last year when it announced plans to charge for hand luggage.

Under Spirit’s system, charges of up to $USD45 each way apply if a passenger’s hand luggage cannot be stowed under his or her seat and needs to be stowed in the overhead locker.

5) Assigned seats and priority boarding

Low cost carriers do not typically assign seats.

If you want a guaranteed seat with your travel companions or family, you need to pay extra.

Similarly, some airlines now offer passengers a priority boarding service.

If you’re happy to pay the priority boarding fee, you get first shot at finding your preferred seat.

6) Airport check-in

Tiger Airways and Jetstar in Australia have moved to introduce charges for travellers who choose to adopt the traditional tactic of checking in at the airport.

You can avoid the charges by checking in online and in advance.

If you’re flying with Tiger Airways in Australia and choose to check-in at an airport counter without paying in advance, it will cost you an extra $30 per person each way.

7) Window or aisle seats

US Airways is one of a number of airlines to apply surcharges for seats with a view or with extra elbow room.

In 2008, the airline introduced an additional $USD5 charge for window and aisle seats.

Some airlines also allow travellers to pay extra for exit row seats or for seats with additional legroom.

8) Blankets and pillows

Gone are the days when you simply had to ask for a blanket.

On many airlines in Australia and overseas it will now cost you extra, as will a pillow.

9) Meals and entertainment

Meals and entertainment were one of the first casualties of the shift to unbundled airfares.

On most airlines, you can now expect little change from $10 if you want a soft drink and a packet of chips, while you may need to swipe a credit card to get access to the in-flight entertainment program.

10) Infant charges

Don’t assume that your toddler will fly for free because he or she will be sitting on your lap.

While a child aged under-two will often be able to fly free domestically, some airlines, including Tiger Airways in Australia, apply an additional fee for babies and infants who don’t have a seat of their own.

Tiger’s fee is currently $30 each way on Australian domestic routes.

The future?

While not yet part of the aviation scene, additional charges may eventually apply if you want to use the bathroom or sit in an actual seat.

Irish low cost carrier Ryanair has reportedly toyed with the idea of charging passengers for using toilets during flights, in addition to contemplating introducing ”standing” seats on short haul flights.

Tube Etiquette: 10 Tips For Riding The London Underground

Jun 27, 2011

TUBE ETIQUETTE: 10 TIPS FOR RIDING THE LONDON UNDERGROUND

FLIGHT Centre has attempted to unravel one of the world’s great travel mysteries – the tactics tourists should adopt or avoid on London’s Underground.
While seasoned public transport users will be aware of the dangers of crossing the safety lines, drinking alcohol or leaving luggage unattended, policies governing the more social aspects of travelling Underground are less clear cut.

With thousands of tourists taking off to London now for the peak summer holiday season, Flight Centre has drawn on the knowledge of its well travelled consultants in both Australia and the UK to compile ten unofficial tips of tube etiquette.

1) Keeping right and giving way

When it comes to the Underground and navigating the escalators leading to or from the platform, the “keep right” rule applies.

If you’re not in a hurry, move to the right and leave the left side free for overtakers.

When it’s time to board, entering a packed Tube carriage is similar to entering a roundabout – chaos ensues if you don’t give way.

Basically, you have right of way when you’re getting off, ahead of the people who are getting on.

In addition to giving way, Tube “boarders” should stand to the side of the doors to allow Tube “disembarkers” to make a swift exit.

2) Space invading

Let’s face it, in a packed peak-hour carriage there isn’t much personal space.

Be aware of the lack of arm room and make the necessary adjustments.

Newspapers and maps should be folded, while wild hand gestures and actions should be avoided – remember, it’s always funny until someone loses an eye.

Resist the temptation to read over a neighbour’s shoulder or help him or her with a crossword.

And chances are you will need to reach for the hand rail at some point during your journey this summer, so deodorant must be worn at all times.

3) Should or shouldn’t I give up my seat?

Ladies, don’t expect men to automatically give up their seats for you because it rarely happens.

While there is a school of thought that says “don’t offer your seat to anyone because they’ll think there’s something wrong with you, you’re patronising them or you’re simply creepy” there are some exceptions to the guard your seat at all costs philosophy.

As is the case on most modes of public transport, these may include vacating seats for mothers travelling with babies, pregnant women, elderly passengers or those with disabilities.

4) Quiet please and no eye-contact

While the surrounds are a little different to Wimbledon’s Centre Court, a similar “quiet please” rule is in play on the Underground.

Your fellow passengers won’t take kindly to loud music, mobile phones, a Mexican wave or even an animated conversation.

Rather than developing personal relationships underground, tube passengers are advised to adopt the same tactics to those who are confronted by bears in the wilds of North America – be aware of what’s going on around you but don’t make direct eye contact.

5) Backpacks and babies

You might think your back is the obvious place to keep your backpack when travelling.

Wrong.

Tube etiquette dictates that backpacks must be removed and stowed at your feet.

With your backpack in its normal travel position, you’re odds on to wipe out a fellow Underground commuter if you make any sudden movement.

When travelling with babies or young children, you might want to plan your journey in advance to ensure you’re not “tubing” at the busiest and most crowded times. The period between 10.30am and 4pm is generally quieter and more child friendly.

6) The sardine rule – there’s not always room for one more

Unless you’re trying to enter the Guinness Book of Records, don’t try to squeeze into an overcrowded carriage at all costs.

When tubes are at their busiest, services tend to be fairly regular, so simply wait for the next train.

7) Break free from the masses to find a seat

When you’re waiting for the next service, try moving to the ends of the platform to avoid the longest queues.

Commuters tend to converge near the main arrival points at the platform, leaving prime Tube real estate vacant near the front and rear.

8) He who hesitates …probably creates a human traffic jam

Everyone’s in a hurry to get in or out of the tube station.

When you’re heading for the gates, have your ticket or pass ready and then move well away from the entrance or exit before stopping.

If you hesitate at the gates or slow traffic movement, you will quickly create a commuter traffic jam.

9) Hunger pangs?

Once again, it’s a confined space so wait until you reach “open air” before cracking open that tuna or smoked oyster can in your backpack.

10) Preparation is the key

While not all related to Tube etiquette, certain tactics can be adopted Underground to make your trip easier.

Firstly, size does matter – at least it does when it comes to finding the best place to stand in a packed carriage.

While not a hard and fast rule, shorter people should congregate around the easier-to-reach central pole. This leaves the harder-to-reach ceiling rails for taller commuters.

Secondly, seasoned Tube travellers say it’s best to always carry a mini-guide so you can find an alternative route if authorities close the line you are travelling on.

Thirdly, consider buying an Oyster card if you’re travelling for three or more days in the city. The cards can be cheaper than daily travelcards and, in some cases, can be used for travel to the airport.

ENDS

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