BA Increases Fuel Surcharges

British Airways has announced that fuel surcharges on short and long-haul flights will increase from 2 May, following further increases in oil prices.

Short-haul flights will see an increase in surcharge from £10 to £13 each way, equating to a return flight charge of £26. For flights of less than 9 hours, the return flight charge will increase by £20 to £126, and flights over 9 hours will increase by £30 to £158.

Passenger Face Scans To Start At UK Airports This Summer

The days of having your passport checked manually by officers at the airport could be numbered, as face recognition technology is implemented at UK airports starting this summer, according to the Guardian.

The reasons for implementing the technology are cited as being to improve security and ease congestion. The technology is considered to be more effective than humans at recognising faces and detecting identity fraud.

The technology works by scanning the face and matching it to the image stored on the chip of the passenger's biometric passport. Around 8-10 million UK passengers now have the biometric pasport.

Tony Blair Caught Fare Dodging On Heathrow Express

Tony Blair, the ex-Prime Minister, was found to be travelling first class on the Heathrow Express last monday, without a ticket.

The red faced Mr Blair explained that he had been given the money for the fare by an aide the night before travelling, but was unable to find the money on arrival at Paddington station.

Aparently, one of his security guards offered to pay the fare to the ticket inspector, who responded by waiving the fare and giving the ex-Prime Minister a free ride. This was later denied by a BAA spokesperson, who said that all passengers were treated equally, regardless of their status, and that the fare had indeed been paid by one of Mr Blair's security guards.

Cherie Blair was also caught travelling without a ticket in 2001, between Luton and London Blackfriars. She was forced to pay a £10 fine plus a £7.90 fare.

Jet2.com Launches New Premium Upgrade Service - Jet2plus

The low cost airline Jet2.com has just launched a new premium upgrade service, offering passengers the opportunity to enjoy the following benefits:

• Priority check-in
• Fast track security
• VIP lounge access
• Premium in-flight meal
• Seating in the front cabin

The cost of the service is £27.99 for UK outbound flights and £24.99 for UK inbound flights.

The service is currently available on flights to and from the Canary Islands, Faro, Alicante, Malaga and Mallorca.

Jet2.com serves these destinations from the following airports: Newcastle, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Blackpool and Belfast.

Manchester Airport Looking For Airline To Operate New York Flights

Manchester Airport bosses are holding talks with a number of airlines in the hope of securing a deal to operate what they believe is a lucrative route between Manchester and New York.

The daily BA service from Manchester to JFK airport is due to be 'suspended' in October, for 'commercial reasons'. The plane will move to Heathrow, to allow a plane to move from Heathrow to Gatwick, where a daily service to JFK will be started.

Two US airlines currently operate flights from Manchester. Delta Airlines operates flights from Manchester to JFK, while Continental flies from Manchester to Newark, New Jersey.

Singapore Airlines And Virgin Come Out Top In Airline Amenities Survey

SeatGuru, the airline information website, has published the results of a recent survey in which over 1600 travellers were asked their opinions about the amenities and related services received on all airlines.

The airlines that came out top in the survey were Singapore Airlines, voted the best airline for food, and the second best airline for amenities, Virgin Atlantic, voted best airline for amenities and third best for food, and BA, voted second best airline for food, and third for amenities.

44% passengers said that a television at their seat was the entertainment feature they valued most, while 26% said a full meal was the comfort feature they valued most. 36% said the in-flight luxury they would be most willing to pay for would be a bed.

36% said they would give up the complimentary snack to save money on the fare, while 37% said they would be willing to pay up to 10% more for a better seat with extra legroom. 32% said they wouldn't be willing to pay any premium.

When it comes to checking in, 56% of passengers said they preferred to check in online, while 14% preferred to check in at the electronic kiosk and 24% preferred to check in at the traditional manned desk.

Easyjet Launches Earlybird Flights From Belfast to Gatwick

Easyjet have added an extra daily flight from Belfast to Gatwick, aimed at business travellers.

The new flight leaves Belfast International Airport at 06.30, arriving at London Gatwick at 07.55. This will enable travellers to spend a full working day in the UK capital without having to stay overnight.

BA Pays Kate Moss £10,000 For Lost Luggage

Many passengers have lost their luggage at Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 since its grand opening three weeks ago, with some passengers still waiting for their luggage to be returned to them. However, it seems that the treatment received from British Airways can vary considerably, depending on who you are.

Kate Moss lost her luggage, and immediately action was taken to locate the bags, which were found within 24 hours and returned to her. She was also immediately given a £10,000 payout as compensation for her distress.

This news must be a painful blow to those passengers still without their luggage, and those now being told that they will not be insured if travelling through terminal 5.

Virgin Atlantic Sale Fares To The Caribbean

Virgin Atlantic have launched sale fares to a range of caribbean holiday destinations, including Antigua, Barbados, Grenada & St Lucia.

Fares start at £392 for a return flight, departing from London Gatwick and Manchester airport.

The offer runs until 10pm April 29th.

Gatwick Lifts Hand Luggage Restrictions

Following the lifting of hand baggage restrictions by the government on 31st March, Gatwick airport has now relaxed rules at the airport to allow up to two pieces of hand luggage per passenger.

However, the individual airlines do still have the last say on the matter, so it is advisable to check with your airline before going to the airport.

Rules regarding which items can be carried in hand luggage have not changed.

Monarch Launches Winter Flight Schedule

Monarch Airlines have just launched their new winter 2008/2009 flight schedule from Luton airport and Birmingham airport.

In response to customer demand, there will be more flights to Tenerife and Lanzarote from both airports, plus more flights to Alicante and Malaga from Birmingham. Luton airport will see more flights to Gibraltar.

Winter schedules for Manchester airport and London Gatwick airport will be announced shortly.

Check out the Monarch website for more information and to book flights.

Take to the skies in a classic Dakota plane

If you've ever fancied taking to the skies in a classic plane, now's your chance. All you need to do is head on down to Doncaster Robin Hood Airport on the weekend of the 19th and 20th April.

Doncaster Robin Hood Airport will be hosting the Classic Flight event, which is part of their farewell Dakota tour. 2008 is the last year passengers can fly on their Dakota planes due to the cost of EU regulations.

Flights last for at least 15 minutes and cost 65 pounds per person, although savings can be made if you book flights on all three aircraft. Pre-booking is recommended, as the flights are very popular. Bookings can be made directly on the Classic Flights website or by calling 08703 304747.

The flights are a great way to see the local area and experience a completely different type of flight. It could be a great birthday gift for someone!

Flybe launches new flights

Low cost airline Flybe is starting 34 new flights to UK and European city destinations, including flights from Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh airports.

There will be two new year-round routes from Jersey to Paris Charles de Gaulle airport and Dublin to Glasgow. Flybe will also be operating two new routes under a franchise agreement with Loganair from Dundee to Birmingham and Belfast.

Exeter airport will also see new flights operating to Brussels, with prices starting from 29.99 GBP one-way, and Dubrovnik starting from 69.99 GBP one-way.