E TRAVEL NEWS

Volcanic ash causes disruption to airports

2010-04-15T10:43:00.006+01:00

Airline passengers are facing massive disruption across the UK after an ash cloud from a volcanic eruption in Iceland grounded planes.
The Air Traffic Control Service (Nats) said no flights would be allowed in or out of UK airspace from midday to 1800BST amid fears of engine damage.
Airports operator BAA confirmed all flights at Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick would be suspended from midday.
And in Scotland, authorities have already shut all their airports.
The restrictions, in accordance with international civil aviation policy, were imposed after the Met Office warned ash could clog engines.
Passengers were advised to contact their carriers prior to travel.
'Significant disruption'
Experts have warned that the tiny particles of rock, glass and sand contained in the ash cloud would be sufficient to jam aircraft engines.
Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports were shut as Nats said it was restricting flights "in accordance with international civil aviation policy".
The ash cloud disrupted all flights to and from Manchester with a similar picture at Newcastle airport where all arrivals were cancelled and all outbound flights either cancelled or subject to indefinite delay. Durham Tees
Airline passengers are facing massive disruption across the UK after an ash cloud from a volcanic eruption in Iceland grounded planes.
The Air Traffic Control Service (Nats) said no flights would be allowed in or out of UK airspace from midday to 1800BST amid fears of engine damage.
Airports operator BAA confirmed all flights at Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick would be suspended from midday.
And in Scotland, authorities have already shut all their airports.
The restrictions, in accordance with international civil aviation policy, were imposed after the Met Office warned ash could clog engines.
Passengers were advised to contact their carriers prior to travel.
'Significant disruption'
Experts have warned that the tiny particles of rock, glass and sand contained in the ash cloud would be sufficient to jam aircraft engines.
Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports were shut as Nats said it was restricting flights "in accordance with international civil aviation policy".
The ash cloud disrupted all flights to and from Manchester with a similar picture at Newcastle airport where all arrivals were cancelled and all outbound flights either cancelled or subject to indefinite delay.Durham Tees Vally Airport are asking passengers still to turn up as normal but flights are subject to delay. More details can be found on the airport websites or ring our staff on 0191 2515000 for assistance.

BA Strike latest

2010-03-16T11:01:00.004Z

Unite Union which represents the majority of BA cabin crew has announced its intention to take strike action on the following dates,
20, 21, 22 March 2010
27, 28, 29 and 30 March 2010
All flights will operate as normal until the first day of the strike. If the strike goes ahead BA will operate up to 60% of normal capacity during the strike periods,
Re booking Options
If your flight is operating between 20 and 22 March and 27 and 30 March but you wish to change your travel plans you can:

· Rebook to travel on another BA flight on the same route up to 355 days in the future at no extra charge, subject to availability.

· Refunds are not allowed unless the fare rules allow.

If your booking includes a BA flight outside of these dates, or includes a flight to or from London City or any longhaul flight operating to and from London Gatwick or one operated by our franchise, codeshare or alliance partners you will be able to change these flights at the same time.

If your flight has been cancelled due to strike action you can:

· Rebook onto another British Airways flight within 355 days of the original date of travel at no extra charge, subject to availability
OR

· 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) at no extra charge, subject to availability. Any additional costs to get to/from the alternative airport is at your own expense.

OR
· Cancel your booking and obtain a refund to the original form of payment

For travel between 23 and 26 March 2010 and wish to change your travel plans you can,

· Rebook to travel on another BA flight on the same route up to 355 days in the future at no extra charge, subject to availability.

· Refunds are not permitted unless the fare rules allow.

If your booking includes a BA flight outside of these dates, or includes a flight to or from London City or any longhaul flight operating to and from London Gatwick or one operated by our franchise, codeshare or alliance partners you will be able to change these flights at the same time.
For more information regarding your BA flight booking or to book a flight to your destination using an alternative airline please contact our Account Executives on 0191 2515000 or follow the links

New Office Hours

2010-03-02T13:51:00.002Z

With the introduction of our new Emergency out of hours service we have revised our office hours and we are no longer open on Saturday Mornings for emergencies. Please contact :-

+44 203 130 9644 should you require any assistance.

New 24 Hour Emergency Contact Number

2010-02-12T16:02:00.005Z

From the 1st March 2010 Dawson and Sanderson Corporate Travel Services new

emergency contact number outside normal office hours will be:-

+44 203 130 9644

Adverse Weather across the UK

2010-01-06T11:34:00.002Z

Due to the adverse weather conditions it would be advisable to check with your airline via their website to get the latest updates.

Rail Travellers can use
www.nationalrail.co.uk
National Rail Enquires call 0871 48 49 50

Our contact our Office on 0191 2515000

British Airways to Charge for Seats

2009-09-25T11:22:00.005+01:00

British Airways Charges for Seat Selection.

From the 7th October British Airways will change it's seating policy. Currently BA allows passengers to reserve seats checking in online 24 hours before departure. Next month passengers willing to pay will be able to secure their preferred seat in the cabin when they make a booking. Economy class seat within Europe will cost £10 per seat per flight adding £20 per person to the cost of flying with the worlds 'Favourite Airline'. Emergency exit seats will cost the passenger £50, £60 for a business class special fare seat and can be booked between ten and four days before travel. BA claim this will give customers more control over their seating options. The introduction of this levy is a way for BA to recover some of it's recent losses. This, along with other measures of cutting baggage allowances and abolishing free meals on short flights along with soaring oil prices and a decrease in passenger numbers have all been sited for these new measures to be imposed on the travelling public.

New Routes to Norway

2009-09-01T09:19:00.003+01:00

New Routes to Norway. Eastern Airlines have just announced they will be starting new schedules between Newcastle and Bergen on the 5th of October and adding a Sunday service between Newcastle and Stavanger on the 4th of October.

The launch of the route comes just a year after the withdrawal of the long-standing ferry service between Newcastle and Norway’s second largest city

It is hoped that the Bergen route will appeal to North East businesses with Norwegian links, particularly those in the oil and gas industry and subsea sector.
Chris Holliday, Eastern Airways’ Chief Operating Officer, said: “This latest route will provide businesses, particularly in the oil and gas industry, with a vital city link and connection to this important export market.“Norway is one of the world’s largest oil producers and Bergen is a key base for the global energy industry. This convenient, non-stop service is great news for north east travellers and is in direct response to demand from the business community

To book your flights to Norway please contact our staff on 0191 2515000 or email to corporate.travel@travelco.co.uk

2009-06-17T09:15:00.004+01:00

Corporate Travel Services and Jurys Inn Newcastle have introduced special rates for our clients, from 22nd June until 31st August 2009.

Sunday Nights £69.00 b and b

Mon-Thur Nights £79.00 b and b

(double for sole use subject to availability)

All rates are are bookable through Dawson and Sanderson Corporate Travel Services and apply to all new bookings

We also have a Conference offer - DDR from £29.00 pp ( Inc 2 course hot lunch served in Restaurnant)
This rate is subject to availability ad valid for the remainder of the Year.

Please contact our reservations team to book on 0191 2515000

Underground Strike 9th June

2009-06-09T09:31:00.003+01:00

We have been notified of a strike called by London Transport Staff which will affect the Underground system from 1900 hours today 9th June until the end of Service on Thursday 11th June. For further information click on the link to the Transport for London website for up to the minute information or contact our office on 0191 2515000 our staff will be willing to assist.

Ryanair to doubl aiport check-in fee

2009-03-11T13:46:00.003Z

Ryanair to double airport check-in fee.
Ryanair is doubling its airport check-in fee to £20 per person per flight from May in a bid to discourage passengers from using it. From October 1, airport check-in will be phased out altogether and desks will no longer be available at any Ryanair airport. The changes will be introduced in three phases. In phase 1, from March 19, Ryanair’s web check-in service will be extended to non EU/EEA citizens, passengers travelling with checked baggage and reduced mobility customers. Customers choosing web check-in and travelling with only carry-on bags will not pay a fee, but any passengers with bags to check in will pay £5 per person per flight. Passengers who wish to use airport check-in will be charged a fee of £10 per person per flight at the time of booking. In phase 2, from May 1 all new bookings will be required to use web check-in, and the use of traditional airport check-in desks will be phased out over the summer months. Airport check-in charges will be increased to £20 per person per flight in order to dissuade passengers from using it. In phase 3, from October 1 airport check-in desks will no longer be available at any Ryanair airport. All passengers will be required to web check-in and those who have checked in bags will use the airport “bag drop” desks. From this date, children under the age of 16 will no longer be able to travel unaccompanied and passports and national ID cards will be the only accepted forms of photo ID on Ryanair flights. Ryanair’s Stephen McNamara said web check-in was currently used by 75% of passengers. He claimed the removal of airport check-in would allow the airline to reduce its airport and handling costs and keep fares down.

Durham Tees Valley to loose BMI flight

2009-02-19T13:51:00.004Z

BMI have just announced that it's dropping its flight to London Heahtrow from Durham Tees Valley on the 28th March 2009 as part of summer scheduling changes for the airline.

The official quote from BMI.

The decision to withdraw services between London and the North of England was a tough one, as we have operated these routes since 1969. However a decline in demand, higher-than-inflation cost increases at Heathrow and higher Government Air Passenger Duty (APD) charges have made operating these routes unsustainable.

An announcement for re-accommodating passengers already booked after the 28th of March will be announced later this month. If you have any questions please don't hesitate contact our reservations team on 0191 2515000 or email your question to corporate.travel@travelco.co.uk

BA Mobile Check In

2009-01-05T14:05:00.004Z

Travellers flying with British Airways can now check in for flights via their mobile phone handset.

By logging on to www.ba.com/mobile via their mobile device with wireless conectivity, they can check timetables, make seat reservations and check in for outward and return flights. All then is required is the passengers Booking Reference and Surname.

BA annouced that it recognises that it's passengers have a very busy lifestyles, and by offering greater accessibility, this will enhance the travellers overall experience of travelling with the airline. For more information visit the BA website www.ba.com

It has been predicted by researchers that by 2013 over 400 million subscribers worldwide will be able to use their mobile devices as hi-tech tickets.

Newquay Airport Closure

2008-11-27T13:37:00.003Z

Newquay Cornwall Airport

will be closed between Monday 1 until Friday 19 December 2008, Cornwall County Council apologise for the inconvenience this will cause. Air South West apologizes for the inconvenience caused to passengers and we will inform you when the airline is operational again.

Bangkok Airports remain closed

2008-11-27T13:05:00.002Z

Bankok Aiports Remain Closed.

Major political demonstrations have been taking place in Bangkok, with outbreaks of violence. A large number of demonstrators at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport have forced the closure of the airport. Departures have been suspended and arrivals are being diverted to other airports. If you intend to travel via Suvarnabhumi. Don Muang Airport is also closed. The government of Thailand is reported to be making alternative arrangements for passengers stranded at the airports but official information is scant. Click the title for the FCO's offical recommendations for travel to Thailand.

The major airlines are advising passengers due to travel to contact the airline or their travel agency to make alternative arrangements. Contact our office on 0191 2515000 where our staff will assist you with your requirements

Situation in India

2008-11-27T12:24:00.005Z

India - Attacks in Mumbai.

The current situation in Mumbai has shocked everyone. The FCO are advising against all UK nationals travelling to Mumbai unless essential. Currently travel to and from Mumbai is not affected by the situation but we have been advised that the airport is much busier than normal.

Travellers intending to go or who are there should resister with the FCO via their 'Locate' service (see our e news 11th August 2008 or click this link) http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/. This is a free services and allows the FCO to contact UK nationals to see if they are OK and give advice on the current situation where ever you are in the world.

If you have any concerns about passengers travelling to the Mumbai area of India. Further information on the situation can be found on the FCO website by clicking the title of this article or contact 0191 2515000 were our staff will be glad to assist with any question they can on travel to this destination.

New Visa Requirements for USA January 2009

2008-11-04T15:28:00.004Z

New Electronic System for Travel Authority:

US Customs has introduced a new mandatory requirement for travellers planning on entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (V.W.P.).

The V.W.P. is available for nationals of 27 countries (including Australia, NZ, UK, Germany and Singapore) who are travelling for temporary business or leisure. To date, the only requirement for passengers travelling the US under the V.W.P. has been to carry a machine-readable passport containing a digital photo. This new requirement called Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) means that from 12 January 2009, all passengers travelling under the V.W.P. will now have to apply over the internet for an ESTA. ESTA applications may be submitted by customers themselves at any time prior to travel to the United States and VWP travellers are encouraged to apply for authorization as soon as they begin to plan a trip to the United States. Applications should be made at least 3 days prior to travel.
For further information contact our staff on 0191 2515000

Emirates Terminal 3 opens at Dubai Airport

2008-10-21T11:46:00.003+01:00

Emirates Terminal 3 at Dubai International Launches Phase Two

DUBAI, U.A.E., 19th October 2008 – With the first phase of flight operations from Emirates Terminal 3 at Dubai International proceeding smoothly as planned, Emirates is ready to launch the next phase from the new terminal on 21st October at 14:00 hours.
After launching flights to countries on its GCC and Americas network in the first phase from the new terminal, the second phase sees Emirates launching flights to the rest of the Middle East and Africa, increasing operations to 99 flights every day, 37 per cent of all the airline’s flights. All flight numbers in the 200, 700, 800, 900 series and any extra flights on these routes will now depart and arrive at Emirates Terminal 3 at Dubai International.
The first Emirates flights in phase two are: Emirates flights EK903 to Amman and EK913 to Damascus departing at 14:00 hours. The first flight to arrive at Emirates Terminal 3 will be EK912 from Damascus at 14:50 hours

Emirates website www.emirates.com/uk has a whole section on the new terminal with information on Business and First class lounge facilities, the hotel available within the terminal, and an excellent floor plan which you can download.
For anyone transiting in Dubai, where their Emirates arrival and departure flights might be from different terminals at the moment, access between terminals 1 and 3 is quite easy with a passenger footbridge. If checking-in at Dubai for onward or return flights please ensure your customer is directed to the correct terminal for check-in, until all flight operations have moved to terminal 3.
From 21st October, Emirates will fly to 32 online destinations from Emirates Terminal 3.GCC/Middle East: Amman, Bahrain, Beirut, Damascus, Dhahran, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat, Riyadh, Sana’a and Tehran. Africa: Abidjan, Accra, Addis Ababa, Cairo, Cape Town, Casablanca, Dar es Salaam, Entebbe, Johannesburg, Khartoum, Lagos, Mauritius, Nairobi, Seychelles, Tripoli and Tunisia.
Americas: New York, Houston, Sao Paulo and Toronto. Emirates will launch services to Los Angeles from 26th October and San Francisco from 15th December.
Contact our Reservations team for more information on 0191 2515000

FCO new Locate Service

2008-08-11T09:23:00.008+01:00

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has launched a new service called LOCATE which helps track down Britions in the event of a crisis abroad. Travellers can register details of their trips on the FCO website (see link by clicking on title of this news letter) as well as friend and family contacts back in the UK. LOCATE has been created in response the the changing face of travel. More people are travelling today than ever before, with an estimated 68,000,000 foreign trips made by British nationals in 2006. We are travelling to traditionally more unstable regions.But it is not just in remote, exotic places where a crisis can happen, as demonstrated by last summer's fires in Greece and the bombing in recent years in Turkey, Egypt and this year in Spain. Although the chances of being involved in a crisis is remote, when something does happen communication is often difficult and at those times and not knowing an individual is safe can lead to worry for friends and family and can cause a diversion of of consular assistance away from those who really need it. LOCATE is a two-way service in the event of an emergency worried family members can register details of a loved one who may be caught up in an incident. If the traveller also confirms with FCO that they are OK, LOCATE will match the two bits of information and the good news can be quickly passed to relatives.
Whether you are going on a short trip or away for a year LOCATE will assist the local Embassy find you quickly. Telling the FCO will get help to you or they will be able to let friends and family know you are safe in the event of a crisis.
A tip for all travellers is to add LOCATE to their usual pre-travel checklist

Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance
Find out about vaccinations
Research local laws and customs of your destination
Register with LOCATE
Take photocopies of important documentation or store copies online using secure data storage site

Please check out the FCO website or contact Stewart Bell on 0191 2515000 for more information

Looking for a 'Green' Hotel

2008-08-06T09:22:00.003+01:00

Looking for a Green Hotel: Check out ‘Eco Hotels of the World’
by Liz Lewis on July 29th, 2008

Eco Hotels of the World is an easy to navigate independent guide to some of the world’s greenest hotels.
Listed hotels are given a green star rating based how they score in each of these five categories (Energy, Water, Disposal, Eco-Active, and Protection). The high the number of green stars, the more eco-friendly the hotel.
Hotels are chosen to be listed either by one of writing team or by the hotel itself submitting a request. The hotel then fills in a comprehensive questionaire about their sustainability practices and are vetted by the team for accuracy and authenticity. So that by the time we get to read the review, what’s listed is the real deal.
You can search for hotels either by clicking a location on the google map or by using the search directory. The search directory allows you to enter a list both location and the green star rating required. I spent a little time wandering this eco world, discovering a few places I wouldn’t mind lying my head. For example, the Chateau Mcely Club Hotel & Forest Retreat set in a state forest just outside of Prague, The Orchid surrounded by lush gardens just a hop-skip-and-jump away from Mumbai’s domestic airport, and the At Kw’o:kw’e:hala eco retreat neighboring the Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park and Othello Tunnels of the old Kettle Valley Rail, to name but a few.
Eco Hotels of the World also offers a newsletter and there are plans a Eco Hotels of the World Guidebook in the pipeline.
So far that are over 100 hotels listed, with the majority achieving a 5 green star rating.
Definitely a site worth checking out when looking for a green stay…
(image source)

Liz Lewis is a New Zealand based freelance writer and blogger who writes about travel (http://www.travelingthegreenway.com) and health (http://www.healthbolt.net). Liz can be reached at kiwiwriter@xtra.co.nz.

New APIS regulations for India

2008-07-31T12:18:00.002+01:00

Advanced Passenger Information requirements for India from 01 August 2008
From 01 August Advance Passenger Information (API) is required of the Indian authorities
All airlines will be required to collect specific information from every passenger travelling to India. This information is compulsory and is required for the purposes of ensuring aviation safety and security.
Below is a list of the information required:
§ Full given names
§ Surname
§ Gender
§ Nationality
§ Date of birth
§ Travel document number e.g. passport number
§ Travel document expiry date
§ Travel document country of issue
In order to minimise unnecessary delays at the airport, it is essential that where possible, all travellers provide the API prior to travelling.: Pre airport
1. Most airlines offer you the option of providing all of the required information online before you even go to the airport. You can do this by logging onto the airline website with your booking reference number and entering the information through the ‘manage my booking’ pages.
2. All API can also be collected when making the booking with your travel agent prior to travel.
At the Airport
Staff at Check-in koisks will be able to collect API data but passengers are strongly advised to supply the information prior to arrival at the airport or at a check-in kiosk where available, providing passengers hold a machine readable passport.
Reminder of other countries and destinations requiring API collection
The law requires all airlines to collect API, before travel, for all passengers travelling:
1. To Canada
2. To or from the United States of America
3. To or from Mexico
4. To the Caribbean
5. To Spain
6. To or from China (except Hong Kong)
7. To Japan
8. To or from Bermuda
9. To India

Lufthansa Cityline/Eurowings Pilot Strike

2008-07-22T11:23:00.003+01:00

From 12 noon today (22 nd July) Lufthansa Cityline/Eurowings will go on strike for 36 hours.
Lufthansa have issued your agents with a 'good will policy' and if you have any travel arranged with Lufthansa Cityline (Newcastle to Dusseldorf included) or Eurowings contact our ageny for details of the alternative arrangements on offer from the airline . Ring 0191 2515000 and speak to our reservations team for further details and help.

BA and Virgin Fuel Fixing Refunds Update

2008-07-10T11:57:00.010+01:00

If you bought a British Airways or Virgin Atlantic long-haul flight between 11th August 2004 and 23rd March 2006, you may be entitled to a partial refund of the fuel surcharge. This action is a result of a lawsuit against the two airlines in the USA. This means you may be entitled to a refund of between £4 and £20 per passenger per return ticket. To facilitate this process a website has been set up to enable you to make a claim. www.airpassengerrefund.co.uk will be active from the 14th July 2008 or contact Air Passenger Settlement on 0800 0430343 . Claiming a refund is straightforward, there is no cost to you. The US Courts will determine whether to approve the Settlement at a Fairness Hearing on 26th September 2008 in San Francisco. If the settlement is approved, claims will then be paid. If you require any further assistance or information please contact Stewart Bell by email stewart.bell@travelco.co.uk

New Indian Visa Fees

2008-07-01T15:51:00.003+01:00

Our consular service in London has just advised of new Visa fees introduced by the Indian Embassy from today 1st July 2008
Please see list below for the appropriate price

Visa Fees Chart (Passports other than Srilankan, Japanese and Pakistani)

Tourist - up to 6 months £30
Tourist - One Year £50
Entry Visa - up to 6 months £55
Entry Visa - One Year £80

Plus fees and postage. For full details follow the link to our website (visa services) or

0191 2515000 for full details

New Hotel In Durham On Target To Open

2008-06-25T13:58:00.000+01:00

Durhams newest luxury hotel is scheduled to open on time on the 1st of November. The hotel offers 207 bedrooms including Standard, Business Class, Suites and a fabulous Presidential Suite with fantastic views of the River Wear, the City and the historic Cathedral. The hotel will have state of the art technology throughout including free WiFi in every area. Located on the banks of the river close to the Railway Station and main roads the hotel stands majestically but not obtrusively overlooking the city. It will boast fine dining, great bars and a full leisure facility including a fantastic pool. Conference and Events are extremely well catered for and the flexible meeting rooms allow the hotel to fulfill all of your requirements. A flagship property in the North East the Radisson SAS Durham will be a welcome addition to our portfolio of properties we can offer our discerning clients looking for somewhere to stay in Durham.
Contact our staff for more information on 0191 2515000

2008-06-19T13:28:00.000+01:00

Simpler Rail Fares
New names for rail fares will be introduced across the rail network in 2008. To make life easier to find the best value ticket to match the travellers needs and simplify choice.From May 18th 2008, all advance pruchase fares will be known as Advance and will have common terms and conditions, including rail card discounts.From September 7th 2008, walk up fares(that you don't have to buy in advance) will be grouped into Anytime or Off-peak.Off-Peak fares can be bought anytime, travel off-peak, when it is less busy, so they do have some restrictions on when you can travel. Anytime fares, buy anytime, travel anytime will have no time restrictions and be the most flexible.Perfect for people who want to be flexible.The new names will apply in Standard Class and First Class and single and return fares.The new names will be easier to understand, fewer ticket names causing less confusion, common terms and conditions and this means the rules are acceptable by all train companies nationwide, so you know were you stand.Any questions on this subject please contact our staff on 01912515000 who will gladly assist you with all your travel requirements