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Finally, Some Good News for U.S. Airline Passengers

Several new rules that are good news for airline passengers were approved today by the US Department of Transportation. Thanks in part to the work of FlyersRights.com, who applied pressure for these changes, passengers will get more compensation for bumped flights and will not have to spend more than 4 hours on the tarmac, even when flying on foreign airlines.

New U.S. Airline Rules

Airlines are now required to pay passengers $1300 if they are forced to give up their seats on overbooked flights and arrive at their destination more than 2 hours later than originally scheduled. This is up from $800. Passengers who are bumped and arrive within two hours of their scheduled time can receive $650, up from $400.
Foreign carriers must release passengers stuck at U.S. airports after 4 hours on the tarmac, or be fined up to $27,500. Passengers on U.S. carriers must be released after 3hrs in a ruling last year by Ray Lahood, U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
Airlines must refund baggage fees if the bags are lost.
Airlines must notify consumers of delays of more than 30 minutes.
Carriers must now include government taxes and disclose all other fees when advertising plane fares. This should make it a lot easier to compare fares between airlines.
Passengers are now able to cancel reservations within 24 hours of a booking without penalty.
Airlines are now prohibited from price increases after tickets are purchased.

Read the full statement by Transportation Secretary Ray La Hood.

Written by Terri Fogarty for EuropeUpClose.com

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WWOOF Your Way Through Europe

Do you enjoy communing with nature? Does the organic food movement interest you? Are you looking for a way to learn new skills, meet people from all over the world and receive free room and board during your stay in Europe? Then WWOOFing may be a perfect fit.

What is WWOOFing?
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) was started in 1971 in the UK as a way to provide opportunities for individuals to work for short periods of time (a few days to a few months) on organic farms. The organization quickly spread to other European countries and now there are over 6,000 host farms in 88 countries worldwide.
In exchange for volunteer help, WWOOF hosts (farm owners) offer food, accommodations and opportunities to learn about organic lifestyles and farming processes. Opportunities vary from working on an organic vineyard to learning how to make artisanal breads and cheeses to raising sheep (and many other types of farm-related activities). Volunteers work for a certain number of hours per day, as agreed upon by the farm owner and the WWOOFer in advance.

Why WWOOF?
In addition to offering free room and board and the opportunity to learn myriad new skills, WWOOFing is also a great way to meet people from all over the world (which could lead to more travel opportunities). Given the international nature of the organization, WWOOFers on a single farm can welcome individuals from many different countries. Most WWOOFers remember their experiences fondly and often keep in touch with farm owners or fellow WWOOFers. Many WWOOFers work for a few weeks on one farm, travel for a while, go to another farm, etc. It is a fantastic way to organize a trip and make it more affordable.

How do I get started?
Visit the WWOOF site of the country or countries you’re interested in visiting. You will find information on how to become a WWOOF member for that country (membership dues are small, typically between 15-30 Euros). Then you will be able to access that country’s WWOOF database or the organization will send you a directory of participating farms. You can then read the descriptions of the farms and get in touch with the ones that sound most interesting to you. After communicating with the farm owners about the specifics (dates, hours, etc.), be sure to check out the passport and visa requirements for the country/countries in which you’ll be working. These rules have gotten quite confusing due to recent changes in immigration laws throughout the European Union. However, most countries’ WWOOF sites have information on required visas or links to helpful government pages.

After you’ve secured your WWOOF assignments and squared away your visa and passport, book your ticket and start packing your bags!

Written by Jen Westmoreland Bouchard for EuropeUpClose.com

New Service From Miami to Moscow is Slated for October Start

Transaero, a Russian carrier based in Moscow, filed with the Transportation Department to begin once-weekly service in October between Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport and Miami. It also plans to initiate twice-weekly service to New York Kennedy in December.

Transaero Airlines operates scheduled and charter flights to more than 70 domestic and international destinations. Its main hubs are Domodedovo International Airport, Moscow; and Pulkovo Airport, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.

Transaero Airlines is an IATA member since 1993 and an IOSA Operator. Transaero offers Tourist Economy, Premium Economy, Business and Imperial Classes of Service.

Volcano Disruption Flight Update

What havoc a volcano has wrecked on Europe and travelers. The Iceland volcano blew several days ago and there is no end in sight.
In spite of that, pent-up demand has pressured airports to open and planes are beginning to fly again in that area . Here is a run down of the latest news on the disruption of flights in Europe.

Lufthansa
Today (April 20, 2010) long-haul flights as well as some intra-european and domestic flights will operate. Lufthansa plans to expand its flight plan gradually for intra-european and domestic flights. For the most current information, please use the following links or visit lufthansa.com.

British Airways
Tuesday, Apr 20 . We are very pleased that the aviation authorities will open UK airspace effective 22:00 UK time. All flights are gradually being re-opened. However we are still working through our flight schedule and we will continue to experience flight disruptions.

Air France
April 20 – 6h00PM UTC (8h00 PM Paris local time)
The French and European authorities decision to reduce the circulation limitation on air traffic in European airspace allows Air France to gradually return to its normal operation schedule.
On April 20, Air France operated :
– 95% of its long-haul schedule
– 25% of short and medium-haul flights

On April 21, at the present time Air France forecasts to operate :
– 100% of its long-haul schedule
– Nearly all its medium-haul flights, with the exception of flights to northern and northeastern Europe, where the airspace remains closed.
– Air France will be able to transport all its passengers to and from Paris Orly.

At the arrival of the long-haul flights, connecting flights are assured, except destinations to North and North East of Europe.
All schedules and flights informations are available on airfrance.com

Delta
Alert: Iceland volcano eruption may impact travel plans to, from or through parts of Northern Europe. Avoid ticket counter lines and high call volumes by changing your itinerary online.
Last Updated: April 17, 2010, 7:30pm EDT (-5 GMT)

Continental Airlines
Transatlantic operations summary for Tuesday, April 20, 2010:
As a result of the volcanic activity in Iceland, our transatlantic operations are still severely limited. The following is a list of transatlantic flights that are scheduled to operate today to/from New York/Newark (EWR – Liberty):

Belgium – Brussels
France – Paris
Italy – Rome
Netherlands – Amsterdam
Norway – Oslo
Portugal – Lisbon
Spain – Barcelona, Madrid
Sweden – Stockholm
Switzerland – Geneva
Most of these flights will operate with larger aircraft than usual in order to accommodate more passengers. Please note that there is limited or no remaining seat availability on these flights. Sold-out flights normally will not display for sale on continental.com and alternate routings/carriers may be shown. Flight schedules are subject to change.

Continental will continue to apply for approvals to increase our schedules. Approval is dependent on local authorities, so some European carriers will be given preference in order to assist with travel within Europe. Please continue to check back for current schedules and updates. This information is also available by calling toll-free 800-231-6194.

Los Angeles Non-Stop to Rome on Alitalia

Alitalia presents… Los Angeles – Non-Stop – to Rome, beginning June 5th, 2010!

Starting June 5th, Alitalia Airlines will be offering 5 weekly flights on Boeing 777-200 from Los Angeles to Rome.

This aircraft features: personal entertainment systems in Magnifica and Economy classes, award winning wines, and fine Italian cuisine.

The scheduled flights leave on Mon, Wed, Thur, Sat, and Sun as follows:

Flight 621 leaves Los Angeles LAX at 3:25pm and arrives at Rome FCO at 12:51 pm the next day.

Flight 620 leaves Rome FCO at 9:25am and arrives at Los Angeles LAX at 1:25pm

Travel Contest: Win Prizes Doing the Blog Hop

We’re a member of the Global Bloggers Network and next week, we’re kicking off an amazing 3-week travel contest that you’ll want to play.

Win Great Prizes

$2,000 cash prize thanks to Contiki
$1,000 worth of camera equipment thanks to SA-Venues, South Africa Explored
3 hotel nights in a European city thanks to Splendia
3 hotel nights in a European city thanks to EasytoBook.com
16GB ipod nano w/ video thanks to TravellersPoint
$100 Budget Accommodation from TravellersPoint
Great travel gear from Pacsafe.

It’s Easy to Play

Download your Blog Hop play card. You can download your card at this blog on Monday, April 19, 2010.
Click on the links in your play card and go to all 6 blogs to answer the 6 questions on the card.
Hit submit and you’ll qualify to win.

That’s all there is to it.

The winners will be selected at random using Random.org and announced on May 11, 2010.
Global Bloggers Network members and their families do not qualify for the contest.
You must answer all 6 questions to win.
The contest will run for 3 weeks; each week will feature a new set of questions. You can play once in each week of the contest for 3 chances to win.

Win a Trip To Holland or Other Prizes

To mark the launch of a new “Just Be. In Holland” 2010 marketing campaign, the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions (NBTC) will test potential travelers’ knowledge of Holland through a series of contests on the Just Be Holland Website.

A new contest will be posted every Thursday in February. Each correct online entry will be entered into a weekly drawing for a chance to win a prize that highlights a different aspect of Holland’s style. One winner per prize.

Weekly prizes include:

Feb. 4 contest — Have a fresh bouquet of tulips delivered to your home each month for a year.

Feb. 11 contest — The winner will receive an exclusive Gassan 121 diamond.

Feb. 18 contest — Cycle through your hometown on a traditional Batavus Dutch bicycle.

Feb. 25 contest — Lounge in style on the Carbon chair designed by Marcel Wanders and Bertjan Pot.

The Grand Prize

In addition to the weekly prizes, one grand prize winner will be awarded a chance to visit Holland. In order to qualify for the Grand Prize — (two roundtrip, business-class tickets on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines to Amsterdam, and a four-night stay at the Sofitel Amsterdam) – potential travelers need to upload a photo showing how they would “Just be. In Holland.”, between Feb. 4 and March 4. The most creative entry will be selected.

Win! Free Flights and Two Nights B&B in Cork

Win free flights and two nights B&B at the Clarion Hotel Cork City. Sponsored by bmibaby. Read this article and answer the question below to enter.

bmibaby is offering one lucky EuropeUpClose.com reader the chance to win a pair of free round-trip flights to Cork and a two nights stay at the Clarion Hotel Cork City. Flights are from Manchester or East Midlands Airport. bmibaby currently flies from Birmingham, Manchester, East Midlands and Cardiff to 31 European destinations.

Cork, Ireland’s third city (after Dublin and Belfast) is significant enough to capture the big city lifestyle, and yet small enough to retain a kind of country charm and sense of intimacy. Its name (derived from the Irish word corcach, meaning “marshy place”) refers to its situation on the River Lee, which flows through the city in two main channels – you’ll find yourself crossing bridges a lot! It then drifts into Lough Mahon and on to Cork Harbour, the second-largest natural harbour in the world (after Sydney, Australia). The best way to see the city is to set off on foot and follow the signposted Walking Tour. There’s lots to see and do in Cork, so why not spend some time discovering Ireland.

For further information on Cork and other great destinations visit bmibaby.com

Contest closes February 28th 2010, winner to be announced March 1 2010.

To be entered in the drawing just answer this question:

terms and conditions – flights

The winner is entitled to return travel for 2 passengers with bmibaby from East Midlands or Manchester Airport to Cork on the bmibaby network.
Route may vary due to timetable changes
Prizes are non-transferable, non-refundable and non-changeable. Flight details, dates and times cannot be varied once they are booked. Cash or credit alternatives will not be offered. bmibaby reserves the right to provide substitute prizes of similar value should the specified prizes become unavailable.
bmibaby reserves the right to change its flight schedules without prior notice.
Travel must be booked by 01.04.10 and travel must be taken by 30.06.10.
Travel must be booked 14 days in advance of outbound travel date.
Flights are subject to availability. Availability is more restrictive during peak periods. Greater promotional seat availability is offered on off-peak and high frequency services
The winner will be responsible for supplying valid passports and visa. It is strongly recommended that travellers take out adequate travel insurance.
All flights are subject to the terms and conditions under which they are issued including bmibaby’s general conditions of carriage for passengers and baggage.
bmibaby reserves the right to cancel or amend the terms of this prize promotion and without notice in the unlikely event of major catastrophe, war, earthquake, or any actual, anticipated or alleged breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other similar event.
By participating in this prize promotion, you grant the promoters permission to use your name and likeness for advertising and future promotional purposes without additional compensations (except where prohibited).
Winners are liable for any tax liability accruing as a result of this promotion.
This promotion is governed by English Law.
The judges decision is final.

terms and conditions – accommodation

The winner is entitled to two Nights Bed & Breakfast at the Clarion Hotel Cork. Prize is subject to availability.

Will Easyjet fly to Zakynthos in 2010?

When I heard that Easyjet might be starting flights to the Greek island of Zakynthos (also known as Zante) , I was jumping with joy. I was given the tip-off by my sister, who owns two hotels with her Greek husband on the island of Zakynthos and has an inside track on what’s happening in tourism there. But when I contacted Easyjet, who were showing nothing on their website, they told me that there were no plans to announce at present. 36 new flights have been announced for 2010 but Zakynthos is sadly not on the list. So perhaps the deal has not struck or perhaps it will be another year before any flights start.

The reason I was overjoyed at the thought, is that because Thomas Cook and Thomson have a monopoly on direct charter flights from my home town of Bristol to Zakynthos. With competition from XL Airways removed when they went bust last year, I normally find myself paying over £300 per return flight in school holidays. The “flight onlys” are priced high to make it more economic for visitors to book package holidays from these travel operators, and the lack of competition means there is little alternative, if I want to fly direct from Bristol.

I know that the big operators are still struggling to make money these days, but for the consumer and independent traveller, cheaper flights to the islands such as Zakynthos with Easyjet can only be a good thing. Hotel rooms are full in July and August with Greeks and Italians as well as Brits and Germans, but in the spring and autumn, when the weather is beautiful, many rooms are empty unless they have a good deal with a tour operator, which many don’t. I notice that low-cost airlines such as Ryanair are starting to make inroads into the traditional Package Holiday heartlands, such as Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.

We’ve enjoyed many a break on Zakynthos in May when the weather is warm and the spring flowers on the hillside are in bloom, or in October when the cyclamen are out and the olive groves are being pruned and there’s woodsmoke in the air. These are the times when you feel the real Greece on Zakynthos, while in August the package holiday makers eating their full English breaksfast seem to dominate.

On Zakynthos you can take a trip to Keri lighthouse, and enjoy some seafood on the harbour front there and swim from the pebbly beach, or visit the Turtle Information centre at the protected beach at Gerakas, where you can organise a catamaran trip around the bay and hopefully spot some turtles. There’s an interesting old mansion in Zante town at Roma’s Mansion which gives you a sense of how the Greek aristocracy lived and you can take an evening drink or coffee with a fabulous view from one of the cafes on the terrace near the castle. These are my suggestions to enjoy the authentic Zakynthos rather than the package holiday Zakynthos. And if Easyjet do start flying there from Bristol, I’ll be first to snap up the early bargains.

All photos by Heatheronhertravels on Flickr

British Airways Strike Called Off

The courts have ruled that the upcoming vote to strike by the cabin crews of British Airways is illegal. British Airways had asked the courts for an injunction because of irregularities in the strike vote.

This is great news for more than a million travelers who faced canceled flights through the holidays if the strike were to proceed.

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