Travel

British Airways Hikes Price of In-Flight Food and Beverage in Mid-Flight

British Airways Resumes Daily Flights to Abu Dhabi, After 4-Year hiatus

Passengers aboard a British Airways flight from Athens to Heathrow found themselves in a surprising situation mid-air when they were informed of an unexpected increase in the prices of onboard food and drinks.

The announcement, delivered by a steward over the PA system, left travelers taken aback as they were told to disregard the menu prices listed, which had reportedly been hiked up by approximately 10% earlier that day. According to the report by Metro co.UK.

british airways credit cards Adding to the shock was the revelation that the card payment readers on board had already been adjusted to reflect the higher rates. This meant that passengers would be charged more than what was originally stated on the menu.

The price increase applied to a variety of items including sandwiches, breakfast bacon rolls, cream tea with scones, as well as alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. For many passengers, this unexpected news felt like a blow,chase british airways with one traveler expressing their dismay, questioning the lack of prior warning and describing the move as an attempt to “rip us off.”

Moreover, the already steep prices for onboard food were a point of contention, exemplified by comparisons such as a pack of noodles costing £1.50 in a supermarket but priced at around £5 on the flight.

In response to the backlash, british airways amex cited “small alterations” to snack and drink prices on short-haul flights as part of scheduled changes. They assured passengers that they are in the process of updating onboard menus to reflect the adjustments.

However, the lack of prior communication about the price hike raised eyebrows, especially considering the airline’s recent string of staffing controversies and its low ranking in customer satisfaction among british airways frequent flyer UK airlines.

Travel

IndiGo to Roll Out In-Flight Entertainment Service for Flyers

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IndiGo, India’s leading airline, is set to revolutionize the flying experience for its passengers with the introduction of an in-flight entertainment (IFE) facility.

This groundbreaking move, scheduled to commence on May 1, will mark the first time that IndiGo offers such entertainment options to its valued customers. The IFE content will be accessible through the IndiGo app, available to passengers during flights between Delhi and Goa.

This trial phase, spanning three months, aims to gauge customer feedback and satisfaction levels, with the service being exclusively provided to passengers on this specific route during this period.

To ensure safety and compliance, the in-flight entertainment service will be activated only after the aircraft reaches its cruising altitude, minimizing any potential interference with onboard electronics. Passengers are advised to bring their personal headphones to fully enjoy the entertainment offerings during their flight.

Upon the successful completion of the trial phase, IndiGo plans to roll out the in-flight entertainment service across its entire fleet. With a vast fleet comprising more than 350 planes and operating around 2,000 daily flights, IndiGo is committed to enhancing the overall travel experience for its passengers, promising a more enjoyable and engaging journey for all.

Travel

Air India’s A350-900 Set to Make first International Flight on this Route

Air India, the flag carrier airline of India, is set to embark on a new era of international travel with the introduction of its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 jets.

The airline has chosen Dubai as the inaugural international destination for these cutting-edge aircraft, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward modernization and enhanced passenger experience. Commencing from May 1st, 2024, Air India will operate the A350-900 daily on the prestigious Delhi-Dubai route, flight numbers AI995/996.

The Airbus A350-900, renowned for its advanced technology and exceptional performance, promises passengers an unparalleled flying experience. With a range exceeding 9,000 miles, the A350-900 is more than capable of effortlessly traversing the distance between Delhi and Dubai, offering passengers a smooth and comfortable journey.

Departing from the bustling Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi at 20:45 local time, the maiden Air India A350 flight will touch down at Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 22:45, marking the beginning of a new era in Air India’s international operations. The return journey will commence shortly thereafter, reaffirming Air India’s commitment to punctuality and reliability.

Air India’s A350-900 aircraft will feature a meticulously designed three-class cabin configuration, boasting a total of 316 seats. Among these, 28 private business suites with full-flat beds will redefine luxury travel, while 24 premium economy seats will offer passengers extra legroom and a host of amenities for added comfort. Additionally, 264 economy seats ensure that every traveler enjoys a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

Passengers aboard Air India’s A350-900 can look forward to an immersive in-flight entertainment experience, thanks to the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 system and HD screens installed in all seats. This promises to elevate the flying experience to new heights, ensuring that every moment spent onboard is memorable and enjoyable.

In addition to the Delhi-Dubai route, Air India has exciting plans to expand its A350-900 operations to North America, with further announcements expected to follow soon. This strategic move underscores Air India’s commitment to enhancing its global footprint and offering passengers a wider range of travel options to key destinations around the world.

Travel

Japan relaxes its e-Visa system for Indian travelers

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In a significant stride towards enhancing travel convenience and efficiency, Japan has unveiled its much-anticipated eVisa program for Indian tourists.

Effective from April 1st, this innovative initiative marks a departure from the conventional practice of affixing physical visa stickers onto passports, ushering in a streamlined electronic visa application process.

Under the new system, Indian citizens aspiring to explore the cultural marvels and scenic landscapes of Japan can now apply for their visas electronically through designated Japan Visa Application Centers operated by VFS Global. This transformative move aims to simplify and expedite the visa acquisition process, ensuring a hassle-free experience for travelers.

Tailored specifically for tourism purposes, the Japan eVisa offers a single-entry short-term visa, enabling a stay of up to 90 days in the country. This flexible arrangement not only caters to the needs of Indian tourists but also extends its eligibility to foreign nationals residing in India, fostering inclusivity in travel opportunities.

The application process remains centralized through the Visa Application Centers managed by VFS Global, ensuring consistency and reliability. Applicants can conveniently submit their visa applications electronically, eliminating the need for physical paperwork and long waiting times associated with traditional methods.

Upon approval, successful applicants receive an electronic visa instead of a conventional sticker affixed to their passports. This digital visa issuance streamlines the travel process, allowing travelers to present a “visa issuance notice” on their smartphones upon arrival at the airport.

It’s imperative to note that access to the internet is necessary for this step, and only a digital visa issuance notice will be accepted. The transition to an electronic visa system underscores Japan’s commitment to embracing technological advancements and enhancing visitor experiences