DURBAN'S NEW AIRPORT OPENS 01 MAY 2010
For all you need to know about the move and more
Read on...Friday, 16 April 2010
VOLCANIC ASH CONTINUES TO DISRUPT UK AIR TRAFFIC
Airline passengers continue to face massive disruptions across Europe after an ash cloud from a volcanic eruption in Iceland grounded flights since yesterday, April 15. Flights to, from or connecting through British airports, including London Heathrow (LHR), were delayed or cancelled due to the volcanic activity in Iceland.
Media reports state that the cloud of ash as affected airports in Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Ireland. There was also major disruption in Belgium, France, Finland, Germany and The Netherlands. Further disruption is likely as a second eruption has occurred closer to Finland and Russia. The volcano is said to be still erupting and forecasters believe the cloud could take a number of days to disperse.
Friday, 18 February 2010
LUFTHANSA PILOT STRIKE FEBRUARY 22 - 25
Due to a strike which has been announced by the pilots’ union "Vereinigung Cockpit" (VC) between 22 and 25 February 2010, Lufthansa is expecting disturbances to flight operations.
Lufthansa regrets any inconvenience to Lufthansa passengers caused by possible strike action and will do its utmost to reduce the impact for travellers. If you have booked a Lufthansa Flight between 22 and 25 February 2010, but prefer to change your travel plans, Lufthansa offers one free of charge rebooking to another Lufthansa flight before 31 March 2010 under the condition that origin and destination remain unchanged.
You may reach your Lufthansa team during normal working hours, and on the following number: 0861 842 538.
You can also find out more details on the Lufthansa.com site, which will be constantly updated.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused and remain at your service at all times.
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
SOUTH AFRICAN INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURES
(PROOF OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE PURCHASE)
Please be advised that it has come to our attention that the South African Revenue Services (SARS) have on an ad-hoc basis , requested South African residents to provide proof of purchase of their foreign exchange. This would apply to both airports and border posts.
South African Customs and the South African Reserve Bank may also request proof of foreign currency purchases at any stage.
Failure to provide proof could lead to the foreign exchange being confiscated.
We therefore strongly recommend that a copy of the foreign exchange invoice be carried by the traveller when departing from South Africa
Thursday, 21January, 2010
NEW HAND LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS - ACSA
Passengers on domestic flights leaving OR Tambo International Airport will be faced with stricter regulations on hand luggage from Wednesday, the Airports Company of SA said.
Economy class passengers would be restricted to one bag weighing no more than 7kg and one laptop. Business class passengers would be allowed two bags, not exceeding 7kg each, and a laptop, spokesman Solomon Makgale said on in a statement on Tuesday.
The bag may not be larger than 56cm by 36cm by 23cm.
The restrictions would be implemented at Cape Town and Durban international airports from February 6. They were part of Acsa's preparations for the 2010 Soccer World Cup and intended to reduce delays.
"With passengers now being able to check-in at home or though the self-service kiosks, we have seen a huge increase in hand luggage. In many instances the hand luggage cannot fit into the cabin, meaning it has to be manually loaded into the hold of the aircraft, resulting in flight delays."
Airports could not afford delays, especially during the World Cup. Acsa expected 450,000 more passengers to arrive and depart from South African airports during the soccer tournament, over and above normal traffic. Last year 33 million passengers went through the country's airports, of which 23 million were on domestic flights.
Makgale told Sapa the restrictions would be eased in and passengers would not be forced to leave anything behind when they arrive with more than the allowed hand luggage at OR Tambo on Wednesday.
"There will be notices up to sensitise passengers and they will be asked at check-in how many bags they have. They will be able to then check in their hand luggage. We will not chase them away."
He said the restrictions weren't new, but were merely going to be enforced more rigorously.
Acsa intended to review the process in three weeks and decide on whether or not to extend it to international flights. - Sapa
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
ANGOLA CONSULATE
Please take note that the Angola Consulate will be CLOSED from the 14th December and will RE-OPEN on the 11th January 2010
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
1TIME TO FLY TO MAPUTO
1TIME has been given the rights to operate a five-weekly service between Johannesburg and Maputo.
Said commercial manager, Desmond O Connor:
"We expect our airfares to be considerably lower than those that are currently being charged on the route, and make it far more affordable for people to fly between South Africa and Mozambique, as 1Time becomes the first low fare airline to operate this route."
Monday, November 23, 2009
NOTICE FROM BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION
Please note that the Visa Section of the British High Commission in Pretoria will be having a new IT system installed between 27 November and 04 December 2009. This is likely to mean that there may be some delays in the processing of UK visa applications during this period. The Visa Application Centres will still be able to accept applications during this period and will not be affected, but the Visa Section will not be able to accept the direct submission of any applications between 27 November and 03 December 2009.
If you are planning to travel during or shortly after this period you should consider submitting your application early, preferably by 20 November, in order to advoid possible disruption to your travel plans.
Monday, October 12, 2009
FLYING WITH EMIRATES CAN BE EVEN MORE REWARDING
First Class customers can enjoy a complimentary two-night hotel stay and Business Class customers a one-night hotel stay either in Dubai or at their final destination at a wide selection of Starwood hotels. This dream offer ends 24th December 2009.
Offer details:
* Offer valid from 5th October to 24th December 2009.
* Valid for First Class and Business Class travel to select destinations.
* Accommodation offered in Starwood hotels.
For any further information and to book, please contact your Grindrod Travel Consultant.
Friday, September 18, 2009
ROAD CLOSURES AT CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL
ACSA has advised that road upgrades at Cape Town International Airport will take place from September 16 for six weeks.
There will be a network road upgrade and it will impact the car rental companies and operations and as a result there could be major delays getting in and out of the airport.
Friday, September 11, 2009
ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR EMIRATES DIRECT DURBAN FLIGHTS
It is all systems go for the launch of the Emirates flights direct from Durban. First flight due to land in Durban on 01 October 2009.
Please contact us for Business Class specials for travel from 01 – 31 October 2009, tickets to be issued by the end September 2009.
OLYMPIC AIRLINES TERMINATION OF SERVICE
With affect from 01 October, Olympic airlines will no longer be traveling to/from South Africa.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
1TIME’S LIVINGSTONE TICKETS OPEN FOR SALE
1Time has announced that it will launch its flights from Johannesburg to Livingstone on November 26 and that it has loaded the fares for sale.
The flights will initially operate four times a week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.
All flights will be operated using a new MD87 aircraft with 130 available seats.
In February 2010, 1Time will add a fifth – weekly flight, expected to operate on Saturdays.
For any further information please contact your Grindrod Travel Consultant.
Friday, July 24, 2009
UK VISA FREE WHEN FLYING WITH VIRGIN ATLANTIC
|
Yesterday, Virgin Atlantic Airways Chairman, Sir Richard Branson, announced that Virgin are putting their hands in their own pockets to assist South Africans with the cost of the newly introduced UK Visa. “We can’t ignore the plight of South Africans having to fork out for a visa. We are currently trying to lobby the UK Government; but it is unlikely to change within the next two years.”
Buy two return, consecutive tickets on Virgin Atlantic, departing from either Johannesburg or Cape Town, and get your UK Visa for free.
The 6 month Visa costs R938 and is refunded on the second ticket, if flying either Economy class or Premium Economy.
The 2 year visa costs R3010 and is refunded on the second ticket if flying Premium class or Upper Class.
The 5 year visa costs R5600 and is refunded on the second ticket if flying Upper Class.
The 10 year visa costs R7000 and is refunded on the second ticket if flying Upper Class.
If your visa application is rejected, for any reason, within 30 days of purchasing your first return ticket, Virgin Atlantic will refund the first airline ticket without penalty.
This offer is Valid for ticketing from today 23 July to 30 September for the first ticket.
The first return ticket is valid for travel between September 23 and November 30 2009 and the second return ticket is valid for travel between October 1 and November 30 2010.
The second ticket must be in the same cabin as the first ticket and be for the same passenger. 60 day advance purchase applies for all tickets.
“Why should people bother to go to the UK, if they have to pay for a visa?” said Virgin founder, Sir Richard Branson, “visas cost a lot of money and we want to get rid of this cost to stimulate travel to the UK.” (Source :Travel News Weekly)
Terms and Conditions apply. For further information, please contact your Grindrod Travel Consultant.
|
Thursday, July 23, 2009
SWINE FLU
BA AND VIRGIN TO STOP SUSPECTED SWINE FLU VICTIMS FROM FLYING
Passengers with swine flu will be stopped from boarding flights, two major airlines confirmed today, as the Department of Health warned tourists who contract the illness abroad not to travel home until their symptoms have gone.
Both British Airways, and Virgin Altantic said they had provided check-in staff and cabin crew with guidance on how to act if they believe a passenger is unwell. Medical advice would be taken to assess the condition of passengers exhibiting symptoms, including having a headache, sore throat, runny nose, and aching muscles.
Virgin Atlantic said those suffering from the condition would be prevented from flying until they could provide a fit-to-fly certificate from their doctor or a hospital.
The new measures come at the height of the summer tourist season, with thousands of families either already on holiday or about to go. (Source: guardian.co.uk)
INFLUENZA A (H1N1): NO RESTRICTIONS ON TRAVEL RECOMMENDED
The impact on the tourism sector is closely monitored by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). At this stage, the major challenged is to avoid travel restrictions based on inaccurate information and perception. It is important to highlight the fact that WHO does not recommend any travel restrictions.
Under the current circumstances it is essential for travelers to exercise fundamental precautions by high levels of personal hygiene, frequent hand washing with soap and for people showing symptoms of influenza before, during or after a trip to seek medical attention. Such measures have proven to be most effective.
What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu in people?
The symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 (swine) flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 (swine) flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 (swine) flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
· Fast breathing or trouble breathing
· Bluish or gray skin color
· Not drinking enough fluids
· Severe or persistent vomiting
· Not waking up or not interacting
· Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
· Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
· Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
· Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
· Sudden dizziness
· Confusion
· Severe or persistent vomiting
· Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
BRITISH AIRWAYS STRICT BAGGAGE REQUIREMENTS
Each passenger has a free baggage allowance of maximum - 23 kgs per piece. There is a charge at the airport for any amount in excess of this.
Passengers in the World Traveller cabin are allowed 1 piece of maximum weight 23 kgs.
World Traveller Plus passengers are allowed 2 pieces of luggage, each weighing 23 kgs, whilst Club World and First class passengers are allowed 3 pieces each weighing a maximum of 23 kgs.
We find that this is a generous weight allowance for our passengers and a reasonable weight for our baggage handling staff.
The standard-sized bag that you can carry into the cabin should be no more than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22ins x 18ins x 10ins), including the handle, pockets and wheels.
The bag must be able to be:
- Fitted into the gauge available in the check-in area
- lifted into the aircraft's overhead lockers unaided (although cabin crew will assist you if you have additional needs)