For all your travel news this March here is our monthly Travel News Bulletin. We will continuously update this blog post throughout the month with all the news and events we at Economy Car Hire think will be relevant to you, so if you are planning on going abroad this March don’t forget to check back regularly!
4th March 2014
- Last month we posted a blog about common travel scams to be wary of whilst travelling abroad. However, it seems holiday fraud is becoming a bigger threat each year. Travel weekly reported today that an estimated £7 million pounds was effectively stolen from holidaymakers as a result of holiday fraud. Instances include invalid airline tickets, non-existent accommodation and fake package holiday deals.
5th March 2014
- For those Travelling to Turkey this year this may be of interest to you. The Turkish government are intending to introduce an ‘e-visa’ system meaning you will no longer be able to purchase your visa upon arrival via an interactive kiosk. Instead, visitors will have to apply for their visa online before they travel. This system was due to start by April 10 2014, however the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) have negotiated an extension for the deadline to December 31 2014 but as the new system will still be in place Turkish visas can be obtained both online and at the port of entry. Furthermore, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise travellers applying for an e-visa to use the official Turkish government website and to be wary of unauthorised websites.
14th March 2014
- There have been numerous flights delayed and cancelled at London City airport today due to thick fog. Southampton airport are also experiencing delays and cancellations due to the weather. The problem is not severely affecting Gatwick or Heathrow, where no major delays are expected. If you are flying out of an effected airport today you are advised to contact the airline you are flying with for more information.
17th March 2014
- Airlines anticipate flight disruptions tomorrow following a warning from Eurocontrol that public service workers in France plan to go on strike. The 24 hour walk-out is expected to affect all flights to and from France and airline Easyjet ugres its passengers to check their website for more information regarding delayed and cancelled flights. Other public transport services in France will also be affected and it is advised that you allow sufficient time to travel to the airport with this in mind.
19th March 2014
- Chancellor George Osborne announced today a surprise APD (Air Passenger Duty) reform. From 1st April 2015 all long haul flights will carry the band B tax rate, therefore reducing flight prices to locations such as South Asia and the Caribbean. The reform is intended by the government to help British businesses strengthen links with high growth markets as well as encourage interest amongst business visitors and tourists. The Government also plan to extend the scope of the existing Regional Air Connectivity Fund to include start-up aid for new routes from regional UK airports.
26th March 2014
- Germany’s biggest airline, Lufthansa, has announced that it will be cancelling over 600 flights tomorrow due to a strike by baggage handlers. It has been reported that over 6,000 employees in Frankfurt alone will be participating in the walkout over a pay dispute. As a result of this all Lufthansa’s domestic and European flights out of Munich and Frankfurt will be cancelled before 2:00pm and there are expected to be major disruptions at other locations.
