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Indian Railways' latest announcement: RAC travelers will now get a full bed roll set; see details https://ift.tt/5bEUedz Indian Railways' latest announcement: RAC travelers will now get a full bed roll set; see details Indian Railways' latest announcement: RAC travelers will now get a full bed roll set; see details Bed Roll Kit for RAC Passengers: According to the Railway Board's directive, in addition to a blanket, bedsheet, and towel, a full bed roll kit complete with a pillow will be provided in consideration of the requirements of passengers traveling on RAC tickets. Indian Railways News: You should be aware of RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) if you take trains as well. According to this, two people each are assigned a seat under RAC while the ticket is in waiting. You may board the train with this ticket, and two people may share a side lower bunk and travel together. Often, when a coach seat opens up, your ticket becomes confirmed. If the ticket is not verified, it is common for the two passengers to argue over everything from using sheets and towels to spreading their legs. However, the passengers using RAC tickets will now be relieved by the new directive issued by the Railway Board. Railway Board directive The Railway Board has issued a new rule for the convenience of travelers using RAC tickets. According to this directive, RAC passengers flying in AC class will get a full bed roll package, which includes a blanket, bedsheet, towel, and pillows, in consideration of their requirements. This implies that two sets of bed rolls will be provided to RAC passengers. Previously, there was just one kit available for the two travelers. Why was the choice made? A railway official informed me that the Railway Board made this decision since the cost of the bedroll is already included in the fee that RAC customers must pay to travel in AC class. In this context, Railway Board Principal Executive Director Shailendra Singh has issued a letter to all Zonal Railways' General Managers. This includes directives to guarantee that RAC passengers get bedding and a bedroll equipment. The decision made by Railways would provide great ease for RAC passengers. Furthermore, RAC passengers were charged in full. The Railway Board states that the bedroll kit is in accordance with the fares that apply to RAC customers traveling in AC class, with the exception of AC chair cars. Treating RAC passengers equally with other travelers who have confirmed seats is the aim of this action. They will be able to travel comfortably with this as well. In general, there are fewer opportunities for RAC ticket confirmation on long-distance trains. In short-distance trains, there is a greater likelihood of receiving a confirmation of your RAC ticket. A RAC ticket: what is it? "Reservation Against Cancellation" (RAC) is what RAC stands for. This kind of ticket is given out only when every seat on the train is reserved. RAC ticket holders are let into the trai...

#Not_My_Fault Not So Good Travel News Reported By Stella Shon Published on February 13, 2024 Photos: Getty Images More Than a Thousand Flights Canceled, Hundreds Delayed Amid Northeast Snowstorm — What Travelers Need to Know New York-area airports take the lead with cancellations, particularly at LaGuardia Airport, where 43 percent of departing flights have already been canceled for the day. Delta Air Lines aircraft grounded at Logan International Airport during a storm Winter weather is back as a Nor’easter is underway, bringing one of the largest snowstorms of the season from the mid-Atlantic to New England — resulting in travel troubles for air passengers on Tuesday. The numbers are staggering, with more than 1,400 flights canceled and another nearly 700 delayed as of Tuesday morning within the United States, according to data from flight tracker FlightAware. New York-area airports take the lead, particularly at LaGuardia Airport, where 43 percent of departing flights have already been canceled for the day. Boston Logan International Airport operations have also been severely impacted, with 27 percent of flights canceled. Travelers who are set to fly today should check their airline’s app for the latest departure information. Domestic carriers, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines, have issued travel advisories, waiving change fees and fare differences to postpone flights. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport at 9 a.m. ET, but has warned that several ground stops or delay programs may take effect after 11 a.m. ET at the following airports: Boston, Newark, New York-LaGuardia, Teterboro, Philadelphia, Washington-Dulles, Washington-Reagan, and Baltimore. Many of these airports also have deicing measures in place, impacting aircraft turnaround times. As of Tuesday morning, regional carriers Republic and Endeavor Air have both canceled 32 percent of flights, while JetBlue takes the lead for major domestic airlines, with two of its hubs based in Boston and New York, per FlightAware. The New York City area is set to be the most impacted by the winter weather, which started late Monday night as freezing rain and amounted to 1.4 inches of snow by early Tuesday morning, according to Reuters. A winter storm watch is in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday evening by the New York City Emergency Management Department, as roughly five to eight inches of snowfall is expected over the course of the day. Below-freezing temperatures and arctic wind chills sweep the rest of the country stretching from the Rocky Mountains to the Midwest, Reuters also reported.

Air travel with Wheelchairs. Airlines will normally have a limit to the number of wheelchair-using passengers they will carry on any flight. This particularly applies to powered wheelchairs. This is for operational (turning aircraft around quickly) and welfare/passenger safety considerations. Passengers with manual wheelchairs • The airlines will require the following information: Height/width/length and weight of chair. • Normally stay in their wheelchairs until they arrive at the boarding gate and are not required to check in their chair. • It is suggested that you tape a note to your chair explaining how any parts can be detached (foot plates etc.) or chair broken down or the wheels removed. You might also consider acquiring carry bags for your wheelchair to offer better protection during carriage. Passengers with their own powered wheelchairs • The airlines will require the following information: Height/width/length and weight of chair. Crucially they will want details of the battery type (dry cell/gel and for lithium-ion batteries the wattage*). • Powered chairs can cost as much as a car so it is sensible for customers to minimize the risk of damage (which is rare) by attaching operating instructions to the chair, bagging up any items that can be attached, or taping down parts that might break-off – joysticks, etc. *Batteries • Wet-cell batteries are pretty much obsolete and airlines will want them sealed for carriage or may deny carriage. • Dry-cell and gel batteries will not be an issue. • Lithium-ion (LI) This is becoming an increasingly critical issue for airlines. The advent of lithium-ion batteries in items such as electronic devices, hoverboards, etc. has made them very nervous about the numbers and wattage of batteries onboard each aircraft. If your customer's chair operates with LI batteries you will need to know the wattage, number of batteries, and how they will be isolated (switched off or detached) and stored in-flight. Each airline has its limits on the number of batteries carried onboard any flight and also the maximum wattage per battery. You will find this information on each airline's website or by calling them. The airline may wish them to be carried onboard as hand baggage. The customer should check with the wheelchair suppliers as to wattage and carriage. If you need help with your next trip please do not hesitate to contact me Email- Julie.mchardy@travelcounsellors.com #accessability #accessible #disabled #disability #performance #accessislove #nothingaboutuswithoutus #specialneeds #crip #disabilityawareness #visuallyimpared #wheelchair <a href="https://lnkd.in/dMnMfeqH">Image by pressfoto</a> on Freepik

In the world of air travel, passengers often complain significantly more about the time they spend waiting around at the airport than the time they spend in the air. While this may seem counterintuitive, as passengers can move freely around the terminal but are confined to small seats during their time at an airport, there are some reasons why this would make sense. For starters, passengers will have to spend roughly the same amount of time in the skies, regardless of whether their flight encounters some kind of major operational delay. Furthermore, passengers will almost always feel like they are making some form of progress towards their final destination while in the air, while sitting in airports is often just seen as wasted time. For short-haul journeys, passengers may spend significantly more time waiting around airports than they do in the air. On longer-haul journeys or those with layovers, spending time in airports remains an essential part of a passenger's journey. Despite all of this, there are some ways for airports to improve their facilities to the point where passenger complaints are significantly reduced. Passengers have several criteria which they use to differentiate between better and worse airports Several different industry research firms, such as Skytrax and Conde Nest Traveler, publish global rankings of the world's best airports, which are the amalgamation of dozens of different studies and consumer insight surveys. Furthermore, for airlines that operate major  hub airports  at some of these facilities, the importance of having a highly-rated home base cannot be understated. Related Seattle Beats Vancouver To The Top Spot In Skytrax North American Airport Rankings Here's how Seattle-Tacoma International and Vancouver International excel as North America's best airports. Therefore, airlines will  invest extensively in improving the facilities at their home bases, especially in the case of large intercontinental airlines which derive a massive portion of their passenger traffic from connecting travelers. Let's take a deeper look at what factors make passengers rank airports higher than others. Efficiency and ease of transport tend to be some of the biggest sources of passenger complaints Across the board, most passengers are consistently bothered by issues that relate to efficiency and ease of transportation to and from an airport, as well as within the facility itself. This can be broken down into external and internal factors, some of which are detailed in the table below: External Factors: Internal Factors: Delays when arriving or departing, especially those which take place on the tarmac Public transportation connections to the nearby metropolitan area and greater urban region Traffic coming to/from the airports Easy ability to find parking Long lines at check-in counters and customer service desks Large crowds in the gate areas Long walks to terminal gates Extended waits at the security checkpoints

Ensuring a Smooth Journey: Why You Should Inform Passenger Service Agents About Separate Baggage Allowances. By Paolo Cevoli - August 2024 As a very observant person who loves stats, solving problems, and thinking of more efficient ways to enhance the customer experience, I’m always on the lookout for trends that impact our operations. One recurring issue I’ve noticed is linked to how passengers handle their baggage allowances when using self-service kiosks at the airport. In the era of self-service travel, convenience is key. From online check-in to self-service bag drop kiosks, the travel industry has embraced technology to streamline the airport experience. However, it's crucial to remember that not all aspects of your booking are automated—especially when it comes to baggage allowances. If you've purchased additional or basic baggage allowance separately from your flight booking, it's essential to notify a passenger service agent before using the self-service bag drop. This step is often overlooked, yet it can save you time and prevent potential delays. Here's why: Any baggage allowance purchased separately from your flight requires manual validation by a passenger service agent. Our check-in system needs to verify these add-ons by hand to ensure that your booking reflects the correct baggage allowance. If you head straight to a self-service kiosk, there's a chance that your additional baggage might not be recognised, leading to unnecessary delays. By taking a moment to inform a passenger service agent about your separate purchase, as soon as you access the self service bag drop area, you enable us to confirm your allowance promptly. This simple step ensures that your experience at the airport remains smooth and hassle-free, allowing you to proceed with confidence and peace of mind. In conclusion, while technology has made travel more efficient, a little human interaction can go a long way in avoiding hiccups. Always let a passenger service agent know if you’ve added baggage separately from your flight booking—it’s a small detail that can make a big difference to your airport experience. - British Airways - Gatwick Ground Services (GGS) - · · · #britishairways #aviation #avgeek #travel #ba #britishairwayscrew #aviationphotography #airbus #britishairwaysfirstclass #britishairwaysa380 #bacabincrew #britishairwayscabincrew #aviationlovers #instagramaviation #bacrew #flyba #toflytoserve #babetterworld #cabincrew #traveltheworld #flightattendant #cabincrewlife #crewlife #flightattendantlife #cabincrewlifestyle #aircrew

Surge in Air Travel Demand Despite Sky-High Ticket Prices Vietnam’s Airports Experiencing Significant Increase in Passenger Numbers The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has reported a 23.7% increase in passenger traffic through airports in February compared to the same period in 2023, reaching a total of 10.7 million passengers. Of these, international and domestic passengers reached 3.65 million and 7.1 million respectively, representing an increase of 59.1% and 11.8%. Notably, Vietnamese airlines transported 5.1 million passengers (1.6 million international and 3.54 million domestic), a 21.6% increase. Nội Bài Airport crowded during the pre-Tet period. Photo: NIA. Cargo volume through airports also showed signs of growth with 139.8 thousand tons, a 54.2% increase compared to February 2023, and a 13.1% increase compared to January 2024. International cargo volume reached 92.3 thousand tons, and domestic cargo reached 47.5 thousand tons. During the Lunar New Year holiday, the number of passengers at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City reached its peak. For instance, on February 17th, the airport operated 969 flights carrying over 154,000 passengers, predominantly on domestic routes. This was the highest number at Tan Son Nhat International Airport since the peak of the Lunar New Year period. Up to now, flight tickets from provinces and cities to Tan Son Nhat airport continue to be scarce. Many routes are sold out, while some still have very few tickets available, mostly at premium business class prices, making it unaffordable for the general public. On February 21st, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam sent a notification to Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines, and Vietravel Airlines requesting a report on airline ticket sales during the Lunar New Year in 2024. Airlines are required to submit their reports in accordance with Circular 17/2019 no later than February 26th. In other news, according to an announcement from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, several airlines have temporarily suspended engine inspections and repairs. A total of 44 Airbus A321 Neo aircraft operated by domestic airlines are subject to a recall of engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney (USA) to ensure safety. Vietnam Airlines has 20 aircraft affected, while Vietjet Air has 24 aircraft. A group of 8 aircraft has been grounded for engine removal for maintenance at Vietnam Airlines’ maintenance facility. The number of aircraft required to be grounded and engines removed for repairs continues to increase. The post Surge in Air Travel Demand Despite Sky-High Ticket Prices appeared first on xe.today.

Are you ever late for your flights? Here are some tips and advice on how this can be avoided. One really important tip would be to make sure you and your party arrive at the airport 3 or 4 hours before the flight, just to be safe. The reason why I explain this is because you will never know how long the security or check-in queue will be when you are at the airport.   Along with all flight departure gates, they close 20 to 30 minutes before flights. If you arrive an hour before departure, depending on how busy the airport is, you have a 50/50 chance of missing your flight. Like I said above, that would depend on how long your security or check-in queue is, but to be safe, arrive a few hours before your flight.   Also, in terms of the way to the airport, In case of any form of traffic, this would also depend on how far you live from the airport. Here are the four options to make sure you make it to the airport and check in on time.   1: Take public transport. Take a train or tube to the airport. Because that is the easiest way to avoid traffic on the road and get on public transport hours before the flight. So you can make it to the airport on time.   2: Leave your home hours before your flight, whether you are driving, getting a coach, or taking a taking a taxi to the airport hours before your flight. Because even if there is traffic on the roads. The traffic would not affect your flight. For example, if your flight is at 6 a.m., then I would personally leave at 12 a.m. to head to the airport.   3: Another way you can make sure you and your travel gang don’t miss your flight is by staying at a hotel close to the airport. The night before, for example, at Heathrow Terminal 3, they have a premiere inn. This could be a good idea for you and your travellers if you want to avoid traffic. In terms of checking in and getting your boarding passes at the airport, (British Airways) Passengers are able to check in before the flight. However, with Virgin Atlantic passengers, unfortunately, this is not possible, and all check-ins and claims for boarding passes are all on the same day. The updated Virgin Atlantic website now states passengers can do online check-in from 24 hours to 70 minutes before the flight. These are a few examples of airlines if you are flying with a different airline please research the airlines booking policy some airlines differ from others.   4: Or right now, I will tell you the easiest way to check in without thinking about traffic or long queues at an airport. You won’t believe this, but you yourself can download the app with all your information and do self-check in on the app. So that you wouldn’t have to experience any hassle and stress at the airport.   So ladies and gentlemen, these are my tips to make sure you make your flight on time and safely because it is very important to feel excited about your holiday travel. #Holidays #Travel #TravelBlogger #HolidayBlogger #TipsAndAdvise #TravelIndustry #Flights #TravelAndTourism

Emirates has recently experienced its busiest winter for baggage handling in the last 3 years. The winter period statistics from September 2023 to January 2024 show that while handling an average of 2.7 million bags each month from Dubai to 140 global destinations, Emirates maintains a 99.9% success rate. Emirates has an excellent statistical record for baggage handling, where 99.9% of all baggage coming from Dubai or transferring through reaches its owner on time, at the correct destination. On an average Emirates journey, a customer’s luggage goes on a trip of its own and interacts with many of Emirates team; from a porter’s trolley to a check-in agent and baggage belt, to the ‘Boss Room’ where baggage is scanned with high tech security, then loaded into dnata baggage containers and onto the moveable dollies bound for Emirates aircraft, before it travels across the world, to meet the baggage handlers at a new destination. On the rare occasion that baggage is delayed, an array of varying scenarios might have occurred. Sometimes baggage tags containing essential information are accidentally torn off, or occasionally a bag could fall off the underground baggage belt as its rounds a corner at a fast pace – which is captured on camera and can be rectified immediately. A transfer flight may be unavoidably delayed due to weather or a sick passenger, making it impossible to remove and reload the bag onto the passenger’s transfer flight in time. In this case, the customers bag is immediately loaded onto the next flight. This is done automatically by a combination of multiple complex systems; Baggage Handling System by Dubai Airport, Baggage Reconciliation System by dnata, and Emirates Bag Connect – an Emirates product that offers a comprehensive view of the baggage journey with timely baggage status tracking, available on the Emirates app and website. Overall, Emirates rate of baggage mishandling – defined as delayed, lost or misplaced baggage, is very minimal at 1.3 in a 1000 at the Dubai hub- almost 30 times lower than some other providers. Of the bags that are unavoidably delayed even globally – 91% are reunited with their owners within 72 hours. This rate is also significant globally because Emirates primarily manages international baggage and international transfer baggage, so luggage often goes on long and complex journeys that require a higher level of attention than domestic travel. Emirates attributes its best-in-class baggage handling to robust and high-tech procedures including a multimillion-dollar investment into software that Emirates has tailored to specific needs, providing full visibility of entire journeys. As the world’s largest international airline, flying to 140 destinations from one of world’s busiest airports, seamless collaboration between Emirates and dnata, Siemens technology and Dubai Airports ensures that Emirates customers and their luggage ‘fly better’.

Modern Air Travel... As a former frequent flyer on both Delta and Southwest out of Hartsfield in Atlanta, I have only flown twice since 2021 due to my extended unemployment. Both trips were for personal reasons.   My last trip was two weeks ago on Delta, and it reminded me of why flying isn’t fun anymore. Frequent and infrequent travelers' reliance on carry-on baggage has become the biggest issue for both airlines and flyers. Boarding and deplaning has become a logistical nightmare.   Too many bags, bags that are too big, not enough overhead room, and inexperienced flyers can make the process of boarding a confusing if not contentious situation for flyers and airline staff.   I have witnessed a young mother with two young children try to board a plane with SIX (6) carry-on bags. When told by a gate agent that she would have to check four of them, she said there are "three of us, two carry-ons each!".  She then needed assistance getting the bags on the plane and placed in the overhead while trying to handle her toddler and newborn.   Flight attendants jobs now include refereeing disputes between customers while trying to prepare for an on-time takeoff.   Airlines with international flights already know how to handle this. When my son and I flew to Barcelona in 2019 there was no rush to find overhead room for carry-ons. Passengers boarded the flight empty-handed, having checked their bags before boarding.   I have thought long and hard about this. I realize that checked baggage has become a very lucrative cash generator for airlines. One major airline should take a chance and flip the script for luggage.    Rather than charging for checked baggage, airlines should be charging for carry-on baggage and lower or eliminate charges for checked bags.   This policy change would have a dramatic impact on both passengers and staff.   * It would not affect those passengers willing to pay for carry-on bags. * It would not affect business flyers whose travel costs are paid by their employers. * It would limit the number of bags carried on flights by casual and infrequent flyers. * It would allow flight attendants to concentrate on preparing the cabin for takeoff, rather than being “baggage handlers/baggage police”. * It would force airlines to improve their baggage handling systems. * Fewer flights would be delayed due to carry-on baggage issues.   This idea would need some additional work, but I think the concept is worth a try.