Cathay Pacific cuts baggage allowance

Be aware when checking in your luggage at Cathay Pacific counters because a newly revised regulation is in place. Cathay Pacific will reduce its free baggage allowance effectively reducing the maximum weight per bag from 32 kilograms to 23 kilograms. It affects economy class passengers flying to North America only. Passengers are allowed to check in up to 2 bags. For every overweight bag, between 23 kilograms and 32 kilograms, you’ll be charged a flat rate of $US25.

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Some USA airports lose 10% of domestic flights

The aviation business is pretty much going downhill. With prices of oil soaring to new record highs every single week, it’s inevitable to make cuts into everything. We have seen airlines cutting fleets, cutting jobs and published airlines schedules for October shows that a third of USA’s 100 busiest airports are to expect at least 10% reduction of domestic flights compared to last year. And this will only be the start of more cuts and survival measures to come. Let’s pray oil prices would retreat to give airlines a breather.

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Spirit Airlines charges extra for middle, aisle and window seats

Yes, you got the cheapest airfare you can find in town. Enjoy it while it last, that is before you start choosing your seats. The trend is, more and more budget airlines are charging passengers for everything. Spirit passengers will soon be charged up to $15 for seat selection. $5 for middle seats, $10 for aisle and $15 for window seats.

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Midwest Airlines layoffs fleet and job cuts imminent

The aviation industry expects Midwest airlines layoff to cut jobs of up to hundreds of its employees. Staff that gets to stay on with the airlines will not be rejoicing either as they will face pay cuts of up to 65% if the proposal gets implemented.

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In-flight WiFi poised for revival?

Ever wished you could kill time blogging your thoughts, IM-ing with your friends, messing around in social bookmarking sites, watching YouTube or just plain surfing the web … while flying?

With soaring fuel prices rendering many airlines cash strapped, one would’ve imagined implementing in-flight WiFi is an expensive gamble. But whether or not it pays off, several airlines - Southwest, American, Alaska, JetBlue, and Lufthansa - are preparing to take the gamble.

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Thai Airways International “Buy 1, Fly 2″ promotion? Beware!

From today, June 25 until 30 September 2008, Thai Airways International will gives it’s Royal First and Royal Silk passengers a free second ticket. This special deal, appropriately named “Buy 1, Fly 2″ promotion is a steal for air travelers who are flying from Bangkok to all European cities, Beijing, Shanghai, Guang Zhou, Japan, Korea, Johannesburg, Auckland and Taipei.

Sounds too good to be true? You’re probably right.

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Emirates Dubai Summer Surprises 2008 offers

Emirates Airlines is giving you better deals in conjuction with 2008 Dubai Summer Surprises.

No matter how you look at it, Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) packages is a good deal indeed for those who seek a memorable summer vacation at Dubai during the summer months. 2008’s edition of DSS was launched recently from 19th June until 22nd August 2008.

This year’s DSS promises even more fun and events, surpassing the success that DSS had for the past decade. Look forward to 10 weeks of family fun, shopping extravaganza and edutainment carnivals in specially themed mall atmosphere. The centre of all the fun and entertained will be Modhesh Fun City, the region’s largest indoor edutainment venue.

Some basic features of the Dubai Summer Surprises 2008 Emirates package:

• Eligible to all Emirates passengers to or via Dubai
• Package prices starts from a low of US$62
• Validity period is from 19th June until 22nd August 2008
• Pay with MasterCard card and save 10% for bookings made at Emirates offices only.
• A minimum of 3 nights booking

Fly Emirates to DSS 2008 and enjoy:

• Meet & Assist at Dubai International Airport by uniformed Arabian Adventures staff.
• Transfers on arrival and departure between Dubai International Airport and hotel by chauffeur-driven cars.
• Arabian Adventures welcome pack with the new Vice Versa^® “cash reward” card.
• Emirates Holidays 24-hour emergency assistance.
• Additional 10kg free baggage allowance on return/onward flights from Dubai.

New uniforms for Emirates crew

Coinciding with the arrival of it’s first A380 plane, Emirates will introduce a range of new uniform for it’s entire crew. The new uniforms will be unveiled to the public on July 28 which is the date Emirates expects to received its first A380 aircraft. The cabin crew of Emirates’ A380 will be the first amongst their 16,000 peers to wear the new uniforms on-board. Ground crew are also expected to switch to the new uniforms by May 2009.

“The Emirates uniform has been the same since 1997, with a few tweaks here and there. In this new design we have addressed style, comfort, the suitability for different climates – for cabin crew and ground staff – and managed to retain the iconic and instantly recognizable hallmark of our uniform worldwide.” Terry Daly, Emirates’ divisional senior VP, service delivery.

Mr Daly continued: “I’m immensely proud of the in-house team from Emirates who worked with UK based uniform supplier Simon Jersey plc. Using a catalogue approach with mix and match items, they have produced a superb uniform that can be adapted to suit different environments and climates. This is vital when the conditions on the ground for staff can vary from Sao Paulo in Brazil to Newcastle in England to Hong Kong in Asia.”

I’ve always liked Emirates’ current uniform. It’s classy and unique, particularly the outstanding headpiece. In fact, it’s probably my favourite among the many airlines crew uniform I’ve seen. So how does the new one looks like?