XML/RSS feed of Travel Technology News from Just the Flighten-gbhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/technology/index.htmlSun, 21 Mar 2010 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19643216-hong-kong-cuisine-app-launched-for-iphone.htmlHong Kong in the future will be able to make use of a new iPhone application covering the destination's culinary scene.

The tool provides information about a variety of local dishes and delicacies - including traditional favourites such as congee, noodles and rice - along with details of restaurants where they can be enjoyed.

Users can pinpoint the location of different eateries on static maps or Google Earth and also make use of inbuilt social networking platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.

Visitors who want to immerse themselves in the local culture during a trip to Hong Kong will welcome a feature of the app focusing on the pronunciation of certain dishes in Cantonese.

More information about the new guide, along with other mobile applications, is available on the Hong Kong Tourism Board website.

Hong Kong's culinary scene is set for another boost later this year when Jamie Oliver opens his first Italian family-style restaurant in the city.

Travellers can catch flights to Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Emirates and other carriers.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19643216-hong-kong-cuisine-app-launched-for-iphone.htmlMon, 1 Mar 2010 15:57:05 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogshong kongtravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19637733-social-media-tool-to-promote-chicago.htmlChicago Office of Tourism has announced a partnership with Foursquare, a new location-based, social networking application for mobile phones.

Users of the tool will be able to earn up to three Chicago-themed 'badges', each of which will relate to a local tradition.

Music fans will be able to visit clubs and historic sites to learn more about the city's association with blues.

Cinema lovers can re-enact memorable scenes from films such as The Blues Brothers, Ferris Bueller's Day Off and The Dark Knight, all of which were partly shot in Chicago.

The US destination's tourist board is the first to use Foursquare as a tool to promote restaurants, attractions and activities.

Dorothy Coyle, director of the Chicago Office of Tourism, said: "Foursquare provides a great incentive for people to explore the city's diverse neighbourhoods by playing a fun and interactive game.

"We're excited to be pioneering this innovative service."

Tristan Walker, head of business development at Foursquare, said the partnership will offer tourists "a new angle on discovering the city around them".

The application is free to download and can be used on smartphones and other internet-enabled devices.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19637733-social-media-tool-to-promote-chicago.htmlThu, 25 Feb 2010 16:36:46 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogschicagotravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19617786-ehrc-enters-airport-body-scanner-debate.html
Body scanners have already been established at Heathrow Airport and Manchester Airport, with more to be set up at other British airports in the coming months.

In a letter to transport minister Lord Adonis, the commission accepted new measures for security against terrorist threats were needed.

However, it added that it is concerned that there are no "safeguards" to guarantee the operation of the new machines will be non-discriminatory and fair to members of the public.

Trevor Phillips, chair of the EHRC, explained: "State action like border checks, stop and search and full body scanning are undertaken for good reasons. But without proper care such policies can end up being applied in ways which do discriminate against vulnerable groups or harm good community relations.

"National security policies are intended to protect our lives and our freedoms; but it would be the ultimate defeat if that protection destroyed our other liberties."


Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19617786-ehrc-enters-airport-body-scanner-debate.htmlTue, 16 Feb 2010 11:26:39 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogstravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19613239-british-airways-unveils-new-first-class-offering.htmlBritish Airways this week unveiled its new range of product and service offerings for first class passengers.

The carrier has revamped its first class suite to improve comfort and convenience for its premium customers, providing new amenities including a bed that is 60 per cent wider at the shoulders.

In a £100 million overhaul of its service, British Airways will also be offering a personal wardrobe, a 15-inch inflight entertainment screen and adjustable lighting for first class travellers.

The new products were debuted on a Boeing 777 flight to Chicago this week.

Mark Hassell, head of customer experience at British Airways, said the airline's aim was to create an "intimate private jet experience onboard".

He added: "We have resisted gadgets and gimmicks and focused instead on simplicity and quality.

"Every feature has been carefully considered and researched to ensure we are giving our customers what they want."

The carrier launched a campaign featuring actress Rachel Weisz to promote its new first class service.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19613239-british-airways-unveils-new-first-class-offering.htmlFri, 12 Feb 2010 14:23:50 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogschicagobritish airwaystravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19599554-skiers-offered-free-iphone-app.htmlskiing holiday this year will be able to make use of a new iPhone app released by the Ski Club of Great Britain.

The application was developed in association with Land Rover and is available for free download from iTunes.

It provides a variety of information relating to 250 resorts all over the world, including snow depths and conditions both on and off piste.

Users will also be able to catch up on the latest news and see webcam views of the destinations they will be visiting in France, Austria, Canada and other winter sports hotspots.

Abi Lee, new media manager at the Ski Club, said: "We're thrilled with the snow report app that we have developed with the help of our snow report partner, Land Rover."

She added: "The snow information provided on the app is the most accurate and up to date around and will be ideal for skiers and boarders who want to check conditions when they are on the move and even when they are in resort."

The organisation also provides daily reports, weather forecasts and other useful features on its website.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19599554-skiers-offered-free-iphone-app.htmlFri, 5 Feb 2010 11:34:35 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogstravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19517695-continental-to-launch-inflight-internet-service.htmlContinental Airlines will introduce inflight internet access on its US flights next year.

The carrier announced that the Gogo Inflight Internet service will be available on its fleet of Boeing 757-300 aircraft, which primarily serve domestic routes, from the second quarter of 2010.

For prices starting at $4.95 (£3), passengers will be able to access the web on Wi-Fi-enabled laptops and electronic devices when the plane reaches an altitude of 10,000 feet.

The Gogo system is currently only available in the continental US and reportedly offers speeds similar to wireless mobile broadband services on the ground.

Mark Bergsrud, senior vice-president of marketing at Continental Airlines, said: "We've been closely watching technology developments to offer onboard connectivity for our customers.

"We are excited to be able to offer our customers internet service, giving them the ability to connect to colleagues, friends and family and work, learn and play while flying."

Continental and its subsidiaries operate more than 2,400 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.

The airline's US hubs are located in New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19517695-continental-to-launch-inflight-internet-service.htmlThu, 17 Dec 2009 11:13:32 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsnew yorkcontinental airlinestravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19493431-iberia-offers-paddington-check-in-service-for-heathrow-passengers.htmlHeathrow Airport can now check in at the capital's Paddington train station.

Heathrow Express, which offers train services to the airport from Paddington, launched its customer check-in service yesterday (December 2nd), which allows Iberia passengers to print their boarding passes before leaving for the airport.

To make passengers' experiences even better, flight information display screens have been installed platforms 6 and 7, while a further one is located adjacent to Paddington's ticket office.

These provide information on the day's flights, which airlines are flying, the departure terminal and departure times.

Iberia operates 13 daily flights to Madrid Barajas from London Heathrow, five of which are done as part of a code-share with British Airways.

Train station check-in services are now available at 66 of the 111 airports Iberia flies to, including Dublin.

Last month, Iberia announced its intention to increase the frequency of flights on its routes to New York, Montevideo, Bogota and Caracas.





Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19493431-iberia-offers-paddington-check-in-service-for-heathrow-passengers.htmlThu, 3 Dec 2009 13:29:32 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogstravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19475430-united-airlines-launches-inflight-internet-promotion.htmlUnited Airlines has launched a promotion to encourage use of its inflight internet service.

The 'try before you buy' scheme will offer a free session for first-time users of Aircell's Gogo Inflight Internet facility when they create a new account.

Passengers on United Airlines' transcontinental premium service (p.s.) flights between New York and its hubs in Los Angeles and San Francisco will be able to take advantage of the special offer until December 31st.

The service allows users of smartphones, laptops and other Wi-Fi-enabled devices to send and receive instant messages, surf the internet, check email accounts and access virtual private networks.

Allen Will, the carrier's managing director of strategic aircraft programs, said: "Gogo Inflight Internet service on our p.s. flights provides our customers with an even more productive and enjoyable travel experience.

"With Gogo Inflight Internet and an AC power port at every seat, p.s. customers will get more accomplished in the air this holiday season, leaving time for more holiday cheer on the ground."

United Airlines operates flights to more than 200 destinations in the US and around the world from its hubs in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver and Washington.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19475430-united-airlines-launches-inflight-internet-promotion.htmlTue, 24 Nov 2009 11:13:54 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsnew yorksan franciscolos angeleschicagodenverwashingtonunited airlinestravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19470362-air-canada-trialling-inflight-internet.htmlAir Canada has announced the beginning of an inflight internet trial.

The carrier revealed that it had launched an initiative to offer the Gogo web facility on select flights to Toronto and Montreal from Los Angeles.

Trials will continue until January 29th 2010, at which point Air Canada will analyse customer feedback and make a decision on whether to launch the service on other routes.

The airline is reportedly the first Canadian carrier to offer inflight internet access for its customers.

Senior marketing director Louise McKenven said: "With this service, our customers will be able to email, work and surf the net while flying and more fully enjoy what is already a superior travel experience that includes complimentary seatback entertainment and access to standard power outlets."

Ron LeMay, president of Aircell, the company that offers the Gogo service, said Air Canada's passengers will "feel the freedom of having the world at their fingertips".

The carrier recently announced that it will be expanding its presence in Asia next March with the introduction of non-stop flights to Tokyo from Calgary.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19470362-air-canada-trialling-inflight-internet.htmlFri, 20 Nov 2009 11:09:27 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogslos angelestorontoair canadatravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19455542-emirates-to-enable-inflight-blackberry-use.htmlEmirates passengers will soon be able to access inflight internet services when the carrier enables use of BlackBerries on its aircraft.

Tim Clark, president of the airline, said that it is currently considering bids from two providers - OnAir and AeroMobile.

OnAir already provides internet and mobile telephony services to a number of major carriers, including British Airways, TAP Air Portugal, Qatar Airways and bmi.

While Mr Clark did not confirm an exact timeframe for the introduction of inflight web access, he did reveal that the technology could be operational within the next few months.

He was speaking during a public interview at the World Travel Market, the industry event taking place in London this week.

Emirates also announced this week that it had opened a new lounge in Hamburg, which is the largest facility of its kind in Germany, covering an area of 900 square metres.

The airline has two other airport lounges in Europe, which are located in Manchester and Dusseldorf.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19455542-emirates-to-enable-inflight-blackberry-use.htmlWed, 11 Nov 2009 17:35:04 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsemiratestravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19452141-japan-airlines-improves-tokyo-to-sydney-flights.htmlJapan Airlines has announced an improvement to its flights to Sydney from Tokyo, with a premium economy option added to the route.

People travelling in the Far East and Australasia will be offered the new service on the carrier's daily flights between the two cities from December 1st.

The premium economy product features Japan Airlines' Sky Shell Seat, which won the Good Design Award in 2008.

It provides 20 per cent more leg room than regular economy seats and added luxuries including a nine-inch personal television screen and special meals.

Premium economy passengers can use a dedicated check-in service in Sydney and Tokyo and will also be able to access an airport lounge.

Japan Airlines already offers a premium economy option on flights from Tokyo Narita to its main gateways in Europe - London, Moscow, Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam - as well as Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco in the US.

The carrier recently carried out a 'shades-closed' exercise in an attempt to reduce energy consumption by keeping its aircraft interiors cool and reducing the need for air conditioning.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19452141-japan-airlines-improves-tokyo-to-sydney-flights.htmlTue, 10 Nov 2009 14:19:53 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogssydneytokyojal japan airlinestravel newstechnologyaustraliahttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19438749-virgin-atlantic-launches-iphone-app-for-aerophobes.htmlVirgin Atlantic has launched a new application for the iPhone and iPod touch aimed at people who suffer from aerophobia - more commonly known as fear of flying.

The app is an offshoot of the airline's Flying Without Fear course, which reportedly has a success rate of 98 per cent.

Announcing the technological offering, which is the first application of its kind, the long-haul carrier said that it will help people with fears of all kinds, from slight anxiety at making bookings to absolute inability to go anywhere near an aircraft.

Sir Richard Branson, president of the airline, described the development as "Virgin Atlantic innovation at its best".

He added: "Our first iPhone app will bring the benefits of our successful Flying Without Fear course to millions of people around the world who are now using mobile technology to make their lives better.

"The app will put many travellers at ease and enable them to prepare for their first Virgin Atlantic flight."

Features of the application include a video-based inflight explanation from the start to finish of a plane journey, a frequently asked questions section, relaxation exercises and fear therapy techniques.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19438749-virgin-atlantic-launches-iphone-app-for-aerophobes.htmlMon, 2 Nov 2009 16:51:58 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsvirgintravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19408805-lufthansa-to-launch-inflight-internet.htmlLufthansa has announced that it will reintroduce an inflight internet service next year.

The carrier will be making the FlyNet facility available to its passengers, providing the option of sending text messages and transferring data from mobile phones and smartphones during flights.

Lufthansa has teamed up with Panasonic to offer the service and aims to equip a substantial portion of its long-range fleet with the internet facilities in the first year of operations.

Wolfgang Mayrhuber, chief executive and chairman of the airline, said: "In terms of communications, Lufthansa customers can look forward to a top-tier inflight service.

"On long-haul routes, we offer business travellers, in particular, a range of communications options on a par with those available at powerful hotspots or upmarket hotels."

Paul Margis of Panasonic said that the company was "thrilled" to be working with Lufthansa, which will be the launch customer for the new exConnect broadband service.

From its hub in Frankfurt, Lufthansa operates flights to London, Sao Paulo, San Francisco and many other destinations.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19408805-lufthansa-to-launch-inflight-internet.htmlWed, 14 Oct 2009 15:32:53 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogssan franciscofrankfurtlondonlufthansatravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19354516-bristol-airport-encourages-use-of-facial-recognition-gates.htmlBristol Airport has encouraged its inbound passengers to make use of new facial recognition gates, which have been installed to strengthen border security and increase efficiency at arrivals points.

People over the age of 18 who hold a new biometric passport can use the machines, which scan passengers' faces and compare the image to the photo on their document.

The gates have been trialled at Manchester Airport and Stansted Airport and have proved successful, with more than half a million people using the service.

Lin Homer, chief executive of the UK Border Agency, said the machines at Bristol Airport will make the country safer and improve the travel experience for passengers.

Alison Roberts, the airport's terminal manager, said: "In the long-term we aim to increase the space available for immigration control, and our development plans include proposals to extend the existing terminal building to reduce bottlenecks in this area.

"However, the use of new technology can help improve today's passenger experience, providing a positive first impression to visitors arriving in the UK."

More than 17 million biometric passports have been issued in the UK since they were introduced in 2006.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19354516-bristol-airport-encourages-use-of-facial-recognition-gates.htmlThu, 10 Sep 2009 10:33:42 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogstravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19339927-etihad-airways-launches-first-class-suite.htmlEtihad Airways has introduced its new first class suite, which it claims is representative of "a new era in luxury air travel".

The cabin was introduced on August 29th on the airline's Airbus A340-600, which is currently being used to operate flights from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi.

Etihad's first class passengers can make use of facilities including an inflight entertainment system providing more than 600 hours of content on demand and a 23-inch widescreen television.

The new suite also features an extra large leather seat that extends to become a flat bed and a changing room with a full-length mirror.

James Hogan, chief executive of the Abu Dhabi-based airline, said: "The entry into service of our new first class product is a major milestone for Etihad Airways as it is the first time we have offered our customers their own private suite within the first class cabin.

"The new suite is state-of-the-art in every way and the innovative enhancements, such as a personal illuminated wardrobe with mirror and refreshment cabinet, demonstrate our continued commitment to provide a world-class experience for our premium passengers."

Etihad will take delivery of five more Airbus planes over the next two years that will be fitted with the new first class cabins.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19339927-etihad-airways-launches-first-class-suite.htmlTue, 1 Sep 2009 13:08:35 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsabu dhabietihadtravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19334707-travel-technology-to-be-focus-of-wtm-2009.html
Set to take place in London in November, the event will forecast future developments in the travel sector and showcase new research on the role of the mobile phone.

According to a survey by EyeforTravel, 74 per cent of travel organisations believe that the mobile will be a vital part of the industry in the future.

Amy Scarth, the news and information provider's head of research, said: "Mobile technology strategies present an exciting new dimension to the industry and those that get it right will undoubtedly grab market share and a competitive advantage.

"Mobile technology is becoming part of mainstream, with what is available to travellers on their laptops becoming evermore available on the mobile, which is why mobile developments will have a huge impact on marketing, payment and customer relationship management functions."

Other topics explored at the WTM this year will include the booking process, marketing and holidaymakers' in-resort experience.

The event will be held at the ExCeL centre in London from November 9th to 12th.

More details are available on the WTM 2009 website.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19334707-travel-technology-to-be-focus-of-wtm-2009.htmlThu, 27 Aug 2009 15:04:30 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogslondontravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19322066-mobile-phone-check-in-on-air-malta-launched.htmlAir Malta has announced plans to roll out check-in services on the mobile phone platform.

The airline is offering the service to passengers departing from Malta International Airport, in order to make check-in systems easier and more efficient.

Customers with internet on their mobiles can log on to Air Malta's website, from where they can select their seat and check-in their luggage.

This can be done anytime between 23 and two hours before the scheduled departure time of the flight.

When they reach the airport, customers can simply head to the baggage drop-off point to allow staff to load luggage onto the aircraft and then continue to security and boarding.

Their boarding cards, along with their name and flight number, will be displayed on the phone for airport staff to check.

Air Malta chief executive Joe Cappello said: "Only a few airlines in the world have started to use this technology and we are excited to be one of the first."


Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19322066-mobile-phone-check-in-on-air-malta-launched.htmlThu, 20 Aug 2009 11:58:49 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsair maltatravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19280502-us-airways-to-trial-inflight-web-access.htmlUS Airways has announced that it will introduce an inflight internet service in early 2010.

The Gogo system, provided by Aircell, will initially be introduced on the carrier's Airbus A321 aircraft, which operate select routes within the US.

Travellers who own internet-enabled devices such as laptops and smartphones will have the option of paying a fee to access websites, email accounts, instant messaging services and virtual private networks.

Prices will vary based on the length of flight and the type of device used, starting at $5.95 (£3.60).

Andrew Nocella, senior vice-president of marketing and planning at US Airways, said: "Gogo Inflight Internet will allow our customers to make the most of their flying time by catching up on work or relaxing and surfing the internet.

"This is an exciting new option for our passengers that we believe will enhance their travel experience."

From its east coast bases of Charlotte and Philadelphia, US Airways operates an extensive domestic network that includes flights to San Francisco, Chicago and Houston.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19280502-us-airways-to-trial-inflight-web-access.htmlFri, 24 Jul 2009 12:50:27 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogssan franciscochicagophiladelphiaus airwaystravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19279124-wi-fi-links-available-in-flybe-lounges.htmlFlybe's 12 lounges this summer, it has been announced.

BT Openzone has teamed up with the regional airline to provide the service at Belfast City Airport, Birmingham Airport, Edinburgh Airport, Exeter Airport, Gatwick Airport and Glasgow Airport.

Use of the wireless connections will be free for BT broadband customers with inclusive Wi-Fi minutes, BT Openzone subscribers and O2 mobile internet users who have access included in their contracts.

Other travellers can visit the BT Openzone website to buy a voucher enabling them to use the new service.

Jim Eaton-Terry, product manager for Flybe, said: "Flybe lounges allow you to enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks and now stay connected using the wireless internet now available in all our lounges."

BT Openzone general manager Chris Bruce said: "Business travellers want to be productive before their flights and holidaymakers are armed with wireless devices. With access in the UK, plus overseas hotspots, we're providing more Wi-Fi where travellers want it."

It was recently announced that 170 wireless internet hotspots had been opened in the city of Barcelona.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19279124-wi-fi-links-available-in-flybe-lounges.htmlThu, 23 Jul 2009 16:23:49 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsbarcelonaedinburghlondonflybe british europeantravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19274539-wi-fi-network-opened-in-barcelona.htmlcity breaks in Barcelona this year will be able to make use of a number of Wi-Fi hotspots that have been opened across the Catalan capital.

The city council announced that 170 wireless internet hotspots are now operational, a number that is set to rise to 300 by the end of the year and potentially 500 before the end of 2010.

Located at libraries, markets, museums, sports centres and other municipal sites, the hotspots are clearly identified with 'W' signs.

People visiting Barcelona can use laptops, PDAs and mobile devices such as the iPhone and the BlackBerry to browse websites at the access points.

The initiative to provide wireless internet access across the city was described as "Barcelona's ambition applied to 21st-century systems" by mayor Jordi Hereu.

Deputy mayor for urban planning Ramon Garcia-Bragado said: "This is not a commercial or professional service, but rather a public one."

Travellers visiting New York this year will also be able to use a new Wi-Fi hotspot that was recently opened at the grand Edna Barnes Salomon Room in the Public Library.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19274539-wi-fi-network-opened-in-barcelona.htmlTue, 21 Jul 2009 13:46:43 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsnew yorkbarcelonatravel newstechnologyspainhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19252909-online-check-in-offers-benefits-for-all.htmlonline check-in can be attributed to the fact that it offers mutual benefits for passengers and airlines, according to retail and consumer consultancy Pragma.

James Entwistle, divisional director at the company, said that travellers benefit from the option to check in online as it reduces the amount of time they need to spend waiting at the airport.

He also suggested that the promotion of online check-in by low-cost carriers means that many people are now comfortable with the technology.

"It ultimately gives customer satisfaction a boost as people are not standing in long queues at check-in," Mr Entwistle said.

"People are getting used to checking in online because you pretty much have to do it with all the low-cost airlines."

The benefit for air carriers comes in the form of cost, according to the Pragma spokesman, as web check-in removes the need to provide staff at airport desks.

Virgin Atlantic is encouraging its passengers to check in online this year by offering £6 off inflight duty-free purchases for customers who use the web facility.

The promotion will run until August 31st this year for people travelling from Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, Glasgow Airport and Manchester Airport.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19252909-online-check-in-offers-benefits-for-all.htmlTue, 7 Jul 2009 09:47:59 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsvirgintravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19236493-skyteam-passengers-offered-wi-fi-access-at-london-heathrow.htmlHeathrow Airport can now use free Wi-Fi services.

It was announced that wireless internet provider BT Openzone had reached a deal with Skyteam to offer Wi-Fi access at the group's lounge at Heathrow Terminal 4.

Travellers will be able to use the wireless network for work or leisure purposes prior to their flight and also to make cheap VoIP calls.

Chris Bruce, general manager of BT Openzone, said: "Wi-Fi is essential for business and leisure travellers wanting to be productive or relax online before their flights."

The Skyteam airline alliance consists of international carriers including Air France, KLM, Continental Airlines and Korean Air, which offer an extensive network of international flights from London Heathrow.

Skyteam opened the first level of its co-branded lounge at Terminal 4 on June 4th. The facility has space for more than 300 passengers and provides amenities including a wine bar, massage chairs and a wellness centre.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19236493-skyteam-passengers-offered-wi-fi-access-at-london-heathrow.htmlThu, 25 Jun 2009 15:49:32 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogslondonkorean airlinesair francecontinental airlinesklmtravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19231702-virgin-atlantic-orders-new-airbus-planes.htmlVirgin Atlantic has stated that it is "confident about future growth" and announced an order of ten new Airbus A330-300 aircraft.

The $2.1 billion (£1.3 billion) deal will see five of the new planes delivered in 2011 and the following five the next year.

Passengers will be offered USB ports in every seat and the ability to send and receive emails and text messages on the Airbus A330s.

Virgin Atlantic said that the aircraft will play an important part in its future growth, enabling the launch of flights to Vancouver, Beijing, Cancun and other new destinations from London.

Steve Ridgway, chief executive of the airline, said: "Despite the worst economic conditions in decades, we are focusing on sustainable growth in the years ahead using the most fuel-efficient aircraft possible.

"Virgin Atlantic has a strong history of successfully investing during a downturn and our Airbus order today sends a strong signal that now is the time to invest, in order to help protect jobs and get the world's economy moving again."

The airline launched a special flight to New York yesterday (June 22nd) to mark its 25th birthday.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19231702-virgin-atlantic-orders-new-airbus-planes.htmlTue, 23 Jun 2009 13:15:58 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsnew yorkvancouverlondonvirgintravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19225321-qantas-extends-online-check-in.htmlQantas has announced the launch of an online check-in facility for its international passengers.

Customers can check in between 24 hours and two hours prior to their flight from their home, office or hotel.

The airline said that the online check-in facility would provide an "enhanced travel experience" for passengers.

It was also announced that top-tier members of Qantas' frequent flyer scheme can now make use of a service enabling them to choose their seat online.

Lesley Grant, the airline's executive manager of marketing, said the new provisions are a result of "continued investment in customer products and services", which previously led to the introduction of the premium economy cabin and the delivery of the carrier's Airbus A380 aircraft.

"Our aim is to provide travellers with a wide range of services to ensure a seamless travel experience, and customers can expect to see even more enhancements to domestic and international customer services later in 2009," Ms Grant added.

Qantas operates an international route network that includes flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19225321-qantas-extends-online-check-in.htmlThu, 18 Jun 2009 14:04:41 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogssydneyhong kongmelbournesingaporeqantas airwaystravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19219755-worlds-first-lonely-planet-store-to-open-in-sydney.htmlSydney Airport in Australia this year.

The new store is due to open its doors in early July as part of the AU$500 million (£243.6 million) terminal development that is currently underway at the hub in Sydney.

Travellers will be able to buy the full range of Lonely Planet travel guides at the shop, as well as a selection of travel accessories, merchandise and digital products.

Howard Ralley, sales and marketing director for Lonely Planet, said airports are "strange places" where people are "half-excited and half-bored".

"Everyone waiting for a flight wants to be inspired or have their attention diverted, so we figured - where better to open the world's first Lonely Planet store showcasing all that we do, from digital services to guidebook content?" he added.

"As well as over 500 books, videos and quality travel gear, there'll be i-touch screens to deliver expert information from our authors, plus the ability to print your own custom guidebook from our Pick & Mix chapters."

Lonely Planet is expanding its range of titles this year with the publication of its eighth Great Britain guide, which includes sections on Edinburgh, Manchester and Glasgow.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19219755-worlds-first-lonely-planet-store-to-open-in-sydney.htmlMon, 15 Jun 2009 17:32:02 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogssydneytravel newstechnologyaustralia