XML/RSS feed of Technology News from Just the Flighten-gbhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/technology/index.htmlSat, 17 May 2008 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18574000-online-bookings-offer-convenience.htmlonline mainly do so out of convenience, according to one expert.

The rise of online reservations means that more people can now arrange their holidays from the comfort of their desks, Kate Shipp of Which? Holiday remarked.

Furthermore, consumers are able to benefit from choosing from a wide variety of options, including price, something that is not always the case at standard travel agents, she said.

"You obviously have choice in a travel agent but you will be restricted perhaps in terms of the holidays on offer," Ms Shipp commented.

"And also, it's about being able to tailor the holiday to suit your needs."

More than six in ten British households had access to the internet last year, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics.

A recent poll by Ciao Surveys found that 58 per cent of Britons prefer to book their holidays online.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18574000-online-bookings-offer-convenience.htmlWed, 30 Apr 2008 10:52:32 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogstravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18572037-lufthansa-launches-mobile-boarding-passes.htmlLufthansa has announced a new service that allows passengers to use their mobile phones to access electronic boarding passes.

While the scheme is currently only available for those travelling from Hamburg to Munich or Frankfurt, it is hoped that it will be rolled out further if it proves successful.

The service sees flyers who check in online and select the option to do so being sent a boarding pass via email or SMS to their internet-enabled handsets. These passes include information such as passenger name, flight number and a 2D barcode.

Those travelling with just hand luggage will be able to go straight to security and board the plane without using a paper document.

Lufthansa also said that further enhancements to its online check-in system, such as the ability to enter passport and visa details, will be introduced at the start of May.

Earlier this year, a spokesperson for British Airways told the Telegraph that the carrier was following mobile developments closely and that it was "interested in any technology which will make our passengers' lives easier", potentially signifying the introduction of mobile boarding passes in the UK in the future.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18572037-lufthansa-launches-mobile-boarding-passes.htmlTue, 29 Apr 2008 11:58:23 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsfrankfurtmunichlufthansabritish airwaystechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18568190-face-scans-for-uk-flyers-to-begin.html
Plans are underway to trial facial recognition technology at certain airports in the UK and Europe to boost security and reduce congestion. The scans would replace normal checks carried out by passport officers and would take place at unmanned gates.

Any rejected passengers may have to join normal passport queues, however, according to the Guardian. The trial will test the reaction of flyers to the scans and any refusal by the system to match them to the information contained in their biometric passports.

"We think a machine can do a better job [than manned passport inspections]," commented Gary Murphy of the UK Border Agency.

"What will the public reaction be? Will they use it? We need to test and see how people react and how they deal with rejection. We hope to get the trial up and running by the summer."

Biometric technology is already being used in a number of ways across the aviation sector. Iris recognition is in place at airports around the world - including Heathrow, Manchester, Gatwick and Birmingham airports - for those who wish to sign up for the scheme.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18568190-face-scans-for-uk-flyers-to-begin.htmlFri, 25 Apr 2008 13:36:02 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18535479-virgin-flyers-want-data-only-calls.htmlVirgin Atlantic.

Regulator Ofcom recently gave its approval for the use of mobile phones on planes within European airspace for UK-registered aircraft.

Commenting on this development, a spokesperson for Virgin Atlantic said it is looking into mobile technology to see what will be "available in future".

"At the moment, evidence suggests our passengers would prefer data-only calls and we are studying the technology," she commented.

"Our passengers can already send and receive emails and make outgoing phone calls using our inflight entertainment system."

Inflight mobile services have hit the headlines in recent times after Emirates announced that the world's first authorised in-air mobile voice call had been made on one of its flights.

Passengers can also send and receive text messages using Emirates new commercial mobile service onboard certain of its aircraft.

Ofcom's proposal for UK airlines is currently subject to approval by the Civil Aviation Authority and the European Aviation Safety Agency.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18535479-virgin-flyers-want-data-only-calls.htmlThu, 3 Apr 2008 12:22:34 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsemiratesvirgintechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18526337-inflight-mobile-use-must-consider-needs-of-flyers.htmlinflight mobile services following Ofcom's announcement of plans to enable such facilities should ensure they consider flyers' needs before doing so.

This is according to James Fremantle of the Air Transport Users Council, who said that while some carriers may find that most passengers will be in favour of such services, they should also consider the views of those likely to be bothered by inflight mobile use.

He suggested that airlines look into ways in which disruption can be minimised for passengers if they do choose to install mobile phone facilities.

"[Airlines] should ... put into place measures that would alleviate some of the main problems that passengers might have - by only letting passengers use their phones at certain times, [or] if somebody is continually using it and annoying passengers, give the cabin crew the power to ask them to stop," Mr Fremantle remarked.

In 2006, the International Air Passengers Association revealed that 45 per cent of flyers imagine hearing another passenger's mobile phone calls as the second most annoying thing they could think of on a plane, behind the sounds of children crying and adults snoring.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18526337-inflight-mobile-use-must-consider-needs-of-flyers.htmlFri, 28 Mar 2008 09:28:25 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18524350-uk-airlines-given-inflight-mobile-go-ahead.htmlinflight mobile phone access for their passengers after the communications regulator confirmed it is to set out plans to allow them to do so.

Ofcom said that carriers will be able to provide mobile communication services on aircraft registered in the UK if they want to, as long as the plans receive approval from UK and European aviation authorities.

The services would work by allowing passengers' 2G phones to connect to an inflight base station, which must both be turned off during take-off and landing but can be turned on at 3,000 metres.

Flyers will then be able to send and receive calls and text messages - which are billed as usual by the relevant operator - using the plane's own network service. These calls can be routed to the ground via a satellite link.

If this proves successful further plans to enable the service for 3G handsets could be rolled out in the future, Ofcom said.

The announcement came days after Emirates announced that the world's first authorised inflight mobile phone call had been made on one of its services.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18524350-uk-airlines-given-inflight-mobile-go-ahead.htmlThu, 27 Mar 2008 10:28:11 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsemiratestechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18524178-british-airways-lounges-set-for-free-wi-fi.htmlBritish Airways in its premium cabins are set to benefit from free wireless internet access at the airline's UK airport lounges.

The carrier has struck a three-year deal with BT Openzone to offer free Wi-Fi across all 25 of its lounges in the UK from April 1st. This includes those at the newly opened Heathrow Terminal 5.

Emily Clark, lounges development manager for British Airways, said that the ability to both work and relax at airport lounges was "integral" for the carrier's business class customers, with Chris Bruce of BT Openzone adding that Wi-Fi is "essential" for this purpose.

"The explosion in Wi-Fi-enabled devices is accelerating this trend and the British Airways service means that passengers can use their time productively before boarding their flights," he added, according to Business Travel World.

Recent research by technology firm iPass revealed that 45 per cent of all Wi-Fi sessions take place in airports.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18524178-british-airways-lounges-set-for-free-wi-fi.htmlThu, 27 Mar 2008 09:26:29 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsbritish airwaystechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18520081-first-inflight-mobile-call-made-on-emirates-route.htmlinflight mobile phone call has been made on a service operated by Emirates.

Conducted last week on a flight between Dubai and Casablanca, the call came ahead of the full launch of the Middle Eastern airline's commercial mobile service.

This will allow passengers to make inflight mobile calls and send and receive text messages on aircraft fitted with special equipment provided by AeroMobile, with BlackBerry users also set to become able to use their devices in the air in future.

Restrictions will be in place, however, as the service will only become enabled at cruising altitude and cabin crew members will be able to exercise the power to prevent calls being made at certain times. In addition, flyers will only be able to make up to five or six calls at a time.

"Our customers are already making more than 7,000 calls a month from our in-seat phones, so we will be making life easier for those for whom staying in touch has become an important part of their everyday lives," commented Emirates chairman and chief executive Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum.

Earlier this month, the carrier announced plans to launch its Airbus A380 aircraft for flights from London to Dubai on December 1st.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18520081-first-inflight-mobile-call-made-on-emirates-route.htmlTue, 25 Mar 2008 10:20:55 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsdubailondonemiratestechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18495630-mobile-ticket-usage-on-the-rise.htmlmobile ticketing - including when buying flights - over the next three years, according to a new report.

Juniper Research said that more than 2.6 billion mobile tickets are expected to be delivered to over 208 million mobile phone owners by 2011.

It said that the benefits of this method of e-ticketing include lower costs, improved security and reduced paper usage. The company also noted that major firms such as British Airways have already taken the lead on mobile ticketing.

Airlines can save a collective $500 million (£253 million) a year by deploying mobile ticketing, Juniper Research went on to add.

Last month, the International Air Transport Association began counting down to the issuing of the last paper flight ticket ahead of the 100 per cent rollout of e-ticketing by airlines on June 1st.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18495630-mobile-ticket-usage-on-the-rise.htmlWed, 5 Mar 2008 12:04:00 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsbritish airwaystechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18479177-countdown-begins-to-100-e-ticketing.htmle-ticketing for flights.

June 1st will see paper tickets "put in a museum" as all airlines and airports move to fully electronic ticketing procedures, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The organisation first started the drive to switch to e-ticketing in 2004. When it began, just 18 per cent of tickets were electronically issued.

However, this figure is now more than 93 per cent. Benefits for passengers making use of e-tickets include the inability to lose tickets, being more easily able to change itineraries and the use of self-service options in airports.

"We are entering a new age for air travel," commented Giovanni Bisignani, director-general and chief executive of the IATA.

"The consumer has spoken. They love the convenience of e-ticketing and now want to combine it with self-service options to have more control over their journey."

Last year, a survey by the IATA revealed that 89 per cent of passengers prefer using e-tickets rather than their paper counterparts.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18479177-countdown-begins-to-100-e-ticketing.htmlFri, 22 Feb 2008 11:41:41 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogstravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18471744-mobiles-offer-powerful-way-of-checking-in.htmlmobile phones to check in at the airport in a number of ways, according to one expert.

While mobile-based check-in procedures have not yet been fully developed, such a method would expand the options available for flyers and take advantage of the fact that mobile owners carry their handsets with them all of the time, Joanne Donovan of Virgin Atlantic commented.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced last year that it was working with airlines to develop a form of mobile phone check-in that would make use of 2D barcodes. It expects to fully implement bar-coded boarding passes by the end of 2010.

Ms Donovan stated: "The fact that most people have a mobile phone and it is with them most of the time indicates it would be a powerful way to check them in by sending them a boarding card that could be read direct from the phone, as well as offering them up-to-date departure information such as gate numbers".

E-ticketing and self-service check-in procedures have risen in popularity among passengers in recent times. An IATA survey conducted last year indicated that 89 per cent of flyers prefer e-tickets to paper tickets, while 69 per cent have used check-in kiosks in the past.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18471744-mobiles-offer-powerful-way-of-checking-in.htmlMon, 18 Feb 2008 13:17:11 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsvirgintechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18465748-hi-tech-bag-tracking-trial-begins-at-heathrow.htmlEmirates have begun a trial involving the use of technology to track and monitor luggage at Heathrow Airport.

The six-month trial utilises radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to keep track of passengers' luggage at every step of Emirates travellers' journeys.

Some 50,000 bags a month are expected to be involved in the test, which will also be undertaken at Dubai Airport.

Nine Emirates check-in desks at Heathrow will see staff fit RFID-enabled tags to bags during the check-in process. The tags are embedded with chips that contain data such as the traveller's name and the route they are flying on.

As the bags pass through the airport's baggage handling system, these chips will be read by computer systems for security, sorting and other procedures.

Passengers can also opt to receive a text message on their mobile phones to inform them of their baggage reclaim belt when they arrive back at Heathrow.

"This trial enables us to embrace the latest technology for the benefit of our customers. The volume of baggage processed at airports is increasing with more people around the world flying each year," commented Vic Sheppard of Emirates.

Last year, an innovative new transit system was unveiled by Heathrow. The Personal Rapid Transit System, which will open in 2009, makes use of a fleet of low-energy "pods" that can carry passengers and luggage around the hub.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18465748-hi-tech-bag-tracking-trial-begins-at-heathrow.htmlThu, 14 Feb 2008 08:00:00 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsdubaiemiratestechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18456619-heathrow-begins-biometric-security-trial.htmlHeathrow Airport have started taking part in a biometric security trial.

The tests, conducted on those transferring between domestic flights at the terminal, see flyers providing a photograph and fingerprints, which are then checked against the passenger at boarding, Bloomberg reports.

BAA said it is carrying out the trial to make sure the scheme works properly before Terminal 5, which will be the new home of British Airways, opens next month.

The checks will also help the airport to ensure that international flyers are unable to get on domestic flights, spokesman Damon Hunt commented.

"We need a way of being able to ensure that an international passenger doesn't get on a domestic flight by swapping boarding passes with a domestic passenger," he stated.

"This will let us have a single common departure lounge."

Meanwhile, business executives in Scotland have given the new terminal their approval. In a statement released today, David Ross of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce said the new facility could potentially make flights from the Scottish city with British Airways more efficient.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18456619-heathrow-begins-biometric-security-trial.htmlWed, 6 Feb 2008 14:42:49 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsbritish airwaystravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18443280-quarter-of-uk-web-users-buy-flights-online.htmlinternet in the last three months, new research has revealed.

In a study exploring the various ways in which the web has influenced consumers' shopping habits, Nielsen Online found that airline tickets represent the fourth most purchased item over the internet for online shoppers.

The last two years have seen online flight bookings increase by three per cent - a trend that reflects the fact that the internet is ideal for travel reservations due to the sheer wealth of information available, said Jonathan Carson of Nielsen Online.

"Whilst certain areas of the travel industry were initially slow to utilise the benefits of the internet, it is now one of the undoubted success stories of online, playing an integral part in the arrangements and experience of today's traveller," he added.

Last year, research by comScore found that a growing number of European web users are looking to the internet to search for holiday bargains.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18443280-quarter-of-uk-web-users-buy-flights-online.htmlMon, 28 Jan 2008 13:05:26 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogstravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18424807-virgin-expands-inflight-meditainment.htmlVirgin Atlantic flights can now take advantage of a new inflight meditation facility.

As a result of the popularity of its inflight audio meditation service, the carrier has now launched an offering that utilises audio and visual effects to provide a 30-minute meditation experience for passengers.

The Total Relaxation facility could help to lower blood pressure and boost the immune system as a result of minimising anxiety and stress, the airline said.

"Long-haul flights can be challenging for some travellers, especially if sleep proves difficult," commented Richard Latham of Meditainment.com, the provider of the service, adding: "By watching the Total Relaxation movie, passengers enter a state of pure bliss."

Virgin Atlantic's overall inflight entertainment offering includes the use of individual seatback screens showing films and television programmes and providing a range of music options, as well as the Skymap service, which shows passengers exactly where the plane is and provides facts about the flight.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18424807-virgin-expands-inflight-meditainment.htmlMon, 14 Jan 2008 11:30:29 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsvirgintravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18403570-air-france-tests-inflight-mobile.htmlAir France has announced that it is trialling inflight mobile phone services on its flights across Europe.

Passengers travelling with the carrier onboard one of its Airbus A318 planes are now able to send and receive text and picture messages, as well as send and receive emails sent via internet-enabled handsets.

It is expected that flyers will be able to make mobile calls during the second half of the six-month trial. Following the conclusion of the scheme, Air France will decide whether it is feasible to roll out the service across all of its flights.

"We are seizing every opportunity to offer customers the latest technological innovations, while continuing to make their travel comfort and wellbeing our main priority," commented Patrick Roux, executive vice president of marketing for Air France.

Earlier this month, the carrier announced that it is to launch new flights to Los Angeles from Heathrow Airport in March 2008 after signing a joint venture agreement with Delta Air Lines.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18403570-air-france-tests-inflight-mobile.htmlFri, 21 Dec 2007 08:52:45 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogslos angelesdelta airlinesair francetechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18392642-self-print-boarding-passes-launched-by-sas.htmlScandinavian Airlines System (SAS) has announced the launch of self-print boarding passes for UK flyers.

Holidaymakers travelling with the airline from Heathrow, London City, Birmingham, Manchester and Aberdeen airports can now print out their own boarding passes after checking in online.

Each pass contains a unique barcode that allows flyers to go straight to security and have their barcode scanned.

For those needing to put luggage in the aeroplane's hold, SAS has self-service kiosks through which passengers can check in first.

"We are delighted to be offering our customers in the UK the added convenience of self-print boarding passes, giving travellers the ability to check in from home or work at a time that is convenient to them," commented Lars-Ove Filipson, UK and Ireland general manager for SAS.

SAS offers a range of economy and business class flights to European destinations such as Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Gothenburg and Stavanger from the UK.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18392642-self-print-boarding-passes-launched-by-sas.htmlThu, 13 Dec 2007 10:23:30 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogscopenhagenoslostockholmsas scandinavian airlinestechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18388955-airlines-to-focus-on-inflight-messaging.htmlbusiness class flight offerings.

Major carriers will come under pressure from their smaller counterparts to offer such services and help business class customers work more effectively inflight, according to the study from Freesky Research.

Such messaging facilities may include data plans that can be paid for in advance using frequent flier miles or combined with upgrade certificates, it added, as well as being provided as an annual subscription service.

"Text messaging, email and other productivity applications will eventually become as important to serving high yield customers as lie-flat beds in first class and elite status benefits for frequent fliers," commented report author David Gross.

This might represent good news for fliers who are already anticipating the rollout of inflight mobile services in the future.

UK telecoms regulator Ofcom outlined proposals to allow carriers to provide mobile phone services while in the air earlier this year.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18388955-airlines-to-focus-on-inflight-messaging.htmlTue, 11 Dec 2007 10:25:42 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18385479-new-york-top-for-british-airways-flyers.htmlNew York is the most popular long-haul destination for those flying overseas for Christmas with British Airways, it has been revealed.

Based on actual bookings made, the carrier said the Big Apple took the top spot in the rankings, followed by Paris, Hong Kong and Los Angeles, iafrica.com reports.

Other destinations that made the top ten for those heading abroad over the festive period included Miami, Delhi, Mumbai, Cape Town, Seattle and Boston.

Lin Glass of British Airways advised passengers travelling overseas during this peak period to make the best use of technology to avoid long queues and have a "far less stressful" experience.

"It's much easier to get checked in before you get into the terminals either online or at one of the new remote check-in kiosks," she commented.

"Then all you need to do is to drop your bags at the fast bag desk. It's quicker and far less stressful."

A spokesperson for Stansted Airport recently advised Christmas travellers to ensure they pack any presents unwrapped to make it easier for security staff to search luggage should they need to do so.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18385479-new-york-top-for-british-airways-flyers.htmlFri, 7 Dec 2007 11:28:02 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsnew yorkcapetownmiamilos angelesparisbostonhong kongbritish airwaystechnologyfloridahttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18378250-qatar-airways-launches-new-inflight-entertainment.htmlinflight entertainment system has been installed on new aircraft recently received by Qatar Airways.

The Oryx Entertainment service - dubbed Multiplex In The Sky by the carrier - will be gradually rolled out across all of the airline's Boeing 777 planes over the next three years.

Among the new system's features are 150 extra films, 150 hours of television shows, about 500 music CDs and more than 50 games. It uses Panasonic eX2 technology to enable travellers to use a touchscreen to browse and select the various options available.

"With so many options available through the new Oryx Entertainment, we are confident that our passengers will be fully satisfied with the choice onboard, making their journey even more enjoyable and memorable," commented Akbar Al Baker, chief executive of Qatar Airways.

Qatar Airways operates a number of scheduled flights from Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester airports to Doha, the capital city of Qatar.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18378250-qatar-airways-launches-new-inflight-entertainment.htmlMon, 3 Dec 2007 11:23:43 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsqatar airwaystechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18376355-virgin-adds-web-show-to-inflight-entertainment.htmlVirgin Atlantic flights.

From the start of December, passengers will be able to watch the first 31 instalments of KateModern, a spin-off of internet drama lonelygirl15 on the airline's V:port system. It is thought to be the first time an internet show will be able to be viewed onboard a plane.

The show, which is currently available to view on social networking site Bebo, follows the adventures of a group of young people battling against evil forces.

"Virgin Atlantic has always been keen to reflect media trends and showcase them to our passengers, so it's delighted to feature KateModern as part of our award-winning entertainment," commented Lysette Gauna, head of brand for Virgin Atlantic.

"We expect to screen more entertainment sourced from the internet over the next year."

Other television shows currently available on the airline's inflight entertainment system include Arrested Development, The Mighty Boosh, CSI, Life On Mars, Doctor Who and Top Gear.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18376355-virgin-adds-web-show-to-inflight-entertainment.htmlFri, 30 Nov 2007 11:01:35 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsvirgintechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18361948-flyers-embrace-travel-technology.htmle-tickets and self-service options when flying overseas.

Almost nine in ten passengers stated a preference for e-tickets over their paper counterparts in the poll by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), while over two-thirds said they had used self-service kiosks at the airport.

More than half said they had used internet check-in facilities in the past, while 54 per cent indicated that they wished to see more self-service options become available.

Calls were also made for the ability to select and change seats online, as well as for being able to amend bookings and obtain last-minute upgrades at the departure gate.

"The consumer has spoken and the message is clear," commented Giovanni Bisignani, director-general and chief executive of the IATA.

"Self-service is part of full-service expectations. And airlines are responding with technology that gives travellers greater convenience and more options to control their travel experience."

Earlier this month, a survey by air transport IT and communications firm SITA found that over half of airports around the world have installed dedicated self-service check-in kiosks, with a further 20 per cent intending to do so within the next five years.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18361948-flyers-embrace-travel-technology.htmlTue, 20 Nov 2007 10:57:36 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18358902-baa-spends-39m-on-security-and-improvements.html
A closer look at the figures show that additional security measures cost BAA £27 million, while "basic" improvements cost £12 million.

The programme of improvements was implemented with the objective of "improving passenger experience by reducing queues and improving facilities and cleanliness", BAA stated.

BAA published the costs at the same time as announcing that operating profits were down 18.1 per cent to £544 million in the nine months ending September 30th.

According to figures released this week, BAA's seven hubs, which include Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport, handled 13.2 million passengers in October, a rise of 3.5 per cent on the same month in 2006.

All BAA airports, with the exception of Glasgow, reported increases last month.


Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18358902-baa-spends-39m-on-security-and-improvements.htmlFri, 16 Nov 2007 15:20:00 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogstravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18353821-heathrow-airport-aims-to-reduce-queues.htmlHeathrow Airport are taking steps to reduce the length of time British holiday-makers are likely to spend in queues before their flights, it has been made clear.

A spokesperson for the airport, which is the UK's largest and among the busiest in the world, has suggested that its record on limiting queue times has been good in recent years, but notes that more is being done to tackle the issue.

"With regards to security, Heathrow is performing well and is investing heavily in new technology and recruiting additional security staff to drive down queues," an airport representative explained.

"In August this year, one of the busiest on record, for 95 per cent of the time passengers queued for less than ten minutes."

On the subject of baggage weight allowances on flights leaving Heathrow Airport, the airport's spokesperson indicated that a government directive is required for any changes to be introduced.

Earlier this month, British Airways announced that it believes the hand luggage limits for flights out of the UK are to be removed.


Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18353821-heathrow-airport-aims-to-reduce-queues.htmlTue, 13 Nov 2007 16:01:00 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsbritish airwaystechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18349332-careless-flyers-lose-8500-gadgets-at-airports.htmlairports every year, new research has revealed.

According to the survey by data security firm SafeNet, the biggest number of losses take place at airports in London, with over 400 laptops and 2,500 other gadgets - such as mobile phones, USB sticks and BlackBerrys - going missing every year.

Gary Clark of SafeNet warned that these business executives could be putting their companies at risk by being forgetful with their gadgets while travelling.

"Companies are investing large sums of money in protecting network data, only for employees to run the risk of losing it by carelessly misplacing laptops and mobile devices," he commented.

The research also found that business flyers passing through hubs in north-western airports lose more than 800 mobile devices and 100 laptops a year, while elsewhere in Europe almost 800 laptops and 2,500 other gadgets are misplaced in airports in Germany.

According to research from esure, 73 per cent of UK holidaymakers take a digital camera with them when jetting overseas, while 72 per cent take their mobile phones with them and 30 per cent pack a camcorder.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/18349332-careless-flyers-lose-8500-gadgets-at-airports.htmlFri, 9 Nov 2007 10:41:33 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogstechnology