Archive for October, 2007
Heathrow, Ryanair and mobile phones in flights get thumbs down
Oct 31st
Heathrow is the least favourite airport, Ryanair the least favourite airline, and mobile phone use on planes is disapproved of, according to a new survey by TripAdvisor.
The favourite airport according to the survey is Schipol International airport in Amsterdam. Holidaymakers surveyed said that a good airport is easy to navigate, has good toilets and good parking. Heathrow airport in London and Chicago‚s O‚Hare airport were the two airports that least met these criteria.
Ryanair was once again the least favourite airline, with a third of all the votes. Reasons for voting against an airline were unfriendly staff, delays, uncomfortable seats and poor legroom.
The survey also found that the majority of British holidaymakers oppose using mobile phones during flight. A staggering 90% of British holidaymakers do not want mobile phones used during flights, compared to 78% of holidaymakers worldwide.
More holidays for over-50s
Oct 31st
People aged over 50 are taking more holidays, according to a new survey by YouGoy for the Post Office. The over-50s desire holidays in New Zealand (44%), Australia (35%), New York (26%) and other far away destinations.
It seems that the higher disposable income is the reason for more holidays, 32% said they had taken an extra holiday a year since their children left home, while 22% said they take four or more holidays a year.
The interest in worldwide holidays grows after the children leave home; 60% say they choose different types of holidays after the children leave. Also, 60% say they are taking advantage of saving money by not travelling during school holidays.
Post Office head of travel services Helen Warburton said: “By avoiding July and August, empty nesters can save between 10% and 33% on long-haul travel – as well as being able to holiday at times when the weather is significantly better in many of the most sought-after destinations.”
Teenagers can get passport without parental consent
Oct 31st
Teenagers aged 16 and 17 will no longer need parental consent to get a passport when new passport regulations are imposed on 10 December 2007. The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) said this change will bring passport regulations to the same level as other legal issues regarding teenagers.
IPS also announced new regulations for passports for children aged 11 or under, their passport renewals must include a countersignature.
Home Office minister Meg Hillier commented: “The changes will bring passport practice into line with court practice on allowing young people to take responsibility for their own decisions.”
At the same time a new requirement will be introduced for children aged 11 or under for passport renewals to be countersigned. It is important that we positively identify children so that passports cannot be used to facilitate child abduction or human trafficking.”