The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched a new price comparison tool to enable travellers to see a summary of optional charges levied by the top airlines in the UK.

The tool details information of costs of hold luggage, in flight meal charges, seat reservation and other optional airline fees.

Andrew Haines, Chief Executive of the CAA said: “The diversity of UK aviation offers excellent choice and value to UK consumers with airlines adopting various business models. To really benefit from that choice consumers want to know the full price picture. For some passengers and airlines the headline ticket price will be the most expensive part of the booking, whilst for others the impact of optional fees and charges can change their view of the best overall price.

“Our table allows passengers to easily compare the optional fees that airlines charge and it’s important to consider those charges alongside the ticket price and the extra charges that could be applied before making their booking.”

To view the fees and charges comparison table click here: http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/2200/Comparing_airline_charges_1st_Feb_2012_.pdf

The CAA plans to update the charges table on a quarterly basis.

Jet2.com is celebrating after being crowned Best Short Haul Airline at the coveted Globe Travel Awards 2012.

The annual Globe Travel Awards are regarded as the pinnacle of the travel industry calendar with travel agents and industry professionals nominating and voting for the most deserving travel companies across eight different categories. The cream of the British travel industry gathered at Grosvenor House hotel in London for the ceremony where Jet2.com proudly beat bmi, British Airways, easyJet, Iberia and Lufthansa to win the Short Haul Airline category.

Steve Heapy, Chief Commercial Officer of Jet2.com, said: “We are delighted to be named Best Short Haul Airline at the Globe Travel Awards beating the likes of British Airways and easyJet. This award follows a string of other award wins in recent months, making this a real highlight for us and a great start to the New Year. This industry recognition is also a fantastic testament to the on-going commitment of Jet2.com staff who make it possible for passengers to travel to some of Europe’s finest destinations.

“The secret to our continued success is the fact that we take real pride in listening and responding to our customer needs. We know that with stretched finances, customers want good value for money now more than ever. Our great value flights offer allocated seating, a generous 22kg baggage allowance and a friendly service which is why our loyal customers come back time and again.”

This is the latest in a flurry of awards received by Jet2.com which scooped best airline for Mainland Spain and Balearics, as well as the Canaries following a short-haul airline satisfaction survey by Which? magazine. It’s also recently picked up Best Low-Cost Airline in the Scottish Passenger Agents Association Awards and was voted runner up in the Best Short Haul Airline category of The Telegraph Travel Awards. Sister company and package holiday expert, Jet2holidays has also had its share of the glory in recent months after being named Best Tour Operator to the Iberian Peninsular and Canary Islands at the British Travel Awards.

Ryanair is to add 18 extra flights to the Six Nation rugby matches.

The extra flights will operate on the following routes as follows:

• Bristol – Dublin – two extra flights on 5 February for Ireland vs. Wales
• London – Rome – two extra flights on 10 and 12 February for Italy vs. England
• Dublin – Paris – six extra flights on 10/11/12 February for France vs. Ireland
• Paris – Edinburgh – four extra flights on 25 and 27 February for Scotland vs. France
• Dublin – Edinburgh – four extra flights on 9 and 11 March for Scotland vs. Ireland

Jet2.com is offering free ski or board carriage for bookings made from 9 January to before 19 February 2012.

To qualify for free carriage, enter the code FREESKI at the time of booking.

Flybe is to withdraw services from Manston Airport at the end of the winter season.

The airline’s remaining Manston to Edinburgh service will cease on 25 March 2012, nearly two years after it began.

The airline blames the tough economic climate and unsustainable passenger numbers.

Flybe axed its Manston to Manchester flights in April 2011.

Iberia pilots are planning to take strike action next Monday 9 January and Wednesday 11 January 2012.

For more information on cancellations and disruptions click here.

Edinburgh Airport is now open to inbound aircraft, however, outbound flights are still subject to assessment.

The airport is advising passengers not to travel to the airport until they have checked the status of their flight with their airline, and that it is safe to travel.

Edinburgh Airport has announced it has suspended inbound flights due to the strong winds.

Departures are subject to individual assessment and the airport advises passengers to check weather warnings and contact airlines before travelling to the airport.

Many routes to the airport are closed or affected by the winds.

This time last year flights were being affected by heavy snow, this year, it’s strong winds that are causing disruption to some flights, particularly in Scotland.

Anyone travelling today, especially from a Scottish airport, is advised to check the status of their flight with their airline.

Edinburgh Airport
Earlier today the access road to Edinburgh Airport was closed due to safety concerns, however, this has now reopened. Edinburgh Airport is currently closed due to severe winds and passengers are being advised not to travel to the airport without first contacting their airline. Airline contact numbers can be found here.

Glasgow Airport
Passengers are being advised to check with their airline before travelling to the airport. Airline contact numbers can be found here:

Jet2.com is celebrating after being named the best airline for three European hot spots by Which? members.

The Which? Travel short-haul airline satisfaction survey, for the January edition of the magazine, revealed that Jet2.com has scooped best airline for Mainland Spain and Balearics, as well as Portugal and the Canaries, beating competition from some of the main airlines including easyJet, Ryanair and Monarch.

Ian Doubtfire, Managing Director of Jet2.com, said: “Naturally we are delighted with these accolades which reinforce our commitment to providing exceptional service and good value for money. Which? members also named Spain the most visited country so we’re especially pleased to be getting our service, on our numerous Spanish routes, so right.

“It’s great to receive this feedback which is hot on the heels of our recent success at The British Travel Awards where we were named Winner of Best Tour Operator to the Iberian Peninsula & Islands. We continue to enhance our service and travel products to ensure we remain the airline of choice for these and other destinations.”