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.

Glasgow Airport has become the first Scottish Airport to take ownership of a Rosenbauer CA5 Panther fire appliance.

The 34-tonne fire appliance, which is capable of carrying 13,000 litres of water and 1,600 litres of foam, can accelerate from 0 to 80km/h in less than 32 seconds and is the first of three Rosenbauer CA5 Panther to be delivered to the airport – a second is due to arrive in June 2012; the third will arrive in early 2013.

Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said: “Over the course of the past decade there have been huge advances in fire fighting technology and these new appliances will significantly enhance our current aircraft rescue and fire fighting capabilities. They are extremely sophisticated pieces of equipment and our staff will spend the next three to four months receiving extensive training before the first vehicle is put into service.”

Glasgow Airport witnessed a massive 16.8% increase in passenger traffic in December when compared to December 2010.

December 2010 will be a month to be remembered for disruptions caused by snow, and the impact of the weather is largely responsible for the significant increase in traffic last month.

The airport saw more than 420,000 passengers pass through the airport last month bringing the 2011 total passengers to almost 6.9 million – an increase of 5.1% when compared to 2010.

Francois Bourienne, commercial director at Glasgow Airport, said: “Despite the challenging economic climate, we experienced a renewed confidence among passengers and airlines in 2011 and we were successful in introducing new routes, including direct services to a number of major European cities.

“Expanding Glasgow Airport’s route network will remain our main focus for 2012 and we have already made a strong start to the year with the news Emirates Airline will introduce a second daily non-stop flight to Dubai, commencing 1 June 2012. Jet2.com will launch direct flights to Rome and Barcelona in March, so there is much to be excited about.

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.

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.

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:

Essential road works on the M8 are expected to cause delays near Glasgow Airport.

Work begins on Boxing Day on the M8 White Cart viaduct (south of Glasgow Airport) – the main route to Glasgow Airport – and will continue until the spring of 2012.

Lane and ramp closures and temporary speed limits could cause delays of up to 60 minutes during peak periods and the airport is advising passengers to consider alternative methods of travel to the airport.

For more information visit www.trafficscotland.org

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.”

Sunwing Airlines has announced it is to launch Glasgow to Toronto flights.

The airline will launch the twice-weekly direct service in April 2012.

Flights will operate throughout the summer season.