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.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport is gearing up for the great Christmas and New Year Getaway with more than 20,000 passengers expected to pass through the terminal over the holiday period (17 Dec – 2 Jan).

The traditional Christmas getaway is expected to start mid December with the majority of schools finishing for the holidays.

With 14 destinations on offer from the Airport over December, popular destinations for passengers departing from the Airport this Christmas and New Year are expected to be a mix of Winter Sun Mediterranean resorts being operated by Thomson, skiing holidays in Italy with Crystal and city breaks to Gdansk, Katowice, Poznan, Warsaw, Wroclaw and Vilnius with Wizz Air.

To ensure a hassle-free transit through the airport, the management at Sheffield is reminding all passengers of the security restrictions that still apply, and is urging passengers to think carefully about what items they are intending to pack in hand luggage – especially those who are travelling with presents for friends and relatives.

All items in hand luggage including wrapped Christmas presents are subject to search as part of the current aviation security measures that are in place at all UK Airports. To avoid disappointment at the security search point and to help keep queues to a minimum, passengers are being asked to travel with their presents unwrapped if they are to be carried in hand luggage.

Restrictions on carrying liquids through security are also still in place. Liquids, gels and aerosols can be carried in individual 100ml containers which fit comfortably in a re-sealable clear bag no larger than 20cm x 20cm. However, passengers are advised to put liquids and unwrapped liquid presents such as perfumes, alcohol and toiletries within their hold luggage before checking-in.

Each passenger is limited to one item of hand luggage through the security screening point; a maximum size of 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. Unwrapped Christmas presents and items such as hand bags, must fit within the hand luggage bag and are not allowed to be carried separately.

Steve Gill, Airport Director said: “The choice of affordable flights to a number of destinations from Doncaster Sheffield Airport, means that we expect the Christmas and New Year period to once again be one of the busiest during the year and we are anticipating over 40,000 passengers to use the airport throughout December.”

“To keep queuing times to a minimum we’re asking passengers to come prepared and to think about what they are carrying in their hand luggage.

“We want all our passengers to enjoy the start of their journey particularly at this time of year and with a bit of forward planning we hope passengers will get their Christmas holidays off to a great start.”

Robin Hood Airport has announced the launch of direct flights to some of the best ski slopes and sights in Europe.

In partnership with Crystal Ski, an industry-leading luxury ski company, Doncaster Sheffield Airport is offering package holidays for an eight-week period this winter (December and January) to renowned skiing terrain across Italy including Bardonecchia, Claviere, Courmayeur, Sauze d’Oulx, La Thuile and Cervinia.

Steve Gill, Doncaster Sheffield Airport director, commented: “Every year thousands of people head to the slopes across Europe and it’s great that skiiers in South Yorkshire have the opportunity to access highly competitive priced ski packages direct from their local airport here at Doncaster Sheffield Airport in December and January.”

The war of words over border control strike action continues in the press and it is unknown how badly affected airport passengers are going to be by the action – reports vary from minor disruption to significant.

Border control will be affected from the evening of Tuesday 29 November until midnight on Wednesday 30 November – strike action start times will depend on shift patterns.

Any delays will affect passengers arriving into the UK that need to pass through passport control – outgoing flights should not be affected.

Tips to help avoid delays:

• Use e-Passport gates where available
• Have travel documents, including passports, ready
• Fully complete landing cards
• Stay in family groups.

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has said that it has robust arrangements in place to maintain the security of the border and that it has

• trained managers, staff and contractors to carry out border checks
• requested overseas staff to provide cover
• asked airlines and ports to identify potential pressure points.

Rob Whiteman, chief executive of the UK Border Agency, said: ‘Securing the border is our priority and over the last weeks and months we have considered all options to ensure we are prepared for union action.

‘We always aim to minimise any disruption caused by the decision of unions to strike, but travellers could see longer waiting times at some ports and airports.’

For up-to-date UKBA information visit  http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/

Wizz Air had today introduced a brand new service called ‘Wizz Reserved Seat’.

By purchasing this service, passengers can get a guaranteed seat located in the first 2 rows of the aircraft and are also entitled to use the priority boarding option ‘Wizz Xpress’.

“We are proud to provide these enhanced services on our entire network of 205 routes across 23 countries, offering greater choice, flexibility and comfort to our passengers,” said John Stephenson, Executive Vice President of Wizz Air.

Both services can be purchased on wizzair.com during the booking process or via the Call Center for EUR 8, or at the airport for EUR 16 from today.

Peel Airports Limited, owners of Liverpool John Lennon Airport, has submitted its response to the Department for Transport’s Proposal for a Sustainable Framework for UK Aviation, calling for the Government to recognise the benefits that regional airports have on their local economies and develop aviation policies that encourage sustainable growth.

The department for Transport’s scoping document was launched in March 2011. It framed the debate and asked a series of questions for response by a wide range of stakeholders on the future direction of aviation policy.

In a detailed response, Peel Airports has highlighted concerns that the proposals put forward, fail to set out a clear aviation policy that would grow the industry’s contribution to both the regional and national economies, with the intention to constrain growth by supressing demand for air travel. Such policies are in stark contrast to the Government’s stated aims of the policy, which stated “……We want to explore how to create the right conditions for regional airports to flourish.”

UK aviation already pays the highest aviation tax in the world and with further increases in Air Passenger Duty (APD) planned, in addition to the EU wide Emissions Trading Scheme taxation that commences in January 2012, the proposed policy framework fails to address this issue. UK airports are now far less attractive options for airline business than many of their European competitors, whose own Governments abolished their equivalent of APD. Under these latest proposals, this lack of a ‘level playing field’ is set to continue.

Travel behaviour in the regions is price led and further increases in air fares due to higher taxation will price a large proportion of passengers out of air travel.

High Speed Rail is seen by the Government as a substitution for domestic and European short haul aviation, however, UK domestic aviation is almost non-existent. This scheme will simply bring greater economic benefits for a small number of airports and those regions to be served by High Speed Rail, at the expense of others.

Peel Airports also questions the validity of passenger forecasts used in developing the Government’s proposals which show only minimal growth over the next 20 years, having failed to recognise a variety of developments across the regions served by the Peel Airports, which will undoubtedly help to stimulate growth in air travel.

Craig Richmond, Peel Airports CEO commented, “We welcome the Government’s review on future aviation policy, however we have one chance to get this right, otherwise regional airports and the regions they serve will have their economies damaged for the long term.

“The Government have stated on numerous occasions in the past that it recognises the importance of aviation for economic growth and rebalancing of the UK economy. Sadly these latest proposals contradict the desire for aviation related growth and we are calling upon the Government to implement a long-sighted aviation policy that appreciates the benefits to regional economies that aviation connections bring and supports growth in our industry whilst maintaining the balanced approach towards minimising the environmental impact.”

Wizz Air has teamed up with Dublin-based CarTrawler to offer passengers car hire when booking flights.

“CarTrawler is pleased to now include Wizz Air, as one of its valued international airline customers. Wizz Air passengers will have access to a choice of hundreds of car rental suppliers at many locations in all European countries when booking their flights, giving them even more reason to choose Wizz Air. We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership with Wizz Air” – said Joe Farinella, Marketing Manager of CarTrawler.

“Wizz Air is excited to be partnering with CarTrawler as it offers quality and affordable car rental options on a large scale, covering all of Wizz Air’s destinations, in a truly innovative and intuitive way through wizzair.com” – said György Abrán, Chief Commercial Officer of Wizz Air.

Peel Airports Limited has announced the appointment of Steve Gill as the new Airport Director for Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield.

Steve is currently Group Environment and Facilities Director for Peel Airports and will take charge from 1 September 2011.

As Airport Director, Steve will be responsible for planning, directing and managing the day-to-day operations of both Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield and Durham Tees Valley Airports, under the direction of the Peel Airports Chief Operating Officer with support from the wider Peel Airports team.

Steve has almost 30 years’ experience in the aviation industry and has extensive expertise in airport planning and management. Steve knows Robin Hood Airport well, having played a key role in the planning and delivery of the UK’s newest full service commercial airport in 50 years, as Doncaster Sheffield Airport was developed from the former RAF Finningley.

During his career with Peel Airports, Steve has also held responsibility for a wide range of services including IT, property management, health and safety, corporate and social responsibility along with various outsourced service contracts.

Steve commented, “Having been involved with the Airport during its initial development I am now naturally delighted to be able to take the airport forward in this new capacity and to help develop the business that uses this great facility.

“In a short space of time this airport has received tremendous support both from passengers and organisations across South Yorkshire who quickly recognised what a successful airport can bring to the area. The Airport is a huge asset for people in Doncaster, Sheffield, South Yorkshire and beyond and I am determined to capitalise on this support, with the team here at the airport and within Peel Airports looking to strengthen and grow the business across all markets”.

The Air Travel Advisory Bureau (ATAB) is teaming up with law firm Barker Gillette to launch a coordinated legal claim against UK airlines that have not refunded Air Passenger Duty (APD) to passengers who have booked flights and not flown.

Since the tax was introduced in 1994, ATAB estimates that consumers have lost out on millions of pounds in un-refunded APD. In fact, Which? Estimated that in 2003 alone Ryanair retained more than £5 million in un-refunded taxes.

ATAB Chairman, Tony White said, “It is a scandal that some airlines hang on to this money. It never belonged to them. It’s a tax collected on the behalf of the Government. With a couple of exceptions, most of the UK airlines make it as difficult as possible to get your money back. If you don’t actually fly, for whatever reason, you are entitled to get the APD refunded. The airlines already have your credit card details, they should refund your card immediately. They make it difficult or expensive in the hope that you’ll go away – and most people do just that”.

“It is truly shocking, we’ve found some airlines that will charge an “administration fee” greater than the value of the refund. This is a complete rip-off and it’s our intention to put an end to it. If you have booked an airline ticket out of the UK anytime since 1994, and not flown, then we want to hear from you” said White.

For more information in reclaiming APD on unused flights visit www.atab.org.uk/action-now/reclaim-your-taxes/

Former popular destinations are having their ‘day in the sun’ once again, according to trends at Robin Hood Airport.

Officials at the airport say they are witnessing a revival in destinations such as Turkey, Spain and Portugal as holidaymakers choose to return to old summer sun favourites.

In recent years sun-seekers have been trying out alternative destinations for their holidays, heading to far-flung and up-and-coming countries.

But this summer is seeing a return to European favourites as holidaymakers opt for stunning beaches, year-round hot climates and 10/11 night stays abroad, compared to the more traditional two week trips of yester year.

Kate Waiton, Aviation Sales Manager, Peel Airports, said: “It’s great to see passengers choosing to jet off to hotspots like the Algarve, Malaga, Alicante, Antalya and Dalaman this year, as well as alternative routes.

“At Doncaster Sheffield Airport we have such a great selection of destinations for summer holidays – passengers really are spoilt for choice!”

Paul Cooper, Manager, Airport Negotiations, from tour operator Thomson said: “Trading is good from Robin Hood Airport despite the tough economic climate. We fully understand that people are working and saving hard and want guaranteed summer sun to relax in, which the UK can’t be relied on to supply.

“We have seen an increase in demand for 10- and 11-night holidays across Europe and the Thomson and First Choice brands offer flexibility to meet this demand with some great last minute offers still available for this summer.”