Airline passenger news and views

I am a 42 year old, 6ft 3,100 mile a week male cyclist. Went to Lanzarote in Dec 2011, had diarrhoea before getting on plane and had drunk half bottle of champagne, then slept in a cramped position for 3 hours.

5 days later I had pain in my rib cage, felt like I had pulled a muscle. Lived with it for 3 days, went to docs,he thought muscle pull or wind! Day after visiting doc, I coughed up a small amount of blood. Went to see another doc, he did a blood test and told me I had a clot, rushed into emergency, given a shot of herapin and a ct scan showed multiple pe in both lungs.

I am know on warfarin for 6 months.

I had no sign of a dvt, the hospital say that I may have had a silent dvt in my pelvis or a partial dvt that threw bits of clot into my lungs.

The doctor that diagnosed the embolism doesn't seem to think that the flight has caused the pe, so I'm having lots of other tests so am obviously still worried.

After reading the above I am beginning to think that the flight must have ca

DVT from flying

Urmmm, why should we have to pay more, to be spoken to in a nice way?? No Thanks Virgin.

Voice training for Virgin Atlantic crew

Oh, get a life, for goodness sake, how on earth can calling someone darling be offensive? It seems that sooner or later no of us will be able to even speak to each other in fear of offending the other person, what on Earth is going on?

Do not call me 'darling'

I agree with Jonathan's comment, what is wrong with calling someone darling, and where does the religious connotations come in?

Do not call me 'darling'

Does anyone actually care if an aircraft is greener? I just want to get to my destination. As for it producing 'cleaner air' how do they intend to cope with all the coughing and sneezing that goes on? I seem to come back with something every time I go.

A new dawn with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Just another excuse to push up the fares in my opinion.

EasyJet surcharges go up

This must be a safety issue. There is a time issue for those a couple of rows away. It is just daft. The airline knows that it has not sold these seats ahead of boarding time. It should just leave them fee when they are not sold. easyJet is about to start an allocated seating trial, where it will charge £12 for the exit row seats. However, unlike Ryanair it will allocate all of the seats on the plane, so I would assume it will allocate these seats to passengers even when they are not sold?

Probe into Ryanair's £10 charge for emergency exit seats

Typical. Just when I thought no more Gatwick or Luton they go and cancel the flight from Edinburgh to Manston. Reduce the amount of flights per week or up the prices slightly.Anything is a better option than having to sit on the biggest carpark in the world(M25)for hours. Even better, introduce a flight from Aberdeen. We do have an airport up here you know.

Cancellation of Flybe Edinburgh to Manston flights

We too are disappointed as our daughter lives in Edinburgh and we're in Kent. However, to avoid Gatwick you can fly with BA from London City Airport, which is easily reached on the HS1 train from Kent via Stratford International and the DLR. You could also of course do the whole thing by train which has good deals if booked early - and again HS1 into St Pancras makes an easy chnage for King's Cross to Edinburgh.

Cancellation of Flybe Edinburgh to Manston flights

When I found out about the Flybe service from Edinburgh to Manston last year, I thought what a fantastic idea, no more Gatwick.

My family have used the service extensively during the last twelve months visiting friends and relations on the Thanet Coast. In fact, most have reciprocated as it was so easy. We travelled down yesterday and will return on the last ever flight Friday.

So many people have been positive about the service and used it in the twelve months its hard to believe FlyBe can't turn a profit if only by reducing the number of flights.

Oh well, back to Gatwick I guess and every inconvenience that it offers.

Cancellation of Flybe Edinburgh to Manston flights

Is this training really necessary? Why not use the money improve food service in the less fancy classes? Maybe Virgin went too far with this one, but I guess passengers who will get this voice service will really feel a difference on their flight, otherwise it will be a real waste of time, money and human energy.

Voice training for Virgin Atlantic crew

I think the world has become much tolerant than it was before as we can see the supermarkets, airlines, department stores and so on have adopted the diverse cultural approach and their purpose are the same, it is to get closer to people and to meet the diverse needs. It is a development of humanities in such a way respecting each other whether you are the minority or the minority groups. It is a good way of showing good and Honorable gestures to any other people regardless of their genders, racial and social backgrounds. For being a truly civilized and inclusive society, it is so easy to pull the gap of differences even closer.

It seems to me that the core issue is not about the food neither how an animal is killed, nor what it is tasted like, but it is about the pride and prejudice. It would be good to look into the topic in an open-minded way. Halal meat is the belief of some people as they think they are safer to eat. A lot of non-religious people also believe that it is true.

GateGourmet moves to halal for all

the government don't give a toss about security, they only appear to. i have delivered concrete, and steel to the olympics site, and there is a huge amount of illegal immigrants working there.

i have a little surprise lined up though. a few of my mates fly microlights, so we are going to fly over the site when it's packed, just to make a point.

i wonder how many millions our security breach will cost?

London 2012 no-fly zone

There is a big risk that these good and feel-meaning initiatives will prove just too expensive.

Cheaper or Greener?

This is such an obviously good thing that only a politician would stand out against it.

The road connections and the rail links are almost in place and could certainly be added with the minimum of disruption (can you imagine trying to increase the M25 / M4 capacity).

Can we just get on and do this rather than having committees talking about it?

Boris Island?

I had the opportuity to fly Virgin Upper Class last week (my employer was paying) and the food was fabulous. It proves that it can be done and given the room, you can eat in comfort with a table and proper cutlery.

Congratulations to Virgin

Pretentious - moi?

It is very worrying that despite all of the checks that are made during the manufacturing process, that these nascent cracks can still get through.

Airbus ordered to check all its A380 superjumbos for wing cracks

Do we have any explanation from Flybe?

There must be some reasons. An airline does not give up a profitable route for no reason.

Cancellation of Flybe Edinburgh to Manston flights

This is another kick in the teeth for the British people that are being forced to pay for an Olympic extravaganza that will benefit others. What was the original budget? and what is it now?

How can we have let ourselves get conned again by the likes of Blair and his self-satisfied demeanour?

London 2012 no-fly zone

Never, never again a Ryanair travel-insurance!

Starting with that No-show letter from Ryanair (charged € 20) that is impossible to ask for by email: you have to send a letter! Then a 13-pages claimform only in English, of which 5 pages have to be filled out by your GP (who in my case is French and doesn't know English). Adding up the total time lost by their punishing burocracy (not to mention the nerves) and the final amount refunded, I decided that next time it will be another insurance AND another airline.

DVT, Ryanair and insurance rip-offs

That's very good news. This way airlines will pay more attention to the food they give us because some of them really don't make an effort!

Onboard food will be starred

I wondered when people would start talking about weighing passengers. I think it's a shame that people focus on their individual entitlements to the point where they are unable to share space or accommodate fellow humans.

The shrill skinny folk who are complaining could sit in business class. Might cost a bit more, but so what - you don't seem to think this would be a problem for others. This idea that someone else should pay is invidious. I bet you take a calculator to a restaurant to make sure you're not subsidising the person who had an extra drink. Did you complain when your sibling got a bigger slice of cake? I am large and pretty fit with it, I work out twice a week and I think I'm more mobile than your average pensioner or mother with baby. Perhaps they shouldn't travel either. Dont want to squeeze past a fattie? Sit in an aisle seat. Or perhaps they should charge for the loo, then you could fast before flying and save a few more pounds.

Too big for his seat

I am also very upset as i regularly use this service from Manston to Edinburgh to visit my family, every flight I have been on has had plenty of passengers! Surely even reducing the flights to two a week could work? Or even as said a route to Glasgow instead?

Cancellation of Flybe Edinburgh to Manston flights

I had cause to use the South Terminal facilities for the disabled, the automatic doors kept opening and shutting and opening again, so I had to try another one, in this one the doors did open and close properly, but left an inch gap, through which I could see the outside and no doubt could also be viewed, Most disconcerting! One of the other toilets was out of order. Whilst it is apparent they have spent money, the toilets are for the most part, not fit for the purpose, it's embarrassing enough using the facilities, but at least they should not leave one in fear of public exposure when performing personal tasks!

Gatwick improve disabled services

Fran I think you will find that there is a temporary terminal being created for the olympics - called Terminal 6. It will be in one of the carparks

Difficulties for Heathrow in view of the Olympics

I couln't agree more! Various members of my family have used this flight to visit my daughter and she has used it to return here. Flights have always been well used and reliable. Surely some compromise on a reduced schedule could be reached? Would another airline consider this route or even a Glasgow - Manston service?

Cancellation of Flybe Edinburgh to Manston flights

I had a swollen arm in 2010,as I had a problem with my carpel tunnel I thought it was the pain causing it to swell.I had the op.to sort out the carpel,no-one at the hospital questioned why my arm was swollen.I saw my GP as a had a swelling under my arm,he diagnosed a lymphoma,and sent me for a scan.The scan showed I had a DVT in a small vein in my arm,I was admitted and treated for it. This was in October,I had previously had two long hauls the last being LA to London in June. Not sure if it was the cause,but don't be careless and think it won't happen again,as in Feb 2011 I had a PE leaving a football game,and was told am lucky to still be alive.I am now on blood thinner for life(clexane)

DVT from flying

The latest whinging coming from Virgin about how terrible the IAG take-over of BMI and merger with BA will be makes me laugh.

They cite that Scottish travellers will be "left with a choice of 1" if they want to fly from the 3 largest Scottish cities to Heathrow.

Funny how I´ve never seen Virgin rushing to fill the vacancies left by other airlines cancelling routes to places other than LHR.

BA/AA - Virgin Atlantic deserves some protection

I to have a terrible experience with trying to claim from my Ryanair insurance.

We had booked flights for October 18th 2011, my husband became seriousley ill in August 2011 abd I tried to cancel the flights but Ryanair do not allow this they told me to claim after the return flight. Unfortunately my husband passed away on October 9th, I had a claim form sent to me by the insurance company which had to be completed by my GP I also sent a copy of the death certificate.

The insurance company now want me to obtain a no show letter from Ryanair which I have to pay for. I do not understand why they cannot contact Ryanair directly to find out this information, it just seems that all they want is your money.

I am the process of deepest grief and all the stress that this is causing me is just too much, it is not about the money it's the principle.

Regards

Chris

I am feeling

DVT, Ryanair and insurance rip-offs

This can only be good for Luton & the local area.

Luton Airport wants to grow

I agree with Jill, I'm looking for a child free holiday this year, so that's what I'm looking to book. However on checking Thompsons couples holidays out we've discovered that many of these hotels are NOT exclusive to adults. Although Thompson may only book them as such, and it categorically states in their brochure that the hotels are reserved 'entirely for adults' they are simply not, and other tour operators can book whoever they want into these hotels, unless Thompson has exclusivity to the hotel (which most of them they don't). Basically Thompson should be done under the trades descriptions act for lying about their holidays. If anyone knows of a truly child free holiday company I can book with I'd be interested to hear as Thompson are not coming up with the goods. In fact I can't think of a time I have ever found a holiday booking to be exactly as described, other than with Virgin.

No children please!

I agree with the article's conclusion that the process is badly implemented... the behaviour of the both the airline and its passengers can be amazing at times. I travel on easyJet frequently and decided to write an e-book about it called 'Stand Back! I am SpeedyBoarder' (available on Amazon and iTunes).

easyJet’s Speedy Boarding fiasco

As with other identification infrastructure (national residents databases, ID cards, etc.), civil rights activists have voiced concerns that iris-recognition technology might help governments to track individuals beyond their will.

A glimpse into the future of travelling

Passengers who book but do not take their flight are entitled to reclaim APD, but the consumer magazine has found that a number of major airlines** charge an administration fee which is more than the tax itself - so passengers are worse off if they make a claim.

Airlines team up against Air Passenger Duty

This means that you shouldn't get any nasty surprises at the checkout; which is nice of them.

EasyJet surcharges go up

Stuart, hope you weren't travelling in that aircraft when it happened. Thanks to Airbus design a catastrophe was averted. How come GE have not had any engines that did not cause any problems? Sometimes cavalier attitudes, and to be the first does not mean that safety is compromised. RR - back to extensive Records and Research please, so that the product is faultless. Yes support RR, but we also hope that the older Trent 900's out there are checked out, so there are no more mid air dramas as such.

Rolls-Royce Trent 900

Most of my current travel involves the USA, where we have a home. As frequent travellers, we have most things set up in advance. We have Visas which are very useful but it still does not overcome all of the problems. Eye scans will be helpful as long as the iris is checkable. I know at least two people that have Rheumatoid Arthritis which causes deformation of the eye and messes up these scans.

A glimpse into the future of travelling

Anyone who would drink drive should be out of that job for life. Pilots should be whiter than white

Drink drive pilots

Awful artical, totally unfair view of easyjet. Assistance services are provided by a third party company at Gatwick airport, not the airlines.

Working at the airport I fully agree the assistance service provided is totally unexceptable but it is not fair to blame the airlines.

Easyjet and Travelling with a Disability

Surely an option to manage the extra demand should include baggage drop facilities at the Olympic Village, shipping some baggage as freight and construction of a temporary "Olympic terminal", which could be taken down after the Games.

Difficulties for Heathrow in view of the Olympics

The cost of keeping the a/c up is huge and many airline resort to cheap maintenance practice in developing countries thereby jeopardizing flight safety and passenger.

Australian aircraft engineers call for Airbus A380 to be grounded

Children aged under two travelling without their own seat are exempt from APD. Unfortunately, over-twos who have to spend the whole journey with an under-two on their lap still have to pay their own tax.

Airlines team up against Air Passenger Duty

Why pay tax and rip-off fees when paying by credit card to fly from uk airports.Better to travel by train ,coach or car

Airlines team up against Air Passenger Duty

The reality is simple, I am a 6'4" man that has a large frame but I am not obese al though I would say of my self that I am a little overweight although I have freinds that would disagree and say I am average. When flying (I have made 100's of flights because of my work)I barely fit between the arms on the seats and my knees normally are touching the seat back infront of me. I have at times ended up bruised on the hips from the narrow seats. It is clear to me that the standard seat size being used by most airlines is based on the averages size of a person as measured 40 years ago when people my size were uncommon.Today in the western world men my size are common and I regularly find myself looking up to speak to men taller than myself. This is something that never happened to me 25 years ago. The airlines need to get with the times and stop trying to pack in as many passengers as possible. The seats need more room between rows and they need to provide wider seating

Too big for his seat

When the one toilet is out of order, then what?

The potentially unsanitary conditions inherent in such a situation does not bear thinking about.

Hold it in! Says Ryanair

I am looking forward to a spa break in Marrakech in May for 4 nights with my girl friends. I have a 9 year old daughter and apart from the odd night away have not had a girly holiday since before she was born so am so looking forward to chill time! Having said that I am sure I will miss her like crazy.

Spa cities

I recently returned from a christmas break in Dubai and have to say it was the best place I have visited. The hotel I stayed in was like celeb city and the service provided was awesome. I have already booked to return at Easter.

Dubai - a city of superlatives

HOW HURTFUL!!!

But most of you are right, i am a 27 yr old fatty who just wants to eat myself to death and not wash myself and'spill over' into you skinny moaners flight seat, NOT!

F.Y.I I have two beautiful children and am a makeup artist who showers regularly OH YES IM A HUMAN BEING WITH FEELINGS,and just wanted to visit my friend in the u.s who had a very traumatising miscarraige over Xmas, now i am terrified of going for fear you will all be there to burn me at the stake KKK style no less. This is discrimination, excruciating!

I hope you have fat children and you see how hard it is and it was your fault 4 replacing love with food,you heartless people...

Simple answer 'bigger seats' why is this so debatable? you are pointlessly arguing when there is the quickest of solutions,Although we are an easy target to pick on because WE ARE SO HUGE!!!

Rant over

TRY BEING INFORMED INSTEAD OF JUST OPINIONATED.

WE ARE ONLY HUMAN

Too big for his seat

I purchased a Frank Wotton poster for a pilot friend of mine for Christmas and he absolutely loved it.

History and future of aviation at the BA museum

I am disgusted by some of the comments on here. Not all big people are fat because of what they eat. Many, like me, suffer from arthritis and have other medical conditions that do not allow us to burn of the smallest low fat meals. On top of this some of the drugs we take also add to the weight problems. I was once, one of the fittest people you could ever know but my disabilities stop me from doing almost anything, even walking hurts. Should this mean I can not go on holiday, or fly to see my friends and relatives. I don't believe so. Just provide me with a wider seat and I will pay the extra. I dont want it for free or to spoil anyone elses flight but I do have a right to travel.

Too big for his seat