Airline passenger news and views

I spoke to a woman in the queue (here are always queues) and she made a good point about families. She, her husband and three children were off to Italy. She would not have had any chance of affording the trip on standard fares. She was saving money times five which was a significant factor.
Yes, it can be awful on the cattle service but I do see her point.

I work in the City and know that Iberia has got a 'walk away' option if British Airways cannot resolve how to fund its 3.7 billion pound pension deficit. British Airways has to present its plans by the end of June.
This figure was bigger than the company's market capitalization when it was valued last year. I know these pension black holes swing massively with the stock markets and the figures are probably better now than they were then, but it is still one hell of a big burden if you are Iberia on the point of a merger.

This man turns out to have been a serial pest. The court was told about previous rude and stupid messages that he had sent to other social websites. Part of the trouble is that he is made to sound like he is the victim and that the authorities are interfering with his so-called civil liberties.
I think he is just an idiot and ought to grow up.

Most first class and Upper class services include socks in the courtesy packs and so they are considered to be good. Whether they are a substitute for proper exercise and moving around is not obvious. I have to admit that I find this subject a bit scary. I had no idea that DVT could take so ling to show itself after the flight.

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Whilst Kayte makes a good point, would it not just be easier if the airlines turn up the temperature (or turn down the air con) ?
I have had the same problems that she described. You get on and it seems to get colder and colder. You check to see if the funny little air jets are open but, even if you close them all, it is still cold. This has to be a decision by the crew and it would be interesting to understand why.

I actually have a relative who hates being 'helped' by men simply because she is a woman. She is not overtly women's lib nor the campaigning type. She just feels that equality of ambition and opportunity means equality of responsibility. She and I have discussed this and she knows that I think her views are odd but she defends them and there it stands.
I do not think she would ever be gratuitously rude but, as they say, the world is made up of lots of different opinions.

Chris, your comment is a good one, weighing passengers and luggage, and to charge I think is a fair concept, there are always going to be loopholes and people will always 'bend the rules as much as they can in order to avoid being charged.

Could this just be a 'publicity' stunt, and a way of 'grabbing the headlines', I for one cannot imagine travelling like this on an aircraft, it looks completely uncivialised. Where will this end?

I have been on several flights where my seat has been continually kicked and especially on long haul I dread it when I see parents approaching with young children and sit behind me, I do think sometimes parents are oblivious to their child's behaviour, but relent in saying that I feel its a difficult situation to be in, in such a restricted space for several hours.

It is an uncomfortable experience being next to 'an overweight' person on a aircraft, for both actual person and the one sitting next to them, I do feel the airline needs to consider this aspect too.

I think being able to 'text' is not a bad idea, although it would open the floodgates i suspect to people abusing the whole thing, and even if there were rules made for no one being able to have a conversation you can bet your bottom dollar people would find a way round it!!

I think this is a fantastic idea and let's hope it does become more 'mainstream' in the future, the I phone I feel is the future anyway, and adding this concept only has to be a good thing.

This would be a great idea, and a perfect opportunity to catch up with e-mails and tweets as suggested in the article. Great being able to use your blackberry or I phone. I realise cost is an issue for airlines, but I think it would be a very welcome addition to flying.

It's about time people were a little more thoughtful and respectful of the disabled, blocking up lifts is very thoughtless and we should all be a bit more accommodating in these situations.

How many times have I had this problem, stuffing things into my suitcase and then realising how 'overweight' I am and then incurring the costs at the airport, it spoils the enjoyment almost of going on holiday and taking all the lovely outfits you have planned for it, I like this idea of collecting your luggage and using air courier, it could be a whole lot less stressful that's for sure!

Its always so difficult boarding a plane with everyone trying to squeeze their luggage into the too small compartments, there is so little room and you always get the 'dirty' look if you take too much time. I agree we all need to be a bit more patient in these situations and thoughtful to others.

This article is very amusing, but very true. I especially like Catriona's account of her boyfriend Marcus's recipe of what went into the chicken's rear end!

I love the whole aspect of dressing up for this event and really being a part of it. They seem to do these events very well, and no stone is left unturned, It is really worth going if you get the chance.

We drove the Ring of Kerry and the views were breathtaking. We had a fantastic time in Ireland and boy do they know how to party!