New hand baggage regulations from November 06 2006

Following news was annouced by Lufthansa recently. It should be useful for those of you taking the flights out of European Union countries as well as the United States and Canada.

From November 06 2006, new regulations on hand baggage will apply to all passengers departing from airorts in the European Union.

For the most part, the EU regulations correspond to the requirements imposed by the US authorities, which have applied since the end of September on all flights to or from the United States.

Under the new standardised regulations, the amount of liquids, gels and creams permitted in hand baggage willb e limited to 100 ml. per container. These have to be carried in a transparent, zip-lock plastic bag with a maximum volume of one litre and must be presented during security checks. Only one bag per passenger is permitted. Zip-lock bags can be bought at retailed outlets.

Exempted from this ruling are medicines as well as special food (i.e. baby food or food items for diabetics), larger amount of which may be carried in hand baggage if they are required during the flight. Liquids can also be purchased duty-free on board Lufthansa flights. Liquids that have been purchased after passing through security at the airport may also be taken on board, although this does not apply on flights to the United States.

The new regulations, which take effect on November 06 2006, apply to all flights departing from airports in the European Union, Switzerland, Norway and Iceland as well as to all flights from the United States and Canada.

Lufthansa advises its passengers to pack any larger containers with liquids in their check-in luggage and to reduce the a mount of liquids taken on board to a minimum.

Add comment October 28th, 2006

United Airlines voted BEST NORTH AMERICAN AIRLINE for the 7th time

Travel agents, tour operators and destination management companies in Asia Pacific have voted United Airlines “THE BEST NORTH AMERICAN AIRLINE” in the 17th TTG Travel Rewards 2006.

United Airline is also celebrating its 20th anniversary of flying to Asia Pacific region this year. The airline currently serves 13 Asia Pacific cities including Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Melbourne, Nagoya, Osaka, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Teipei and Tokyo.

Source: TTG Asia

Add comment October 28th, 2006

International airport departure tax in Vietnam

Currently - you are requested to pay international airport departure tax (or - international passenger service charge) at the airports when departing on international flights but as of November 01 2006, the international airport departure tax will now be collected as JC tax on all tickets at the time of issue. So from now on you do not have to worry about keeping the US$ cash in the pocket and pay at the airport when you check in at all these airports.

For your information - current rates of international airport tax in Vietnam are:

When departing at Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi airport:
US$ 14.00 per person (adult)
US$   7.00 per person (children aged 2-12 years old)
NO airport tax for infants under 2 years old
NO airport tax for passengers in transit between 2 international flights within 24 hours

When departing at Danang airport:
US$   8.00 per person (adult)
US$   4.00 per person (children aged 2-12 years old)
NO airport tax for infants under 2 years old
NO airport tax for passengers in transit between 2 international flights within 24 hours

Source: Vietnam Airlines
 

Add comment October 28th, 2006