BA fly A380 with flights to/from Frankfurt

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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Happy to post this on behalf of a passenger and follower of Joe Journeys that was lucky enough to fly British Airways on day 1 of operation, 4th commercial BA 380 flight from Frankfurt to London Heathrow.

The new A380 is now being deployed on short-haul flights in order to give cabin crew and ground handlers experience of the jet - starting with BA902 to Germany's financial centre.

Instead of an old Boeing 767, passengers stepped aboard the Airbus A380, British Airways newest plane, for the 90-minute flight. Frankfurt was chosen because it is a high-frequency destination from Heathrow, and the airport is already well accustomed to handling the A380.

All passengers were accommodated on the lower deck; those carrying Club Europe tickets were able to enjoy lie-flat business-class beds on the short flight.

"The crew was visibly new, so all pretty excited and service wasn't routine yet" said the flyer who regularly does this route.

"Economy cabin looked like the normal long haul product with Business the same (2-4-2 layout with some back facing seats)" commented the frequent flyer who wants to remain anonymous, "First Class and Upper Deck was sealed off and I wasn't allowed to get in there. They seemed to have installed a few blue mood-lights (a bit like in new first), but apart from that the most striking difference was that the cabin was proper clean. Service was standard Club Europe, nothing exciting. though there were 23 crew members for what usually would have been an A319 load. The bird itself is fairly quiet and moves pretty softly" he said, "the engines move a lot, especially when there is a little wind. I'd imagine that to look scary during turbulence."

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British Airways

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Travel Trends: 100 Most Visited Cities

Figures released from Euromonitor International Top City Destinations Ranking, covering 100 of the world's leading and most dynamic cities in terms of international tourist arrivals have just been released for 2011. Report shows emerging city destinations located in Asia Pacific saw an increase due to a strong economic environment.

While many cities remained in the same rank, Vietnam showed a particularly strong performance with Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi experiencing 40% growth for the second consecutive year, with future demand is likely to be driven by other Vietnamese cities including Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc emerging as international tourists look to discover more new places.

Uncertainty in the global economy still exists, especially in the US and Europe, future growth will be driven by Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

Top City Destinations Ranking 2011
Country	City	Rank	2011 Growth (%)
Hong Kong, China	Hong Kong	1	8.8
Singapore	Singapore	2	8.7
United Kingdom	London	3	2.7
Malaysia	Kuala Lumpur	4	16.0
China	Macau	5	8.4
Thailand	Bangkok	6	12.5
Turkey	Antalya	7	13.3
China	Shenzhen	8	6.8
USA	New York City	9	3.5
Turkey	Istanbul	10	20.2
China	Guangzhou	11	8.9
France	Paris	12	3.5
United Arab Emirates	Dubai	13	-0.1
China	Shanghai	14	-5.8
USA	Miami	15	7.1
Saudi Arabia	Mecca	16	4.7
Thailand	Pattaya	17	10.5
Italy	Rome	18	4.5
USA	Las Vegas	19	4.2
Spain	Barcelona	20	4.0
Taiwan	Taipei	21	51.3
China	Beijing	22	5.1
USA	Los Angeles	23	8.1
Thailand	Phuket	24	9.5
Hungary	Budapest	25	8.5
Netherlands	Amsterdam	26	12.8
Russia	Moscow	27	11.5
USA	Orlando	28	4.1
Czech Republic	Prague	29	0.0
Germany	Berlin	30	7.5
Austria	Vienna	31	4.8
Turkey	Mugla	32	11.9
Vietnam	Ho Chi Minh	33	45.1
Spain	Madrid	34	0.8
Ukraine	Kiev	35	6.6
Poland	Warsaw	36	35.0
Ireland	Dublin	37	-6.7
Egypt	Cairo	38	-35.0
Turkey	Edirne	39	9.3
China	Zhuhai	40	-2.2
India	Chennai	41	14.0
China	Hangzhou	42	14.2
Argentina	Buenos Aires	43	9.2
USA	San Francisco	44	2.9
Russia	St Petersburg	45	16.0
South Korea	Seoul	46	1.7
Mexico	Mexico City	47	3.7
Japan	Tokyo	48	-28.0
Canada	Toronto	49	0.3
India	Delhi	50	15.0
Australia	Sydney	51	0.2
Indonesia	Denpasar	52	0.5
Mexico	Cancún	53	9.1
Peru	Lima	54	30.0
China	Suzhou	55	14.0
Romania	Bucharest	56	10.0
India	Mumbai	57	7.0
Belgium	Brussels	58	2.1
Dominican Republic	Punta Cana	59	11.0
South Africa	Johannesburg	60	8.4
Germany	Munich	61	4.0
France	Nice	62	2.6
New Zealand	Auckland	63	7.7
Portugal	Lisbon	64	5.4
India	Agra	65	15.0
Italy	Milan	66	4.8
India	Jaipur	67	16.0
Morocco	Marrakech	68	1.2
Egypt	Sharm el Sheikh	69	-21.6
Saudi Arabia	East Province	70	6.4
Syria	Damascus	71	-18.4
Canada	Vancouver	72	-6.6
Indonesia	Jakarta	73	0.3
Bulgaria	Burgas	74	7.7
Syria	Aleppo	75	-12.3
Italy	Venice	76	4.7
Philippines	Manila	77	23.0
Italy	Florence	78	4.5
Bulgaria	Varna	79	7.4
Kenya	Nairobi	80	40.3
USA	Honolulu	81	2.8
Greece	Athens	82	2.0
Vietnam	Hanoi	83	41.5
New Zealand	Christchurch	84	-0.5
United Arab Emirates	Abu Dhabi	85	6.3
Brazil	Rio de Janeiro	86	7.0
China	Guilin	87	14.3
Australia	Melbourne	88	14.4
Brazil	São Paulo	89	3.0
Thailand	Chiang Mai	90	6.3
USA	Washington DC	91	2.6
Saudi Arabia	Riyadh	92	6.5
Azerbaijan	Baku	93	8.6
Turkey	Izmir	94	27.1
China	Nanjing	95	14.4
Bulgaria	Sofia-City & Greater Area	96	9.7
Kyrgyzstan	Issyk-Kulskaya Oblast	97	57.6
Belarus	Minsk	98	2.8
India	Kolkatta	99	9.0
Switzerland	Zurich	100	3.3

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Source: Euromonitor International’s Top 100 City Destinations Ranking (2001 Results)

First Class on British Airways

Spoilt. First Class on British Airways, after years of collecting I finally indulged by using my frequent flyer points to upgrade and experience what its like to travel in upper class. Here I am with champagne in hand, warm nuts, pillow placed behinds my head, 30000 feet on a 747 jet to London from Moscow.

It's just a 3 hour 30 minute flight but at least a chance I can indulge in this captive  time in the air. Its not everyday one gets these sort if pleasures. My seat is reclined, a double aspect window, semi-private seat to stretch in. Big screen with video on demand. Powering my mobile while I write this. Take off your shoes and and stretch.

The dinner service starts with caviar with blinis and Russian Standard Imperial vodka, followed by my choice of seared Scottish king scallop with broad bean puree and crispy porchetta from the menu. The main dish a roasted Herefordshire fillet of beef and braised beef pie with artichoke barigoule (slow roasted and topped with bacon and vegetables) and crispy Iberico ham, a delicous glass of wine, and finally ending with a sweet desert. At this altitude, I'm as near to heaven as can be while alive.

The tiny first class bathroom is clean and sparkling, with full length mirror to make sure you look perfect when you arrive. In first you get dedicated magazines not seen behind the curtain. Even the inflight duty free has more options, and of course, higher price tags too.

A short flight it was, but very comfortable and excellent taste of first class onboard British Airways. Definitely a mile-high experience.

First Class on-board SouthWestTrains

I recently did an upgrade on SouthwestTrains from London to Bournemouth and wanted to know what do you get for paying that extra bit more?

The difference is minimal from standard class which already is comfortable and new, first class seats offer a separate cabin with slightly better seats that recline, some with table, and power outlets at the seats for charging and powering mobiles and laptops.

Buffet service on-board, though it really is just a trolley selling crisps and snacks, including coffee and drinks such as wine and beer - which is more than adequate for a two hour journey.

The website says you can upgrade on weekends for £5 by paying the ticket collector directly on board, though the benefits don't outweigh the price. A journey of this length is equally achieved in standard class at a third of the price.

Though be warned, there is a ridiculous pricing structure when it comes to British Rail, had I taken the return journey 30 minutes before the price is inflated by about 400% - for the same journey, just different time. Though this is seen in the airline industry, it doesn't make sense on routes as  these.

United States Authorities to decide who can visit Canada, Mexico and Cuba

New rules require British Airways and other airlines flying to certain airports outside America to submit passengers' personal data to US authorities.  The information is checked against a "No Fly" list containing tens of thousands of names. Even if the flight plan steers well clear of US territory, travellers whom the Americans regard as suspicious will be denied boarding. One million British travellers planning to fly to Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico this year face the risk of being turned away at the airport – at the insistence of the US Department of Homeland Security.

WHO IS AFFECTED?
Visitors to Canada. Airports affected: Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Vancouver, Calgary. Visitors to Mexico. Airports affected: Mexico City and Cancun.  Visitors to Cuba. Airports affected: Havana, Varadero and Holguin

New security checks are already in place, even for flights hundreds of miles from American airspace.

"The concern by the United States for its own security is entirely understandable, but it seems to me it's a whole different issue that American wishes should determine the rights and choices of people travelling between two countries neither of which is the US."

Deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats

Every US-bound passenger has had to provide Advance Passenger Information (API) before departure for several years now, but Washington has extended the obligation to air routes that over-fly US airspace, such as Heathrow to Mexico City or Gatwick to Havana. Now the US is demanding passengers' full names, dates of birth and gender from airlines, at least 72 hour before departure from the UK to Canada. 

Any passenger who refuses to comply will be denied boarding. Those who do supply details may find their trip could be abruptly cancelled by the Department of Homeland Security, which says it will "take boarding pass determinations up until the time a flight leaves the gate ... If a passenger successfully obtains a boarding pass, his/her name is not on the No Fly list." In other words, travellers cannot find out whether they will be accepted on board until they reach the airport. 

Air Canada and British Airways said they would comply with any new rules. The US will have full details of all British visitors to Cuba, including business travellers, which could potentially be used to identify people suspected of breaking America's sanctions against the Castro regime.

"This extension of the rule to include flights that never enter US airspace is scarcely credible. What on earth right does the US have to ask for passenger information if you're flying London-Havana."

Tony Wheeler, founder of Lonely Planet

The land called 'home of the free' seems to be becoming more like a tough parent than a big brother. Canada, Mexico and Cuba cannot do anything to stop this information being passed to US Authorities, acting more like a state within it. It appears to be an extension of US borders, a demonstration of a desire for control of a growing American Empire.

This could lead the way, that one day, Washington may have the authority to get Advance Passenger Information on any flight, and decide if your allowed on - or not.

Source:  Planning a trip to Canada or the Caribbean? US Immigration may have other ideas...

London Treasures - Rivoli Balloom

The Rivoli Ballroom is one of the few remaining ballrooms in London, England. Famous for its original decor and interior fittings of red velvet, flock wallpaper, chandeliers, glitter balls and over-sized Chinese lanterns. It is often used as a film location and plays host to many dance and musical events throughout the year. 

Photo by Ewan Munro

The listed grade two building by English Heritage, located at 350 Brockley Road London SE4 2BY, opposite Crofton Park overground rail station. It started life as the Crofton Park Picture Palace in July 1913 and was converted into a ballroom in 1957, reopening in 1959 with a large sprung maple dance floor.

Pop videos and style shoots at the Rivoli Ballroom include Tina Turner's "Private Dancer" video, as well as rock band Oasis, pop group S Club 7, singer Charlotte Church, fashion model Kate Moss are some to make use of the venue for shoots. It is probably most famously remembered for its use in the 1983 Elton John video for the song "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues".  Live music plays a part at the Rivoli regularly.

A Same Sex Ballroom Competition takes place here annually, as well as monthly ballroom dances on the first weekend of every month (same sex and mixed). The exterior may not be all that appealing, though inside really is a feast for the eyes, and definitely one of London's many well kept treasures.

Sources:
London Rivoli Ballroom
The Rivoli 
Wikipedia Rivoli Ballroom 

Rule Britannia - Why Britain Will Rule in 2012

Being the Olympic hosts of 2012, it also celebrates the Queens Diamond Julilee, which will make for a summer of events throughout London and the United Kingdom.

A big year for Britain, for it will showcase the world's largest sporting event in the summer, after a massive regeneration of east London, which will only mean prosperity to a nation struggling with financial difficulties. This will boost tourism now and in the coming years for a city which still remains the most visited city on earth!

The year also marks the Queens Diamond Julilee, marking 50 years after the Queen took to the throne. It means a shuffle in bank holidays, and an additional day, making for 4 days of celebration in the first weekend of June,  just 8 weeks before the Olympic opening.

So in tribute to Great Britain, a short video celebrating this nation.

Occupy London Movement - The Debate

The Occupy Movement started as a way to oppose government rules and regulations regarding the banking and financial institutions, in regards to the banking system that got saved by public money, and where wealth is kept in the top 1%.  

The problem with the movement is the lack of agreeing what the movement is about, its focus, and how it can be solved to end such an occupation. Personally, I don't think that even those who are camping here will come to an agreement that will end it. In the end, this movement is one to stay, an eye sore, more like vermin. If true change is to happen, it is by actions, not camping on a site.





This initial statement was agreed by over 500 people on the steps of St Paul’s on 26 October 2011, a work in progress and is used as a basis for further discussion and debate.

• The current system is unsustainable. It is undemocratic and unjust. We need alternatives; this is where we work towards them.

The above statement is true, but offers no solutions as to how this is done.

• We are of all ethnicities, backgrounds, genders, generations, sexualities dis/abilities and faiths. We stand together with occupations all over the world.

We do not stand together around the world, each occupation movement has different agendas, and as a whole the movement is not united in one common goal.

• We refuse to pay for the banks’ crisis.

 Too late, we already have. Lets move on.

• We do not accept the cuts as either necessary or inevitable. We demand an end to global tax injustice and our democracy representing corporations instead of the people.

What does the movement propose? Who will pay? Camping on a site does not contribute towards making our society better, perhaps the movement could be more politically involved.

1. We want regulators to be genuinely independent of the industries they regulate.

The above statement is true, but in the end it is the people that elect the governments, who in turn, create teh regulators.

1. We support the strike on the 30^th November and the student action on the 9^th November, and actions to defend our health services, welfare, education and employment, and to stop wars and arms dealing.

OK, but what does this have to do with the initial statement of the movement? It loses its initial focus of the Occupy Movement.

1. We want structural change towards authentic global equality. The world’s resources must go towards caring for people and the planet, not the military, corporate profits or the rich.

No kidding Sherlock! This has been happening for decades, at least 100 years! At the same time we dont' want to pay for equality - its just too expensive! Ask yourselves, have you bought because of the value/price, or because of ethical reasons. War is business - and America and Britain have done well with it for more than a century.

• The present economic system pollutes land, sea and air, is causing massive loss of natural species and environments, and is accelerating humanity towards irreversible climate change. We call for a positive, sustainable economic system that benefits present and future generations.

For this we have Greenpeace. The Occupy Movement has another purpose, but again ask yourself, have you bought something because of price/value, or ethical reasons? Even the movement is guilty of not following this mantra above, the site is dirty and polluted, the Occupy Movement does not lead by example.

• We stand in solidarity with the global oppressed and we call for an end to the actions of our government and others in causing this oppression.

We are oppressed and have been for more than a decade. It is the people that have elected the governments. The propaganda machine is at work. You believed it in the past, only now you realise we are only puppets in the hands of big players.

• This is what democracy looks like. Come and join us!

If democracy looks like the Occupy Movement, I'll stick with what I have.

I'm not against voicing your opinion, or beliefs. I understand what the movement is trying to obtain, though am unconvinced how this will be achieved. The camp is not pleasant, it occupies a public space. It is dirty and littered.

If the movement really wants a voice, perhaps daily demonstrations, or involvement in the politics is a much better way of achieving the aim of the first goal, a statement that reads;

Find a system that is sustainable, and just, with true democracy of the people. A call for a positive, sustainable economic system that benefits present and future generations.

Blimey Summers, Scorching Canuks

As a fellow Canadian I completely understand the hardships of weather patterns in Toronto Canada. In 2011 it's proving to be an especially scorching summer, something that can't be said about London England.

In Toronto the swings of seasons are clear, hot summers, wet autumns, freezing winters and warm springs. Though ask any Canadian and the desire for an end to winter followed by a few months of teasing warm spring days always has us praying for those hot summer days to follow. Ah, the joy of feeling the hot air, swims in outdoor pools or lakes, BBQs, camping and all outdoor sports are welcome, because we know around the corner the summer will end and soon we'll huddle inside to our 25°C (77 F) homes of winter for six months of the year.

In England scorching is defined as 23°C (73.4 F) or more, as described by broadcasters BBC, Sky News and ITV. Summer of 2011 in the month of July has been wet and grey, that burning ball of fire in the sky is rarely visible. Of the 90 days of an English summer it rains or is cloudy for 42 days, thats approximately every other day, according to weather statistics.

London is hosting the summer Olympics of 2012, and the stadium has no roof. Whoowhaa!

Summer days rarely reach beyond 25°C (77 F), on my way to work it's just short of 20°C (68 F) and soon I'll be entering into an office building where the air conditioning will be on full. I keep a jumper in my desk to layer up when the cold air blows down the vents above me, along with the black soot that marks it's passage.

England can reduce it's carbon footprint simply by turning down or off it's unnecessary air-con units, for the number of warm days that it does get, the 4 or 5 days just do not justify such utilities, unless your in Gravesend of course - which holds the record for the hottest days.

An English summer is followed by autumn/winter, which really is about the same. Warm and cool days, more wet weather. Grey. Followed by more grey days. Winter dips down, almost 0°C (32 F) sometimes, but winters here are damp and humid, sinking deeply beyond the skin and into the bones. I find this worse than the dry winters of Toronto where the wind is the worst of it, usually an outer windproof shell is enough to hold in the layered warmth.

Warm to me is defined as 25°C (77 F), hot as 30°C+ (86 F), scorching as beyond 35°C+ (95 F). Below 20°C (68 F) is cool, below 10°C (50 F) is cold, and below 0°C (32 F) is freezing.

By my definition, summers in London are cool and warm (sometimes), grey, and rarely hot. This explains why the Mediterranean is such a popular destination for Brits. Sunshine makes you happy and feel good.

Half way through summer and still no sign of it in London, I read reports from friends in Toronto complaining about the heat - at least in Canada you get a summer.