Something To Declare: Ryanair; South Pacific; Cheap nights away
Where to go, how to save, what to avoid
Saturday, 24 May 2008
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Warning of the week: Ryanair toughens up
From 1 June, Europe's biggest no-frills airline is tightening up its rules for travellers heading for Spain. For the past year, the Spanish government has demanded "advance passenger information" on every passenger before their flight departs, with details of full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number and issuing state. Airlines have invited travellers to supply the information before reaching the airport, but in practice check-in staff have processed passengers who have not already provided details.
Starting next weekend, Ryanair has set a deadline of four hours before depart-ure for completing the required electronic form on www.ryanair.com.
Ryanair has also announced it will end the privilege previously extended to passengers who check in online. The free priority boarding service is to end for bookings made on or after 3 June. Instead, all passengers will be invited to pay £4 for priority boarding either in advance or at the airport.
Destination of the week: Across the South Pacific
Six months from today, round-the-world flight options will be expanding. On 24 November, Qantas brings back its link between Sydney and Buenos Aires. The Australian airline will fly non-stop three times a week between its main hub in New South Wales and the Argentine capital, substantially increasing options for round-the-world air travellers.
At present, the usual links across the South Pacific are on LAN Chile from Sydney via Auckland to Santiago in Chile (which carries a Qantas "code-share"), or Aerolineas Argentinas from Sydney via Auckland to Buenos Aires. The new Qantas-operated service will add about 50 per cent more capacity to direct flight options between the southern continents.
Bargain of the week: Cheap nights
Hilton has a short-term promotion that is aimed at filling its UK and European hotels during the summer, when business travel thins out. Book by 1 June, and you can save 40 per cent on normal rates between 27 June and the end of August. Sample prices for two-night stays with breakfast for two people: Belfast £208; Lyon £194; Athens £331.
One or two children under 18 can share their parents' room for free – or qualify for a second room at half price. Visit www.hilton.co.uk or call 0870 896 0606.
