Are Budget Airlines Safe?

In a word: yes. Just because budget airlines charge cheap fares, it doesn’t mean they compromise on safety to save costs. In fact, budget airlines are arguably safer than many of their traditional "full service" airline competitors for a number of reasons:

- Brand New Planes

Most budget airlines only came into existence in the last decade, and as a result have some of the newest models of airplanes currently in service which have the latest safety mechanisms and procedures.

- Streamlined maintenance

As well as having new planes, budget airlines also typically use only one model of plane. The Boeing 737 is the most popular aircraft used by low cost carriers around the world. By only having one model of aircraft in their fleet, budget airlines streamline their maintenance and repair costs and make staff training much easier, rather than having several different types of older airplane in a legacy fleet to maintain, each with their own idiosyncrasies.

- Keeping A Flawless Safety Record

The perception that budget flights are inherently less safe than full service flights is a difficult one for low cost carriers to erase, so budget airlines are hyper sensitive about maintaining their reputation and flight safety record. They realize that an accident would be a disaster for their company in every sense of the word. As such, budget airlines strive to have flawless safety records rather than considering any compromise on safety in order to cut costs.

The world’s oldest budget airline, America’s Southwest, has never had a crash in 40 years of operation – that’s over 12 million flights. South West pioneered much of the uniform way of running an airline with the same planes and streamlined procedures which has been adopted as the blueprint for virtually every other budget airline. The UK’s two biggest budget flight operators, Ryanair and Easyjet, have also never suffered a crash throughout their company history.

Sources: http://www.budgetairlineguide.com/

Do You Know Your Rights When You Get Bumped Off From a Confirmed Seat?

What does being bumped off a flight mean?

It means being asked ( or persuaded) to get off a flight voluntarily or involuntarily due to airlines overselling airline seats. For those who have never experienced being bumped off before, below are the recent statistics on just what the probability is of being bumped off. ( Based on US airlines only).

So Just how do you reduce the likelihood of being bumped off?

1) Get to the gate early. Airline rules typically state that if you don't arrive at least 10 - 20 minutes before the scheduled departure, you will forfeit your reservation and too bad for you..

2) Try not to take routes frequented by business travelers, particularly those on Monday mornings and the hours between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays.

3)Demand for departures after noon on Fridays or on Sunday evenings are also high and therefore the likelihood of being bumped off is higher.

4)Also routes that have scant nonstop or direct service with no change of planes are very likely candidates for bumping people off.

5)To be extra sure ( Kiasu..)Be at the gate before the majority of the passengers have checked in, your chances of retaining your original reservation are favorable.

Bumped off? Know your rights...
Airlines willl try to seek out volunteers. Such volunteers can receive lucrative rewards, from cash to free air vouchers. In general, the longer the delay to the next flight, the better the payoff, and if the airline cannot secure enough volunteers to forfeit their seats the first time around, the payoff will generally increase as the flight nears take-off time and the airline grows more desperate to empty seats. Some airlines will even offer meals, free drink coupons, free headsets on the next flight, an upgrade to first-class, a free long-distance phone call or admission into the swanky airline clubs. So be sure to try your luck in asking for more perks....

If the airlines is not able to secure any enough volunteers, they will have to compensate. Under the new rule by the U.S Department of Transportation which goes into effect in May 2008, fliers who are involuntarily bumped would receive up to $400 if they are rescheduled to reach their destination within two hours of their original arrival time or four hours for international flights, and up to $800 if they are not rerouted within that timeframe. The amount of these payments are determined by the price of the ticket and the length of the delay, and are in addition to the value of the passenger’s ticket, which the flyer can use for alternate transportation or have refunded if not used.Please note that the above applies to those operated with aircraft seating 30 people or more and that it may not apply in non-US jurisdiction. (Anyway, it would be good to know the industry norm..right..)

Guidelines implementation for Liquids, Aerosols and Gels in Singapore

From 8 May 2007, Singapore is implementing new guidelines that restrict the amount of Liquids, Aerosols and Gels in hand-carry luggage. The guidelines apply to all flights departing Singapore.

Passengers are advised to check-in all Liquids, Aerosols and Gels that do not meet the new guidelines:

• Liquids, Aerosols and Gels must be in containers with maximum capacity of 100ml
• Containers must be placed in a 1 litre transparent re-sealable plastic bag
• The re-sealable plastic bag must be completely closed
• One re-sealable plastic bag allowed per person
• The re-sealable plastic bag must be presented seperately at the security screening point
• Exemptions made for medications, baby food and special dietary items

Liquids, Aerosols and Gel include:

• Drinks, Soups and sauces
• Perfumes and deodorants
• Creams, balms, lotions and oils
• Mascara and lip gloss
• Toothpaste
• Shaving foam and hairspray
• Hair and shower gels
• Contact lens solution

Taken from the great folks at: www.airserve.com.sg

Southeast Asia - Plan Your Travels According to Festivals

Thailand
January
Chiang Mai Winter Fair
Local handicrafts are put on colorful displays to lure buyers. Numerous stalls selling delectable local food can also be seen. Miss Chiang Mai beauty pageant is the highlight of Winter Fair Festival. Venue in Chiangmai - Sanam Kila and Sala Klang

February

Chiang Mai Flower Festival
For flower lovers this is the best time of the year for a visit to Chiangmai.In addition to the orchid, many flowers native to the north can be seen in all their splendor at the annual show, and they can be seen flowering all across the northern landscape at this time of the year

Bangkok China Town Festival
Yawaraj, or Chinatown, is Thailand's largest Chinese enclave and celebrates each year in true style with its own festival - lots of food and partying included.

March
Asean Barred Ground Dove Festival

Thais have long believed that doves are creatures that bring good luck to those who rear them. They are also regarded as symbols of purity and peace. Those with qualities specified by ancient texts are believed to bestow great wealth and honour upon the owner. The ASEAN Barred Ground Dove festival attracts dove-lovers from all over Thailand as well as from the neighbouring countries of Thailand to the southern city of Yala. The major highlight is a dove-cooing competition.

April

Songkran Festival

Also called Thai New year,a time for cleansing and renewal, it falls every year in April and is noted for the throwing of water. People roam the streets with containers of water or water guns, or post themselves at the side of roads with a garden hose and drench each other and passersby. Songkran was traditionally a time to visit and pay respects to elders, including family members, friends and neighbors, visiting the wat ( temple) to pray and give food to the monks, and refrain from doing bad things.

Pattaya Festival

Each April Pattaya celebrates itself with a week long festival of music, dance, beauty contests, parades, sandcastle contests and partying. This celebration is not meant to be an example of authentic Thai culture. instead, it is intended to promote Pattaya as a premier tourist destination.

May
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
This is an ancient royal rite held in Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice growing season.In thai language, it is called "Phraraj Pithi Jarod Phranangkal Reak Na Kwan.

Visakha Bucha
Visakha Bucha Day is one of the most important days in Buddhism because of three important incidents in the life of The Buddha, i.e. the birth, the enlightenment and the passing away, miraculously fall on the same month and date, the Vesak full moon day. .So each year, Buddhists throughout the world gather together to perform the worship to recollect the wisdom, purity and compassion of the Buddha

Yasothon Rocket Festival

For the duration of the festival, thais launch their massive rockets into the skies in an effort to reach the greatest height.The rockets were thought to "stimulate" the rain clouds and encourage the rain gods to provide a plentiful watering for the newly-planted crops.


June

Thailand Grand Sales

The Amazing Thailand Grand Sale, Thailand's annual shopping extravaganza offers world-class shopping, a diverse selection of quality products and services, special discounts of 10 - 70 per cent and promotional offers being extended by participating department stores, shopping complexes and retail outlets along designated ‘Shopping Streets’ in Bangkok and the popular tourist destinations of Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket and Hat Yai.


July
Candle Festival

It is the time where devouts donate to monks items of personal use, such as candles and where giant candles are paraded through the town, each representing a local temple, district or other institution.


August
Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's birthday on August 12 is a public holiday, celebrated nationwide as Mother's Day. Individual people and organizations raise flags and portraits of Her Majesty in Bangkok and all over the kingdom. On Her Majesty's birthday, one of the best places to join in the celebrations is on Bangkok's Ratchadamnoen Avenue and the areas around the Grand Palace, which are festooned with colorful lights, flowers and portraits for this special occasion.

September

Phuket Vegetarian Festival

It is believed that the vegetarian festival and its accompanying sacred rituals bestow good fortune upon those who religiously observe this rite. During this time, local residents of Chinese ancestry strictly observe a 10-day vegetarian or vegan diet for the purposes of spiritual cleansing and merit-making. Sacred rituals are performed at various Chinese shrines and temples and aesthetic displays such as walking barefooted over hot coals and ascending ladders with bladed rungs are performed by entranced devotees known as "Ma Song".

Phichit Boat Races

The Phichit Boat Races take place on the Nan River in Phichit, one of the most scenic regions in Thailand. The event features long boat competitions with great fervour amid enthusiastic cheers from crowds of spectators.


October

Wax Castle Festival

The annual event comprises displays and processions of intricately carved wax castles. Originally, locals created the wax castles from beeswax and offered to local temples as a means of ‘merit making’. Over the years this simple act has not exactly developed into a competition, but there’s a competitive edge as to who can create the most ornate design.

Chon Buri Buffalo Races

In the festival, water buffaloes and the jockeys will be decorated with colorful cloth bands, flower garlands and other ornaments before vying to win the race. Along side with the buffalo race are the buffalo fancy dressing contest, the healthy buffalo contest and Miss Farmer Pageant. The festival really makes the visitors sense of the indigenous culture of the region.

Illuminated Boat Procession Festival

The illuminated boat procession is celebrated in I-San, the northeastern region of Thailand.
As night falls, majestic fire boats, elaborately-adorned with flowers, incense sticks, candles and lanterns and each bearing an assortment of ritual offerings, are set alight and floated down the Mekong River.


November

Loy Krathong

"Loi" means "to float". "Krathong" is a raft about a handspan in diameter traditionally made from a section of banana tree trunk, decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, flowers, candles, incense sticks etc. During the night of the full moon, many people will release a small raft like this on a river.

The act of floating away the candle raft is symbolic of letting go of all one's grudges, anger and defilements, so that one can start life afresh on a better foot. People will also cut their fingernails and hair and add them to the raft as a symbol of letting go of the bad parts of oneself. Many Thai believe that floating a krathong will create good luck, and they do it to honor and thank the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Khongkha.

Surin Elephant Roundup

The majestic Thai elephant has long been a central element in Thai culture and has held a respected place in Thai history. A symbol of power and grace, the elephant was revered by the ancient kings.The event consists of a series of shows displaying the strength and skill of the animals, such as football games and tugs of war

Phimai Festival

An annual festival held for more than a century, the traditional long-boat races draws thousands of visitors from all over.
This event is further enhanced by a light and sound presentation at Prasat Hin Phimai, local art and cultural performances, various fun-filled competitions, and sales of local products and exhibitions

December

Birthday of His Majesty the king

Buildings and homes all over the country are elaborately adorned with flags, portraits of His Majesty and bunting, predominantly in the color yellow. Around the Grand Palace and Ratchadamnoen Avenue areas of Bangkok, thousands of vividly colored marigolds decorate the streets. On the evening of the holiday itself, the streets around Ratchadamnoen and Sanam Luang are closed to traffic and thousands of people take to the streets. Spectacular fireworks displays are held and the atmosphere is joyous and festive. The best way to enjoy the atmosphere is to take a bus to the Rattanakosin area, and just stroll along the crowded but traffic-free streets for a truly memorable experience.

Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City - Travel Tips

The Quick Get-Away to Vietnam

Foreward
Traveller is a Singaporean who has never been to Vietnam before and does not know how to speak a single word of Vietnamese. He on a shoestring budget and is not travelling with a Vietnamese. If you feel you are somewhat like him, please read on as he shares his experiences and dishes out advice freely and lovingly. Travelling period is from 3 July to 6 July 2008.


Foreign exchange:
What happened?
Changed all of the SGD to USD in Singapore. Changed all of the USD to VND at the Vietnam Airport. ( advice given to us before we left)
What you should know.....
We can actually bring SGD to Vietnam to change to VND. Also, money changers at the Vietnamese airport charge an additional 3% commission/service charge and the rate is not good. Fellow travellers from Singapore, just bring SGD and change to VND outside the airport where there is no 3% charge. The rates are also better.( All the shops we went to accepted USD by the way.)


Taxi Rides:
What happened?
Took a taxi outside the airport to our hotel. We were charged nearly twice the usual amount.
What you should know...
You can choose to be charged according to meter rate or flat rate. If you choose flat rate,be extremely specific. Don't be fooled by the driver when he quotes you a reasonable rate as the rate most probably refers to per person. You have to tell him one whole car( or everybody ), travel from where to where, cost how much, inclusive of any "airport parking charges" or not. (By the way,the correct rate from the airport to our pre-booked hotel, An An Hotel (around half hours ride from the airport) should be around 110,000VND. If you choose metered, beware that he might bring you on a round about tour. Flat rate is preferred unless you know the directions and can direct the driver.

Don't be persuaded by the driver about changing hotels in the cab as he will most probably recommend you a more expensive hotel room with all the talk about how centrally located it is and how safe it is. Stick to your orginal plans.


Hotels:
What happened?
We pre-booked a budget hotel before travelling ( we did not pay yet). A queen sized bed in a private room with air-con, fridge,own toilet and TV. (No meals provided) for USD35 a night at An An Hotel.
What you should know...
There are many budget hotels in Ho Chi Minh clustered close together, so pre-booking is not that really necessary. ( Its a good idea to pre-book though just to hedge against the slim possibility of there not being available space or if festivals or major events are around the corner, just don't pay any money yet.) The hotel staff are very willing to let you view the rooms first which is what we did and we manage to get another hotel room at USD15 a night, comparable to the one we pre-booked, saving USD$20. ( See top right directly for the cheap and good hotel name and address. It is opposite the brightly lited Go2 Go2 Go2 bar. The staff are honest and helpful, even giving us a wake-up call.)Morale of the story, take some time to view the hotels when you reach there. You almost certainly will be able to get a better deal.

See hotel receipt on the above left. Paid only 45USD for 2 persons for a 3 nights stay. Attached toilet, fridge, fan,air-con, TV included.

Beer:
What Happened?
We were charged nearly 3 times the price of a beer ( 333 beer) by the airport taxi driver, who seemed so helpful to buy it for us.
What you should know...
A can of beer(333 beer) cost 11000VND. Tiger cost (14000VND). Heinekan cost ( 16000VND).

Food:
What Happened?
It was great!
What you should know...
Ben Thanh market is a good place for seafood. There are 2 lanes at night selling food. Choose the lane nearer to where the lighted signboard "Fuji" and "Sanyo" is . Its cheaper. A meal for 2, about 7 dishes ( prawns, softshell crab,snails, Squid, pork, mutton, e.t.c) and 3 drinks cost around SGD 22. If you happen to stay near Go2 Go2 Go2 bar, for lunch, you can eat at this shop called 77. Its a quaint mini coffeeshop that sells superb vietnamese economy rice.

Small Kids bugging you to buy flowers or donate:
What Happened?
They are cute and they keep bugging us. Don't we look like we are already on a shoestring budget?
What you should know..
Just tell them you will call the police if they are persistent. It works! Apparently, it is illegal to tout. ( From a vietnamese friend)

Day Trips
What happened?
We went for the following 2 trips organised by TNK Travels. They are pretty good at what they do. These trips were booked at the budget hotel.
Cu Chi tunnel ( 1/2 day) cost USD$5-
A labyrinch of tunnels used by the National Front for the Liberation of South Korea ( NLF Guerillas) against the French and the Americans during the Vietnam war. (left)



Read more on : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cu_Chi_tunnels




We got to shoot an AK47 at Cu Chi Tunnel. 6-7 rounds at approximately 200,000VND (left)












Various Booby Traps used during the war(below)


Mekong Delta (full day) cost USD$9-

This trip was pretty worth it and engaging. First we took a ferry, then a pony inland, before being transferring to a sampan and back on the ferry.

Lunch and light snacks (mostly fruits) were provided along the trip.