by Lufthansa Flyer | Sep 12, 2014 | Airlines, Airports, Featured, Travel |
Normally, we’re accustomed to Severe Thunderstorm or Blizzard Warnings, etc. when it comes to weather forecasts and the potential impact on travel. Now, there seems to be another type of warning that we’ll have to deal with: A Geomagnetic Storm Watch.
NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has issued just such a watch for this weekend after observing two large solar flares emit from the Sun that were pointed directly at the 3rd rock from the Sun (that being Earth). Specifically, a G2 Geomagentic Storm Watch is in effect for Friday, while a G3 watch is in place for Saturday. The G3 is the more severe of the 2 types.
Based on what I read today, these types of strong solar flares are not rare, but the problem is that this specific solar flare is aimed directly at the earth which apparently is a fairly uncommon occurrence at these strengths.
According to the experts, there is widespread potential (albeit it low) for power outages as well as interference with satellite communications around the world. This would include navigation aids such as GPS and other communication links that airliners rely on when in flight. Apparently, high frequency radio transmissions to and from aircraft can be seriously impacted as soon as tonight.
These same experts also suggest that there shouldn’t be major impact from these flares, but they hedged themselves by saying that since they know so little about them, it’s hard to predict just how much their impact would be.
So, should you be sitting in a terminal this weekend wondering why your flight is delayed, or why the gate agent is saying there is a weather delay even though skies are clear and blue, you may very well be delayed thanks to something that happened on the Sun yesterday!
by Lufthansa Flyer | Sep 11, 2014 | Contests, Featured, Lufthansa |
Lufthansa USA has just launched a new contest (Facebook based) that will award its winner a customized travel experience based on the the entry that you submit.
As part of entering the contest, you get to choose one of 6 types of getaways based on how you enjoy traveling. As part of the entry procedure, you’ll need to creatively explain why you chose that specific category.
The six categories include:
Culinary/Wine: Winner receives 1 BUSINESS CLASS ticket from the USA to anywhere LH flies in Europe. As part of this package the winner will receive a ‘culinary inspired’ gift.
Entertainment: Winner receives 2 ECONOMY TICKETS from the USA to anywhere LH flies in Europe. As part of this package, the winner receives a ‘surprise entertainment’ themed gift.
Comfort/Relaxation: Winner receives 1 BUSINESS CLASS ticket from the USA to anywhere LH flies in Europe. As part of this package, the winner receives a special ‘relaxation’ themed gift.
Quality Family Time: Winner receives 3 ECONOMY CLASS tickets from the USA to anywhere LH flies in Europe. As part of this package the winner receives a ‘family’ themed gift.
Uninterrupted Work Time: Winner receives 1 BUSINESS CLASS ticket from the USA to anywhere LH flies in Europe. As part of this package the winner receives a ‘travel’ themed gift.
Sky’s The Limit: Winner receives 2 ECONOMY CLASS tickets from the USA to anywhere LH flies in Europe. As part of this package the inner will receive a ‘surprise’ gift.
After reading through the terms and conditions, there is no mention of hotel accommodations or the length of the trip. I’ve asked LH for details just in case they were overlooked, but at this point please assume that the prize package only covers airfare and the surprise ‘gifts’.
The contest runs through September 30th. Entries will be judged by a Lufthansa jury between October 1 and 3 and the winner will be announced on October 6. Two Grand Prize winners will be chosen!
by Lufthansa Flyer | Sep 10, 2014 | Airlines, Featured, Route Announcements, Star Alliance |
AIR CANADA:
Vancouver – Beijing effective between November 2 and December 2 will be reduced from 1x/day to 6x/week.
Vancouver – Hong Kong effective between November 2 and December 1 will be reduced from 7x/week to 5x/week.
Vancouver – London (LHR) effective between November 5 and December 8 will be reduced from 7x/week to 6x/week.
Vancouver – Seoul Incheon effective between November 2 and November 30 will be reduced from 7x/week to 6x/week.
Vancouver – Shanghai effective between November 1 and November 30 will be reduced from 7x/week to 6x/week.
AIR CHINA:
Beijing – Vienna – Barcelona effective from Winter 14/15 will be reduced from 4x/week to 3x/week.
Shanghai – Milan effective from Winter 14/15 will be reduced from 1x/day to 5x/week.
Shanghai – Munich effective from Winter 14/15 will be reduced from 4x/week to 3x/week.
Shanghai – Paris (CDG) effective from Winter 14/15 will be reduced from 5x/week to 4x/week.
AVIANCA:
Quito – Lima – Santa Cruz effective September 1 BEGAN 1x/day service.
EVA:
Taipei- Macau effective between September 14 and October 19 will increase from 28x/week to 29x/week.
Taipei – Harbin effective December 18 will increase from 3x/week to 5x/week.
Taipei – Surabaya effective October 26 will increase from 2x/week to 3x/week.
SINGAPORE:
Singapore-Sapporo effective between December 13 and December 28 will increase from 2x/week to 3x/week.
SOUTH AFRICAN:
Cape Town – Windhoek effective October 6 will BEGIN 2x/day service. (SA Airlink operated).
THAI:
Bangkok – Delhi effective October 26 will increase from 12x/week to 14x/week.
Bangkok – Madrid effective January 12 will be reduced from 4x/week to 3x/week.
PREVIOUS STAR ALLIANCE ROUTE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Courtesy: www.AirlineRoute.net
