by Lufthansa Flyer | Apr 8, 2016 | Featured, Industry News, Travel |
Unfortunately it is not a typo.
In an escalating trade ‘row’ between the EU, USA, and Canada some in the EU Commission are toying with the idea of introducing Visa requirements for Americans and Canadians wishing to enter the EU.
The whining from the EU stems from the fact that the USA and Canada require visas for citizens of Romania and Bulgaria, both of whom are members of the EU. The EU’s complaint to the US and Canada is that all of their member nations should be treated similarly when it comes to travel requirements and thus Romanians and Bulgarians should not have to apply for visas if their fellow EU-ians don’t face the same requirements.
In addition to the mutual exclusion of Bulgarians and Romanians from the visa waiver by the US and Canada, the US also requires visas from citizens of Poland, Cyprus, and Croatia all of which are members of the EU.
Is this a serious proposal?
Yes, insomuch that it is being debated in the EU Commission and the decision to submit this proposal to the EU Parliament and Council could come later in the month.
What are the odds of success?
Slim to none. Such a radical policy change would require approval of the member states and it is widely expected that the member states would not vote in favor, knowing the potential economic impact their respective economies would face if all of a sudden it was harder for Americans and Canadians to travel to Europe. Recent statistics suggest that upward of 15 million Americans visited Europe in 2015. Putting visa requirements on this group will stress this figure going forward and cripple tourism in Europe.
Why is this a thing?
Well, it looks as though it’s being used as a bit of extortion. In parallel to these threats is the ongoing negotiations for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) agreement which would theoretically boost economic activity between the EU, the USA, and the rest of the world if implemented. And wouldn’t you know, there is a series of high level meetings between heads of states coming in the next 2-3 weeks that seek to move the TTIP agreement closer to implementation.
In my humble opinion this is simply a weak-minded ploy by the EU to try and exert some kind of extortion to improve their position during the TTIP negotiations. Apparently the powers that be within the EU leadership did not finish near the top of their class when it comes to negotiation skills.
Perhaps I should send them a copy of Donald Trump’s ‘The Art Of The Deal’? 🙂
by Lufthansa Flyer | Mar 23, 2016 | Brussels, Featured, Industry News, Lufthansa, Passenger Experience, Travel |
Lufthansa Group has announced a waiver of fees and penalties associated with changing travel plans that include Brussels Airport. Due to the events of the last 24 hours, passengers who were scheduled to travel to or from Brussels on a Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, Brussels, or Germanwings flight have the ability to request a full cancellation of their ticket or change the travel dates without incurring any fees.
This fee waiver applies to travel that was scheduled to take place between March 22 and March 28. One change or cancellation is allowed per booking. In order to process the change, simply look up your itinerary on the website of the airline you are flying and you will be given the option to make changes or cancel your booking. Otherwise, please contact your travel agent who issued your ticket.
Airport officials in Brussels have indicated that the airport will be closed through at least tomorrow, March 23. A decision as to when the airport will reopen will be announced sometime tomorrow.
by Lufthansa Flyer | Mar 22, 2016 | Brussels, Featured, Industry News, Security |
Just after 8am local time in Brussels, 2 explosions have been reported to have taken place at Brussels’ airport. At the risk of speculating, the nature and location of the explosions suggest that these were most likely bomb attacks. The airport has been closed to air traffic and will not open until 6am on 23 March (initial plans).
Based on uncorroborated ‘tweets’ coming from passengers in the terminal, it has been suggested that one potential suicide bomber was located near a check in area near the American Airlines desks (According to RT.com).
According to news reports, gun fire was heard in the terminal as well as shouting in Arabic moments before the bombs were detonated.
Officials indicate that there are numerous casualties and 13 deaths (According to various media).
Rail service to and from the airport has been suspended. In addition, all Metro services in Brussels have been suspended after bombs were set off inside the Maelbeek and Schuman stations. Eurostar service has also been reported to be suspended until further notice,
If your travels involve transiting Brussels, be prepared to have your plans interrupted today. Call your airlines to seek alternatives. If you fear that friends or family may have been impacted at the airport, an emergency Hotline has been established: +32 2 506 711.
Extensive Terminal damage is evident. Courtesy: www.Airlive.net
Photo courtesy of RT.com via @WardMonkey
