BA Strike Called Off

Good News.  We just heard news that the BA strike due to start at midnight tonight through Wednesday has been called off.    Apparently they came to an agreement over the pensions problem, but we don’t know any other details yet. 

Passengers are directed to go to the British Airways website at:  www.britishairways.com for more information.

Is it Wise to Ski Off Piste? Don’t Forget Ski Insurance

With the recent substantial snowfall across the Alps, many of you may be making last minute plans to hit the slopes.  Wherever you go for your winter fun, you need to be aware of the risks you’re taking when deciding to ski off piste.

Many insurance companies have been forced to tighten their guidelines.  One of the worst years in history for skiing accidents was 2006 in the Alps in France. There were approx. 56 deaths, which was more than twice the normal amount, as well as an unusual number of avalanches.  During last year’s ski season there were over 100 avalanches with fatalities, which was significantly up from the previous season when there were just over 60. Climate change may have a lot to do with the increase.

To illustrate the point and what could happen to you, we’d like to share some recent reports we saw, not related to us, about what may and may not be covered by your travel insurance policy.  Any policy will have the same general wording, but you may not pay attention to the significance until it’s too late.  The mere act of taking out extra coverage is not going to cover you for reckless behaviour. 

In this case, some skiers had taken out extra coverage with an insurance company for off piste skiing.  However, when forced to make a claim following an accident, they were unpleasantly surprised to discover that although medical expenses were covered there was no compensation for injuries or time lost from work.    In another case, two British snowboarders were killed while skiing off piste.  When the families claimed for compensation it was discovered that their policy held a clause stating that off piste skiing would not be covered in the event that policyholders exposed themselves to ‘danger which is reasonably foreseeable.’

In another case a couple of years ago in the Alps, two men went skiing off piste despite a factor 3 risk of an avalanche - which on a scale of 1 through 5, should be warning enough.  They were killed in an avalanche.  Their insurance had coverage for off piste skiing with no specific exclusions.  When the families tried to claim, the men were found to be exempted from cover because they had exposed themselves to danger ‘which is reasonably foreseeable.’  To make matters even worse, the families were then pursued (under French Law) for over £10,000 each to pay for the rescue operation.

Insurance companies will check to see whether or not you were following the rules at the time of the accident, in the same way they would if you were involved in a car accident.  If you are found to have been skiing out of control, you may not be covered, and even worse you could find yourself being sued by any parties that were injured, or face criminal prosecution.  The insurance companies will check all factors involved at the time of any accident, including weather conditions, avalanche risks and other warnings.

So, to use a tired phrase, you should ‘read the small print’ and know what is covered and what is not.  Your policy may stipulate that when skiing off piste you must be accompanied by an instructor or qualified mountain guide. You should also be aware that if you have an accident while drunk or under the influence of drugs your claim will almost always be excluded. 

No matter which insurance company you choose, please make sure you read your policy thoroughly.  If you have any questions call the company and ask for clarification ahead of time.

BA Strike, Snow, and Love Songs

Sad news for those booked to travel with BA next Tuesday and Wednesday as flights are being cancelled due to the strike.  Let’s hope they can come to an agreement before there are any more disruptions.

Things are set to warm up a bit here in the UK, thank goodness.  A decent amount of snow is falling in the Alps, across all the ski resort areas - at last.  To think that just last week in Kitzbuhel they had to use trucks and helicopters to transfer snow to the race course, at huge expense, so that the World Cup ski races can go ahead this weekend.   What a shame that Mother Nature couldn’t have provided it for free a week earlier.

The East Coast of the U.S. is getting a good dump of needed snow.  The Western states are set for some clear skies and sun, but then they’ve already had their fair share.  In Canada resorts like Whistler continue to receive a steady supply.

Talking of Mother Nature – she never fails to amaze us.   A female komodo dragon surprised everyone at Chester Zoo the other day when she gave birth to five baby dragons without having even been on a date!    I think this should cause males of all species to sit up a bit straighter and take note.

On the same theme, Valentine’s Day is coming up.  Are you stuck for a gift?   Maybe you can entice your love with a gift CD from the British Library collection of marine mating calls – which includes the usual mournful whale songs, dolphins, and even the love song of a male haddock.  You’d have to score points for being original…maybe.

BA Strike to Go Ahead - Do you know Your Rights?

Latest news we’ve seen is that the BA strike will go ahead next Tuesday and Wednesday.  We checked into it, and there are EU rules regarding compensation for cancelled flights.   

Under the EU there is a Denied Boarding Regulation which is to help with passenger’s rights.  For example if your flight is delayed you should be entitled to refreshments and possibly a hotel room if that becomes necessary, or your ticket could be refunded.   If your flight is cancelled or you’re bumped off a flight, you may be entitled to all the above, and in some cases financial compensation as well.  The rule appears to apply to any flights departing from EU airports, or other airports if the airline is based in an EU country, and you are flying into the EU.  You must have confirmed your reservation and arrived in time to catch your flight.   However, airlines may use loopholes or ‘extraordinary circumstances’ as reason for a flight cancellation, and wriggle out of any obligation to compensate you. 

This whole issue seems complicated but basically the rule requires that you should be given the option of a refund of your fare or an alternate flight if your flight is cancelled.  Airlines will often not offer you this choice and just give a refund.   If you exercise your right to an alternate flight airlines may ask you to wait for their next scheduled departure – sometimes a very long wait – rather than book you onto a flight with a competitor, or other form of transport. If your flight is cancelled you should be entitled to refreshments and/or meals and a hotel room if you have to wait overnight, plus two free telephone calls or emails.  You could also be entitled to financial compensation if you arrive late at your destination due to a cancelled flight.  The amount depends on the length of delay and destination.

For delayed flights it seems you’re not allowed to claim for financial compensation no matter how long you have to wait, but after a delay of more than two hours you have the legal right to refreshments, food and a hotel room if necessary and delays of longer carry further compensation.  Should you be bumped off a flight against your will and are flying from an airport within the EU, or into an EU airport with an EU carrier, you should be entitled to the same compensation as for a cancelled flight.  If you’re on a package holiday see if the tour operator will assist.  

For further information and specific details we suggest you contact the Air Transport Users Council (AUC) at 020 7240 6061, or visit their website at:  www.auc.org.uk and click on the Air Travel Advice section.

Using Mobile Phones While Driving Could Cost You

I’m sure we all know someone who uses their mobile phone while driving - or maybe are guilty ourselves…  I don’t know about you, but every day I see other motorists chatting on their phones while driving. The ban on using hand-held phones while driving was introduced in 2003 and a £30 fine imposed.

For anyone who hasn’t heard:  We have seen reports that as of February 27^th under the Road Safety Act the fine will go up from £30 to £60 plus you’ll get three points on your license.   Those points will impact your insurance rates and could end up in disqualification.

Young drivers and new drivers face severe consequences.  Accruing six points on your license within the first two years after passing your driving test means you automatically lose your license!  This is no joke, so parents should make sure their teens are aware and friends should make sure friends don’t violate this law. 

Having a hands-free phone in the car doesn’t let you off the hook, so to speak.  You can still face prosecution if caught talking while not being in proper control of the vehicle and the penalties will be the same as if you were using a hand-held phone.  Driving dangerously while using a phone could result in a large fine, disqualification, and up to two years in prison!

If you’re sitting at a long traffic light, or stuck in traffic, the rule still applies.  If your work involves driving you are not excluded from the new law either – and employers who insist on employees using their phones in this way can be prosecuted.  The same applies to sending and receiving texts or using any other hand-held devices.  If your job is dependent on using your phone, it’s best to switch off while driving and then pick up your messages when you stop.

Perhaps we should go back to viewing the mobile phone as a nice feeling of security in case of emergencies and not use it to make unnecessary calls.  It’s common sense really and just not worth taking a chance.

Today is Blue Monday & BA Strike Imminent

Today has been given the honour of being the ‘most depressing day of the year’.  A new campaign is underway to combat the winter blues which is being supported by The Samaritans.  Apparently, something like one in five people in the UK suffers from depression.  The blues can be caused by a combination of many factors, such as the weather, dark days, debt, failed NY resolutions, and settling back into your work routine after the festive season.   The Samaritans is participating in the ‘Beat Blue Monday’ campaign to help those in need and raise funds.  January is one of their busiest times when their thousands of volunteers are inundated with calls and e-mails.  Among their tips for helping yourself and others is ‘be nice to a stranger.’   Sounds like good advice from an organization that does such a great job.  The Samaritans can be contacted at:  08457 90 90 90 or jo@samaritans.org.

If you have a flight booked with British Airways then next Monday may be your Blue Monday… and you could have reason to feel depressed.  It looks as if their cabin crew will go on strike for three days as of next Monday unless they resolve the issues in dispute.  The TGWU has also warned there could be two further three-day strikes in February. Seems to us that the cabin staff deserve to be treated well.  The perks of their job are surely offset by what they have to put up with.  We’d prefer to have healthy and happy cabin crew taking care of us – wouldn’t you?

Winter seems to have arrived in full force with UK temperatures plummeting below freezing in what is reported to be the coldest spell we’ve had yet this winter.  There are severe weather warnings for all of the UK except for East Anglia and London.  Icy winds, rain, sleet and snow are forecast for the next few days.   A smile could warm a stranger and make a huge difference… Let’s all try it!

Travel Disrupted as Stormy Weather Hits Europe

What a day we had yesterday.  After enjoying relatively mild weather so far, winter arrived in full force.   Winds of over 100 mph and heavy rain caused terrible problems over most of the UK and parts of Europe leaving dozens dead and injured.  All methods of transportation were disrupted.  Ferry services between England and France were suspended temporarily.  Flights were cancelled or delayed.   Scotland had its first big snow of the season.

On the upside, snow reports for the Alps look promising and Norway, Switzerland and Andorra are already enjoying fresh snow.   If you’re off to North America for some skiing, you will be guaranteed good snow in most areas.  It even snowed in Malibu a couple of days ago!

Our home on earth is very restless at the moment with volcanic activity in Montserrat and the Comoros islands and earthquake activity in El Salvador; Wellington, New Zealand and Jakarta, Indonesia.

It feels like a good time to hunker down at home and keep warm (if you can afford to) or jet off somewhere tropical and escape the nasty weather.

On a positive note, we saw crocuses blooming yesterday so maybe spring is close…  Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and weddings are being planned for what is hoped to be the lucky date of 7/7/07.

Visit Malaysia Year - Travel Insurance Valid?

This year will mark the third official Visit Malaysia Year.  So, if you’re thinking about or already planning a trip to this beautiful country it should be a good year to go because they are also celebrating fifty years of independence since lowering the Union Jack.  Don’t forget to check your Travel Insurance documents and renew them if necessary.

Most of the action takes place at Merdeka Square (Independence Square) in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur on the Eve of Merdeka Day.  Merdeka Day is on August 31^st but the celebrations can go on for several weeks with parades, street performances and carnivals.  As this year also marks their Golden Jubilee it should be quite a party.   More information can be found on www.tourism.gov.my and www.mymalaysia.com.

You’ll be ‘relieved’ to know we read a report on Reuters that Malaysia has a campaign underway to clean up their public toilets in an effort to encourage tourism.  Evidently their loos have not been up to sniff and tourists have complained about the dirty toilets and lack of essential items like soap and paper.  So, they are going high-tech and in the capital city will be installing some high-tech toilets which automatically clean the bowl after each use.  Wow!  Wouldn’t we all like one of those at home!

Volcano Erupting on Montserrat

This is not the time to go on your volcano adventure holiday to the Caribbean island of Montserrat.  The Soufriere Hills volcano which erupted ten years ago and temporarily destroyed their tourism industry has been active again recently, shooting plumes of ash high into the sky.   We’d advise against it right now - unless you really like volcanoes and extreme adventure holidays. 

Yesterday we talked about help for people who are afraid of flying.  The arachnophobic among us were horrified to read a report about a stowaway scorpion on an American domestic flight.  The nasty little arachnid climbed up an unfortunate passenger’s trouser leg, stung him behind the knee and then proceeded to sting him on his other leg.  The report didn’t go into detail about how the creature got from one place to the other.  We don’t want to think about it…

No news about the British Airways possible strike.  They’re still in talks.

Fear of Flying?

Thankfully it’s something that doesn’t affect any of us here, all being avid travelers and lovers of flying.  However, many will know of someone who has a fear of flying.  It affects thousands of people, holding them back from foreign travel.  It’s often a form of claustrophobia, or lack of understanding of how an aircraft flies and operates.   Some groups of people are more susceptible than others, such as young mothers who are naturally very protective of their children. 

We checked online and found there are many companies and organizations offering courses and ways to combat this type of phobia.  Virgin Atlantic offers a Flying without Fear programme, and British Airways/Aviatours offers a one-day course.  This might be a very good option for those who want to travel and whose fear is stopping them and perhaps their entire family from flying. 

The courses are mostly taught by pilots and psychologists.  They teach you how to identify the various stages of flight so that you will be prepared for and understand the noises associated with them.  They teach relaxation techniques and the course ends with an actual short flight, during which everything is explained.  There are also many books, videos, and even courses of hypnosis to help you overcome the fears.