Seriousness UK flights grounded by Icelandic volcano - Page 9

poohbear_nc · 04-18-2010, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beppe

It looks like you feel better!

Indeedly!

Sparrow · 04-18-2010, 01:01 PM

The UK Prime Minister was on the BBC talking about 'windows of opportunity' to resume flights.
The implication seemed to be that there would be periods when flights could resume, but then they may have to be stopped again.
I'd been assuming that when flights restarted the problem would be over; but with the eruption ongoing, I guess the feasibility of flights will depend on the vagaries of the weather for the foreseeable future.
Might be risky to fly off somewhere and not be sure if you'll make it back on time. Another year for a staycation it seems.

HarryT · 04-18-2010, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparrow

The UK Prime Minister was on the BBC talking about 'windows of opportunity' to resume flights.
The implication seemed to be that there would be periods when flights could resume, but then they may have to be stopped again.

That's happening elsewhere, too. Eg, Frankfurt airport has been open for a few hours this afternoon, but is due to close again at 1900 BST.

Sweetpea · 04-18-2010, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparrow

Their flights around southern Europe are carrying on according to their website:
http://www.ryanair.com/en/news/fligh...hrs-wed-21-apr
"Ryanair, today (Sun 18th April) confirmed that based on current meteorological forecasts, and the continuing emission of volcanic ash into the atmosphere over Iceland, it has decided to cancel all scheduled flights to/from the UK, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Holland, France, Germany, Poland and the Baltic States until 1300hrs on Wed 21 April.
"Ryanair flights from Spain, the Canary and Baleric islands, the south of Italy (including Pisa, Rome, Sardinia and Sicily), Malta and North Africa will continue to operate just domestic and southbound routes."

Been watching Ryanair because we have some family booked on a Ryanair flight tomorrow night from the Canaries - looks like they'll be having an extended hol.

Let's just say, I'm glad I'm staying with my in-laws... No hotel or appartment to extend... We're supposed to be flying home on Thursday...

kindlekitten · 04-18-2010, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

I see that RyanAir have now cancelled all flights until 1pm (BST) Wednesday.

they're just using that time to remove toilets from their planes and installing coin operated locks on the remaining toilet doors

Sparrow · 04-18-2010, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kindlekitten

they're just using that time to remove toilets from their planes and installing coin operated locks on the remaining toilet doors

Don't give 'em ideas (they'll be charging for loo paper next

).

kindlekitten · 04-18-2010, 02:23 PM

unfortunately I'm serious. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/tra...cle5815088.ece. talks about the proposed charge. wonder how long before some desperate unprepared customer sh*ts their pants (or does it on purpose as a protest)

Sweetpea · 04-18-2010, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kindlekitten

unfortunately I'm serious. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/tra...cle5815088.ece. talks about the proposed charge. wonder how long before some desperate unprepared customer sh*ts their pants (or does it on purpose as a protest)

Don't know if it's really that bad an idea...

I mean, within 5! minutes after the seatbelt sign was off, people were queuing for the toilets... And that was about 30 minutes after we boarded. And there were plenty of toilets at the terminal.

kindlekitten · 04-18-2010, 04:33 PM

you know, some people have nervous tummies and flying would only make it worse. I damn sure don't want to put myself in a situation where being jammed in a sardine can with a bunch of weird people even worse. I don't mind flying, but quite often the flying public makes me want to become a hermit. and then there are crying babies and ill behaved children. nope, give them the toilets!

Sparrow · 04-18-2010, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweetpea

Don't know if it's really that bad an idea...

I mean, within 5! minutes after the seatbelt sign was off, people were queuing for the toilets... And that was about 30 minutes after we boarded. And there were plenty of toilets at the terminal.

My theory is that it's generally best to go early, before conditions deteriorate.

FlorenceArt · 04-18-2010, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparrow

My theory is that it's generally best to go early, before conditions deteriorate.

Before you get stuck for an hour with a tray of inedible food on your lap, yes.

Katti's Cat · 04-19-2010, 01:56 AM

*sigh* I just should stick to my age old rule: don't tell jokes - you suck at it.

So anyone who was offended, felt slighted or dumb cos you didn't see the joke - don't worry. It's not you, it's me.

I promise I won't do it again.

m-reader · 04-19-2010, 03:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Katti's Cat

*sigh* I just should stick to my age old rule: don't tell jokes - you suck at it.

So anyone who was offended, felt slighted or dumb cos you didn't see the joke - don't worry. It's not you, it's me.

I promise I won't do it again.

I don't think it's you Katti's Cat - It may well be that some people just don't get as much sun as you guys in the Lucky Country

HarryT · 04-19-2010, 03:56 AM

There was an item on the news this morning, saying that, while this may be inconveniencing a lot of passengers, it's a disaster for several countries in East Africa, whose economy is dependent upon selling fresh fruit and veg, and flowers, to Europe by air. Kenya, they said, gets 20% of its income from this, and employs a million people in the industry, and so far 6,000 tons of fruit and flowers has had to be thrown out, at a loss of £2m per day this problem persists.

GeoffC · 04-19-2010, 04:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

There was an item on the news this morning, saying that, while this may be inconveniencing a lot of passengers, it's a disaster for several countries in East Africa, whose economy is dependent upon selling fresh fruit and veg, and flowers, to Europe by air. Kenya, they said, gets 20% of its income from this, and employs a million people in the industry, and so far 6,000 tons of fruit and flowers has had to be thrown out, at a loss of £2m per day this problem persists.

Yes, that started coming to light during the weekend - the 'hidden' costs of this sad story.

Interesting that airline test flights, during the weekend, were all okay, but the official Met Office flight met a 'complex' set of ash plumes....

Each could be correct; leading to the worry that the plane that you are on could encounter an ash plume, whilst the flight 5 minutes later or at a slightly different altitude may not.

Airlines are losing money - surely better than losing an aircraft and passengers .... ?

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04-18-2010, 01:01 PM	#122
Sparrow Wizard Posts: 4,395 Karma: 1358132 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: UK Device: Palm TX, CyBook Gen3	The UK Prime Minister was on the BBC talking about 'windows of opportunity' to resume flights. The implication seemed to be that there would be periods when flights could resume, but then they may have to be stopped again. I'd been assuming that when flights restarted the problem would be over; but with the eruption ongoing, I guess the feasibility of flights will depend on the vagaries of the weather for the foreseeable future. Might be risky to fly off somewhere and not be sure if you'll make it back on time. Another year for a staycation it seems.

04-18-2010, 02:23 PM	#127
kindlekitten Professional Adventuress Posts: 13,368 Karma: 50260224 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: The Olympic Peninsula on the OTHER Washington! (the big green clean one on the west coast!) Device: Kindle, the original! Times Two! and gifting an International Kindle	unfortunately I'm serious. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/tra...cle5815088.ece. talks about the proposed charge. wonder how long before some desperate unprepared customer sh*ts their pants (or does it on purpose as a protest)

04-18-2010, 04:33 PM	#129
kindlekitten Professional Adventuress Posts: 13,368 Karma: 50260224 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: The Olympic Peninsula on the OTHER Washington! (the big green clean one on the west coast!) Device: Kindle, the original! Times Two! and gifting an International Kindle	you know, some people have nervous tummies and flying would only make it worse. I damn sure don't want to put myself in a situation where being jammed in a sardine can with a bunch of weird people even worse. I don't mind flying, but quite often the flying public makes me want to become a hermit. and then there are crying babies and ill behaved children. nope, give them the toilets!

04-19-2010, 01:56 AM	#132
Katti's Cat Wizard Posts: 2,259 Karma: 175640 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane Australia Device: Sony PRS-600	sigh I just should stick to my age old rule: don't tell jokes - you suck at it. So anyone who was offended, felt slighted or dumb cos you didn't see the joke - don't worry. It's not you, it's me. I promise I won't do it again.

04-19-2010, 03:56 AM	#134
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	There was an item on the news this morning, saying that, while this may be inconveniencing a lot of passengers, it's a disaster for several countries in East Africa, whose economy is dependent upon selling fresh fruit and veg, and flowers, to Europe by air. Kenya, they said, gets 20% of its income from this, and employs a million people in the industry, and so far 6,000 tons of fruit and flowers has had to be thrown out, at a loss of £2m per day this problem persists.