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Friday, June 13, 2014
News Alert
Events We're Watching

Aer Lingus – Strike Jun 16 and 18

Unionized cabin crew for Dublin-based airline Aer Lingus will stage two full-day strikes on June 16 and 18. If not averted, the work stoppages will likely cause flight delays and cancellations across the network. During previous similar industrial actions, workers picketed at Dublin, Shannon, and Cork airports; similar incidents are possible, causing some disruptions at airport entrances. While the extent of potential flight disruptions is still unclear, Aer Lingus representatives say that the industrial action is not expected to affect Aer Lingus Regional services or flights to and from Belfast.

Thailand – Curfew Lifted in More Resort Areas

Curfew has been lifted on four more popular tourist and meetings destinations in Thailand: Hua Hin, Cha-am, Krabi and Phang-nga. Last week, the restriction also was lifted in the beach resort areas of Pattaya, Phuket and Samui Island. The daily curfew in all other areas, including Bangkok, remains in effect from midnight to 4 a.m., although passengers traveling to and from airports are allowed to be in transit during those times. Businesses, including hotels, spas, restaurants and meetings facilities are operating as normal during noncurfew hours.

Peru – Airline Maintenance Strike

LATAM Airlines maintenance workers in Peru will go on strike on June 26 and 27. If not averted, the protest would stop all flights for the airline in Peru, with the possibility of workers in other South American countries joining in.

Ramandan – July 29-Aug 29

Muslims worldwide will begin their observance of the holy month of Ramadan on or around June 29th, depending on the first sighting of the lunar crescent in the region. During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking from dawn until sundown. The end of Ramadan, marked by the Eid al-Fitr festival, is expected to take place Aug. 29. Practices vary by country. In predominantly Muslim countries, expect many businesses and government offices, including diplomatic missions, to operate on a reduced schedule. Restaurants typically close during daylight hours, though food shops are commonly open. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in public spaces during the day. Some countries may enforce fines or penalties against Muslims and non-Muslims who do not comply. Avoid sensitive topics of discussion, including religious or political issues.

France – Pending Strikes

Air France ground crews at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris have announced they will stage a walk-out on June 15. Flight delays or cancellations are possible. Travelers should reconfirm flight status with the airline if traveling on June 15 with Air France.

French air traffic controllers will strike June 24-29. All travelers flying into or out of France on these dates should be prepared for delays or cancellations, and reconfirm flights with the airline.

Q and A

I’ve heard that airlines are cracking down on the size of carry-on bags. What do I need to know?

Lately there has been an increase in the number of publicized incidents where travelers have been forced to check carry-on bags – mostly roll-aboards – that they have carried on for years. Our domestic airlines fall into two categories with respect to carry-on sizes:

  • United, American, Delta, and US Airways – maximum of 22? long, 14? wide, and 9? deep
  • Southwest, JetBlue, Frontier, Virgin Atlantic – maximum of 24? long, 16? wide, and 10? deep

The most commonly reported issue has been with the 14? maximum width for the legacy carriers. Many roll-aboards are 15? wide. Previously, when the airlines paid more attention to the total dimension limit of 45? (L+W+H), the 15? width wasn’t enforced as a separate requirement. Now the carriers are increasingly focused on the individual dimension limits instead of the overall total.

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D.C.

  • The most popular museum in D.C. – and on the planet – is the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum
  • D.C. has one of the highest percentage of lawyers – one per every 19 residents
  • More wine is consumed per capita in D.C. than in any state
  • D.C. averages more rainy days per year than Seattle
  • The National Mall in D.C. is nearly twice the size of the Vatican
  • Often thought to be the tallest building in D.C., the Capitol is really only the 4th tallest
  • One of the gargoyles on the National Cathedral is a likeness of Darth Vader, suggested by the winner of a 1980's contest