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Visiting South Africa: visas

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 22:19:00 +0200

Want to visit South Africa? Here's information on the basic requirements for entering South Africa, as well as links to full information on visas – what they are, who needs them, and when, where and how to apply for them.

NOTE: Requirements for entry into South Africa differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Always make inquiries before travelling to South Africa.

What's a visa?

South Africa has the right to decide who may and may not enter its territory. A visa ensures that you are properly screened before entering the country, and gives immigration officials the information they need to ensure you are admitted to South Africa for the correct purpose and length of time.

A visa doesn't guarantee you entry to the country – it only allows you to proceed to a South African port of entry, where an immigration officer will check that you satisfy the basic requirements for entry into the country.

What are the requirements for entering South Africa?

A valid acceptable passport or travel document good for a sufficient period to cover your intended stay.
A valid visa, if required.
Sufficient funds.
A return or onward ticket.
At least two blank pages in your passport.
Yellow fever certificates are required if the journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.

Do I need a visa to visit South Africa?

Depending on your nationality, and the purpose and duration of your visit, you may not need a visa to visit South Africa.

Where can I make inquiries about visas?

See the Department of Home Affairs' visa information page.
Check the list of South African offices abroad for info on where to apply in your own country.
South African visas: frequently asked questions
South African visa application form
Online questions and comments

How do I go about getting a visa?

The Department of Home Affairs' website will give you the lowdown on visa costs, processing time, where to apply, what to submit, requirements for people in transit, as well as information relating to your duration and purpose of stay, medical visas and photographs.

What's the difference between a visa and a temporary residence permit?

A visa allows you to proceed to a South African port of entry. A temporary residence permit will be issued to you at the port of entry. It replaces your visa, and regulates the duration and purpose of your stay in South Africa.

What if I want to stay in South Africa for longer?

It is best to request the full duration of your intended visit when you first arrive, as extensions are subject to additional fees. If you wish to extend your stay further, you must keep your temporary residence permit valid by applying for an extension at your nearest Department of Home Affairs office in SA. You should do this well BEFORE your permit expires.

Temporary residence application form

What if I plan to work or study in South Africa?

If you intend to be professionally active in South Africa or to undertake any voluntary or paid employment or studies, you must apply for a work, work-seeker's or study permit. These permits are also issued outside South Africa, and function as valid visas in allowing their holders to proceed to a South African port of entry. (In other words, if you're applying for one of these permits, you do not have to apply for a visa separately.) See:

Get your visa before leaving for South Africa

If you are subject to visa requirements, you should apply for your visa at least four weeks BEFORE your departure for South Africa, and await the outcome of your application before departing. Visas are NOT issued at South African ports of entry, and airline officials are obliged to insist on visas before allowing passengers to board. If you arrive without a visa, immigration officials are obliged by law to refuse you entry to South Africa and to place you on a return flight to your country. Original Article >>

SAinfo reporter. Source: Department of Home Affairs

South Africa: traveller's customs guide

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 22:13:00 +0200

Whether you're arriving in South Africa by air, sea or land, you have to pass through customs control, where you may be questioned and your baggage may be scanned or searched for dutiable, restricted or prohibited goods.

If you're found with undeclared, restricted or prohibited goods, you could be fined or even face prosecution. To help you avoid this, and make your arrival and departure from South Africa as smooth as possible, here's a quick guide to bringing goods in and out of the country.

WHAT YOU CAN BRING IN DUTY-FREE

You can bring the following goods into South Africa without paying customs duty or value-added tax (VAT):

Consumable goods in accompanied baggage

Cigarettes – up to 200 per person.
Cigars – up to 20 per person.
Cigarette or pipe tobacco – up to 250g per person.
Perfume – up to 50ml per person
Eau de toilette (scented liquid lighter than cologne) – up to 250ml per person
Wine – up to 2 litres per person.
Spirits and other alcoholic beverages – up to 1 litre in total per person.

People under 18 can claim this duty-free allowance on consumable goods – with the exception of alcohol and tobacco products – provided the goods are for their personal use.

Medicines

You are allowed to bring in one month's supply of pharmaceutical drugs or medicines for your personal use. Any other pharmaceutical drugs or medicines must be accompanied by a letter or certified prescription from a registered physician, and have to be declared.

Personal effects, sport and recreational equipment

You can bring in personal effects, sport and recreational equipment, either as accompanied or unaccompanied baggage, for your own use during your visit.

Note that, in the case of very expensive articles, you may be required to lodge a cash deposit to cover the potential duty/tax on their re-export. The deposit will be refunded on departure after a customs officer has inspected the items and verified that they are being re-exported.

You should notify the customs office at which the deposit was lodged at least two days before departure to ensure that the refund is ready. (Call the office number to be found on the documents given to you when lodging your deposit.)

If you are departing from a different port, the inspection report will be forwarded to the office where the deposit was lodged, and a cheque will be posted to the address you provided.

Additional goods

In addition to the personal effects and consumables duty-free allowances, you are allowed to bring in new or used goods in accompanied baggage to the value of R3 000. (This is valid only once per person per 30-day period.)

ONCE YOU'RE OVER THE DUTY-FREE LIMIT

Once the above limits are exceeded, all goods brought into South Africa are subject to the payment of customs duty and value-added tax (VAT) – including goods bought duty-free on aircraft or ships or in duty-free shops.

For goods of up to R12 000 in value, you will have the option of paying customs duty at a flat rate of 20%. Flat-rated goods are also exempt from payment of (VAT). (This is valid only once per person per 30-day period.)

People under 18 can opt for the flat-rate assessment, provided the goods are for their personal use.

Once you're over the additional R12 000 limit – or if you waive the flat rate option – then duty will be assessed and paid on each individual item you're carrying, and an additional 14% VAT will be charged.

Goods that do not qualify for the flat-rate assessment include:

Firearms.
Goods for commercial purposes.
Consumable goods in excess of the quantities detailed above.
Goods or gifts carried on behalf of other people. Not only are these are subject to duties and taxes, but they may also require an import permit.

GOODS THAT YOU HAVE TO DECLARE

Certain goods are restricted, and may only be brought into South Africa if you have the necessary authority or permit, and these must be declared on arrival. They include any firearms, as well as:

Currency
South African bank notes in excess of R5 000; gold coins; coin and stamp collections; and unprocessed gold.

Endangered plants and animals
Species of plants or animals that are listed as endangered, whether they are alive or dead, as well as any parts of or articles made from them.

Food, plants, animals and biological goods
All plants and plant products, such as seeds, flowers, fruit, honey, margarine and vegetable oils. Also animals, birds, poultry and products thereof, such as dairy products, butter and eggs.

Medicines
You are allowed to bring in one month's supply of pharmaceutical drugs or medicines for your personal use. Any other pharmaceutical drugs or medicines must be accompanied by a letter or certified prescription from a registered physician, and have to be declared.

GOODS THAT YOU MAY NOT BRING

It is illegal to bring the following goods into South Africa:

Narcotics: any narcotic or psychotropic substances, including drugs such as cannabis, heroin, cocaine, mandrax or ecstasy; or any paraphernalia relating to their use.
Any fully automatic, military or unnumbered weapons, as well as explosives, fireworks or weapons of mass destruction.
Any poison and other toxic substance.
Cigarettes with a mass of more than 2kg per 1 000.
Any goods to which a trade description or trademark is applied in contravention of any law (for example, counterfeit goods).
Unlawful reproductions of any works subject to copyright.
Any prison- or penitentiary-made goods.

WHICH CHANNEL TO CHOOSE: RED OR GREEN?

The above information should help you decide whether to select the "red" or "green" channel through South African customs control. To help you further, here's a quick checklist:

Choose the green channel if:

You have nothing to declare.
Your goods qualify for the duty-free allowances detailed above.
You are not carrying goods or gifts on behalf of others.
You are not carrying restricted or prohibited goods.
You are not carrying commercial goods (goods brought in for trade purposes).

If you can't tick all the above, then choose the red channel. If you are in any doubt, still choose the red channel and ask the customs officer for assistance.

Where the red/green channel system is not in operation, report directly to a customs officer and declare all the goods in your possession.

TO BE ON THE SAFE SIDE

You can avoid problems by making sure that you:

Always declare all goods in your possession.
Produce receipts for goods purchased abroad (including goods bought duty-free on aircraft or ships or in duty-free shops).
If you are unsure of the value of goods which you should declare, ask for assistance from the customs officer on duty.

REMEMBER: failure to declare goods, under-declaration of the value of goods, or production of false receipts or invoices could lead to the seizure of your goods as well as criminal prosecution or fines of up to three times the value of the goods.

NOTE: While we do our best to keep this information up to date, it remains subject to change without prior notice. If you are in any doubt as to whether the goods you intend to bring into South Africa are restricted, contact your nearest South African embassy or high commission abroad (see links in box on right).

TRAVELLERS IN TRANSIT

Travellers in transit to countries outside the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) – Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland – do not have to comply with customs formalities in South Africa.

This applies only if you have been booked from an airport outside the SACU, and you are not travelling to your final destination by road.

These passengers may not leave the transit area of the airport between flights. Their baggage will automatically be transferred from their international flight.

Note, however, that customs officials may still search travellers in transit and their baggage for any illegal drugs or counterfeit goods. Anyone found with such goods will be detained and handed over to the South African Police Service for prosecution.

VAT REFUNDS FOR TOURISTS

Value-added tax (VAT) at a rate of 14% is levied on the purchase of most goods in South Africa. However, as a foreign visitor you may apply for a refund of the VAT you pay while in the country – provided you apply before you depart.

To apply, make sure you get tax invoices for your purchases. Then present these to the VAT Refund Administrator at your point of departure. If he/she is not available, present your goods to a customs officer, who will inspect the goods, stamp your invoices and deliver them to the VAT Refund Administrator, who will correspond with you on the matter.

For full information on how and where to apply for VAT refunds, visit www.taxrefunds.co.za

During the 2010 Fifa World Cup

Temporary VAT refund stations will be in operation at the following venues during the 2010 Fifa World Cup:

Canal Walk shopping mall, Cape Town
V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Eastgate shopping mall, Johannesburg
Sandton City shopping mall, Johannesburg
Menlyn Park shopping mall, Pretoria
Gateway shopping mall, Durban
Pavilion shopping mall, Durban
Waterfront shopping mall, Bloemfontein

There may also be an additional VAT refund team in Port Elizabeth. For inquiries, e-mail info@taxrefunds.co.za

HOW MUCH MONEY CAN I BRING IN/TAKE OUT?

As a foreign visitor, you can bring in up to R5 000 in South African currency (rands), plus an unlimited amount in foreign currencies and traveller's cheques, provided you declare this on arrival.

On departure, you can also take out R5 000 in South African currency (rands), and up to the amount in foreign currencies and traveller's cheques that you declared when you arrived (provided you didn't stay more than 12 months).

DUTY-FREE TEMPORARY IMPORTS

South Africa acceded to the ATA convention in 1975. Foreign visitors (companies and individuals) can therefore approach their local chambers of commerce for advice regarding the issuing of an ATA Carnet for the temporary import of certain goods in a simplified method, for example, in the case of broadcasters or sponsors of international sporting events taking place in South Africa. Original Article >>

Source: South African Revenue Service

South Africa - 24-hour airports for 2010 World Cup

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 22:04:00 +0200

South African airports will run 24-hour operations during the 2010 Fifa World Cup, says Airports Company South Africa (Acsa).

Acsa general manager Chris Hlekane said on Tuesday: "OR Tambo, Cape Town, King Shaka, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth International Airports and George airport will operate on a 24-hour basis for the duration of the tournament, depending on daily demand."

Hlekane said the need to supply this level of support had been discussed with employees and unions, adding that assurance had been given that the exceptional circumstances warranted the commitment of assured service provision.

"As such, we are not expecting any labour unrest during the tournament," he said.

Language training

A significant number of Acsa employees will by the time of the tournament be able to deliver customer services of the highest standard in French, German, Italian and Spanish to international visitors.

Acsa has also assured travelling soccer fans that there was no need to worry about a shortage of fuel during the World Cup.

"Acsa is confident that the operational plans in place will ensure that no aviation fuel shortages are experienced during the 2010 Fifa World Cup," said Hlekane. "As such, it has received priority attention with the overall plan and contingencies have been presented to and accepted by Parliament on 10 February."

He said a working committee had also been set up to co-ordinate the fuel supply to airports, adding that a daily plan for fuel usage and delivery had been developed specifically for the month-long tournament.

Source: BuaNews

South Africa's Zulu culture turns into tourist drawcard

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:53:00 +0200

Spear-wielding warriors pour over the hilltops to attack a startled red-coat army, in a battlefield re-enactment that hopes to lure World Cup fans away from the stadiums between matches.

(image www.timesofmalta.com)

South Africa's 19th century battlefields gave birth to the Zulu nation, as military genius King Shaka brought together a large swath of the country under his rule, only to clash with the British colonisers.

Zulus are now South Africa's largest ethnic group, at 24 per cent of the population, and their history and culture are being turned into a tourist drawcard.

Anglo-Zulu battlefields and Shaka's grave and birthplace now anchor a tourism trade in eastern KwaZulu-Natal province that aims to give foreigners a slice of history and rural South African life.

The province is the most popular vacation destination for South Africans, but struggles to lure foreign visitors away from Cape Town and the winelands on the western coast. Zulu culture has become a key attraction, tourist officials said.

"Cultural tourism has seen a steady rise over the last eight years. We are hoping that the World Cup will expose us to new markets and clients," said William Adams, a tour guide for Springbok Atlas Tours. Origina article >>

Source : www.timesofmalta.com

Google Maps / Safari Maps of Southern Africa

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:49:00 +0200

Africa	Click Map
Southen Africa	Click Map
Botswana	Click Map
Kenya	Click Map
South Africa	Ckick Mao

Interactive Street Map - South Africa

Africa, the planet's 2nd largest continent and the second most-populous continent (after Asia) includes (53) individual countries, as well as Western Sahara, a member state of the African Union whose statehood is disputed by Morocco.

With just over a billion people (a 2009 estimate) it accounts for just over 14% of the world's human population. It also contains the Nile River system, the world's longest, and the massive Sahara Desert, the world's largest.

Africa is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, both the Suez Canal and the Red Sea along the Sinai Peninsula to the northeast, the Indian Ocean to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.

The continent straddles the equator and encompasses numerous climate areas, and is the only continent to stretch from the northern temperate to southern temperate zones.

Africa, particularly central eastern Africa, is widely thought (by science) to be the origin of humans as evidenced by the discovery of the earliest hominids and their ancestors.

Source : www.worlatlas.com

Frequent-flier 101? Classes promise to make you an air-travel guruFrequent-flier 101?

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:31:00 +0200

Want to become a frequent-flier expert? There's a class for that. In fact there are two; "Saving on airfare and redeeming frequent-flier miles" is the basic course while the "advanced" class is dubbed: "Securing top elite status and flying in luxury." Each course comes complete with its own curriculum and "recommended reading."

The courses are the brainchild of Nicholas Kralev, who has wracked up more than 1.5 million miles during the past decade in his previous job as the diplomatic correspondent and business travel columnist for The Washington Times. A large part of Kralev's job involved traveling with the U.S. Secretary of State, a position which took him to far-flung corners of the Earth while covering the likes of Hillary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell and Madeleine Albright.

Kralev, who's last day at the Times came last week, says his experience at the paper has given him a wealth of knowledge to pass on to would-be frequent-flier gurus.

"In a way, I owe much of my travel knowledge and experience to the State Department," Kralev tells me by e-mail. "Had it been cheaper and more comfortable to fly on the secretary's plane -- any secretary, and I've traveled with four of them -- I wouldn't have flown so much commercially. Consequently, I wouldn't have figured out how to spend much less or airfare but [still] sleep in flat beds, eat gourmet meals and earn hundreds of thousands of miles."

Kralev claims his seminars will help fliers save "hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars per ticket, … achieve and maintain elite airline status, … avoid the coach cabin as much as possible" and avoid time spent "waiting in airport lines or on the phone."

"No one has ever done this before, as far as I know," Kralev says. "It took me years to learn all that stuff, since there are no books or classes about this, and I thought there must be enough people out there who want to fly cheaply but in luxury."

Kralev's first set of "On the Fly" seminars kick off June 25 and June 26 in at the American Foreign Service Association in Washington, D.C. The cost for two-hour sessions range from about $106 to about $160.

Will the classes be a hit with travelers?

Kralev says "the strongest response so far has been from people -- both in government and the private sector -- who travel overseas for work but are only allowed to pay for coach, so they are desperately looking for ways to sit in business class without actually paying for it with cash."

"I think it has huge potential," he adds. "Hopefully we'll be doing it around the country soon." Original article >>

Source : http://travel.usatoday.com

St. Louis Lambert International Airport

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:01:00 +0200

Contact information and flight status

•flystl.com; 314-890-1333; staffed 7 a.m. — 11p.m.
•Terminal maps
•Current departures
•Current arrivals

Checkpoint savvy

- Busiest times: Monday, 5 a.m. — 9 a.m.; Thursday and Friday, 2 p.m. — 5 p.m.
- Checkpoint workarounds: There's a post-security connector for Concourses B and C.

Parking

Parking information: 314-890-2800

Most convenient parking: Garage Parking at Terminal 1 or 2, $21/day

Least expensive: Economy Parking; shuttle to airport, $7/day. See more options.

Cellphone lot is one mile west of Terminal 1 on Lambert International Boulevard. Hours: 7 a.m. -11 p.m. Amenities: flights display board and portable toilets.

Transportation to/from city

Most convenient: A taxi ride to downtown St. Louis will take 20-25 minutes and cost about $40. See more options.

Least expensive: MetroLink to downtown St. Louis will take about 35 minutes and cost $3.75 (2-hour pass withtransfer).

Wi-Fi and charging stations

Fee-based Wi-Fi is available through Boingo.

Power outlets are located throughout the terminal. Charging stations are scheduled to be installed by summer 2010.

Go local

Good choice for local gifts: Experience St. Louis and Anheuser-Busch Gift Shop, both in the C Concourse.

Good choice for local food: Missouri Vineyards and Pasta House, both in Ticketing Hall, Terminal 1.

Tips and tidbits

The airport has a 24-hour USO, a full-service post-office, a US Bank branch, and two outdoor pet-relief areas. A mural, Black Americans in Flight, is in Terminal 1 as you exit the C checkpoint. The airplane hanging over the C checkpoint was once owned by Charles Lindbergh.

Nearby layover option

The St. Louis Galleria is 10 miles from the airport and has restaurants, shops and a six-screen movie theater. Original article >>

Source www.usatoday.com

Massport has 'expertise to bring in more airlines' at Worcester airport

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 04:21:00 +0200

From USA TODAY's Airport Check-in column: More commercial airline service could be in store for Massachusetts' Worcester Regional Airport after the city agreed to sell the airport to the Massachusetts Port Authority. Massport has managed the airport for about a decade, but as owner, it would be free to upgrade the airport's facilities.

The agreement is scheduled to take effect July 1, pending the formal approval of the Worcester City Council.

"The fact is the city should not be running an airport. In terms of economic development and bringing jobs to the city, Massport has the expertise to bring in more airlines," Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray, who helped broker the deal, told the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS: Worcester airport sold to Massport

Source : www.usatoday.com

Tampa International Airport - Information

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 05:31:00 +0200

Contact information and flight status

•tampaairport.com; 813-870-8700; staffed weekdays, 8 a.m. — 5:30 p.m.
•Terminal maps
•Current departures
•Current arrivals

Checkpoint savvy

Busiest times: Weekday mornings, 6 a.m. – 9 a.m.

Checkpoint workarounds: Each concourse has its own security checkpoint, so no real workarounds here.

Parking

Parking information: 813-870-8791; 24 hours.

Most convenient: Valet: Blue departure curbside, $25/day. Garage, Levels 4 – 9 of the Landside Terminal Building, $20/day; first hour free.

Least expensive: Economy parking, just south of the Landside Terminal Building, $9/day. Shuttle to terminal. See more options.

Cellphone lot located just south of the Landside Terminal Building (follow signs from airport entrance). Lot has a flight display board, restrooms and free Wi-Fi.

Transportation to/from city

Most convenient: Taxi, $25 flat rate to downtown and the cruise terminal. See more options.

Least expensive: HART Regional Transit (East end of the Red Baggage Claim Curbside by Belt #20.) Route #30 runs between the airport and downtown Tampa, $1.75. See more options.

Wi-Fi and charging stations

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport and in the cellphone waiting lot.

Power outlets: In the Landside Terminal, there are outlets close to telephone banks and seating areas and, on Level 3, at each of the bistro tables. Workstations located on Level 2 of the Landside Terminal by the telephone banks, and at all Airsides.

Go local

Good choice for local gifts: The Florida Shop (Tampa and Florida-themed items), also limited production Tampa clothing and merchandise at Ron Jon Surf Shop and Harley Davidson, all located on Level 3, Landside Terminal. See more options.

Good choice for local food: The View at CK's is a revolving rooftop restaurant at the Marriott Tampa Airport, located in the airport. Other options: Carrabba's Italian Grill (Landside), Jose Cuervo Tequileria (Airside A), Casa Bacardi (Airside E). See more options.

Tips and tidbits

Smoking is allowed at two outdoor smoking patios on Airsides C and E and on the Transfer Level Observation Deck, on Level 3 of the Landside Terminal. There are children's play areas in each airside, an extensive art program with permanent pieces and rotating exhibits. Of special note are the seven restored aviation-themed WPA murals on display in Airside E.

Nearby layover option

WestShore Plaza Mall, 3 miles from the airport, has restaurants, shops and a 16-screen movie theater. Original article >>

Source : http://www.usatoday.com

More A380s coming to Los Angeles

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 03:39:00 +0200

Los Angeles International (LAX) already has the most Airbus A380 service of any U.S. airport. Now, it's about to get more courtesy of Australian carrier Qantas, which says it plans to increase its number of flights to LAX on the A380, the world's biggest commercial passenger jet.

PHOTO GALLERY: Qantas A380 debuts at LAX

Qantas currently operates three weekly A380 flights on its LAX-Melbourne route. But the airline says it will add a fourth A380 flight on the route when it takes delivery of its ninth A380 and will go to six after it adds its tenth A380, which is expected by March 2011. Qantas currently has six A380s in service.

"The Airbus A380 is the flagship of the Qantas fleet," Qantas CEO Alan Joyce says in a press release. "Los Angeles-Melbourne is an important trunk route for Qantas, so we have targeted an increased frequency of A380 services to serve this significant American market."

Qantas already offers daily A380 service between Los Angeles and Sydney. Original Article >>

Source : http://travel.usatoday.com

Is luxury air travel a thing of the past?

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:48:00 +0200

That's the question asked by Reuters, which writes the "economic downturn has clipped the wings of luxury air travel." Even the high-yield first- and business-class seats -- seats that are among the airlines' biggest profit centers -- are returning less bang for their buck these days, according to Reuters.

That's because many first-class seats aren't being filled by high-spending customers, but rather by fliers who've paid only for a coach class ticket but moved to the front of the cabin on an upgrade. Peter Yesawich, CEO of travel marketing company Ypartnership, tells Reuters that trend is playing out on all but some long-haul routes, where it's still easier for companies to justify premium fares.

"It's said that real profit in any flight is front of plane. The rest covers the overhead," Yesawich says to Reuters. "But there's been a conscious effort by corporations and individuals to suppress that travel" on the shorter routes. Read article >>

Source : http://travel.usatoday.com

Airlines improve on-time rates, long ground delays dwindle

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 08:42:00 +0200

NEW YORK — The government said Thursday that airlines virtually wiped out three-hour tarmac delays in April before huge fines for holding passengers on the runway went into effect.

Airlines faced fines up to $27,500 per passenger for tarmac delays of more than three hours as of April 29.

Carriers improved their overall on-time performance as well. The 18 airlines that report statistics to the Transportation Department were on-time 85.3% of the time in April, compared with a rate of 79.1% a year earlier and 80% in March. Most delays were caused by late-arriving aircraft and aviation system delays, which include bad weather, heavy traffic, or airport and air traffic system slowdowns.

US Airways posted the best on-time rate among major mainline carriers. It was third in the overall rankings behind Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines. American Airlines reported the worst on-time rate of big U.S. carriers. Its sister carrier, regional airline American Eagle, was last among all airlines reporting.

Only 4 planes were stuck on the tarmac for more than three hours, down from 25 in March and 81 in April 2009. One flight, an American Airlines jet from Atlanta to Miami, was stuck for more than four hours.

In April there were long stretches when most of the nation was free of severe weather, according to the National Weather Service. Good weather often helps airlines avoid delays. Improvements in the efficient use of New York airspace likely also helped more flights takeoff and land on-time. About a third of all air traffic in the U.S. goes through the New York area, and delays here can ripple across the country. Read article >>

Source : www.usatoday.com

Airlines get long ground delays under control; Hawaiian, Alaska, US Airways top on-time ratings

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 05:26:00 +0200

There were only four ground delay of more than three hours reported in April. That marks a steep decline in such delays from previous months, and perhaps indicates airlines' efforts to guard against them ahead for new federal penalties that went into effect on April 29.

As part of those new penalties, the Department of Transportation can fine airlines up to $27,500 per passenger for each flight delayed on the ground for more than three hours. In light of that, several airline CEOs subsequently went on record to say they would adjust their carriers' policies to prevent long ground delays since fines cold total up to millions of dollars for a single flight.

The Associated Press notes that "only four planes were stuck on the tarmac for more than three hours" in April, the latest month for which statistics are available from the federal Bureau of Transportation Statistics. AP says that's "down from 25 in March and 81 in April 2009. One flight, an American Airlines jet from Atlanta to Miami, was stuck for more than four hours." Read article >>

Source : http://travel.usatoday.com

Morocco Travel Information

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 05:19:00 +0200

Visas
Most nationalities including those from the US, Canada and the UK do not need a visa to enter Morocco as a tourist. If your nationality is not on the following list, then you should contact a Moroccan Embassy and apply for a visa.

You do not need a tourist visa if you belong to one of the following countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Congo (Rep. of), Cote d'Ivoire, Denmark, European Union, Finland, Guinea, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Korea (Rep. of), Kuwait, Libya, Liechtenstein, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Niger, Norway, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Venezuela.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months after you enter Morocco. You will get a stamp in your passport upon entry into the country (make sure you get it) which will allow you to stay for 90 days. No entry fees are charged.

Health and Safety

As with most destinations in Africa you have to careful about what you drink and eat in order to avoid stomach upsets. Buying food from street vendors carries some degree of risk and tap water should not be drunk. There is plenty of bottled water available throughout the country. Luckily Morocco is basically malaria-free. There are a few areas near the border with Mauritania that can harbor malaria but it's an unlikely destination even for the hardiest of travelers.

Immunizations

No vaccinations are required by law to enter Morocco but Typhoid and Hepatitis A are two vaccinations that are strongly recommended. It is also a good idea to be up to date with your polio and tetanus vaccines.

Terrorism

A series of terrorist attacks took place in Casablanca in May 2003, killing 45 people. The targets included hotels, cafes and other areas which tourists frequent. The Moroccan authorities claim to have caught the perpetrators, but there is still some risk of further attacks. Despite the unpopularity of the American presence in Iraq and its support for Israel, attacks against US citizens have not been reported. Most Moroccans, to their credit, do make a distinction between US Government policies and US citizens.

Crime

Violent crime is still quite rare in Morocco but getting harassed by "guides" and petty theft is fairly common. Avoid walking alone at night especially in unlit areas and on the beach. Take care of your valuables and don't flaunt your jewellery.

Drugs

Morocco has strict penalties for those caught purchasing or using drugs including "kif" as the local marijuana or hashish is called. That said, "kif" is smoked by a sizeable percentage of the Moroccan male population and many, young travelers in particular, visit Morocco with this in mind. Just be careful. The Rif mountains, where most of the marijuana is grown, is notorious for forcing their wares on unsuspecting tourists and the police are in on the scam. Do not buy "kif" from anyone who approaches you (and you will be approached) it is usually of inferior quality and you don't want to spend a lot of time with these folks. For more information I have an article about smoking hashish in Morocco.

Women Travelers

Morocco is an Islamic country so be modest in what you wear. No short skirts, shorts or tank tops. Wear a bikini or swimsuit only at a pool or on a beach. You'll attract attention regardless what you wear, just ignore it and move on, most of it is harmless. More information on women traveling alone in Africa.

Gay Travelers

Homosexuality is considered a criminal offence in Morocco (so are sexual relations outside of marriage for that matter). So just be careful of overt displays of public affection, although handholding between men is very common; you'll probably get fewer looks than if you were wandering around holding hands in some towns back home. Click here for more information.

When to Go to Morocco

As with many destinations the weather usually determines the best time to travel to Morocco. During the winter months, from November to March, it can get quite cold and rainy especially in the Atlas mountains. Click here for average temperatures for all major towns and tourist destinations in Morocco. If you are leaving soon, check today's temperatures in Rabat, Marrakech and Agadir.

The peak tourist season in Morocco is July and August. If you want to avoid the crowds and the heat, travel before or after this time. If you are traveling during these months then be sure to make some of your hotel bookings in advance especially along the coasts.

Source : http://goafrica.about.com

Cheap flights Perth to Johannesburg

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 10:03:00 +0200

You want to get on the cheapest flight from Perth to Johannesburg. The way to make sure that you get on the cheapest flight is to:

type your flight details into the search engine on the left and see what airfare it spits out
check the airfare of every airline flying your route

Airline	Airports	Stops
Qantas Airways	Perth to Johannesburg Airport (JHB)	non-stop (11h30)
South African Airways	Perth to Johannesburg Airport (JHB)	non-stop (11h30)
Cathay Pacific Airways	Perth to Johannesburg Airport (JHB)	1-stop (23h45m) Hong Kong
Emirates	Perth to Johannesburg Airport (JHB)	1-stop Dubai
Malaysia Airlines	Perth to Johannesburg Airport (JHB)	1-stop (18h55m) Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Singapore Airlines	Perth to Johannesburg Airport (JHB)	1-stop (21h00m) Singapore (SIN)

Source : www.southafrica.to

Proposal would boost payouts to bumped fliers to $1,300

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 04:17:00 +0200

Passengers kicked off oversold flights would get up to $650 in cash compensation for short delays and up to $1,300 for longer ones under new consumer-protection rules proposed Wednesday by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood

That's an increase from the current $400 and $800 limits on compensation for involuntarily bumped fliers. The limits could be adjusted every two years.

What's more, the higher limits mean those who volunteer to be bumped could be paid more.

The increased compensation limits are part of the most wide-ranging set of consumer-protection measures proposed by the government since deregulation 32 years ago. And they come just months after the government dealt with the thorny issue of lengthy on-ground flight delays.

In December LaHood moved to limit such delays to three hours and threatened the airlines with fines of up to $27,000 per passenger for flights kept out on airport taxiways and ramps for longer periods. That rule took effect April 29. Read Article >>

Source : http://www.usatoday.com

Delta drops last-minute booking fee for frequent-flier award tickets.

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 04:10:00 +0200

Delta Air Lines is doing away with its redemption fees for SkyMiles award tickets booked at the last minute.

In an e-mail sent out to SkyMiles frequent-flier members today, Delta says "this means you will no longer pay a redemption fee of up to $150 when you book an Award Ticket within 20 days of departure. Award Tickets booked 21 days or more prior to departure will continue to have no Award redemption fee."

"We are actively listening to customers' concerns about the SkyMiles program and are responding," Jeff Robertson, Delta's vice president – SkyMiles, says in a press release announcing the change.

It's not all good news, though. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes "Delta is increasing another fee: Its redepositing and reissuing fee for customers who change frequent flier award flights is going up to $150 from $100." But, the newspapers notes, Delta "will still waive the fee for its elite diamond and platinum level frequent fliers. Read Article >>

Source : http://travel.usatoday.com

Air travel: Getting bumped may get more lucrative

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:33:00 +0200

Air travelers may soon be entitled to more compensation for getting bumped from a flight.

A proposal released by the U.S. Department of Transportation would raise the maximum reimbursement airlines are required to pay travelers involuntarily bumped from overbooked domestic flights to between $650 and $1,300, up from a range of $400 to $800.

An airline's maximum penalty hinges on the price of the ticket for that leg of the trip, and whether the affected passenger was rerouted to their destination between one to two hours of their originally scheduled arrival (or one to four hours for international flights). Travelers rerouted to arrive in less than an hour are not owed compensation. Read Article >>

Source : http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com

More consumers pack lighter, smarter to save when flying

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:40:00 +0200

Frequent traveler Rich Truesdell has experienced firsthand how serious airlines are about collecting their bag-check fees.

On a recent flight from San Francisco International, an agent affiliated with United Airlines stopped him at a security checkpoint and sent him back to the ticket counter. His duffel roll-aboard, which he'd used as a carry-on for years, was slightly larger than the limit of 45 inches in combined width, length and height. He paid the required $25 fee to check it. "She was there to monitor carry-on luggage," says Truesdell, editorial director of AutomotiveTraveler.com. "I still made the flight, but not by much."

Vowing to avoid such embarrassing encounters, Truesdell promptly bought a smaller carry-on — a 21-inch-tall bag he could roll aboard. He also travels now with a copy of luggage instructions from the Transportation Security Administration and a tape measure so that "some wise person wouldn't try to stop me from taking it on the plane."

Forced by an airline industry determined to squeeze every ounce of efficiency and every dollar in fees, Americans are capitulating to the new realities of travel. Like Truesdell, they're packing lighter and smarter to cope with the realities of the domestic flying experience. Shipping heavy bags in advance is becoming more popular. So, too, are vacuum packing clothes, storing personal items at hotels, and forgoing laptops and power cords.

Luggage manufacturers, hotels and airlines also are responding. They're introducing products and services that cater to the collective pressure and a desire to get in and out of airports and planes with minimal fuss. Read Article >>

Source : http://travel.usatoday.com

US Airways begins new routes to Alaska, Nova Scotia and Ontario

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 01:30:00 +0200

US Airways inaugurated service on three new routes this week.

From Philadelphia, the carrier has added year-round service to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and seasonal service to Anchorage, Alaska. To Halifax, US Airways now offers three daily round-trip flights on 50-seat CRJ-200 regional jets operated by Air Wisconsin. To Anchorage, US Airways flies one daily round-trip flight on Boeing 757 jets configured with 12 first-class seats and 164 in coach.

From Charlotte, US Airways now offers one daily round-trip flight to Ottawa. US Airways Express partner Air Wisconsin operates the flight on 50-seat CRJ-200 regional jets. "The new service to Ottawa, Canada's capital, from Charlotte, N.C., complements a growing choice of destinations from our largest hub," Jason Reisinger, US Airways' director for route planning, says in a press release. "We're now able to offer flights to and from Ottawa from both Philadelphia and Charlotte."

Source : http://travel.usatoday.com

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Proposal would boost payouts to bumped fliers to $1,300

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More consumers pack lighter, smarter to save when flying

US Airways begins new routes to Alaska, Nova Scotia and Ontario