The European aviation company Airbus has just unveiled the largest “super jumbo” commercial airliner in the world. The new Airbus A380 seats a whopping 455 passengers, and promises to be an expansive, luxury liner. But does the world really need a commercial plane this big?
Economically, of course, the new A380 makes a lot of sense. With airlines around the world struggling to maintain profit margins, larger “super jumbo” planes save money, while lowering fuel expenses and operating with smaller crews.
The A380 uses a double-decker body design, and true to its name, looks more like a giant double-decker bus with wings attached. In other words, it’s not exactly sleek or pretty. But aesthetic considerations aside, the real question facing the new Airbus is, “is it comfortable to passengers.”
I don’t know about you, but I can’t remember ever thinking, “this flight is OK, but what it really needs is more people on board!” Any time 455 passengers are packed together on a flight, the potential for overcrowding and uncomfortable seating is always present. Furthermore, if you think the meal service is slow on a standard size jumbo plane, can you imagine how cumbersome it could be with 455 passengers on board?
Air Singapore is the first carrier to test out the new Airbus A380, and recently completed the maiden voyage for the new airliner on its established Singapore to Sydney route. First reports indicate that the flight went well and customer satisfaction was in the adequate to good range. However, a few passengers did comment on the amount of time taken to board the plane in Singapore, and disembark in Sydney. But I suppose this is to be expected when carrying so many travelers at once.
The A380 uses twin bridges for boarding passengers, however on the plane’s maiden flight only one of the bridges was operational. Passengers also had to wait a bit longer to receive their off loaded luggage. So-called “premium” passengers received their luggage approximately 30 minutes after landing. Economy and business-class passengers had to wait up to 20 minutes longer before their luggage arrived.
But the new Airbus does offer several luxury amenities to make flying more comfortable. For example, every seat has its own 10.6 inch personal video screen, and most seats also have power plugs for laptops or personal DVD players. The economy class seats are also 19 inches wide — slightly better than average, and the A380 carries a larger crew, which can reduce the waiting time for in-flight services.
After the limited success of its first flight with the A380, Air Singapore is planning to use the new Airbus on its Singapore-London route beginning sometime next spring. The long flight between Singapore and London will be the real test of comfort for the new Airbus “super jumbo.”
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Philippines is a country found in south east Asia just below Taiwan. What makes this country special is instead of being landlocked; the country has more than seven thousand islands. That means island after island of beaches and white sands. But of course there are islands that are so big, it will be hours of road trip before you can hit the sea. If you’re interested in going to this country to enjoy the waters, here are some tips:
Foreign tourists will either arrive in their international airport in Manila or in Cebu. Manila is the capital in the country and Cebu is considered a key business location in central Philippines. Manila is a highly urbanized city so if you’re in the Philippines for a business meeting or for a great night out, Manila could be your perfect destination. However, most of the travelers who come to the Philippines wants to see more of the natural beauty of the country. If you’re traveling because of that, go to Cebu.
Once you arrive in Cebu whether by plain or by boat, you will now have better access to paradise-like destinations. You may want to check out Philippine travel websites for tips on how to go from one area to another.
Since the country has more than 7000 islands, why not go on island hopping instead? Cebu has numerous beautiful islands but those are just the tip of the ice berg as Cebu is approximately 1/3 of the total central islands. The islands covered by Negros occidental and oriental are a thing of beauty. Coming off from Cebu, you might find yourself in Dumaguete, a city that serves as the door to another island. The city is more of a rural type but that doesn’t mean city pleasures are not available. But before going there, check out the beautiful island of Malapascua and Bantayan. These white sand beaches offers not only white sand beaches but great snorkeling site.
Before you go to Dumaguete, it’s time to hit the internet again. The Philippines has lots of websites that give out honest advice on certain places. As much as possible look for Philippine forums. If you stay online long enough, you’ll be able to have an answer quickly. Just identify yourself as a foreign tourist and they’ll be more than happy to give you the answers to your questions.
After Dumaguete, you’ll be passing by another progressive city of Bacolod. Prepare for a long road trip as this will usually last for more than two hours. Bacolod features inland resorts (swimming pools) that really hit the budget.
Next stop is a one-hour fast craft (kinda like a big seed boat) going to Iloilo. This is the last stop of your Central Philippine destination. The city of Iloilo is very close to another island, Guimaras. The province island of Guimaras is a destination in itself for its fine sanded beach. Be sure to try out their world famous mangoes. Of course, Iloilo can also provide you with transportation to one of the best islands in the Philippines, Boracay.
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Last year when a new travel law enforcing everyone going out of the country to present their passport, there was a clamor in most travelers. The announcement was abrupt and the agency that issues passports are on a backlog. That seemed to be unfair since for years US travelers only need to show their identification to be able to go through and visit Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Because of the inconveniences, the law was temporarily suspended. But those that are allowed to travel without a passport still have to show proof that they applied for a passport.
Now the backlog has been cleared and the law is slowly being enforced. As of this writing, anyone who travels by air to these mentioned countries and territories have to show their passports. This will be required for travel from now on. You can’t say to the people in the airlines that you’re waiting for the passport to come and all you have is a receipt.
The US government was able to produce 12 million passports last year to answer the backlog. When the backlog of passports started, it used to be more than two months before you could actually receive the passport. The usual turnaround time for passport requests is now in six weeks which is the standard procedure.
If you’re not traveling by air, you can still show the customary papers to go through the border. It could be a government issued ID such as drivers license or marriage certificate. For kids, they will be required to show their birth certificate to be allowed to cross the borders of the country. But you have to show that you applied for passport.
The exception of land and water based travel will not stay long. In January 2008, anyone who crosses the border should show their passports. Even when you’re traveling by land, air or water, you do not only show a valid ID but you have to show your passport at the same time. Passport is also required if you want to go back to the country. That includes the kids and the infants.
Another temporary exception will be those that will travel before the end of the year and will go back on January 2008. Since a passport is not required to pass through the borders before 2008, you can go back without any passport required.
So if you’re planning to go to these places sometime next year, better apply for a passport now. If it’s your first time to apply for a passport, you have to do it in person. There are more than 9,000 centers that you can apply personally around the country. A personal appearance is also required if you’re passport has been expired for more than 15 years. For passport renewals, you can go online and download the form. Send the form with two passport-worthy photos and $67.00 renewal fee.
If you want your processing expedited, add $60.00 for rush processing but standard processing is only six to eight weeks. Give yourself at least two months before you can actually go out of the country from now on.
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