Washington Archives – London Air Travel

London Flight Cancellations due to “Storm Stella”

Delta Air Lines - New York - January 2018 — Delta Air Lines – New York

“Storm Stella” is expected to cause very severe disruption across the East Coast of the United States on Tuesday 14 March 2017.

As a consequence, a large number of transatlantic flights from London’s airports are cancelled on Tuesday 14 March. Flights to New York, Boston and Philadelphia are most affected with widespread cancellations. There are delays and cancellations to Baltimore and Washington as well.

Airlines have also implemented flexible rebooking policies for those who are due to travel to the East Coast of the USA this week.

If your flight is cancelled you should be entitled to a full refund or a rebooking to an alternative date.

Here is the latest information from airlines operating transatlantic flights from London on Tuesday 14 March.

As at 23:00 GMT Tuesday 14 March, transatlantic operations from London’s airports should return to normal on Wednesday 15 March.

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United Airlines to introduce free beer & wine on long-haul flights

London Air Travel » Washington

United Airlines at London Heathrow (Image Credit: Heathrow)

In a further sign of US airlines continuing to narrow the historical gap in service levels between their European rivals, United Airlines is to provide complimentary beer and wine in economy class on long-haul flights to and from London Heathrow from 1 June 2015.

This is part of a package of service improvements announced by United Airlines. The airline will continue to charge for spirits in economy. Passengers will also have the option to purchase additional snacks in flight.

This move does, if we’re not mistaken, put United Airlines broadly on a par with Delta and American Airlines. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic continue to offer a full bar service free of charge in economy.

Whilst in the grand scheme of things, this is a very modest change and, in truth, only a reversal of a previous cut, it’s perhaps less likely other airlines will start charging for alcoholic drinks in economy.

United Airlines flies from London Heathrow Terminal 2 to New York Newark, Chicago, Washington Dulles, Houston, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

BA’s inaugural A380 flight to Washington & new lounge

London Air Travel » Washington

British Airways lounge at Washington Dulles International Airport (Image Credit: British Airways)

British Airways completed its inaugural Airbus A380 flight from London Heathrow to Washington today, 2 October 2014, as flight BA217 arrived in Washington Dulles airport early this afternoon.

The launch of A380 services also coincides with the opening of a new “Galleries” lounge for business and first class passengers in Washington.

The lounge features a private dining area for First Class customers, pre-flight dining for Club World passengers, a bar with views of the airfield and shower suites.

Washington is the 2nd US city to be served by BA’s A380. San Francisco will be the next US city. BA also flies the A380 to Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Johannesburg. The A380 will also fly to Singapore from the end of October 2014.

The inaugural British Airways' A380 arrives at Washington Dulles International Airport, Virginia, USA on 2 October 2014 (Image Credit: British Airways) — The inaugural British Airways’ A380 arrives at Washington Dulles International Airport, Virginia, USA on 2 October 2014 (Image Credit: British Airways)

Seating at British Airways lounge at Washington Dulles International Airport (Image Credit: British Airways)

Pre-flight dining at British Airways lounge at Washington Dulles International Airport (Image Credit: British Airways)

Pre-flight dining at British Airways lounge at Washington Dulles (Image Credit: British Airways)

BA News: Washington Lounge, Special Meals, T3 Bussing

London Air Travel » Washington

A British Airways Airbus A380 aircraft takes off at London Heathrow airport. — British Airways Airbus A380 at take off, London Heathrow (Image Credit: Heathrow)

A quick wrap up of some recent BA related developments:

1. London Heathrow Terminal 3 Bussing

After some six and a half years, the use of bus gates for passengers travelling on short-haul flights from Terminal 3 should have now largely come to an end. All short-haul flights should ordinarily be boarded from a gate with a jetty attached.

2. New BA lounge at Washington Dulles

BA is due to open a new lounge at Washington Dulles airport on Friday 26 September. The refurbished facility extends to 10,000 square feet. Passengers travelling in first flass will have access to a waiter service diner area and private bar. All eligible passengers will also be able to enjoy a deli style dining area, a deli bar, rain showers, a business suite. BA also promises power points at almost every seat in the lounge. The new lounge launches in advance of A380 operations at the airport starting on 2 October 2014.

3. Special Meals

BA has withdrawn four special meals with effect from 1 October 2014. These are fruit platter, bland meal, jain meal and seafood meal. Any existing bookings will be honoured.

Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner: Initial seat plans published

London Air Travel » Washington

Virgin Atlantic is readying for the launch of its inaugural Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight from London Heathrow to Boston on 28 October 2014.

Embed from Getty Images

Sir Richard Branson pictured in a mock-up of the Boeing 787, some seven years ago.

The airline has published a microsite detailing its plans.

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