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British Expats (https://britishexpats.com/forum/)
-   The Barbie (https://britishexpats.com/forum/barbie-92/)
-   -   UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days (https://britishexpats.com/forum/barbie-92/uk-flights-airports-shutdown-up-3-days-664113/)

emigratingherberts Apr 20th 2010 6:36 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Earliest flight which can be booked from Sydney to London is 11th May :eek: (with Qantas)

Alfresco Apr 20th 2010 8:24 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
3 Attachment(s)
Originally Posted by paulry (Post 8508626)
:blink: What an odyssey! But at least you're nearly home :thumbup:. Where will your ferry be docking in the UK?

The only European destination outside of the cloud that MAS flies to is Rome so we're sitting tight in KL for now. Yesterday in KL city there seemed to be Europeans wandering around everywhere I looked. We're provisionally booked to fly to London on Friday :fingerscrossed:.
Heading for Portsmouth. 24 hour trip. Then need to catch train back to home.

Here are some pics of the Navy shipped docked here in Santander taking soldiers and civilians home.

Good luck with your flight on Friday. :fingerscrossed:

CEM Apr 20th 2010 8:40 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by DeadVim (Post 8508740)
They popped down to the Falklands to help a few people out so you never know. Is that Thatcher STILL alive?! :blink:


Well I think it's still breathing. Is that the same thing??

paulry Apr 20th 2010 9:41 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by Alfresco (Post 8509243)
Heading for Portsmouth. 24 hour trip. Then need to catch train back to home.

Here are some pics of the Navy shipped docked here in Santander taking soldiers and civilians home.

Good luck with your flight on Friday. :fingerscrossed:
Have a good trip home :thumbup:, hope it all goes well for you from here:fingerscrossed:.

Wilgar Apr 20th 2010 10:18 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by DeadVim (Post 8508740)
They popped down to the Falklands to help a few people out so you never know. Is that Thatcher STILL alive?! :blink:
Oh I think I know you of old.New name?
Don` be cheeky about Lady Thatcher who I may add is still very much alive.


CEM, you are so naughty!
Yes Arch has chewed many things including the fence built to keep him in!!!!!!!!!!!

Wilgar Apr 20th 2010 10:21 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Finally tracked down our friends visiting from UK.They flew out of SYD Thurs pm and have been in Bangkok ever since.Holed up in a hotel with 700 other stranded bods.Currently, BA are paying for hotel & food.
They are desperate to get home to their children tho`.

CEM Apr 20th 2010 10:48 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by Wilgar (Post 8509399)
Oh I think I know you of old.New name?
Don` be cheeky about Lady Thatcher who I may add is still very much alive.


CEM, you are so naughty!
Yes Arch has chewed many things including the fence built to keep him in!!!!!!!!!!!
Clever dog!

Hope your friends get home soon - looks like we're going to be on tv in the uk today, talking about our 'ordeal'. How am I going to make it sound bad??!!

DeadVim Apr 20th 2010 11:41 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by CEM (Post 8509271)
Well I think it's still breathing. Is that the same thing??
It lives ... some kind of voodoo ...

Originally Posted by Wilgar (Post 8509399)
Oh I think I know you of old.New name?
Don` be cheeky about Lady Thatcher who I may add is still very much alive.
<snip>
Your name rings a bell. we may have met in a past life ;)

JackTheLad Apr 20th 2010 11:45 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by Wilgar (Post 8509402)
Finally tracked down our friends visiting from UK.They flew out of SYD Thurs pm and have been in Bangkok ever since.Holed up in a hotel with 700 other stranded bods.Currently, BA are paying for hotel & food.
They are desperate to get home to their children tho`.
Interesting question though. Knowing there are 1000's of UK doctors and surgeons stranded abroad, if you have a pre-booked flight to the UK, would you still take it and bump them off the flight, when flights resume?

paulry Apr 20th 2010 12:40 pm
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by Wilgar (Post 8509402)
Finally tracked down our friends visiting from UK.They flew out of SYD Thurs pm and have been in Bangkok ever since.Holed up in a hotel with 700 other stranded bods.Currently, BA are paying for hotel & food.
They are desperate to get home to their children tho`.
It's interesting that BA and Quantas appear to be paying for the stranded people. Malaysia Airlines is offering nothing. Fortunately we don't need help in KL as we are staying with relatives.

But edest son has important exams next week. Thinking of calling the British High Comm tomorrow to find out if there are any UK initiatives available to help get us back home in time.

Alfresco Apr 20th 2010 12:45 pm
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by Wilgar (Post 8509402)
Finally tracked down our friends visiting from UK.They flew out of SYD Thurs pm and have been in Bangkok ever since.Holed up in a hotel with 700 other stranded bods.Currently, BA are paying for hotel & food.
They are desperate to get home to their children tho`.
Iberia told us they won't pay for any costs. Our holiday insurance says we are not covered either for extra accomodation and travel costs.

So far it has cost us about £1000. :(

I'll also have to take unpaid leave as I won't have enough leave available to cover these 4 extra days before we move to Oz.

moneypenny20 Apr 20th 2010 12:52 pm
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by paulry (Post 8509637)
It's interesting that BA and Quantas appear to be paying for the stranded people. Malaysia Airlines is offering nothing. Fortunately we don't need help in KL as we are staying with relatives.

But edest son has important exams next week. Thinking of calling the British High Comm tomorrow to find out if there are any UK initiatives available to help get us back home in time.
Have you spoken to the school? I've been reading lots of articles where there appears to be some leeway with regards students and exams.

elice_in_oz Apr 20th 2010 12:57 pm
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by Alfresco (Post 8509650)
Iberia told us they won't pay for any costs.
This might have already been posted, but it's worth double checking to get some money back... Last time I looked Iberia was a European airline and Spain was in the EU ;)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8621779.stm
If a flight is cancelled, or delayed for more than five hours, in Europe, there are strict European rules in place, which mean that the airline is obliged to provide assistance at the airport. This includes supplying meals and refreshments, along with accommodation if an overnight stay is required.

Bermudashorts Apr 20th 2010 1:05 pm
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
We were quite happy to rebook because we need to make the validation trip at some point, but in case we could not find suitable flights I asked about refunds and Cathay Pacific were trying to get out of that! I had to quote EU Regulation something or other. We were not asking for any compensation, just a refund and they were trying to dodge it.

CEM Apr 20th 2010 1:07 pm
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by moneypenny20 (Post 8509666)
Have you spoken to the school? I've been reading lots of articles where there appears to be some leeway with regards students and exams.
This seems to be right. We've heard that some schools are rescheduling exams. There are so many kids in the same position. Our girls' school has set up another portal so they can give work, study material and support and the girls can then email the work back to school for marking.

Worrying time for the kids though.

Alfresco Apr 20th 2010 1:14 pm
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by elice_in_oz (Post 8509675)
This might have already been posted, but it's worth double checking to get some money back... Last time I looked Iberia was a European airline and Spain was in the EU ;)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8621779.stm

Thanks. We will defo look into this. We have kept all our receipts for train, hotel and ferry back to the uk.

paulry Apr 20th 2010 1:15 pm
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by moneypenny20 (Post 8509666)
Have you spoken to the school? I've been reading lots of articles where there appears to be some leeway with regards students and exams.
Not yet other than to thank them for passing on homework to the boys. The boys are of course devastated :lol:. I'll email the school to ask about it now.

paulry Apr 20th 2010 1:21 pm
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by Alfresco (Post 8509650)
Iberia told us they won't pay for any costs. Our holiday insurance says we are not covered either for extra accomodation and travel costs.

So far it has cost us about £1000. :(

I'll also have to take unpaid leave as I won't have enough leave available to cover these 4 extra days before we move to Oz.
That's also troubling me. Waiting for a decision from "The Group"

scottishcelts Apr 20th 2010 1:33 pm
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by paulry (Post 8509736)
That's also troubling me. Waiting for a decision from "The Group"
:frown:













































:wub:


Well???

elice_in_oz Apr 20th 2010 1:48 pm
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
This site could be useful...
http://www.seat61.com/index.html
How to travel by train or ship...

Maybe you don't like flying, or are concerned about air travel's contribution to global warming. Or perhaps you just prefer real travel by train or ship, where the journey is part of the adventure... Either way, The Man in Seat Sixty-One will tell you how to travel overland comfortably & affordably where you might think that air was now the only option.


...within the UK & Ireland

Train times & fares for train travel in Britain: UK page

How to travel from Britain to Ireland by train+ferry: Ireland page, Northern Ireland page.


...from the UK to Europe

How to travel by train from the UK to almost any country in Europe: Europe page.


...in Asia, Africa, America, Australasia

How to travel by train or ship from the UK to & within countries worldwide: Use the menu to the left, the site map or search the site.

pproehann Apr 20th 2010 8:06 pm
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by Alfresco (Post 8509718)
Thanks. We will defo look into this. We have kept all our receipts for train, hotel and ferry back to the uk.
It's all starting to sound like around the world in 80 days. A friend who left Aus a week ago now stuck in Dubai for the duration. Quantas was saying on news 6 hour flights will be starting to resume for some airlines it's the long haul 15 hrs that will take longer. So lots of small flights may be way for people to go.

paulry Apr 20th 2010 10:22 pm
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by scottishcelts (Post 8509761)
:frown:




:wub:


Well???
:confused:

"The Group" = my employer's parent company





:wub:

AlliF Apr 21st 2010 1:18 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by paulry (Post 8510630)
:confused:

"The Group" = my employer's parent company





:wub:
Bit like "The Mob" maybe?

Alfresco Apr 21st 2010 3:49 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by paulry (Post 8509736)
That's also troubling me. Waiting for a decision from "The Group"
I've texted my boss and he's cool I may not make it back this week. It's not like I'm indispensable or anything. :rofl:

Alfresco Apr 21st 2010 4:09 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
I see the first plane has arrived at Heathrow now.

DeadVim Apr 21st 2010 4:10 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by Alfresco (Post 8511011)
I see the first plane has arrived at Heathrow now.
I bet they still have to wait an age at the carousel.

Alfresco Apr 21st 2010 4:19 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by DeadVim (Post 8511012)
I bet they still have to wait an age at the carousel.
:rofl:

That's a given. It'll probably be the one right at the far end too!

moneypenny20 Apr 21st 2010 4:25 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by Alfresco (Post 8511020)
:rofl:

That's a given. It'll probably be the one right at the far end too!
Has anyone actually told the baggage handlers they are back at work?

koalakim Apr 21st 2010 4:45 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

Or the man who operates the airbridge! I once had to wait over half an hour at LHR from a very early landing first thing in the morning whilst they found someone to let us off the plane!

Oh the joys of Heathrow...........

Pollyana Apr 21st 2010 5:47 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by Alfresco (Post 8510977)
I've texted my boss and he's cool I may not make it back this week. It's not like I'm indispensable or anything. :rofl:
I think its quite funny - text from me to work - Dear Disaster Operations Unit, I can't come to work cos of a disaster! :lol:

paulry Apr 21st 2010 6:23 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by scotdownunder (Post 8510798)
Bit like "The Mob" maybe?
They do behave a bit like that. I'm guessing that the outcome will depend on how many of their own have been stranded :lol:

billymacker Apr 21st 2010 7:27 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by DeadVim (Post 8511012)
I bet they still have to wait an age at the carousel.
If its a BA flight they will be lucky to get thier bags.

paulry Apr 21st 2010 8:29 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
It was crazy at the KL Central Airport MAS booking hall this morning. It had an air of desparation akin to the Saigon evacuation with only one chopper remaining on the roof :D. Got it on video, will post it on youtube later on. Looks like the earliest we'll get away now will be the 27th! :blink: ...Thinking of heading off to one of the Malaysian islands for 3 or 4 days.

koalakim Apr 21st 2010 9:03 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Wow - 27th! You may as well see something of Malaysia whilst you are there! You can get some good deals over there for the islands, can recommend Langkawi if you've not been before.

At least it's probably cheaper being stuck in Malaysia rather than Oz as I still think there are quite a few Ringitt to the pound!

Enjoy and hope "The Group" don't hound you too much for your extended holiday!

DeadVim Apr 21st 2010 9:19 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by billymacker (Post 8511289)
If its a BA flight they will be lucky to get thier bags.
Ditto for Qantas ... I seen 2 sets of luggage delayed out of 4 ... they were visiting and didn't know better ... i.e. fly Singapore Air.

CEM Apr 21st 2010 9:29 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by paulry (Post 8511396)
It was crazy at the KL Central Airport MAS booking hall this morning. It had an air of desparation akin to the Saigon evacuation with only one chopper remaining on the roof :D. Got it on video, will post it on youtube later on. Looks like the earliest we'll get away now will be the 27th! :blink: ...Thinking of heading off to one of the Malaysian islands for 3 or 4 days.
That sounds like a very good idea. Might as well make the most of it! Have fun.

Wilgar Apr 21st 2010 10:14 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by moneypenny20 (Post 8511027)
Has anyone actually told the baggage handlers they are back at work?
Thought they were still striking!

Wilgar Apr 21st 2010 10:17 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
First flight put of SYD to Europe tomorrow, I believe I heard on the news.

flip Apr 21st 2010 5:25 pm
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
I phoned my airline in Manchester this morning and they moved my ticket for Sunday to tomorrow (I was originally supposed to fly home Monday just gone) Daren't tell the family just in case it all goes wrong again but it looks like I'll be home for my boy's birthday after all.

Qatar's staff in their Manchester office have been excellent, my travel agent in Melbourne was great and my insurance have said they'll pay reasonable expenses, even the car hire people only charged for the two days I'd had it because I got my flight back so karma be heaped on (from me anyway)

Qatar's Manchester office (though their Doha airport lounge is, as yet, underwhelming for non-business travellers though apparently they're building a new one)
travelinsurancedirect tid.com.au
joe at transair international (blackburn victoria) who got hardly any sleep trying to arrange people's return trips but never cut a call short (at his expense)
enterprise car hire

Hope I still love them all after I've returned home.

Good luck to everyone else in making it home safe and with some hair remaining!

C

CEM Apr 22nd 2010 1:12 am
Re: UK flights/Airports shutdown for up to 3 days
 
Originally Posted by flip (Post 8512325)
I phoned my airline in Manchester this morning and they moved my ticket for Sunday to tomorrow (I was originally supposed to fly home Monday just gone) Daren't tell the family just in case it all goes wrong again but it looks like I'll be home for my boy's birthday after all.

Qatar's staff in their Manchester office have been excellent, my travel agent in Melbourne was great and my insurance have said they'll pay reasonable expenses, even the car hire people only charged for the two days I'd had it because I got my flight back so karma be heaped on (from me anyway)

Qatar's Manchester office (though their Doha airport lounge is, as yet, underwhelming for non-business travellers though apparently they're building a new one)
travelinsurancedirect tid.com.au
joe at transair international (blackburn victoria) who got hardly any sleep trying to arrange people's return trips but never cut a call short (at his expense)
enterprise car hire

Hope I still love them all after I've returned home.

Good luck to everyone else in making it home safe and with some hair remaining!

C
Good luck! Hope it's all straightforward from now on and you get back in time.


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