Bali, bankruptcy and bulky flyers
Silence would be golden, says Bali
By reissuing its latest travel advice on Bali, drawing attention to Nyepi Day (the local new year on March 16), the Australian government’s Department of Foreign Affairs seems to be blissfully ignorant that Nyepi is a day when nothing moves on Bali. Nothing at all, except perhaps the palm trees.
The airport is closed, shops and bars are shut, and visitors are urged to respect the tradition by remaining within their hotel grounds.
Hardly, then, a day when a terrorist might choose to launch an attack.
And there’s more to this. By updating travel warnings/advice seemingly without any evidence of new threats, there is a risk that potential visitors will feel the Australian government is crying wolf, ignore their advice, and take the next cheap flight to Bali.
JAL: Bowing to realities
The move by Japan Airlines to enter bankruptcy illustrates the extent by which heritage-listed national airlines are struggling to compete in the new aviation environment.
JAL was founded in 1951 and once symbolised the country’s growing power.
Today it is swimming against the rip tide of Japan’s economic struggles, the GFC, unprofitable routes, huge pension liabilities and the growing impact of low cost airlines.
"JAL lacked strong governance and was unable to keep up with changing times," said Akitoshi Nakamura, executive director of Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corp of Japan, the body helping to massage JAL back to life.
This week Haruka Nishimatsu, JAL president, bowed deeply as he resigned and apologised for the ignominious situation at the company.
"This is our last chance," he said. "I believe we can be reborn as an airline that can represent Japan again."
We all hope so.
How about a refund for average-size flyers?
AirFrance-KLM was quick to deny news reports this week that it intended to start charging obese passengers for an extra seat. Instead, super-heavyweights who voluntarily booked a second seat would not be charged twice if the plane was not full, the carrier said.
Perhaps Air France/KLM – and other airlines for that matter – should go further by offering a 25 percent discount to regular-size passengers who find themselves – on full flights – seated next to Incredible Hulks spilling over onto two seats.
Fat chance.
A warming tale
Oddest story of the week was the news that Holiday Inns in the UK are employing human bed warmers to help guests get a good night’s sleep.
The walking electric blankets are dressed in special all-in-one sleeper suits and are sent to warm the beds of guests staying at the Holiday Inn before they get under the covers.
TravelMole knows it’s been cold in the UK of late, but we’d prefer to bring our own bed warmers.
Ian Jarrett
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