Is this news for real, or is it just another of Ryanair's PR stunts?

Talking about new proposals for the low-cost airline, Ryanair's chief executive, Michael O'Leary, said: "We've been looking at... taking out the last 10 rows of seats so we will have 15 rows of seats and the equivalent of 10 rows of standing area."

According to a Ryanair spokesman Boeing has been consulted over fitting out Ryanair's fleet with "vertical seats" that allow passengers to buckle up whilst standing up. The standing-room only seats would cost between £4 and £8 per person.

The Daily Telegraph reports that the Civil Aviation Authority says the plans would struggle to meet safety requirements. A spokesperson said: "It's aviation law that people have to have a seat-belt on from take-off and landing so they would have to be in a seat. I don't know how Mr O'Leary would get around that one. During turbulence passengers also have to have a seat-belt on."

Again, O'Leary stated that Ryanair intends to introduce coin-operated loos, or "toilet tax" as the move it is being dubbed.

Kingfisher Airlines, India's only Five Star airline rated by Skytrax, has launched new daily non-stop flights between Mumbai and Singapore and Mumbai and Hong Kong. The flights on both these routes are operated using the new Airbus A330-200s configured with two classes - Kingfisher First and Kingfisher Class.

Kingfisher First passengers can enjoy a bar staffed with a bartender and a break-out seating area; an in-seat massager on every seat; mood lighting with starry sky; and in-seat chargers.

Kingfisher Airlines flight IT 071 takes off from Mumbai at 10:55pm and arrives in Hong Kong at 8:05am. The return flight IT 072 takes off from Hong Kong at 2:05pm and arrives in Mumbai at 5:50 pm.

Kingfisher Airlines flight IT 029 takes off from Mumbai at 11:05pm and arrives at Singapore at 7:05am. The return flight IT 030 takes off from Singapore at 10:15am and arrives in Mumbai at 1:05pm.

(Relaxnews)

A new mobile service called ArrivedOK is being launched for airplane travelers that will automatically inform family and friends of safe touch-down without the need to text and without the cost of international roaming fees.

The service works like this: you enter details indicating the airport of destination, the hour of arrival and the telephone number or email address on Arrivedok.mobi of the people you want to inform of your arrival, and the service sends them a pre-composed message or "Arrived ok" once you turn on your phone again upon landing.

Using a system that tracks the user's cell phone in the mobile network of the destination, the message alert is able to confirm when you arrive exactly, or to avoid sending a message if, for example, a flight has been rerouted or cancelled.

ArrivedOK works via SMS, Twitter, email or blog, and will eventually cost €0.50 per message, according to the company site.

Started up by US-based IT travel communications company, Eyeline Communications, the service is being tested in beta version until May 31, 2009 across Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Russia, South Africa and Spain.

For more information, please see arrivedok.mobi/beta

There's no better time to travel to Shanghai. Continental is promoting its new daily non-stop flights between New York and Shanghai with fares from all over the States from as little as USD 315 each way

From 25 March to 31 May you can head to the "pearl of the orient" on these low one-way fares (a round-trip purchase is required):

• Boston, MA (BOS): $315
• Cleveland, OH (CLE): $315
• Houston, TX (IAH - Intercontinental): $315
• Miami, FL (MIA): $315
• New Orleans, LA (MSY): $315
• New York/Newark, NJ (EWR - Liberty): $315
• Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL (TPA): $315
• Washington, DC (DCA - National): $315
• Indianapolis, IN (IND): $390

Read what iloho users have to say about the airline here or add your own review of a flight on Continental here.

Check out travel information about Shanghai here.

Photo Credit: The Bund in Shanghai at night by eugene via Flickr (Creative Commons).

(Relaxnews)

A US-based aircraft company has officially launched a two-seat vehicle that can transform from a plane into a small car in less than 30 seconds, according to a press release published Wednesday, March 18.

Terrafugia - Latin for 'escape from ground' - announced the successful flight and landing of its model plane/car at Plattsburgh International Airport in Plattsburgh, NY, on Wednesday, March 18, after the vehicle had already passed six months of road tests.

The 'Transition,' as the vehicle's been baptized, can fold up from a 27' 6" (8.17m) wingspan to a 80" (approximately 2m) wide car, small enough to be driven on any road, at the press of a button from within the cockpit.

It has a flying range of 450 miles (724 km) at more than 115 mph (185 kmh), drive "highway speeds"- that is, 65mph to 70 mph (105kmh to 112kmh) - on the road, and is small enough to fit into a standard household garage.

It also comes with cargo space to fit a pair of golf clubs and a 'full-vehicle parachute,' according to the company press release.

Both the car and plane modes are powered by unleaded gasoline available at most any gas-station.

The vehicle is classed as a Light Sport Aircraft, so a Sport Pilot license will be required to fly it.

The concept has still to undergo some more advanced flights and drive testing before a pre-production prototype is finally built and certified.

At present, the company is accepting $10,000 refundable pre-orders. The anticipated price for the production model is $194,000.

For more information, please see www.terrafugia.com

Malaysian low-cost carrier, AirAsia, is offering ten people the chance to become a pilot, and no experience is required.

Wannabe aviators must prove themselves via the AirAsia blog from 1 April 2009 to 15 May 2009. Tell the airline why you deserve this opportunity and you could win the chance to fulfil your fantasies of flying.

AirAsia has put together a spoof video to inspire candidates, which can be viewed here:

Applicants must meet the requirements of basic entry as per the Department of Civil Aviation and AirAsia standards for pilot acceptance. These, along with specific entry details, can be viewed online here.

Good luck and happy flying!

Ryanair's controversial scheme to up ancillary revenues in order to reduce ticket costs sees the no-frills airline charging each passenger a jaw-dropping £20 to check-in at the airport and £5 for passengers with luggage to check-in online.

The carrier plans to phase out all airport check-in desks from October, forcing all customers to check-in online. Passengers will have to print their boarding passes at home and then leave any check-in luggage at one of the airport "drop desks". Passengers with hand luggage only will not be charged to check-in and can go straight through security at the airport.

Anyone who does not check-in online or who buys a ticket at the airport faces a hefty last-minute charge.

This move means that a family of four with luggage will have to cough up £160 for a return journey on the "low-cost" airline.

A Ryanair spokesperson said: "This move will allow all passengers, including those travelling with checked baggage, to check-in online, thereby avoiding time-wasting queues and delays at airport check-in desks."

For more information about Ryanair click here.

Photo Credit: RyanAir EI-EBD by Drewski2112 via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways, which has just been voted "Airline of the Year" at the British Travel Awards, is planning an upgrade to its first class seating.

According to the Business Traveller website, changes will include a new suite-style product, improved business class seats, and a focus on service in economy.

These upgrades aim to position Etihad Airways as a premium luxury brand. Etihad's executive vice-president of marketing Peter Baumgartner said that the new first class seats would offer "privacy on demand" with a "single seat cabin" as well as the option of a double cabin suite.

For traveller reviews of Etihad Airways, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.

9,950 frequent fliers and travel professionals took part in this year's Zagat Airline Survey, rating 85 major world airlines. There was a 30-Point scale in place and here's who came out on top.

To submit your own airline review click here and share your thoughts:

• Best Large US Domestic Airline (Premium Seating): Continental Airlines

• Best Large US Domestic Airline (Economy Seating): JetBlue Airways

• Best International Airline(Premium Seating): Singapore Airlines

• Best Airline Website: Southwest Airlines

• Best In-Flight Entertainment(US Domestic) JetBlue Airways

• Best In-Flight Entertainment(International): Virgin Atlantic Airways

• Best Consumer On-Time Estimate (US Domestic Only): Southwest Airlines

• Best Midsized US Domestic Airline (Premium Seating): Virgin America

• Best Midsized US Domestic Airline (Economy Seating): Midwest Airlines

• Best International Airline (Economy Seating): Singapore Airlines

• Best Frequent Flier Program: Southwest Airlines

• Best Value for Money(Domestic): Southwest Airlines

• Best Value for Money(International): Continental Airlines

• Best Luggage Policy (Domestic Only): Southwest Airlines

Get 40% off an annual Zagat subscription with this code: AFF40OCT

Photo: Singapore Airlines SQ1 Cabin Crew by Premshree Pillai via Flickr (Creative Commons).

If you're travelling over San Francisco with Virgin America on 22 November you could be in for a celebration. The California-based airline is teaming up with YouTube on Sunday for the beta launch of its Gogo in-flight WiFi service.

Virgin America plans to stream a live video feed from the plane to an audience at the first YouTube Live event to show off the service. Guest will then be taken to the inaugural event at at Fort Mason Center's Herbst Pavilion in San Francisco.

The Gogo service will launch on a single Virgin America plane on 24 November and will be available to all passengers. The carrier plans to extent its WiFi offering to its entire fleet by Q2 2009.

For more information about Virgin America click here. To search for flights to and from San Francisco visit iloho's visual flight search function.

Photo: Virgin America Winglet by Kaptain Krispy Kreme via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Great news for travel lovers in the UK and Asia suffering from the credit crunch; Air Asia X, the Malaysian long-haul low-cost carrier, has confirmed that it plans to start flights between the UK and it's Kuala Lumpur hub in early 2009.

According to ABTN, Tim Claydon, the airline's commercial adviser, made the statement at the World Travel Market in London and said an official announcement will be made in the coming weeks.

He added: "We have said we will be coming into the UK by early 2009."

The carrier is expected to fly to either Manchester or Stansted.

Air Asia flies from Kuala Lumpur across Asia, to destinations including Bangkok, Langkawi, Siem Reap, Hong Kong and Hanoi. The carrier also flies from KL to Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth in Australia.

To search for flights between the UK and Kuala Lumpur click here.

Photo by Christophe RAMOS via Flickr (Creative Commons).

If you're flying in the States over the holiday period go low-cost. America's budget carriers topped the rankings of U.S. airlines for being on-time and handling luggage. Bigger airlines such as American Airlines brought up the rear, according to a new study on airline quality.

Hawaiian Airlines was rated best (with 92%) in Wichita State University's report at being on-time for the January - June period. AirTran Airways triumphed at handling baggage, and Southwest Airlines had the fewest customer complaints, at one for every 300,000 customers.

American Airlines was the worst in on-time performance, at just 63%. United Airlines had the highest rate of customer complaints, seven times more than Southwest).

American Eagle was the worst baggage handler, mishandling luggage more than three times as often as AirTran.

Click here to read more report findings. For more information on airline ratings and to write your own flight review click here.

Photo: Hawaiian Airlines Kioea Boeing 767-3G5 by Cubbie_n_Vegas via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Christmas has come early for Virgin Atlantic Upper Class passengers flying over the festive period. Until 10pm (GMT) on 25 November the carrier is offering up to 70% off its usual fares.

Return fares include:

• London - JFK: £1,204
• London - LA / San Francisco: £1,704
• London - Barbados: £1,383
• London - Delhi / Mumbai: £1,400
• London - Hong Kong: £2,003
• London - Cape Town / Johannesburg: £2,117

Sale prices do not include a chauffeur driven car to the airport.

Departure dates for most sale flights stretch to 31 December which means intrepid New Year revellers can cash in.

Cape Town flights can be taken as late as 28 March 2009 - perfect for an Easter getaway.

For more information visit: Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Sale.

Photo by J L Sanchez via Flickr (Creative Commons).

After months of speculation, the new budget airline backed by Emirates has been given a name: FlyDubai.

The new low cost carrier's first flight is due to take off in mid-2009. The airline will focus on regional flights within the Gulf region and other surrounding countries.

According to a report by Business Traveller, the airline is being assisted by Emirates during its set-up period, but once launched, its operations will be "entirely separate from Emirates Airline and Group".

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman of the new low cost airline, said: "FlyDubai is a simple, yet powerful, call to action. It makes an immediate link to our core business, which is providing no-frills flights to bring people to and from Dubai. The name also carries a strong association with the city of Dubai, itself a brand synonymous with excellence, reliability and an international, pro-business approach."

The brand identity and livery for FlyDubai will be unveiled in the coming months.

Keen to join the Mile High club, but lack the cash for one of Singapore Airline's double bed suites? One blogger at Melbourne's The Age has come up with four ways to get your wings.

Here's a summary of the suggestions:

The Richard Branson Method

Splash the cash on private jets and charter flights.

The Commercial Couple

Grab your partner, wait for the lights to dim and head to the back of the plane.

The One-Flight Stand

You win the check-in lottery and sit next to a hottie with the hots for you.

Going First Class

The way to go if you do have cash to splash. Private cabins.

no mile high club by spcoon via Flickr (Creative Commons)

We're very excited to announce the launch of our new flight search and comparison function today.

If you've ever wanted to know who has the flattest beds in business, longed for an in-flight massage or wondered whether a first class goody bag is worth the premiere price tag it's time to put your mind at rest.

We aim to offer the best possible information about what airlines are really offering and to provide you with up-to-date data and users' insights to help you make the best travel decisions possible.

You can check out airlines' in-flight services, what food and drink they offer, luggage allowances, frequent flier services and check-in options. You can also see how other travellers rate carriers' customer service, comfort, food and drink, in-flight entertainment, cabin atmosphere and value for money. All the information is class specific.

Have a look in the "recent reviews" section here to see what people are saying about some of the flights they've taken.

You can search for direct and non-direct flights in any class of travel. Once your search results appear you just tick the boxes next to the flights you're interested in to see how they match up side-by-side.

If you've taken flights that you'd like to rant, rave or ramble about, please visit http://www.iloho.com/flight-search and share your experiences.

If you have any questions or comments please email us at info@iloho.com; we'd love to hear what you think of these new improvements!

Oasis Hong Kong Airline's CEO, Stephen Miller, told a press conference this afternoon that Oasis has suspended its flights and that liquidators will seek new investors.

Miller said: "It is with great regret that Oasis Hong Kong Airlines has today voluntarily applied to the Hong Kong courts to appoint a liquidator."

The airline shut down today, 18 months after its launch in 2006. It is the fourth airline in two weeks to cease operations.

It is not yet clear how many passengers will be affected. All flights on Oasis departing from Hong Kong have been cancelled. Passengers holding tickets are advised to contact a hotline.

The fate of the airline's 700 employees has not been confirmed.

Budget carrier, Oasis Hong Kong Airlines, is said to be ceasing operations from today. According to reports, the airline has suffered heavy losses since it began flights in October 2006.

"We have no comment for the time being," Oasis CEO Stephen Miller told Reuters.

The Hong Kong Economic Times today quotes unidentified sources saying that the airline has accumulated losses of about HK$1 billion (US$128 million) during two years of operation as it struggled to grab a slice of the market.

There's nothing like cabin crew in a tizz, and a raunchy soap has got Thai flight attendants worked up into a real lather.

"The Air Hostess War", which broadcast its first three episodes last week, centres around the lives of a group of air stewardesses, one of whom has an affair with a married pilot. The show's romantic intrigues lead to catfights amongst the cabin crew and steamy sex scenes during stopovers.

Thailand's flight attendants are in uproar. They think "The Air Hostess War" portrays them as being too sexy, and that it is insulting and damaging. "It's all about sex and air hostesses beating each other up in the cabin because of love and jealousy. This kind of thing never happens," said Noppadol Thaungthong, a Thai Airways flight attendant.

I can hear men all over the globe sighing in despair.

The trade union representing air crew is asking the culture ministry and the TV station that broadcasts the show to take it off the air. Apparently it might put young people off becoming flight attendants. "Footballers Wives" didn't deter British girls from WAG-dom, why should this be any different? There's a whole essay on cultural differences in that last statement.