5 Questions of Paramount Importance

When booking your flight there are five questions you should have in the back of your mind to ensure the best possible flying experience. Read on for more nuggets of Above the Clouds info. 

1.What time does the flight depart?

Beware of lights that leave at night. They are often cheaper but often go very early in the morning. If you have a long drive ahead of you to get to the airport, it may be beneficial to book nearby accommodation so that you are well rested before your departure.

2.When does the flight arrive?

A simple question that can have a huge bearing on your well-being on arrival. Flights that get you to your destination whilst it's still bright outside can help to keep your body-clock in sync with your new destination.

3.How much luggage can I check in?

Most airlines operate within a 20kg allowance for baggage. If you go over this limit you will often incur an additional charge.

4.How much hand luggage can I carry on-board?

You will find that some airlines restrict you on the size and weight of baggage that can be carried on board and you may be penalised for baggage that does not meet the specifications. Always stick to the 'one bag rule'.

5.Do I need to reconfirm my flight on the way back?

Many flights ask you to reconfirm on the return leg of your flight. This is a vital aspect of your flight that youshould know beforehand.

Singapore - THE best airport in the world

According to a Priority Pass poll, Singapore Changi is the best airport in the world. Respondents to the poll were frequent flyers, averaging 17 flights per year lending gravitas to the findings.

At the other end of the scale, London's Heathrow airport scored the worst. This possibly reflects the recent T5 lost luggage debacle and a general perception of mayhem within the vast halls and terminals of the airport.

There is no doubt that Heathrow is slowly re-building its reputation though with 1 billion pounds a year being spent on the airport and its facilities in an attempt to change traveller's views of the airport. Flight punctuality is also up on previous years, with the average delay time being just ten minutes at present.

The win for Singapore Changi continues it's growing reputation as an established award winner. Changi already has already amassed 27 best awards since 2009 alone and this reflects on the airport's fervent dedication towards achieving gold standard customer service in all areas.

First Bio-Fuel Jet Manages Atlantic Flight

In a huge step for aviation, a business jet has flown from New Jersey to Paris on 'Green' fuel, becoming the first flight to complete a bio-fuel transatlantic crossing.

The flight marks another leap towards a greener aviation sector and will surely pave the way towards more green flight innovations.

The flight was operated by Honeywell international in a Gulfstream G450 and left Morristown NJ at 9m, landing in Paris seven hours later. In a move to signify the gravitas of the flight, the pilot closely followed the route of Charles Lindbergh's pioneering first flight across the Atlantic.

The fuel used in the journey is derived from camelina - an Oilseed crop that has the ability to grow on any poor quality land. To place the green credentials of the fuel into perspective, its use saved 5.5 metric tonnes of Co2 emissions when compared to a flight using petroleum.

The flight follows the continued trend in the aviation market for greener fuels, with the likes of Airbus recently showcasing their own green alternatives.