Brits 'more likely to book holidays online'
British consumers are becoming increasingly likely to book flights and other holiday products online, according to research.
IMRG and eDigitalResearch carried out a survey which found that nearly half (48 per cent) of people are more likely to visit websites and internet resources this year in an attempt to find cheaper deals.
Cheap flights looks set to prove more popular than ever, with one in four respondents saying they are hoping to cut their holiday spending by as much as 50 per cent in 2010.
David Smith, director of operations at IMRG, said: "This marks a shift in consumer purchasing behaviour as more people are swayed by better holiday deals online and are less likely to plan so far in advance."
He added: "With another tough year ahead for travel, it is important that companies capture the growing online bookings market with better deals and a better user experience."
Airlines such as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have already launched sales this year to attract consumers making future travel plans.
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British Airways announces partnership with Comic Relief
Travellers catching flights with British Airways this year will be able to do their bit for a good cause as a result of the airline's partnership with Comic Relief.
The carrier revealed that Comic Relief is its new global charity partner and said that the association will strengthen its 'long tradition' of providing help for disadvantaged communities and people around the world.
Customers travelling on British Airways flights will be able to offer their own support to the charity's work by making onboard donations.
Willie Walsh, chief executive of the airline, said: "I'm proud to announce our new partnership with Comic Relief, which will expand and develop British Airways' role in helping some of the world's most vulnerable people.
"Comic Relief is a charity which I believe will inspire all our people on the ground and in the air."
Last year, customer donations and other sources of financial support allowed British Airways to give over £5 million to charitable causes.
The airline operates flights to Dubai, New York, Rome and several other destinations around the world.
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Self-service check-in made easier for bmi flights
Travellers catching flights with bmi this year will find it easier to check-in online, at an airport kiosk or via their mobile phone following a revamp of the airline's technology.
The carrier teamed up with technology giant IBM to improve its self-service check-in system, making it more user-friendly and convenient.
Passengers catching flights from bmi's main bases in the UK - including Heathrow, Manchester and Glasgow - will benefit from the new system.
They will be able to print out boarding passes, change seats and check in for onward flights at kiosks and on the web.
Peter Federico, bmi's IT director, said: "We are pleased to be partnering with a company which has demonstrated its capability in this field over a number of years.
"IBM's solution has a well-proven track record, being run by many airlines in Europe and around the world. It gives us a unified check-in platform for self-service kiosks, web and mobile devices."
Bmi offers flights to Brussels, New York, Dublin and several other destinations from its bases in the UK.
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Experience a new thrill on Las Vegas city breaks
City breaks in Las Vegas will offer a memorable experience this year for people who have a passion for thrill rides.
Skyjump Las Vegas is set to open at the Stratosphere hotel and casino in April.
Those who are brave enough to take part will be sent plummeting through the air at speeds of up to 40 miles of hour in a "controlled freefall".
The new attraction will be one of four thrill rides that people on Las Vegas city breaks can try on the Stratosphere roof, along with Big Shot, X-Scream and Insanity.
Visitors might also be interested in trying out the new Quesadilla Mexican restaurant at Imperial Palace this year, or heading to the Casablanca Event Centre at Eastside Cannery hotel and casino.
May could be a popular month for Las Vegas city breaks this year, with the Vegas Uncork'd culinary festival set to take place at various venues between May 6th and 9th.
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Discover Turner on Paris city breaks
People taking city breaks in Paris this year will have the opportunity to learn more about JMW Turner, one of Britain's most celebrated painters.
A touring exhibition first held at Tate Britain in London will come to the French capital's Grand Palais from February 24th to May 24th.
The display will place some of Turner's most famous works alongside pieces by classical masters that inspired and motivated him, such as Canaletto, Rubens, Rembrandt and Titian.
Art enthusiasts will be able to visit the Grand Palais during city breaks in Paris to learn about the British painter's drive to show that he was equal to, if not better than some of his acclaimed predecessors.
The exhibition will also offer an insight into other Romantic artists, such as John Constable, and the rivalry they had with Turner.
Travellers planning city breaks next month will also be able to see the Art Paris show at the Grand Palais, which will run from March 18th to 22nd.
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Boeing unveils partial Dreamliner interior
Boeing has offered a glimpse of some of the onboard amenities that will be available to passengers on its 787 Dreamliner.
The carrier unveiled the new plane's interior components for the first time on the third test-flight aircraft, which will be undergoing trials later in the month.
Passengers taking flights on the Dreamliner will be welcomed onto the plane through sweeping arches and will be able to enjoy "dynamic" lighting in the cabin.
There will also be a number of features to enhance comfort and convenience for passengers, including larger lavatories, more spacious luggage bins and electronic window shades with adjustable transparency.
Tom Galantowicz, Boeing's director of 787 interiors, said the third test-flight aircraft had been specially configured to assess its passenger experience aspects.
He added: "Our team is making great progress and is looking forward to getting this airplane in the air later this month."
The Dreamliner has been ordered by several carriers that offer flights out of the UK, including Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines and British Airways.
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Study highlights best airports for public transport users
Travellers who prefer to use public transport to reach the airport have been informed of the best bases in the UK for rail, bus and coach links.
Campaign group Railfuture carried out research on transport connections across the country and found substantial variations between different airports.
People catching flights from Gatwick, Stansted, Birmingham and Manchester will benefit from good links, with these airports all identified as examples of best practice.
Southampton was also included in the list, with Railfuture revealing that the south-coast hub received a better rating than London Heathrow.
While some airports provide good public transport connections for people catching flights, Railfuture said there is room for improvement.
Trevor Garrod, a spokesman for the group, said: "In some cases, simple actions such as reorganising bus routes so that buses call at the airport and the railway station could bring huge improvements.
"No one seems to have taken responsibility for this on a national level. There's a piecemeal approach, and some joined-up thinking is really needed."
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See some stunning photography on city breaks in New York
City breaks in New York could prove popular among photography enthusiasts over the coming months, with a new exhibition set to be launched soon.
In the Shadow of Everest, a collection of images captured by Tom Wool, will be on display at the Rubin Museum of Art from February 26th to July 26th.
The exhibition brings together several photographs the artist took during a four-week stay in Tibet's Rongbuk valley, which is located on the north side of Mount Everest.
People taking city breaks in New York this year can visit the show to see a fascinating representation of the valley's inhabitants, who believe that the area has a religious and spiritual significance.
The Rubin Museum of Art will also launch an exhibition this year focusing on representations of death and the afterlife in Christianity and Buddhism.
Travellers planning city breaks in New York will be able to see the display from March 19th to August 16th.
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Most Britons 'planning a foreign break in 2010'
The majority (58 per cent) of British people are hoping to treat themselves to a city break or another trip abroad this year, according to a new survey.
First Rate Exchange Services commissioned a poll which found that more than two thirds (68 per cent) of Londoners are intending to travel overseas at least once in 2010.
The research also highlighted a growing appetite for city breaks and other forms of travel among the younger demographic, with 64 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds planning a foreign holiday this year.
Gordon Gourlay, managing director of First Rate, said: "It is of course good news for the travel industry that the majority of people intend to take at least one international break this year.
"It appears, however, that in the early part of 2010 there may be greater demand for holidays which appeal to younger age groups, as many families are set to forgo their traditional break or intend to leave it until later in the year to decide whether finances will stretch to a holiday abroad."
Travellers might be interested in taking city breaks in Barcelona this year to visit attractions such as the Sagrada Familia and the Museu Picasso.
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Check out some modern art on Rome city breaks
City breaks in Rome could prove popular among people who have an interest in modern art this year.
The Italian capital's Palazzo delle Esposizioni will present an exhibition celebrating the work of Giorgio de Chirico, which will run from April 9th to July 11th.
People enjoying city breaks in Rome will be able to visit the show to learn more about the artist's work, particularly in relation to themes of nature.
De Chirico was an important figure in the emergence of Surrealism in the 20th century, co-founding the 'scuola metafisica', or 'metaphysical art' movement with Carlo Carra.
The exhibition at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni will bring together around 120 works by the artist, which will be separated into seven sections exploring different themes.
Travellers planning Rome city breaks will be able to visit several displays at the venue this year, including a showcase of photography by Mimmo Jodice, which will also open on April 9th.
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Body scanners fully introduced at Heathrow, Manchester
The British government has passed legislation meaning that full-body scanners are now operational at UK airports.
Imaging technology has been put into practice at London Heathrow and Manchester.
It is mandatory for passengers who are selected for a scan to take part, or they will be denied travel.
The introduction of full-body scanners is designed to boost the security of flights out of the UK following the attempt to set off an explosion on a Delta Airlines plane over Detroit on Christmas Day.
Manchester airport, which has been trialling the technology since October last year, reassured passengers that the scans will not invade their privacy and will make it safer to travel.
Customer experience manager Sarah Barrett said: "We understand that compulsory body scanning is a big change for customers who are selected under the new rules. We know privacy concerns have been on our customers' minds, which is why we have put strict procedures [in place] to reassure them that their privacy will be protected."
She added: "It will enhance security for everyone, which can only be a good thing, without compromising people's privacy."
People catching flights from Birmingham airport will see the scanners come into operation before the end of the month.
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Emirates offering more flights to Kuala Lumpur
Emirates has increased the frequency of its flights to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
Travellers planning to head to the Far East can now connect to 21 weekly, non-stop flights to Kuala Lumpur from Dubai following the launch of an extra daily service.
The airline said that the additional connections reflect its "deep commitment" to the Malaysian market.
Emirates first launched flights to Kuala Lumpur via Dhaka, Bangladesh in October 1996 and introduced a non-stop connection ten years later.
Richard Jewsbury, the carrier's senior vice-president of commercial operations in the Far East and Australasia, said: "Emirates has always been committed to Malaysia. This increase in flight frequency follows strong and increasing demand for flights not just from business travellers, but leisure travellers as well.
"We are now offering further access to numerous Emirates destinations around the world."
Travellers can catch flights to Dubai from London Heathrow on Emirates' Airbus A380, which boasts an award-winning inflight entertainment system, among other features.
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