Vital Considerations Involved in Online Booking of Flights

When it is about booking tickets online, many times people are seen rushing in at the last hour due to hasty and rash decisions. They end up buying airline tickets at a much higher cost in comparison with those who know the vital considerations for booking of flights online. Considering a few important factors will let you book your flights at a much cheaper rate and have greater flexibility, be it for domestic flights or international. Booking of Flights

Etihad opens refurbished premium lounge at Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways has opened its refurbished Terminal 1 Premium Lounge at Abu Dhabi International airport.

Delta launches new amenity kit

Delta Air Lines has unveiled its updated amenity kit.

The Tumi kit includes a soft-touch pen, eyeshades, Malin and Goetz lip moisturiser, body lotion, mouthwash, striped socks, facial tissues, earplugs and a dental kit with Crest toothpaste.

Nigeria may get listed on the U.S diversity visa lottery

Nigeria as well as some other countries removed from the eligibility list of the United States’ Congressional-mandated Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV), also known as the U.S diversity visa lottery may be returned to eligibility list.

Nigeria was taken off the list of countries eligible to partake in the U.S diversity visa lottery  in 2013.

Delta responds to Nigerian air passengers, promises better service(s)

Delta Airlines has released a statement in its defence after some Nigerian air passengers accused the airline of using ‘old planes’ on its Lagos route. 

The statement which was signed by Bobby Bryan, Commercial, Director for East and West Africa, Delta Air Lines reads…

Air France gives amenity kit a makeover

Air France has unveiled new amenity kits for its business class.

Available in four colours, each travel bag comes with skincare moisturiser by French luxury cosmetic brand Clarins, an eye mask, lip balm, earplugs, comb, shoehorn and dental hygiene kit.

The rejuvenating hand cream and a one-step cleanser will also be available in the business class lavatories.

U.S resumes overseas visa issuance after major outage

The U.S. Department of State have resumed overseas visa issuance after a significant computer system failure halted work at consulates worldwide and inconvenienced hundreds of thousands of travelers.

The failure of an unidentified piece of hardware involved in biometric processing brought the entire Consular Consolidated Database system to a halt.

The system is responsible for processing and issuing an estimated 50,000 U.S. visas per day.

This affected all applications made after May 26, 2015.

John Kirby, State Department spokesman on Tuesday said

“The database has been rebuilt and is being tested. Significant additional numbers will be issued as the backlog clears”.

Delta launches new amenity kit

Delta Air Lines has unveiled its updated amenity kit.

The Tumi kit includes a soft-touch pen, eyeshades, Malin and Goetz lip moisturiser, body lotion, mouthwash, striped socks, facial tissues, earplugs and a dental kit with Crest toothpaste.

It comes in both hard and soft-sided editions, allowing passengers to collect one each way.

The new offering is available to all Business Elite passengers on international services and was launched on July 1.

Foreign students in Britain to face stiffer immigration rules

Immigration Minister, James Brokenshire

Nigerians as well as other foreign students in Britain are to be banned from working under a fresh crackdown on immigration.

The immigration Minister, James Brokenshire, announced on Monday that from next month students from outside the European Union who come to study at publicly funded further education colleges will lose the right to work for up to 10 hours a week.

Official figures show that 121,000 non-EU students entered the UK in the 12 months to June last year, but only 51,000 left – a net influx of 70,000.

The government estimates that the number of foreign students coming to the UK will rise by more than 6 per cent a year up to 2020.

They want to stop student visas being used as an easy way to enter the UK before getting a job and claiming benefits.

Some of the key points under the new rule are:

• Reducing the length of further education visas from three years to two.

12 Reasons Why You Should Visit Dakar

Dakar is indeed a city of contrasts, perfectly situated on the country’s Atlantic coast, Cape Verde Peninsula in a jumble of tiny villages and former French colonial towns, which has brought adventure to it. The French imprint is still evident in their culture and language.

The city is celebrated for its beautiful beaches and lakes that are not crowded, colonial building styles, exquisite hotel resorts, game parks and reserves. Seeing the horse-cart drivers dragging the roads with sleek cars in Dakar is an eye-catching scene. Apart from that, the city features amazing attractions and it is one place in Africa that boasts a great nightlife and varied music environment. If you are planning to visit Dakar and you are not convinced enough; we have listed 12 reasons why you should visit Dakar:

1. Mesmerizing Views

Photo Source: Eutrophication&hypoxia on Flickr

Canals and its water bodies simply add to the translucent beauty of any city, portraying a scenic landscape with floating gondolas.

The destinations with canal views offer fascinating waterway adventure with remarkable culture and experience. Visitors are always enchanted by the scenery,spectacular views of the city, inspiring architecture and famous tourist attractions, whenever they visit these destinations. It’s said most of the canal cities have a romantic atmosphere; you could go boating on a floating gondola on the canal waterways with your spouse or lover.

The Gambia: The Next Hot Destination

The Gambia, the smallest country in Africa is an enchanted hotspot populated with pristine beaches, abundance of wildlife, vibrant history and culture. The country’s charms are alluring and – everywhere. With the dramatic beauty of the Atlantic coastline, picturesque beaches fringed by palm trees, Gambia lures visitors to its grand pace. The breath-taking beaches are complemented by luxury resorts that provide guests with comfortable accommodation and memorable experiences.

Photo Source: jbdodane on Flickr

10 Ways To See Rome And Live

It is impossible to travel around any part of Italy and not visit the proof of the mighty Roman Empire. Rome is renowned for its rich heritage, magnificent monuments and ancient ruins, captivating historic attractions, and touring opportunities. The city is a mecca for travellers visiting Italy. Even though, Rome is full of fascinating history dating back 2500, it is also filled with modern attractions, as well as exciting activities.
Giotto Bondone said, “Rome is the city of echoes, the city of illusions and the city of yearning”. It’s also been said that to travel is to live, when you visit Rome, you will yearn more for a good life and get acquainted with yourself. Every visitor instantaneously gets a feel of the Roman charm the moment they enter the city, walk along the streets, have a taste of Italian cuisine and see the Italian lifestyle. If you are planning to visit Italy, here are reasons why you should probably visit Rome – – 10 ways to see Rome and live:

1. Colosseum

Photo Source: Isriya Paireepairit on Flickr

What To Do When Your Flight Gets Cancelled Or Delayed In Europe

Flying by air can often be a stressful business, especially if you are a first time flyer from Nigeria to European countries. Airports such as Frankfurt Airport, one of the biggest in Europe, are generally large and confusing places and queues can sometimes be extremely time-consuming. There is also the concern of your baggage being over the allocated weight and what exactly happens to it once it has been checked in.
However one of the most stressful things about flying is flight delays or cancellations. Although most flights actually depart according to schedule, delays and cancellations are not uncommon and can cause monumental levels of stress to those who suffer. Nevertheless flight delay compensation is now available should this scenario ever happen to you and different companies such as Flightright are there to help you claim for your losses, not time but at least the monetary part.

Photo by: Robert S. Donovan on Flickr

5 Classy Airbnb Apartments in Nigeria

In case you don’t know, Airbnb is one of the most affordable options for travellers of today. It is a community based hospitality marketplace where locals rent their rooms or apartments to travellers looking for comfortable and budget place to stay for a short period of time in any destination. People who have extra rooms in their homes or extra apartments list them on Airbnb for travellers.

With impressive scenery, a pulsating cultural scene and incredible retreats, Nigeria offers a unique slice of authentic African life. Thriving business developments and investments have kept Nigeria on the radar of business travellers. Besides, many of these business travellers prefer to stay in a comfortable place than an overpriced hotel room. With options for every budget, Airbnb has become the best option for travellers, while they capture the fascinating nature of the city in a genuine way.

Now it is possible to rent furnished apartments on Airbnb in Nigeria. Here are 5 classy Airbnb apartments in Nigeria. So far, many of these apartments are found in Lagos and Abuja. They feature modern facilities and are well-furnished. The apartments are located where travellers can savour the local lifestyle, providing hideaways for people seeking different experiences from classy to barefoot luxury.

Lekki Luxury in Lagos – $199 per night

How much fun can you have in a city on $10 a day?

(CNN) — Three days, $30 and only one free activity per day.
Is that possible in Vancouver, recently named the least affordable city in all of North America by The Economist’s annual Cost of Living Survey?
That was my challenge, determined to prove you needn’t be loaded to have fun in an expensive place.
Ideally, I’d also have a half decent time — being poor and miserable isn’t easy, after all.

Aero Flight Passenger Caught Stealing N350k Today On A Flight Enroute Abuja From Lagos [PHOTO]

An Aero flight passenger identified as Mr. Ovuironye Mathew Dennis, travelling onboard a Lagos to Abuja 6.45am Aero flight today (Monday) was allegedly caught stealing about N350, 000 from a luggage belonging to an Austrian, Novotny Anton, another passenger on the flight.

Dennis, 31 with 1.65 height as captured in his temporary driver’s licence and sitting on flight seat No. 23C,was spotted by a member of the airline’s cabin crew when he removed the Austrian’s bag from the cockpit as if he was changing his seat.

Delta appoints senior Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa

Delta Air Lines has announced the promotion of Nathaniel Pieper to the position of Senior Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa effective in August 2015.

Nat Pieper, VP Fleet Strategy & Transactions

He replaces Perry Cantarutti who will leave Delta on secondment to the SkyTeam global airline alliance to assume the position of Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director.

Pieper will have accountability for all of Delta’s Europe, Middle East and Africa commercial activities, including maximizing the long-term growth opportunities for Delta’s joint venture agreement with Air France KLM and Alitalia – the industry’s largest trans-Atlantic alliance – as well as the partnership with Virgin Atlantic Airways.  Pieper will report to Delta’s president, Ed Bastian.

Delta’s president, Ed Bastian said “Nat’s outstanding record of strategic fleet management, combined with his experience of forging world-class partnerships, will keep Delta on course for success on the trans-Atlantic, continuing the great work achieved under Perry Cantarutti,”.

UK Commission re-opens Teleperformance Visa Application Centre in Ikeja

The British High Commission has reopened the Teleperformance Visa Application Centre in Ikeja following improvements in the availability of fuel.

The facility was closed on May 26 and could not reopen last Monday as initially scheduled.

The Commission said shortages being experienced across Nigeria were seriously affecting power supplies at the facility.

10 things illegal immigrants in the UK should know

We are not oblivious of the fact that many people travel to the UK, US and other EU countries on tourist visas and never return after visa expiration.

Are you surprised? You’re probably living in a world of your own if you are not aware of this.

But before you embark on such a mission, here are few things illegal immigrants in the UK do not have access to…maybe you can take a cue from this as its almost the same scenario in other countries.

The Uklounge has put together some interesting facts which are shared below…..let us know your thoughts after going through.

Nigeria modifies passport and visa processing in London

The Nigerian High Commission is introducing a new system for passport and visa processing in London.


According to the commission, the new digital queuing system unveiled on Tuesday would bring to an end long visa and passport processes.

Also Read: Renew or apply for Nigerian passport in UK

The Nigerian High Commissioner, Ambassador Sarki Tafida, who opened the new extension for the

process, assured Nigerians and visitors better public relations and improved services.

Study reveals the most annoying air passenger behaviour

“Rear Seat Kickers,” “Inattentive Parents” and “The Aromatic Passenger” top the list of the most-annoying airline passengers.

This is according to the second annual “Airplane Etiquette Study” released Tuesday. The survey, commissioned by Expedia and conducted by market research company Gfk, asked 1,000 passengers to rank the most annoying on-board behaviors of fellow passengers.

What’s the worth of your missing luggage?

It is not uncommon to find airplane passengers come back to report missing luggage and when it’s not recovered after a certain time, such luggage is declared lost. In such an event, it becomes the burden of the airline to pay the passenger for the lost items, depending on the jurisdiction and legal framework operating in that country.

Many a time, passengers disagree with the value of benefit offered following the loss, and in most cases they discover that it was no fault of the airline to pay little amount as compensation, but because they underestimated the value of their luggage.

Indonesia waives visa requirements for 45 countries

Tourists from many countries can now make travel plans in less than 24 hours as Indonesia waives visa requirements for about 45 countries.

The Indonesian government said Friday it has officially waived visa requirements for tourists from 45 more countries, allowing them to stay in the country visa-free for up to 30 days.

The government says visa-free travel is offered to citizens of several countries and special administrative regions in consideration of the importance of reciprocity and benefits.

Citizens are allowed to stay for 30 days but the visit permit can’t be extended or changed to other stay permits.

‘Nigeria surpassed our expectation in aviation audit’ – ICAO

The team of auditors from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) said that Nigeria performed excellently well in the nine-day aviation audit conducted on the nation’s security system.

Mr Fan Ndubuoke, General Manager, Public Affairs, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said that the team leader, Mr Steven Neu, who gave the report said that the team was very impressed with the National Security Programme because there were very minimal open-items that needed to be closed.

“Nigeria surpassed our expectations. We reviewed the 2008 audit before we commenced this exercise; but we discovered there have been massive improvements in the security systems at the airports.

8 most awkward moments in travel

Arguably, air travel is one of the most incredible things – you can go to the opposite ends of a country in a matter of hours, or the other side of the world in less than 24 hours. But for all its marvels, there are many awkward moments that can only be unique to flying.

When you consider all these, it really makes you wonder why you left the house at all…

We all remember the high points of our travels, but very often there are moments in which that trip turns into a nightmare, uncomfortable, embarrassing or simply awkward.

Stay Stylish On Your Long-haul Journey

As a frequent or new traveller, you sometimes wonder how those beautiful air hostesses remain stylish and wonderful through the journey and after getting off the plane after a long-haul flight.

There is no ‘big deal’ or magic to it other than that it only takes a little planning to step off a long flight looking refreshed, and not like rumpled mess.

Apart from facial make-up that add to the outer beauty, you might need to add some other things that will renew your body and beauty internally in order to get refreshed and look great after the journey.

The insider’s secret for perking up a tired complexion, according to jet-setting make-up artist Megan Lanoux, is ‘Dab on your cheek bones or under your eyes to brighten it.

If you can’t wait until you get to your destination, just duck in to the bathroom on your way to the luggage claim and swipe on.

And for weary, blood-shot eyes Lanoux advises that you line the inner rim of your eyes with an eyeliner pencil, in a peach tone or a shade similar to – but lighter than – your skin tone to brighten it.

Then it’s time to load up on mascara, open your eyes, apply mascara to top lashes, focusing on the centre and outer corner. But skip the bottom lashes altogether, you don’t want to add any more tired-looking the darkness there.

Tips to put together a travel makeup kit

Deciding what clothes to pack for a trip can be stressful enough, and then you have to consider all the various products that go into making you look gorgeous every day—from tinted moisturizers to lip stains and everything in between.

Packing beauty products for a flight can be an especially tricky proposition because of regulations. 

Just so you know, you’re allowed to carry on one-quart clear, resealable plastic bag filled with liquids and gels in containers of three ounces or less.  Other additions to that need to go into your checked bag.

Sincerely speaking, you don’t need to take everything with you. Wherever possible, opt for travel-size containers of things like shampoo and perfume, and, once you have everything together, separate out the items that are fragile (glassware, powder compacts) or at risk of leakage (foundation, moisturizer).

Travel Alert: Canada to require electronic travel authorisation (ETA)

Canada has introduced a prior approval entry permit for travelers wishing to visit the country. The electronic travel authorisation (ETA) will now be required from nationals of some specific countries.

The eTA would need to be applied for before boarding your flight to Canada. You can apply online at a fee of $7 Canadian per eTA. You will need access to your passport, a credit card (Visa and Mastercard only), an e-mail address and the internet.

You can now get exclusive deals with Etihad premium Twitter channel

Etihad Airways has launched an exclusive Twitter account to engage with Gold and Platinum members of its frequent flyer program.

South Africa opens visa application centre in Port Harcourt

Applicants who wish to apply for travel visas to South Africa from the South West/East of Nigeria can now do so without having to visit the Lagos or Abuja offices.

VFS, the body responsible for processing applications on behalf of the South African government announced the opening of the visa application centre in Port Harcourt.

The Port Harcourt office is expected to serve applicants from Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Imo, Abia, Cross River, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi state.

Dana explains reasons for delay in the final settlement of insurance claims

Dana Air has explained the reasons for the delay in the final settlement of insurance claims of the families of the victims of the ill-fated Dana flight 992 that crashed into the densely populated Iju-Ishaga neighbourhood of Lagos State three years ago.

Aero gives reasons for emergency landing of Kaduna-bound flight

Aero Contractors has disclosed the reasons for a near crash of one its aircraft which was bound for Kaduna on Saturday. The airline is a statement explained the cause of the emergency landing of Kaduna-bound flight...... READ-MORE AT THE CUT

F’Eagles Players Arrive Germany

Officials and players of the Flying Eagles landed in Germany Sunday morning after a six-hour flight from Abuja the previous night.

Flying Eagles checking in into their Novina Hotel in Nurnberg Sunday morning

The African champions made up of 26 players and 10 officials touched down at the Frankfurt Airport by 6am local time, which is an hour ahead of Nigerian time.

They then made the three-hour bus ride to Nurnberg, where they will be for the next three weeks finalising their preparations for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

Fuel Scarcity: Nigerians Recount Harrowing Experiences

Fuel scarcity nigeria

The current petrol scarcity is biting harder in parts of the country with transporters and other users of the commodity spending hours in fuel stations.

From Lagos to Bayelsa; Ekiti to Osun, Edo and several other states, the story is the same, as the citizens continue to wonder why it should be so as the nation is one of the major exporter of petroleum products.
In Lagos and Ogun states, long queues were observes at fuel stations, with buyers besieging the points of sale with jerry cans, even as street urchins capitalise on the situation to sell at Black market, charging as much as N300 per litre.
Although the product is said to be fairly available in Bayelsa State in the past few weeks, investigations revealed that most of the petrol stations have failed to dispense fuel at the official pump price of N87 per

Fleeing US based Nigerian nurse arrested over death of toddler

A Nigerian-born nurse practitioner from Queens, New York, has been charged in the killing of a developmentally disabled toddler who was submerged in hot bath water.

Queens District Attorney Richard Brown says 54-year-old Oluyemisi Adebayo was arrested at the John F. Kennedy Airport Wednesday just as she was about to board a flight to Nigeria, via London.

Oluyemisi Adebayo: nabbed at JFK Airport after death of toddler

Authorities say Adebayo was taking care of 23-month-old Naomi Mondesire on April 21 when she prepared her for a bath.

The nurse allegedly told detectives she tested the water with her own hand before placing Naomi in the tub. But she noticed pieces of skin peeling off Naomi’s legs when she took her out.