Dear colleagues,

It is our goal to always keep our clients updated on any news/changes in the industry. (Travel regulations changes that include: , visas, penalties etc.).

Additionally, you can find useful information in our website for the latest developments concerning Mta7, the global marine travel alliance, where Aspida Travel is a founding member (www.mtaseven.com).

General travel news Passport Validity

Kindly be reminded that since an ever-growing number of countries consider it a very significant prerequisite for travel, the passport must have a validity of at least 6 months after the travel.

Shipping News

Chinese Visa - Important update

Chinese embassy has implemented an additional requirement for issuing Visas. For passengers with that have received an entry-exit visa stamp in Turkey, effective immediately and for the next four months, it will not be possible to issue Chinese visa. We will inform you for any further updates.

Airline news

Jet Airways (9W) Colombo Instructions

Please be informed that passengers travelling from Bandaranaike (CMB) are requested to check in 5 hours prior to departure, in order to avoid queues or delays due to airport’s facility development taking place as of the 06th of January up to 06th April 2017.

Check in counters will close 90 minutes prior to flight departure so please make sure that all passengers are well informed to report to the airport well ahead.

Air France & KLM introduce new fare structure on flights within Europe & North Africa

In order to offer the customer a simple and aligned fare product in Economy class within Europe & North Africa, and KLM are introducing a new fare structure (known also as branded fares).

Customers can choose from three fare products each offering unique services & conditions. Light includes only, however check-in can be bought separately as a paid option non-changeable or changeable at a fee (dependent on market) Standard 1 piece of checked-in baggage (max. 23 kg) changeable at a fee Flex 1 piece of checked-in baggage (max. 23 kg) full flexibility; changes and cancelations are free of charge Go Show; during check-in, customers can change to an earlier flight on day of departure when travelling on AF operated flights and an earlier or later flight when travelling on KL operated flights SkyPriority benefits at the airport when travelling on AF & KL operated flights

Customers will continue to earn Flying Blue Miles on all three fare products. Also, customers can continue to choose to buy individual services separately, i.e. Paid Option Baggage and Paid Seat options.

MTA7 News

CMA Shipping Exhibition

March 20, 21 & 22, 2017 Hilton Stamford Hotel, Stamford, Connecticut, USA

Our Mta7 partner in the USA, World Marine Travel Services will participate in the exhibition and attended conferences. (http://www.worldmarinetravel.com)

The CMA Shipping Exhibition and Conference, features a dynamic gathering of 130 exhibitors from all corners of the world offering the finest products and services available to the international maritime industry – Class, Flag States, Maritime Software of all description, Ship Equipment of all kinds, Bunker Suppliers, Insurance and P&I, Shipyards, Communications, Emergency Response, Maritime Academies, etc.

Flying Tips and Info

United's 'carry-on baggage ban' had a nasty side effect that other can learn from

On Tuesday, introduced a new "Basic Economy" fare designed to compete with low-cost carriers for budget-conscious travelers.

As part of the new fare class, United announced that most passengers using these discount tickets would be effectively barred from bringing onboard carry-on luggage beyond a purse or computer bag.

In addition, Basic Economy passengers cannot preselect seating and must be the last to board each flight.

The reaction to this part of the news from the public was fast, furious, and overwhelmingly negative.

This shouldn't have been the case. That's because, for the right price, United's Basic Economy can be a solid product that provides a valuable service for many of its customers. And here lies a great example of the fundamental disconnect between airlines and their customers. From United's perspective, Basic Economy, at its heart, is a product that is supposed to give passengers, who would otherwise be relegated to flying on a low-cost carrier, access to United's mainline experience by offering lower fares in exchange for fewer preflight frills.

"Customers have told us that they want more choice and Basic Economy delivers just that," United Airlines chief commercial officer Julia Haywood said in a statement on Tuesday. "By offering low fares while also offering the experience of traveling on our outstanding network, with a variety of onboard amenities and great customer service, we are giving our customers an additional travel option from what United offers today."

But that's not how the public saw the announcement.

Instead of viewing Basic Economy as a new budget-friendly ticket option, many saw the announcement as another example of America's airlines nickel-and-diming its passengers to the extreme — taking away amenities long considered pro forma in economy-class travel.

Adding fuel to the fire, the media keyed in on everything United's new fare class lacked — no carry-on luggage, no preselection of seats, no ability to upgrade to a higher class. (I freely admit that I'm guilty of this as well.)

This led to a slew of stories and tweets plastered with words such as "misery" and "contemptible."

Much of the anger at United's announcement is actually rooted in the fact that the announcement was made by United.

(Delta's less-restrictive Basic Economy class is already up and running, while American is planning to launch a low-cost fare option next year.)

United, American, and Delta are America's three remaining legacy carriers. They are the last surviving remnants of our nation's golden era of commercial . Many of these airlines' passengers have been flying with them for decades. Over time, customers have become accustomed to a certain level of complimentary service and amenities.