The CEO of BAA Colin Matthews (my ex- boss) said that he will forgo his bonus this year because there was so much anger about the Heathrow airport closing. Matthews said that, “the intensity of the snow was higher than ever before, they have to assume that it could happen again. It’s clear that they will have to buy new equipment to clear the snow.” Amsterdam is experiencing delays but is operating normally because they have heated runways.
I’m glad that I did not travel to Europe for the 25th, I am lucky that I can spend Christmas with family members in Holland, before winter sets in because St Nick (Sinterklaas) gives out gifts on the 5th of Dec, whereas the rest of the world gets their gifts on the 25th.– It’s the best time to visit The Netherlands! - All the shops have decorations depicting St. Nicolaas and his 2 black assistants. Click here to see a photo of them. The picture above is a fish monger, where we stopped to eat delicious herring and piping, hot cod fish.After 6 days of snow, Charles de Gaulle Airport is low on de-icing equipment, so severe delays continue. 300 beds and 3000 blankets were handed out at CDG airport in Paris. Orly was allowed to stay open all night to catch up with the delayed flights.
Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport also experienced delays. The last time there was snow on Christmas Day at ATL was more than a century ago. In addition to the weather, there are delays due to the U.S. Homeland Security alert to airlines to a potential terror tactic involving insulated beverage containers like thermo flasks.
Most airlines have issued waivers that let passengers alter flight plans with no fees. Delta allows for the snow on Dec. 25 and 26 for Atlanta but tickets must be reissued and travel must start by Dec. 29.
-Continental Airlines allow changes in Dec. 25-27th for rescheduled travel starts by Jan. 3, 2011, change fees and fare differences will be waived; for all other changes, the change fee will be waived, but a difference in fare may apply. This is when elite status gives you an advantage because the airlines look after their best customers.
