Airlines have cut baggage allowances to North America
This year airlines lowered the free baggage allowance on flights to the US and Canada. Instead of the previously allowed two pieces of 32 kg each, now you can carry two pieces of 23 kg each (in business class the allowance remains the same - 32 kg).
This is the so-called "piece" system, where the total weight of two pieces is not calculated, and the light weight of one suitcase does not compensate for the excess weight of the other. American airlines took similar measures on domestic routes last year.
In addition to these two pieces of baggage, a passenger can take one more piece into the cabin, the weight of which varies by airline. For example, Austrian – 8 kg, Aeroflot – 10 kg, Czech Airlines – 12 kg. At the same time, Aeroflot could not answer whether these 10 kilograms are included in the total baggage allowance.
International terminal opens at Belgrade Airport
After a two-year renovation, the second terminal serving international flights opened at Belgrade's Nikola Tesla International Airport. It is equipped with 30 check-in counters and can even handle the new double-deck A380.
With the new terminal coming on stream, Belgrade Airport's capacity will be 5 million passengers a year, making it the fourth largest aviation hub in the region - after Istanbul, Athens and Bucharest. In a few months, renovation of the airport's first terminal will begin, which will later serve domestic flights. Near-term plans include a third terminal and a second runway, which are to be built by 2010.
The best airports in the world are in Asia
Singapore's Changi Airport, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, won a competition by a British company for the title of the world's best, according to the Skytrax website.
The title "Best Airport", awarded by Skytrax based on passenger reviews, is considered the most prestigious rating of an airport. In 2006, more than 7 million passengers took part in the survey, rating 165 airports.
Changi Airport had been second in this survey for five consecutive years, but it was named first for the first time. Second place this time, with a slight margin, went to its regional neighbor - Hong Kong Airport, and third to Munich Airport. Overall, Asian airports received more recognition than European ones: four of the five best airports are in Asia.