READY FOR TAKE-OFF

SAFETY FIRST

AVIATION authorities around the world have been grounding the Boeing 737 Max following the crash of one operated by Ethiopian Airlines last Sunday.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has declared this an ‘extraordinary circumstance’, which means airlines are required to re-route passengers to their final destination, but not to provide financial compensation.

In the UK, Norwegian and TUI Airways had been using this type of aircraft, while Ryanair has several due for delivery in the next few months.

Passengers can expect to be put on alternative planes while the ban is in place and are being advised to check the status of their flights, norwegian.com, tui.co.uk.

CHEAP AND CHEERFUL

LITHUANIA’S capital Vilnius has been named the cheapest city in Europe for a short break. A survey of 48 locations by the Post Office highlights low-price public transport and cultural attractions. LOT Polish Airlines starts direct flights from London City Airport on May 1 from £155 return, lot.com, vilnius-tourism.lt/en.

JUST DESSERTS

LOVE a pudding? Qatar Airways is increasing by 50 per cent the size of the desserts it serves to economy-class passengers.

It’s part of a revamp that will also bring in new reclining seats, additional legroom and 13.3 in screens with more than 4,000 entertainment options, qatarairways.com.

HORSING AROUND

RENOWNED for its fino, tapas and flamenco, the Spanish city of Jerez de la Frontera will receive some well-deserved attention when easyJet launches flights from Gatwick on April 2, with a second link from Manchester, easyjet.com.

Before you book, check the performance dates for the incredible show of dancing horses staged at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, realescuela.org.

SHOPPING DROP

KLM is phasing out tax-free sales on-board its flights, starting with its European routes in July. The airline blames competition from online sales and airport shops and other major carriers including American Airlines.

Shopping at 35,000 ft still works for some: last year, passengers with Korean Air spent a charttopping £109 million, klm.com, koreanair.com

DON’T MISS THE BA SALE

NEED a treat? There’s still just time to book a fabulous trip in the British Airways sale of first and business-class flights, which ends March 19. Holidays are included — seven nights in the Seychelles including hotel and business-class flights costs from £2,430 pp. Prices are updated every 24 to 48 hours, ba.com