If the ash cloud lasts weeks ?
#1
Original Poster

Join Date: Oct 2008
Programs: NWA Tears
Posts: 986
If the ash cloud lasts weeks ?
This is not a "I'm stranded" type query so I did not include in the consolidated thread.
It is not unprecedented for ash clouds like this to last for weeks and even months. Fortunately most have been over poles, not heavy airspace. What are DL's options for resuming some level of ops if the cloud continues for a very long time? Can they re-route south? Go into Madrid/Rome and increase low altitude shuttles into EU? I'm assuming there is no even remotely easy way to mod planes to be able to deal with it.
It is not unprecedented for ash clouds like this to last for weeks and even months. Fortunately most have been over poles, not heavy airspace. What are DL's options for resuming some level of ops if the cloud continues for a very long time? Can they re-route south? Go into Madrid/Rome and increase low altitude shuttles into EU? I'm assuming there is no even remotely easy way to mod planes to be able to deal with it.
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist


Join Date: Sep 2005
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If Alaska in recent years or even Mt. St. Helens or other volcanoes in recent history is any indication, it won't last weeks on end with no flights. It might disrupt air travel again after it clears but I highly doubt it will last weeks on end.
But it is anyone's guess.
You say it is not unprecedented to last weeks or months. Do you have a reference/link to specific examples?
But it is anyone's guess.
You say it is not unprecedented to last weeks or months. Do you have a reference/link to specific examples?
#3




Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: ORF
Programs: Delta Diamond Charter Member/1.8MM, IHG Spire Elite
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If Alaska in recent years or even Mt. St. Helens or other volcanoes in recent history is any indication, it won't last weeks on end with no flights. It might disrupt air travel again after it clears but I highly doubt it will last weeks on end.
But it is anyone's guess.
You say it is not unprecedented to last weeks or months. Do you have a reference/link to specific examples?
But it is anyone's guess.
You say it is not unprecedented to last weeks or months. Do you have a reference/link to specific examples?
#4
Moderator: Delta SkyMiles, Luxury Hotels, TravelBuzz! and Italy




Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 27,013
This is an interesting question and I don't believe it is DL-specific. Therefore, I ask you to continue to follow this discussion in TravelBuzz.
Thanks...
Obscure2k
Delta Moderator
Thanks...
Obscure2k
Delta Moderator
#6
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SEA
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Posts: 731
If Alaska in recent years or even Mt. St. Helens or other volcanoes in recent history is any indication, it won't last weeks on end with no flights. It might disrupt air travel again after it clears but I highly doubt it will last weeks on end.
But it is anyone's guess.
You say it is not unprecedented to last weeks or months. Do you have a reference/link to specific examples?
But it is anyone's guess.
You say it is not unprecedented to last weeks or months. Do you have a reference/link to specific examples?
#7


Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 3,081
Well, the Isles of Scilly service from lands end has now closed because ash was found on an aircraft and that only reaches a height of 1,500 feet.
#8




Join Date: May 2000
Location: IAD/DCA/BWI
Programs: SQ, LH, AMEX, Citi, Cap1
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http://www.freightercruises.com/frames.php

Hasn't anyone just thought to flying to Spain or Italy and then taking a train up to Northern Europe?

Hasn't anyone just thought to flying to Spain or Italy and then taking a train up to Northern Europe?
#9
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Uncertain
Programs: Korean Air, Lufthansa M&M, SPG ,United Mileage Plus
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I've actually heard of that firm before. I am considering booking a Los Angeles-Pusan,Korea Sailing in December.
I graduate from University in December and I will then be moving to Korea for my MBA studies and teaching English. I would like a really interesting and relaxing time to sit back and reflect on life and not have the rush and bustle of getting quickly from point a to point b... Might be interesting to meet new people and have the feeling of a private experience.
I graduate from University in December and I will then be moving to Korea for my MBA studies and teaching English. I would like a really interesting and relaxing time to sit back and reflect on life and not have the rush and bustle of getting quickly from point a to point b... Might be interesting to meet new people and have the feeling of a private experience.
http://www.freightercruises.com/frames.php

Hasn't anyone just thought to flying to Spain or Italy and then taking a train up to Northern Europe?

Hasn't anyone just thought to flying to Spain or Italy and then taking a train up to Northern Europe?

#10
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,051
Can't believe it. They still exist. All my life I've heard people tell how they got a cheap ticket on a freighter. Always thought, "Comes a time when that'll get shut down by shippers". Guess the time is still to come.
My father was an immigrant and came to the US on the Stavanger, a commercial Norwegian ship. He wrote stuff in a diary about the voyage. Pretty interesting.
My father was an immigrant and came to the US on the Stavanger, a commercial Norwegian ship. He wrote stuff in a diary about the voyage. Pretty interesting.
#11


Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 3,081
http://www.freightercruises.com/frames.php

Hasn't anyone just thought to flying to Spain or Italy and then taking a train up to Northern Europe?

Hasn't anyone just thought to flying to Spain or Italy and then taking a train up to Northern Europe?

Tens of thousands of Brits are trying to get back from their easter break
#12


Join Date: Dec 2007
Programs: Enough to travel better
Posts: 2,023
Don't forget bus services if you are traveling on the continent. Also, one could use a combination of public transport and commuter rail or regional train to get somewhere if hi-speed trains are overloaded. Anticipate long travel times and crowding if you choose that itinerary.
#13
Join Date: Oct 2001
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Can't believe it. They still exist. All my life I've heard people tell how they got a cheap ticket on a freighter. Always thought, "Comes a time when that'll get shut down by shippers". Guess the time is still to come.
#14
Original Poster

Join Date: Oct 2008
Programs: NWA Tears
Posts: 986
KLM and others have been conducting a number of test flights and indicating that their aircraft are not being impacted in any way by the ash and thus pushing for airspace to be reopened. One concern I would have though is that I assume the ash content isn't very consistent so what happens if you get thicker ash or more abrasive ash...
I'd think that flying north of the volcano and then as far south into EU as possible would be an option. MSP>Stockholm normally goes north of Iceland so others could push there. Biggest problem would likely be the airports they could safely reach (depending on what is considered safe by who with the ash) aren't setup to handle that much traffic.
I'd think that flying north of the volcano and then as far south into EU as possible would be an option. MSP>Stockholm normally goes north of Iceland so others could push there. Biggest problem would likely be the airports they could safely reach (depending on what is considered safe by who with the ash) aren't setup to handle that much traffic.
#15
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: New Jersey
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Posts: 3,009
according to Euronews German air space was opened for 3 hours allowing a window of flights to arrive from the East as there was a break in ash cloud.
Lufthansa too is pushing for the closure of air space to be reconsidered... saw one of their test B747's on the news landing in Frankfurt.
Lufthansa too is pushing for the closure of air space to be reconsidered... saw one of their test B747's on the news landing in Frankfurt.

