Road Warrior, Dublin hotel prices surge, same size cabin bags, TAP changing hands, Canada introduces travel authorisation

€167 average hotel night in Dublin, 61% of TAP sold, Cabin OK labels for on board baggage

Trivago index shows hotel rates up 26% on year Suspicion that Dublin prices are surging ahead has been confirmed by the Trivago Hotel Price Index for June.

Hotel prices are up by 26 per cent compared to this time last year, an average of €167 a night.

A night in Jurys Inn Custom House this midweek will set you back €339 without breakfast.

Europe on average is up 7 per cent.

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Cork hoteliers are also benefiting from a price hike of 8 per cent, mainly on the back of Live at the Marquee gigs and average prices this month are €148. Cabin baggage sizes set to be standardised The confusion over different cabin baggage sizes across airlines is about to become clear with an initiative from the International Airline Transport Association IATA.

Airline manufacturers were asked to share the optimum size of cabin bags for the most popular aircraft to allow a carry on bag for each passenger.

The optimum size is 55cm by 35cm by 20cm. Bags complying with these dimensions will be able to carry a manufacturer’s label marked Cabin OK which will speed up check-in and reduce the need to use bag sizers.

Portugal sells stake in national airline TAP Yet another national carrier will change hands now that the Portuguese government has agreed to sell a controlling interest in TAP Air Portugal.

An investor group led by David Neeleman, founder of JetBlue and Brazilian airline Azul SA, with Portuguese bus company Grupo Barraqueiro, bid €348 million for a 61 per cent share of the company.

The investors have also agreed to add 53 new aircraft to the fleet and keep Lisbon as a major hub for 30 years. Canada to bring in new travel authorisation Canada will be making changes in how visitors enter the country.

Irish visitors will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation in advance of arrival in Canada from March 15th next year.

The ETA will be similar to the United States Electronic System For Travel Authorisation – ESTA – and will be valid for five years or until passport renewal date. It is expected to cost $7.

You will also need to provide advance passenger information before boarding an international flight to Canada.

The system is expected to come into operation from August 1st and you can apply in advance of purchasing an airline ticket.