How Will Cape Town International Look In 2023?

A new runway and international and domestic departure lounges is due to be built at Cape Town international airport within the next four years. The expansions will increase the airports capacity after its international arrivals increased by 9% in 2019. The airports company promises that passenger disruption will be kept to a minimum, and that flight will still be able to depart and land normally during construction.

It’s said that Cape Town international airport is set for a R7 Billion new runway, as well as some new grand lounges due to be completed by 2023. They said that it is set to start this year! Yes you heard right they can start in 2020.

We are aware that the drought that we had heavily affected the local tourism industry and made our Airport a little less footprint. Revamping this airport will just bring a more homely feel to the environment and effect not only our tourists but all of our locals.

There is also a realigned 3.500 meter runway that will allow larger aircraft and the world’s largest passenger airline and that would be no other than the airbus A380 to land at the airport. How exciting!

Provisions have been made for even more future projects to take place so future expansion of the airport terminals towards the runway and accommodate additional aircraft. The world is expanding and growing at a rapid speed, we need to keep up!

A few other things like the baggage hall and meet and greet area will all be reconfigured and upgraded to a new and exciting accommodation. Yes! I am sure you are thinking, but what about the flights that will now be delayed or will there be enough aircrafts while this construction goes ahead? All precautions will be taken for all passengers.

For all your reliable, affordable shuttle service to and from the airport in Cape Town or Durban please do not hesitate to call Airport Shuttle. Make easy bookings on www.asct.co.za

5 Simple Ways to save Money on Travel

Wouldn’t it be nice to save money, but still go on an exciting, amazing getaway with your family and friends? It is possible! Here are 5 ways to keep more cash in your pocket when you are travelling:

1. Travel during off-peak times. If possible, try and be really flexible about your travel dates. Days that are considered off-peak are as early as a week or two before the holidays and several days afterward. Also try and catch early morning or late evening flights to score the lowest rates.

2. Grab some discounts. Explore the internet and check multiple sites, air routes, airports and days and try your best to get the very best rate that you can. Some airlines will give you a discount if you are a student, senior citizen, government employee, etc.

3. Online airfare deals. If you take the time to register on different airline websites, you will receive helpful email notifications about amazing specials and discounted rates!

4. Travel packages. Did you know that travel package deals can save you a massive amount of money? Look into package deals where everything is booked together such as your hotel room and rental vehicle.

5. Skip the hotel. Hotels are expensive, staying at a local bed and breakfast or self-catering apartment can be a lot cheaper.

It would be great to travel more often without breaking the bank, try these simple tips and you could save money next time you decide to go your next vacation.

Do you need a reliable, fast shuttle service with friendly, efficient staff to take you to and from Cape Town International Airport? Contact Airport Shuttle in Cape Town today.

The Most Untouched Places on Earth

There are few places on earth that have not been touched by humans, but there are some out there that do exist! If you want to see these places you’ll have to go through a bit of trouble, however it is worth it in the end...

Here are some of the most unreachable places on our planet...

Methuselah is the oldest tree in the world, unfortunately the location of this tree, which is said to be about 5000 years old, is kept a secret in order to protect it from the hands of humans. This tree is hidden somewhere in the California White Mountains, so if you’re up for a bit of a treasure hunt – good luck!

Tristan da Cunha is a tiny remote island in the South Atlantic Ocean, making it the most remotely inhabited place on the planet. Any civilization is about 3000km away, but that hasn’t stopped people from living there! There are currently about 260 inhabitants whose families have been living there since the 19^th century.

Challenger Deep is found 11km underwater! It is the deepest known point on earth and only three people have managed to visit this spot in the Mariana Trench, one of them being James Cameron. The reasons why it is next to impossible to go down there is because the water temperature is close to freezing, it’s pitch black and the water pressure is unbelievably high.

The Svalbard islands are located in the Arctic Ocean and they’re constantly frozen. Here you will find an amazing arctic wilderness full of unique wildlife. Svalbard is also home to the world’s largest secure seed storage, the Global Seed Vault. In case of emergencies the vault has thousands and thousands of different plants stored safely 500 feet into the side of a mountain.

Looking to travel? Airport Shuttle offers cheap, comfortable and reliable shuttle services to or from Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport. Book your shuttle online now!

Cape Town International Airport Guide!

In this guide you will find info about WiFi, lounges, facilities, services and airport hotels. You can also read some of the traveler airport reviews to get a better idea of CapeTown International Airport.

Airport Lounges
If you are an economy class traveler, you can enter these lounges at Cape Town airport either by purchasing a day pass or through a membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details (facilities, hours, pass and membership information):

  §  Bidvest Premium Lounge – Location: Domestic Terminal, airside, 4^th floor. Showers are available. Hours: 5am – 8pm (Sun - Fri) 5am – 9pm (Sat). Lounge access: Pay at the door. BOOK ONLINE

  §  Bidvest Premium Lounge – Location: International Terminal, airside, mezzanine, 3^rd level. Showers are available. Hours: 5am – 12am. Lounge access: Pay at the door. BOOK ONLINE

Airport WiFi / Internet
WiFi is available at Cape Town Airport for a fee. The internet provider is “AlwaysOn”.

Airport Hotels
If sleeping at the Cape Town Airport does not appeal to you, there are some great hotels near the airport:

  §  Road Lodge – Located within the airport ground. They do not offer day rooms.

  §  Medindi Manor – 10 minutes to the airport

  §  Little Scotia Guest House

To find a cheap room, there is a list of hotels near Cape Town International Airport on Tripadvisor that can be sorted by price. Book in at 808 Cartwright for a luxurious, affordable self-catering apartment with amazing views.

More Services, Facilities & Things to do

  §  ATMs / Cash Machines – Locations: Domestic Arrivals, Domestic Departures, International Departures.

  §  Baby Care – Baby changing facilities are available in most women’s washrooms

  §  Chapel / Prayer Rooms – While there is nothing advertised, if you ask airport staff members, they will direct you to the room.

  §  Currency Exchange – Locations: Domestic Departures, International Departures, International arrivals.

  §  Food & Drinks – There is a variety of eateries to choose from.

  §  Luggage, Storage & Lockers – Baggage can be stored at Bagport. Location: Ground floor, Parkade 2.

  §  Post Office – Location: Parkade 2, Ground Floor, past the Permit Office and SAPS offices. Hours: 8am – 4:30pm (Thurs – Tues) 8:30am – 4:30pm (Wed)

  §  Showers – Showers are available in the Bidvest Lounges

  §  Smokers Lounge – Location: International Terminal, Airside. Internet access is available here.

Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours

Airport Transportation

  §  Car Rentals – Avis, Europcar, First/Sixt, etc.

  §  Public Transportation – MyCiti Bus runs between the airport and Civic Centre.

  §  Shuttle Services – Airport Shuttle can take you to and from Cape Town International Airport at an affordable price.

TIPS

  §  There is a whole Woolworths grocery store on the ground level at which you can buy snacks, in case you get hungry or thirsty after all the shops, kiosks, and restaurants have closed at 10:30 pm.

  §  There is a 'Flybrary' - a lounge with comfortable chairs and shelves of books to read - at International Arrivals. It may close after the last flight gets in around 10:30 pm, though, but it's a good place to leave a book you've read and take a new one to read during the night or your upcoming flight.

  §  After the Mugg & Bean on the restaurant / viewing deck level has closed for the night, you can relocate to the viewing deck itself. Tip: there is a power outlet on a pillar behind the children's playground where you can plug in your phone or computer. The rows of seats are cushioned with no arm rests between them, so you can stretch out fully.

  §  During the night the airport is very quiet but for periodic announcements about security and carry-on allowances. The lights stay on and it's not too cold.

  §  Airport check-ins and restaurants start re-opening at 4:00 am.

A Bad Case of Wanderlust

WANDERLUST

‘wɒndəlʌst/

noun

1. A strong desire to travel.

“a man consumed by wanderlust”


I woke up this morning overcome by a bad case of wanderlust. On a daily basis I’m tempted to call an airport shuttle, head off to Cape Town International Airport and jet off to the Maldives, Zanzibar, or even more adventurous, Mallorca!

However, real life takes precedence over fantasies of white sandy beaches and instead I’m sitting at my desk writing this article. I’m daydreaming about sunbathing on a tropical island, horseback riding through a forest and sipping cocktails with my toes in the sand.

It’s not easy to overcome wanderlust, but a busy inbox and to-do list manages to distract my wandering mind sufficiently to get through the day relatively easy. I will keep myself occupied in the meantime, until the time comes when I can hop on that plane and go seek my heart’s desires.

Written by: Christine Kleyn

Every Day we're Shuttling!

It's been a tough couple of days in the travel industry.  Locally we have had the shooting incident at Cape Town International Airport and a plane crashed and erupted into flames during take off in Massachusetts over the weekend.

There was a big fuss in Cape Town for a day or two after the shooting and naturally some of our clients were concerned about whether or not their airport shuttle will be there to drive them to and from the airport.  

Usually one would expect services to be disrupted after such an incident, but life went on and globetrotters went about their travels as usual.  Running a travel-oriented business requires nerves of steel and always being on top of what's going on out there as your customers rely on you for their safety when travelling.  As long as the airport's standing, we'll be there!

Safe travels everyone!

The Convenience of Modern Travel

So I woke up this morning wondering about the miracle of transport and how easy it has become in the past decade. We’ve come a long way since journeys by boat or train. Travelling used to take weeks of planning, simply because it took so long and was such an inconvenience.  Today, however, it couldn't be simpler!

Humans are impatient and slaves to instant gratification – thanks to the rapid development of technology and travel methods, I can wake up in Cape Town at 05:00 and by 19:00 be having dinner in Paris, Rome or London. WOW!

Sit back and let that sink in for a moment. You could leave work on Friday afternoon, catch an Airport Shuttle to Cape Town International and catch the evening flight in time to be in London for bacon, eggs, beans and chips – all in a matter of hours!!! If that’s not convenience at its best, I don’t know what is!

With all the time saved travelling, you can finally start writing that novel, brainstorm your next multi-million Rand business idea or even learn a new skill!