Volcano Persists as Air Travel Slowly Resumes

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

See recent posts by Carl Unger

Some positive news from Europe this morning, as airports began reopening in many areas across the Continent. Here’s the latest, according to Reuters:

Airports in France, Italy, and Switzerland reopened this morning, though many carriers cancelled their flights. Hungary, Slovenia, and Moldova also opened their airports.
However, airports in the U.K., including Heathrow, remain closed. Much of Britain’s airspace will remain closed until later today at the earliest.
Looking ahead, it’s difficult to determine if the situation will continue to improve. The volcano has reportedly burst forth a new plume that could track over parts of Europe and throw air travel into chaos again.

As we reported yesterday, most airlines are offering travel waivers to affected travelers. Contact your airline as soon as possible if you’re traveling to Europe within the next few days.

In related stories, the BBC has some stunning satellite images of the volcano and its plume of ash trailing over northern Europe, and Patrick Smith explains why planes can’t simply fly over, under or around the ash plume.

And if you’re wondering what your rights are in a volcano eruption, or any natural disaster for that matter, read our own Ed Perkins’ column on just that subject.

I’ll keep an eye on the news out of Europe today and post any updates as they come. Stay tuned.

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