News on the
DEPARTURE LOUNGE // WINTER 2018
A new Google algorithm uses historic flight status data to predict if your flight is running late .
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News on the
GOOGLE LAUNCHES NEW FLIGHT DELAY PREDICTOR Google may soon know if your flight ’ s been delayed … before the airline does . This is thanks to a new algorithm developed by the internet giant , which predicts when plane journeys are likely to run late based on factors such as weather patterns , location and previous arrival times .
“ Using historic flight status data , our machine learning algorithms can predict some delays even when this information isn ’ t available from airlines yet . Delays are only flagged when we ’ re at least 80 % confident in the prediction ,” developers explained when launching the app for testing . The new feature will be part of Google ’ s travel planning tool , Google Flights .
One warning , though : don ’ t rely solely on the Google predictor . You still need to find out about potential flight delays the old-fashioned way : by calling your Sure Travel agent or the airline direct .
BONUS POINTS FOR QATAR ’ S FLYING KIDS You ’ re never too young to be a valued frequent flyer . At least that ’ s the thinking behind Qatar Airways ’ new flying club for kids aged two to 11 .
The recently introduced Oryx Kids Club includes the Oryx Kids Loyalty Programme , which affords value-added benefits while travelling , as well as the ability to earn Qmiles , which build up to redeem awards . Kids club members can also earn Qpoints , which will move them to a higher tier in the programme , along with related benefits .
And of course there are improvements to snacks on board . Kids can expect more exciting – but also more nutritious – meal boxes .
The club also has hero mascots : Orry and Orah the Oryx and their three furry friends – Kamil the camel , Faaiz the falcon and Farah the desert fox .
WHERE IN THE WORLD AM I ? William Shakespeare wrote a play about me involving a businessman and a moneylender . I ’ m known for my unique glass treasures , handmade lace and opulent carnival masks . You may get lost if you go shopping because many of my streets don ’ t have signposts , and I ’ m slowly sinking into the lagoon . Think you know the answer ? Flip the page and find out if you ’ re correct ...
© FRAZAO / ADOBESTOCK
THE WORLD ’ S LARGEST CRUISE
SHIP HAS ARRIVED !
Royal Caribbean has become the owner of the world ’ s largest cruise ship after taking delivery of its record-breaking Symphony of the Seas . In an industry where bigger is better , the 25th ship in Royal Caribbean ’ s fleet is a heavyweight contender , weighing in at 228,081 tons and able to carry 6,680 guests plus 2,200 crew . The new ship has seven distinct “ neighbourhoods ” and several jaw-dropping features , like the 10-deck twisting dry slide called The Ultimate Abyss , twin FlowRider surf simulators , a zip line , twin 40-foot rock climbing walls , an ice skating rink and the AquaTheater . Unique to Symphony of the Seas is the “ world ’ s largest laser tag arena ”, found in the Studio B space where ice skating is performed . It transforms into a glow-in-the-dark venue themed around the fate of the last planets of the galaxy . Also new to the fleet is the Ultimate Family Suite , a two-level suite that features a slide , a floor-to-ceiling Lego wall , air hockey , movie theatre-style TV room with popcorn machine and a 212-square-foot wrap-around balcony with its own climbing wall feature , bumper pool table and whirlpool . Symphony of the Seas is spending its first season cruising the Mediterranean and will be based in Miami for Caribbean sailings from October .
Symphony of the Seas .
© NULL STERN HOTEL
08 // MAKE MEMORIES FOR LIFE