Clearing the air

British Airways is to be part of a three-year research project into cabin air quality in planes. The group of 15 organisations from seven European countries, including SAS and KLM, will study ways to improve the health and comfort of passengers. At present, there are only limited standards governing the quality of cabin air, which is blamed by some for air rage and illness. The group will be known as Cabinair.

All the rage

Air rage incidents are on the increase, according to the first-ever survey of the world's airlines carried out by London Guildhall University. Of the 206 commercial airlines polled for the study, staff rated the key triggers in the following order: excessive alcohol, demanding or intolerant personality, timetable delays, smoking bans, and cramped conditions. Over a third of airlines had no formal training to prevent and manage air rage, said the report.

Little beauties

The new edition of the European Connection, a guide to 60 privately-owned small luxury hotels in the UK and Europe was launched this week. Copies can be obtained post free on 020-7434 3223, or from their website at www.europeanconnection.co.uk.

Kenyan visas

The government of Kenya has reinstated visa requirements for UK tourists visiting for less than 30 days. The requirement came into effect this week. The government says that the visa waiver had created administrative problems, and tourists from other countries not affected by it were annoyed. A single-entry visa will cost £35. For more details, contact the visa section at the High Commission of Kenya on 020-7636 2371.

Epic journey

A team of five British climbers will set off in the next few weeks to retrace Sir Ernest Shackleton's epic crossing of South Georgia in the South Atlantic. Shackleton's desperate journey to secure rescue for members of his Imperial Transantarctic Expedition (1914-1917) is one of the great survival stories.

Code of practice

The Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) has launched Responsible Tourism Guidelines for its members. The guidelines include: protecting the environment, respecting local cultures, benefiting local communities, conserving natural resources and minimising pollution.

Staying power

Bridge the World has published a guide to the B&Bs of New Zealand. To get a copy, call 0870 444 7474.