Ash in the Skies over Europe ?

Dear Jim,

the ash is very far up in the atmosphere. There is no ash falling down anywhere but in parts of Iceland. The sky is blue in Austria, as in Paris.

Jim,

I'm also departing May 13th, so share your concerns. The reports that I've heard today indicate that volcano activity is decreasing, so that's a good sign!

Which airport are you flying to in Europe? That may have a bearing on your flight, as the authorities have now designated three different flight areas - Red (No Fly), Yellow (fly with caution) and Green (normal flight activity). Of course, these are all subject to change depending on the ash situation.

Cheers!

Hi Ken, We are flying from Portland, OR to Amsterdam,NE. Good Luck on your flight!!! I might enjoy staying longer once we are in Europe!!! ;-)

Jim

I'm heading out on May 6th for Florence, but passing through Atlanta and then Paris. Flights from ATL today are on time for Paris, so that's a good sign. Fingers crossed for everyone traveling soon!!!

Ash is reaching the ground in the UK but the skies are clear and blue. In fact lovely spring weather at the moment. Hard to believe that there is a problem up there.

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/corporate/pressoffice/2010/volcano/updates.html

You really would not be able to detect much ash from the ground or see it in the air. The ash is a very fine particle, not falling like snow as we saw with Mt. St. Helens. The main problem is that the ash attained the height of the Jet Stream putting it at the altitude of commercial planes, and in the path of most transatlantic flights. In the end, all you can do is rely on the reg bodies to say when it is OK.

Blue skies in Eastern Germany. Cold, but blue.

Reporting from Vienna: Blue skies and no fallout this morning. I had been wondering if I might see a little dust on the hood of my car... but, no, nothing.

Best travel wishes to you, Jim! We leave June 12, and we are going through Reykjavik, so wish us luck too!

Good Luck Anne!!! I hope you have a great trip!!! We are really looking forward to our trip!!! Can't wait, hoping for clear skies. Jim

Reporting from Belgium... clear skies, beautiful temperatures, and the airports are open at near full capacity.

Glad to see you (finally) made it, Tom!

Lovely clear blue skies here on the south coast of the UK. Like Linda said, hard to believe there's a problem.
My car has a fine layer of dust on it, but it would be unusual if it didn't, lol.

We are flying out May 21...we hope! Wouldn't mind a few days extension but no more than a week or so...expensive!