Ceefax information

[liverpoolman1]

The present position regarding Liverpool Airport's Ceefax information page is puzzling. No TV information for 2 weeks - since 27 December to be precise - and, similarly, nothing on their Internet page. Having trawled through every airport listed on the Ceefax index page , it is disturbing to note that Liverpool is the only airport in the UK not to appear. It has, in fact, disappeared completely from the system.
As I have said in previous postings it is precisely at times like this - bad weather, delays, diversions etc - that we need Ceefax information. So what is going on? Has the airport some problem with providing the information to Ceefax? If this is the position then surely it doesn't take over 2 weeks to sort it out. Is there some contractual dispute preventing the dissemination of Ceefax information? Again, if that's the problem then it needs sorting - and quick! The airport is losing credibility hand-over-fist here and it is about time it was resolved.

[lfc84]

try emailing the airport and asking them directly

[viscount]

You have quite a 'bee-in-your-bonnet' over this Ceefax system. In my opinion it is an old fashioned backwater, shunted into obscurity through complex access (as proved by a number of recent posts. While there may be some that still use the system, the internet, I would consider the favoured method of accessing information by the majority.

You keep making complaint here, but have you contacted Airport Management for a response? My understanding (from comments on earlier incarnations of this forum) is that the Ceefax system links automatically to the Arrivals/Departure system - so it could be that there is an assumption that all is OK.

[LPL]

I remember this happened a few years ago over Christmas too.

The airport said it was down to the link between the airport and the BBC and it needed to involve both the airports IT and the BBCs IT departments.

With it being Christmas it took a week or two then to sort out.

[Andy L]

I have just had a look using the analogue signal from the Channel Islands and it's all fine and up to date.
However, looking at ceefax.tv, i have no idea when that information is from as it doesn't seem to bear any resemblance to today.
Go figure

Andy

[liverpoolman1]

Yes, Viscount, I do have a bee in my bonnet about this. Unlike us, not everyone has access to the Internet and therefore the TV version is their first port of call. When the weather took its toll on all airports it was imperative that ALL channels of communication were used to keep the customer informed.
A classic example is my 76 year old neighbour who does not have Internet access worrying about meeting a colleague from Geneva tomorrow. I can now assure him that he can check the arrival time himself and he will stop worrying. Think of the many thousands who have not been able to pick up this information from their TV's over the past 2 weeks.
I am delighted to see that, this afternoon, it is back. You may think it is an "old fashioned backwater" but to many it is their first point of access. Welcome back, Ceefax.

[LPL]

The Ceefax system is the quickest and easiest way to check flights no matter what you have available and I agree with liverpoolman1 that its the 'first point of call'.

[Deleted]

Whilst the whole population has access to the internet in the UK (via the local and national library network) one third of households still don't have a PC but most do have TV. Ceefax is still the favourable medium for these people and should be properly maintained. However, most households also have a telephone and a copy of the Yellow Pages or can obtain the Airports number through 118 118. Therefore, providing someone answers the phone at the airport end, nobody should have a problem getting up to date flight information.

[liverpoolman1]

Quote: "Providing someone answers the phone at the airport end". Well, that is another source of irritation. My neighbour tried exactly that all dayyesterday and could not get an answer. Telephone responses at many airports is very slack. They are trying to divert callers away from their airport switchboards to save money. This is why services such as Internet links and Ceefax MUST be maintained.