Snoozefest: Both pilots fell asleep

It's nice to have a snooze during a flight.

But probably best not to if you are the pilot and co-pilot.

Both dozed off at the same time, causing their Batik Air flight to veer off course, an Indonesia National Transportation Safety Committee report says.

It happened during a flight in January, from Kendari, Sulawesi, to Jakarta, the Travel Mole news portal reported.

There were 157 passengers and cabin crew onboard the flight.

The report said the pilots were both asleep at the same time for around 28 minutes - but the flight landed safely.

The captain took a rest leaving the co-pilot in charge.

He then "inadvertently fell asleep" with air traffic control unable to get a response from the cockpit.

“Several attempts to contact the plane had been made. None of the calls were responded to by the pilots,” the report stated.

Some time later the captain woke up with his co-pilot still asleep and realised the plane was off course. This was immediately rectified.

The pilot initially told air traffic control there had been a "problem" with communications 

Image: Anda Sacracut, Scop.io

Crackdown on hidden air ticket charges

There are few things as annoying as hidden charges when you try to book a flight - charges like those imposed by Jetstar in Australia when you book online.

Airlines add charges for several extra services, including priority boarding, checked bags, in-flight meals and seat selection, even for paying with a credit card.

These charges are often initially hidden and make comparison shopping on flight prices problematic.

In the UK, airlines could face a crackdown on hidden fees, as part of a new government plan to improve transparency for people shopping online.

A public consultation will look at ways to end the "drip pricing". Travel Mole reports.

Government officials say the practice is ‘widespread’ and spans beyond the airline industry to many other sectors.

Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake says the new proposals would make sure consumers have "the clearest and most accurate information upfront" before making a purchase.

“Fake reviews and hidden fees can make choices increasingly confusing and leaves customers unsure about what product is right for them.

“We’ll be listening to industry to ensure these new regulations work for businesses too and don’t generate unnecessary burdens.”

Airlines have argued that ‘unbundling’ extra services gives consumers more choice.

Industry body Airlines UK said: “Delivering value for consumers is at the heart of an airline business.

“UK airlines look forward to responding to the consultation.”

Time for similar action in Australia?