MIKE COLES WORLD-WIDE
TRAVEL
updated 120508
Booking - travelling information...
A1- The
schedule is subject to change. Further details
including any alterations together with 'Check-In' times will be shown on the
travel documents. Please check carefully as soon as received. No name changes
allowed. Passenger's first name/initial and surname as booked must match details as
stated in passport, otherwise you may not be permitted to travel and any travel
Insurance may not be valid.
The reservations made are not transferable to another Airline. Tickets valid
only on Airline/s as advised.
Airport taxes are included however some countries/airports levy an extra tax
payable locally.
It is advisable to carry a small quantity of US dollars/Sterling and/or local
currency for this purpose. The
Invoice of which these pages form part is an important document. You should
retain these documents, as you will need it if your travel arrangements are
protected under ABTA’s Scheme of Financial Protection or any other scheme and
you need to make a claim. Please go to ABTA for a copy of the Guide to
ABTA’s Scheme of Financial Protection.
A2- PASSPORT / VISA APPLICATIONS.
Passports, Visas, Health requirements - Please ensure these are all in
order, and acceptable for each Airline the passenger/s travel on and for each
country that the passenger/s intend to visit and transit. Passengers must be in
possession of FULL 10 YEAR (Under 18 yrs = 5 yrs validity) Passports. Note: Your
passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the expected return date
- for European and all other countries. (there are a few exceptions to this rule
please check with this office/appropriate embassy) .
A3–
UNITED STATES
Passports must be machine-readable. If you have a
British citizen’s passport, you don’t need a visa to travel to EU countries, or
the USA. You only need a visa for the USA if you have a British subject’s
passport, or if you have a criminal record. For further information regarding
travelling to USA/Canada please see their website.
From 1st October 2005 all passengers must know the exact address where they are
staying 1st night in USA...for USA Immigration purposes, otherwise and we quote
‘face being deported’. Write the information on a piece of paper and keep in
your passport. For very latest information check their web site at
USA EMBASSY
A4- PASSPORT / VISA REGULATIONS
of Airlines/Countries do alter from time to time and it is the responsibility of
the passenger to ascertain the necessary requirements.
Allow plenty of time if you are applying for a new Passport or Visa.
If you require assistance or advice please contact this office. We will assist as
much as possible.
A5- Passengers not holding BRITISH
PASSPORTS must inform this office immediately by phone and also confirm in
writing the exact title of NATIONALITY as described in their passport/s. Non UK
passport holders applying for Visas in the UK often take longer to process. We
recommend that non UK passport Holders contact the Embassy of the country being
visited/transited to obtain information regarding VISA requirements. We cannot
be held responsible for any delays incurred by passengers holding incorrect
passport/visas. Please do not hesitate to request further information. Airlines
will refuse boarding to those passengers whose documents are not in order.
A6- FOR THE LATEST HEALTH
INFORMATION - It is recommended that you check with your GP concerning the latest medical
update for the country that you are visiting.
For detailed information regarding the new EEC countries 2006 EHIC - EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE
CARD - Obtainable ONLINE at www.dh.gov.uk phone
0845 606 2030 or a main POST OFFICE. All world-wide country information check our web site at
HEALTH ADVICE’.
If you are visiting any EEC country you must take obtain the new EHIC card.
A7-
TRAVEL INSURANCE COVER It cannot be stressed too strongly the importance of travelling abroad with full
Insurance Cover. Cancellation and amendment charges apply to all bookings made
through our Agency. Some tickets in particular are totally non refundable or
changeable.
We therefore strongly recommend that Insurance is purchased AT THE TIME OF
BOOKING.
Insurance Policies include Medical cover with 24 hour
World-Wide Air Ambulance Service. Full Policy detail can be seen on our web
site.
mike-coles-travel Insurance Normally rates vary
with age. One Way cover also available.
World-Wide Expatriate Insurance available. Holiday/ Business/Voluntary Workers
Abroad/ Insurance.
Cover for min 1 day - max 1 year. (Usually extendable—contact us for details). Insurance policies are issued on condition that passengers are not
travelling against medical advice and are not aware of any reason why at the
time the booking is made, the travel should not take place.
B1- YOU
MUST INFORM AND OBTAIN FURTHER INFORMATION FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY
IMMEDIATELY IF ANY OF THE PASSENGERS:
Are receiving, or on a waiting list for an in-patient treatment in a hospital or
nursing home.
Expected to give birth before, or within two months following the date of
arrival at her home address in the UK.
Are travelling against the advice of a Medical Practitioner or for the purpose
of obtaining medical treatment abroad.
Have been referred to a consultant or received out-patient treatment in the last
twelve months.
Are suffering from any on-going pre-existing conditions.
B2-
Insurance Policies are issued and take effect (subject to the terms and
conditions as stated in the policy) once premium received. Once premium paid and
policy issued policies cannot be cancelled or premiums refunded. It is important
that the passenger/s are satisfied that the 'cover ' detailed is acceptable, if
'higher' or any 'special' type of cover is required please contact this office
immediately to discuss your requirements.
B3- Your attention is drawn to the
fact that as with most insurances, under some sections you have to pay the first
part of every claim settled.
Read the Policy Certificate carefully to ensure a full understanding of the
cover and in the event of a possible claim follow the instructions given.
B4- Always obtain written
reports/receipts, to substantiate any claim.
If you have not taken out any Travel Insurance, it is not too late to do so.
Please contact this office immediately.
Check if you need to be insured against: Winter Sports/Scuba Diving/Dangerous
Activities etc Travel Insurance can be arranged
‘from/to’ other countries—please request details.
B5- BOOKING & CANCELLATION From the date/time the
reservations are 'confirmed' as stated, it is accepted that you have agreed to
the booking conditions and cancellation charges take effect from that time.
Travel Documents/Tickets will be forwarded approx 7/10 days before departure or
as soon as possible.
Please inform this office immediately if ticket delivery address is different
from invoice address. We must be able to contact the passengers by telephone or
have a contact telephone number in case of emergencies at home and whilst away.
E mail and mobile phone detail accepted.
B6- ‘E
TICKETS’ - ELECTRONIC TICKETS Most airlines have now replaced ‘paper tickets’ with ‘E Tickets. An E TICKET is
the paperless electronic ticket. It’s paperless because when you book the
details are safely stored on the airline computer booking system so there is no
need to send you a paper ticket. And you cannot ‘lose’ your ticket! You will be
given a ‘Booking Identification Number’ which you quote at Check In.
B7- ONE
WAY TICKETS It is the responsibility of the passenger/s to be in
possession of correct and valid Passport & Visa Documents. (if required) in
order to arrive at the destination with a one way ticket . (This also applies to
transit points). Your documents must be in order before your departure. Where a
country lays down certain requirements regarding arrival with 'one way' tickets
Airlines will refuse boarding to those passengers whose documents are not in
order before departure.
B8-
FOREIGN OFFICE TRAVEL ADVICE UNIT .
There are times when it is very difficult for Travel Agents to advise a client
as to when and how safe it is to travel to foreign countries , especially when a
country is faced with a sudden disaster, terrorist activity or a major health
problem . There are occasions when some Airlines will continue to fly, when
others will not. We feel that simply because an Airline chooses to continue
flying to a destination, under one of the above threats, this should not be
taken as a guarantee that the country is a safe destination. Our advice is to
contact the TRAVEL ADVICE UNIT attached to the FOREIGN OFFICE in London, they
operate 24 hours, 7 days a week service. Clients that travel against the advice
of the Foreign Office do so at their own risk. -Telephone 0845 850 2829
Home Foreign & Commonwealth Office
B9- MONEY
- Travellers cheques are a safe option rather than cash, because you can
obtain a
refund if they are lost
or stolen. It’s useful take a recognised credit card (ie Visa) as
a back up. They come in handy as a deposit if you’re hiring a car, and are
essential in the USA.
C1- On receipt of Tickets/Documents
check all details, conditions, and instructions. Subject to the Ticketing &
Carriage Conditions of the Airline/s/Carrier on which you travel.
C2-
CHECK IN
Before the day of travel make sure you know the latest check in time for the
flight. Our recommendations are below. Remember that check-in time is the latest
time at the check-in desk, not for joining the back of the queue. If
you miss the check-in deadline your place on the plane may go to someone on the
waiting list and you will have no claim against the airline. You may have
requested a particular seat, but the airline does not guarantee that you will
get it, the earlier you check-in, the more likely you are to get the seat you
want. You will usually be asked some questions about your luggage. These are
security checks and you should answer the questions carefully. When you check in
your luggage you should be given a receipt for each bag. The receipts are sticky
labels that the check-in staff sticks to your ticket folder. Keep them safe. You
will need them if your bag goes missing and you need to make a claim against the
airline.
C3-
LATEST 'CHECK-IN' Before Departure Time: United Kingdom - Domestic Flights, Eire Flights: ONE HOUR.
European Flights: TWO HOURS.
Intercontinental/International: THREE HOURS.
Internal Flights in countries outside UK: TWO HOURS
Israel: THREE HOURS.
C4- RECONFIRMATION:
Airlines may say that reconfirmation is not necessary however we strongly advise
that you to recheck the timings/flight numbers as schedule changes can occur at
any time. Therefore
* Passengers MUST CHECK FLIGHT NUMBERS/FLIGHT DEPARTURE and ARRIVAL TIMES *
Latest 4 working days before travel.
Changes do occur and therefore it is imperative that passengers check with the
Airline for the very latest information. Check from which TERMINAL the Airline
departs. After your arrival at your destination, remember to reconfirm your
onward or return flight/s direct with the Airline/s. Some Airlines will cancel
your reservations if they do not hear from you at least 72 hours before
departure. If your connecting flight is less than 72 hours after your arrival
you should still reconfirm.
C6- If you do not reconfirm your
onward/return reservations your reservations may be cancelled.
** You are advised to follow these instructions **
Please obtain Airline Telephone number/contact for reconfirming your
onward/return reservations either at Check--In on day of departure for your
first flight or on arrival at your destination.
Stops en Route: Passengers may request information at ‘Check-In’ (ie fuel stops,
or possible ‘change of aircraft) or telephone the Airline Reservations
beforehand.
C6- CHARTER/HOLIDAY FLIGHTS /
PACKAGED HOLIDAYS - Ref: ‘RECONFIRMATION’ - If you are flying on a charter
flight you may be required to reconfirm/check flight timings for your return
flights. Check your ticket documents and/or ask at the Check In desk on the day
of departure.
C7- MEALS
If you have special dietary requirements please request this at the time of
booking and confirm direct with the Airline as soon as possible. IE Vegetarian, diabetic etc) and
alert them to any allergies you may have but we must advise that this is a
request basis and cannot be guaranteed.
C8- AIRPORT ASSISTANCE
For the Disabled/Elderly/or others requiring wheelchair or other assistance.
Contact us and the Airline now for any special
requirements.
C9- SEAT REQUESTS:
You may contact the Airline Reservations Office (excluding some
Charter/Holiday Charter Flights) generally at any time before departure and
request certain seating. Most airlines will normally accept seat requests: IE -
Non Smoking/Smoking/Aisle/Window/View of Screen/Not over Wing/etc and reply as
follows: Accept Seat Requests but not guaranteed until 'Check-In' OR: First
come, first served at Check-In.
Therefore Check-In early. Many airlines are 'non-smoking'.
D1- BAGGAGE—
SEE ALSO DETAIL ON OUR WEB SITE The free baggage allowance per passenger
should be stated on your documents which is
shown either in kilos -
(ie 20 kgs=20 kilos=approx 44 lbs) OR the number of pieces 2 pcs (2pcs=2 Items).
2 pcs are usually counted as 2 pieces with max of 23/28 kilos (varies) per piece
but check with this office/airline.
(If the ticket is marked ‘PC’ this usually means ‘2’ pieces. check with this
office or direct with the Airline)
No single item of baggage may exceed 60 lbs (28 kilos) - Many airlines have
lower weight limit of 23 kilos (50lb)
Total dimension of 62
inches=158 cms whilst the maximum dimension of both added together must not
exceed 106 inches (270 cms). (height + width + depth). Check with this office or
airline direct.
D2- You may also take one piece of
hand baggage, airlines vary between 5 & 18 kilos-check direct with airline Maximum dimension
must not exceed 45 inches (115 cms).
Children are given full allowance. Infants (under 2 yrs) do not get baggage
allowance, though allowance is made for essentials.
D3-
Luggage labels:
When
leaving home, for security reasons, complete only the outbound side of your
labels. Home address details should be inside your baggage. Wait until you are
about to come home before filling in the reverse side of luggage labels showing
your home address. Never leave your baggage unattended.
Never check-in baggage for other people. Keep money, jewellery, cameras,
passport and other valuables with you. Don't pack them with hold baggage. Carry
traveller 's cheques and credit cards rather than large amounts of cash.
Aerosols: Up to 2 containers maximum size 500 ml each may be carried in your
hand luggage, but check direct with airline.
(Try to take atomisers if possible) Butane Gas Hair Curlers: Curlers - but not
refills - can be carried on most airlines and should be packed in your hand
luggage.
D4- DO NOT pack the following items
in your hand luggage: Toy/replica guns (metal or plastic), Catapults, Household
cutlery, Knives with blades of any length, Razor blades, Tools, Scissors,
Tweezers, Hypodermic needles (unless required for medical reasons), Knitting
needles, Darts, Sporting bats, Billiard/snooker or pool cues.
If you are unsure of any items (or the weight) you wish to carry please call
this office or contact your Airline direct.
D5- Passengers are now advised to
remove all electrical goods from ' checked baggage ' as a security measure.
Electrical items should be carried in hand luggage only.
'Excess Baggage' Airlines rarely grant ' Free excess baggage ' . Normal charges for ' checked
baggage ' in excess of the ticketed weight (usually 20 kilos per passenger) are
very high. Irrespective of the fare paid and class used by the passenger the
charge can be 1% of the one-way , normal , direct adult first class through fare
for each kilo in excess of the free allowance.
For your guidance there are at least two major companies specialising in reduced
rates for
'Unaccompanied Excess Baggage'
a - Excess Baggage Co:
Heathrow Terminal 2/3 = 0208 759 3344. Gatwick Airport North & South = 01293 569
900 (both 0530-2200 hrs) .
B - The London Baggage Company: Tel 0207 828 2400. (Victoria Railway Station)
D6-
TRAVELLERS CHEQUES
If your travellers cheques are lost or stolen call the issuing company
immediately: UK numbers:
AMERICAN EXPRESS: 01273 571 600. THOMAS COOK: 01733 502 995.
VISA: 0207 937 8091. CITYCORP: 0207 982 4040.
LATE CHECK LIST:
Airline Tickets/Vouchers Passport. Visa ( if required ) Travel Insurance Policy
Driving Licence - inc all parts International Driving Licence Credit Cards
Travellers Cheques Currency Electrical Adaptor Medical/Medicine Kit
Camera/Films/Batteries Reading/Writing Material/Maps
Sunglasses/Torch Money Belt Vaccination Certificates
D7-
AIRPORT HOTELS & CAR PARKING
All with Discounted rates. Discounted Hotel, Airport Car-Parking at most
UK Airports.
All above bookable on our computers
AIRPORT HOTELS & CAR PARKING vouchers immediately
available.
Don't forget to allow plenty of time to get to the Airport. The most
common cause of delay is traffic.
Have a pleasant journey
MIKE COLES WORLD-WIDE TRAVEL
home