Holiday frequently asked questions and essential information.
The US Department of Homeland Security have announced enhanced security procedures for all flights to the USA. Therefore, if you are flying to the USA, any phones larger than 16cm in length, 9.3cm in width and 1.5cm in depth, laptops, tablets, e-readers, power cables and chargers may be checked. A device may be confiscated or destroyed if it shows signs of internal or external damage, it appears to have been tampered with, it cannot be removed from a protective case, it doesn't have sufficient battery life or it triggers the explosives trace detection alarm. You should allow sufficient time to reach the boarding gates prior to the departure of your flight, to allow for these extra checks. Some airlines have updated their website to explain these screening procedures, which you can refer to. If you have concerns with any of your devices we would advise you to leave these items at home, or place them into your hold luggage.
As a tour operator we have no control over flight delays and cancellations and your claim will need to be made through the airline directly. If your flight departs from any airport in the EU or arrives at any airport in the EU then you may be eligible for compensation through your airline for a delay over 3 hours. Further information can be found on the caa website
Your full first and surname must match your passport in order to travel. If your name is spelt incorrectly you must advise us as soon as possible so we can make the neccessary amendment. Airlines will make charges for incorrect spelling amendments and sometimes this may increase to the purchase of a brand new ticket.
Airline policies vary as to when you are able to reserve your seats. You may be able to reserve your seat online or alternatively you may call the airline to discuss your seating requirements. We will provide you with your airline reference by e-mail approximately 5 weeks before departure.
We offer flights from Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh for many of our North American tours, including connecting flights from 9 UK airports and direct transatlantic flights.
The recommended check in time for North America & Longhaul flights is 3 hours. For all other destinations it is usually 2 hours, and for Domestic flights approximately an hour.
Depending on the airline, on-board meals, alcoholic beverages and in-flight entertainment (films and multi-channel stereo) will normally be available, although are subject to change and on some flights additional charges may apply.
Your baggage allowance depends on the terms and conditions of the applicable airline so please ensure that you check directly with them prior to your departure. Baggage in excess of the allowance dictated by the airline cannot be carried by airline or will be subject to an excess charge. Due to limited space on touring coaches and river cruise ships only one piece of baggage per person, with maximum dimensions 30"x21"x11" (76cm x 53cm x 28cm) is permitted plus reasonable hand luggage. Some holidays have more restrictive regulations than those listed for example those that include an internal flight with a smaller aircraft. Please check you are taking the correct amount of luggage before travel.
The vast majority of scheduled airlines provide in-flight entertainment via a screen on board. However some airlines have started to introduce the accessing of in-flight entertainment via their own airline app, which you would need to download before you travel, or alternatively you can hire a device on board for a small charge. Please refer to the website of the airline you are travelling with for further information.