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Frequently Asked Questions
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Questions about
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Important information
about travel booking
IMPORTANT INFORMATION for
the Traveller: Please Read
- Full payment is required
at time of booking
- Cancellation Charges up
to 100% of the cost of the Holiday may apply
- Most airfares once booked
are Non-Refundable
- You are strongly recommended
to take out travel insurance
- All accommodation is reserved
on a room only basis unless otherwise stated
- To make changes to your
reservations, please contact us at the information contained below
- Passport/Visa
& Health Requirements
- Travel
Documentation
- Flight changes/Reconfirmation/Check
in
- Information on Airline Liability
- Airport Security and Restrictions
- Standard Baggage Allowance and Conditions
- Baggage Security
- Sporting Equipment
- Musical Instruments
- Pre-assign Seats for Flight
- What is Included in the Hotel Price?
- Where are Driving Directions to the Hotel?
- What are the Payment Options?
- What is Needed to Cancel or Change an Itinerary?
- Can I Travel When Pregnant
- Fit to Fly
- Carrying Medication
- Airport Assistance
- Should I Carry a Credit Card?
- What Safety Standards Should I Expect on My Holiday?
Passport/Visa & Health requirements
Passport:
A valid passport is essential when you travel abroad. Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after your return. All children regardless of age (including infants) must have their own passport. For travel to most countries, a British passport must remain valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the UK. Some countries apply different rules. Contact the embassy or your destination country for current information.
It is your responsibility to ensure that exactly the same name (including initials) appears on your ticket as in your passport. If there is any difference, you may be refused entry onto your flight. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any flight or into any country or otherwise suffer any difficulties or incur any costs as a result of not having an acceptable passport or any required visa(s).
If you need a new passport, apply early. You do not have to wait until a current passport expires before you renew it. For help and advice about passport applications and fees contact the passport advice line on 0870 521 0410. Alternatively, check out the passport office website where you can apply for a passport online.
From October 5th 1998 children under 16 have been required to hold their own passport. Children already included on a parents passport are not affected by this change and can continue to travel on these passports until they reach the age of sixteen or when the passport expires. If, during the validity of the passport on which a child is included, a new document is required then a separate passport for the child will need to be applied for. There is no facility to add a child to a passport after 5 October 1998. REMEMBER: A child included on a passport issued before 5 October 1998 can only travel on this passport whilst they are under the age of 16. Children over the age of 16 need separate passports.
In the UK: Report the loss or theft immediately to the police and the UK passport services. You will also need to complete and sign a lost/stolen declaration form, which can be obtained from the passport adviceline on 0870 521 0410, visit the passport office website at www.passport.gov.uk, your local passport office, police station, selected Post Office branches or Worldchoice travel agents offering the passport application Check and Send Service. Abroad: Report the loss or theft of your passport immediately to the local police, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Consulate, Embassy or High Commission. You can find details of your local FCO by calling 0870 606 0290 prior to your departure, or by visiting FCO website. You will also need to fill out a lost/stolen declaration form (LS01) and submit reference details of a local police report.
Machine Readable Passports (MRP):
From 26th October, 2004 passengers entering and transiting the United States under the VWP are required to hold a machine readable passport (MRP). If any person who is a citizen of a VWP (i.e. UK citizens/holders of UK passports) does not have a MRP, then they will need to obtain a U.S. non-immigrant visa prior to departure. The UKPS has a Passport Advice line (0870 521 0410) and website which offer customers advice about the various methods of applying for a UK Passport.
Visa:
It is your responsibility to obtain the appropriate visa for your destination(s) and any applicable transit point. If you
require information in respect of current visa requirements, procedure and time required to apply for the applicable visa, you should contact the Embassy of the country you plan to visit.
If you are not a British Citizen, you should consult the embassy of the country of destination, and the home office Immigration Department to check whether you require any special documentation for the countries you are visiting or for return.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP):
UK citizen's holders of UK passports can avail of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Some travelers are not eligible by law to enter the US using the VWP, providing the their stay is less than 90 days, and they hold a confirmed onward reservation and they have presented a completed I-94W form to authorities on arrival into the USA (these can be obtained at the UK departure airport or onboard). But you should check with the US Embassy for details of these categories before you
purchase your holiday. If you do not hold a UK passport, you must check the applicable passport and visa requirements with the embassies of the countries you will be visiting during your holiday. Passengers, who have previously been refused a visa, should contact the relevant embassy. Those intending to re-enter during their vacation should ensure on doing Immigration that Multiple Entry is stamped on their passport. The FCO can offer customers detailed travel advice (including information about visas) on its FCO website. .
Health:
It is incumbent upon you to ensure that you meet the health requirements of the countries you wish to visit and those that you transit (even if it is for a plane change).
Travel Documentation
Please ensure you have printed/downloaded all relevant flight/accommodation/activity vouchers from your confirmation email as they will be required for check in. Almost all airlines currently use e-tickets however in certain cases a paper ticket may be required e.g. if infant is travelling, in this case paper tickets will be posted to your address prior to departure. It is the passenger's responsibility to ensure that all documentation is valid and in order.
International Journeys:
Passengers must hold valid ID with a photograph i.e. International Passport or EU National ID. EU National IDs must be valid for entry into the country of intended destination. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a valid photo ID. British Citizens must hold a valid 10-year passport. Please note that certain destinations insist on at least 6 months validity from the return date. UK Citizens can check out the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for passport, visa and health information, at FCO website. Other nationalities should check with their own governments. It is also your responsibility to check whether you need a visa to enter your destination country.
For British Citizens, as of 5th October 1998, under 16 year olds are required to have their own passport. Children already included on their parents' passports are not affected by this change and can continue to travel on these documents until they reach the age of 16 years or the parents' passport expires or is amended. In order for a child to travel on a parents' passport, the parent must be travelling with the child. Although family passports are still valid, a spouse who is not the main holder must have his/her own passport when travelling alone.
Domestic/Channel Islands/Irish Republic Journeys:
For domestic/Channel Islands journeys passengers must present one of the following forms of valid photographic ID:
- Passport
- National ID card
- Citizen card
- Photographic driving license
- Student Card
- Forces ID Card
- Airport/Airline Employees Security ID Pass
- Police Warrant Card/Badge
- Photographic Bus Pass
Flight changes/Reconfirmation/Check in
Changes:
Please see our Terms and Conditions for information on cancellation or changing your reservation. In order to amend/cancel your itinerary you will need to call one of our representatives on +442890511880 or email mustdotravel@shgi.ie. Any changes to your flight reservations may incur additional charges. Airline tickets are non-transferable. Rules and restrictions are imposed by the airlines and are subject to change, MustDoTravel.Co.uk must abide by these rules.
Reconfirmation:
You must reconfirm your return flights at least 48hrs prior to departure by contacting the relevant airline.
Check in:
European Flights - Airport check-in desks open 2 hours prior to the scheduled flight departure time and can close 60 minutes prior to the scheduled flight departure time.
Long Haul Flights - Airport check-in desks open 3 hours prior to the scheduled flight departure time and can close 60 minutes prior to the scheduled flight departure time.
We recommend that you check in as early as possible and make allowance for long lines for popular destinations.
Information on Airline Liability
Click here to view the details.
Airport Security and Restrictions
Once in the departure lounge customers may purchase any item including liquids in any store and take it onto the aircraft as normal, flights to the US are no longer subject to separate restrictions. Additionally liquids and gels purchased in the departures area, including Duty Free items are now permitted on departing flights and may be sealed in a special sealed bag, do not open it before you are screened or if you are transiting flights within the EU otherwise the contents may be confiscated at the security search point.
Travelling from an EU Airport and Transiting in the UK with Hand Baggage:
The same restrictions apply to all transiting customers, additionally where liquids have been purchased on an EU airline, or beyond the security search point at an EU Airport, they must be in a sealed bag with proof of purchase. It is recommended it is not opened before screening at your transit airport.
Travelling from a Non EU Airport to the UK with Hand Baggage:
Currently at this time there are no restrictions known to MustDoTravel on the carriage of liquids in hand baggage to the UK from outside the EU with the exception of flights from the USA however locally imposed restrictions may apply.
Travelling from a Non EU Airport and Transiting in the UK with Hand Baggage:
Currently at this time there are no restrictions known to MustDoTravel on the carriage of liquids in hand baggage to the UK from outside the EU with the exception of flights from the USA, however locally imposed restrictions may apply. Customers who have travelled from outside the EU through the UK will NOT be able to carry liquid in their hand baggage through the passenger security search points in the UK.
Travelling from the USA to the UK:
Customers are also subject to liquid and gel restrictions at security checkpoints into departure areas.
- One clear transparent re-sealable 1 quart (1 litre) size plastic bag containing liquids, gels and /or aerosols.
- In containers (90ml) capacity or less per container are now allowed.
- The contents of the plastic bag must fit comfortably and must be completely closed/sealed and subjected to x-ray inspection from any carry on bag. If any of the items below do not fit into the closed sealed transparent bag and/or are over the 3oz (90ml) limit it should be declared to the security personnel at the security search point.
- Baby formula/milk and baby food in containers if a baby or small child is travelling
- Medications
- Liquids or gels for diabetic or other medical needs
General Information:
Customers may be subjected to secondary screening if they enter the security checkpoint with liquids, gels, and/or their person or in their carry on bag. To guarantee maximum safety, NO scissors, knives or blades, or dangerous goods of any kind are allowed in the aircraft cabin.
One small lighter may now be carried through security search points, the lighter container will form part of the liquid allowance within the re-sealable plastic bag. It can either be placed inside the bag or handed separately for screening. It is very important that customers do not place the lighter into their cabin bag after screening and must be carried on their person for the duration of the flight for safety reasons. Please note that butane cigarette lighters are now permitted to be carried on your person on flights to/from the USA/Mexico and Jamaica, however torch lighters remain prohibited. Additionally lighters and matches should not be packed in hold luggage under any circumstances.
Useful websites for customers to refer to are below:
Baggage Allowance
Any baggage may only be accepted if it is packed and secured in suitcases or similar containers and capable of withstanding reasonable handling. Any passenger presenting baggage that is insecurely or insufficiently packed, or already damaged must sign a disclaimer waiving their right to any subsequent claim.
Each customer may take one item of hand baggage (maximum dimensions of 55x40x20cm), Other bags such as handbags, laptop bags or laptop computers must be carried within the single item of cabin baggage.
The total weight of hand luggage items must not exceed 10kg and is part of any baggage allowance which you may have purchased, or be entitled to (please see your travel documentation). You must be able to lift this yourself into overhead storage compartments and any handbag or laptop computer bag (or equivalent) must fit under the seat in front of you.
If your total baggage weight exceeds the limit detailed on your booking confirmation, excess hold baggage will be accepted for carriage subject to the conditions of acceptance of excess baggage, and will be charged at £6 / ¤9.00 (or local currency equivalent) per kg and longhaul £9 (or local currency equivalent) each way.
Any single item of checked-in luggage must not exceed 32kg, as this exceeds the recommended guidelines for airport baggage handlers to lift.
Infants under the age of 2 have no hand/hold baggage allowance.
It is recommended that video cameras, mobile telephones and other valuable items should be carried as hand luggage; they must not exceed the dimensions outlined above. Customers will only be able to carry Hypodermic Syringes in their hand luggage if supporting an approved "Diabetic Doctors letter". Customers carrying such items must also advise check-in staff.
Baggage Security
Following the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease, it is now illegal to take some meat and dairy products abroad. From 7th August it will be illegal to take Meat, Meat products, Milk and dairy products abroad from animals that are susceptible to foot and mouth disease, including cattle, pigs, goat, sheep and deer.
This ban includes sandwiches, packed lunches and food for self-catering holidays, and includes fresh, chilled, frozen, tinned, preserved and processed products. Foot and mouth disease presents no risk to humans but does pose a serious threat to animal health. It can be spread to susceptible animals through a variety of food products. It is therefore important that you DO NOT take food products abroad. To find out more, please visit the Defra website or call 08459 33 55 77.
What is New:
Within your hand luggage, you can carry small quantities of liquids only if:
- They are in individual container(s) no larger than 100millilitres (3.5 fluid oz).
- The container(s) are carried within one transparent re-sealable or zip-top plastic bag with a capacity not exceeding 20cm x 20 cm or 8 inches x 8 inches or one litre capacity. Customers will be responsible for providing their own re-sealable plastic bag.
- The contents of the plastic bag must fit comfortably, are easily visible, are not packed on top of each other and the bag is completely closed.
Liquids include:
- Water and other drinks, soups, syrups
- Creams, lotions and oils
- Perfumes
- Sprays
- Gels, including hair and shower gels
- Contents of pressurised containers, including shaving foam, other foams and deodorants
- Pastes, including toothpaste
- Liquid-solid mixtures
- Mascara
- Any other item of similar consistency.
The plastic bag must be removed from hand baggage, prior to the airport security search point as it will be screened separately. Any customers with liquids in containers of more than 100ml or unable to meet the detailed restrictions will be required to pack them in their hold baggage.
One small lighter may now be carried through security search points, the lighter container will form part of the liquid allowance within the re-sealable plastic bag. It can either be placed inside the bag or handed separately for screening. It is very important that customers do not place the lighter into their cabin bag after screening and must be carried on their person for the duration of the flight for safety reasons. Please note there remains a total embargo of the carriage of cigarette lighters to/from the USA. Additionally lighters and matches should not be packed in hold luggage under any circumstances.
What Has NOT Changed:
Within your luggage, you can still carry;
- Electronic equipment including mobile phones, laptops digital cameras and MP3 players (such as i-Pods). NB: Any large electrical items including laptops will be subject to additional examination and screening and need to be removed from hand baggage prior to the security search point.
- Prescription medicines in liquid form e.g. diabetic kit, as long as verified as authentic (if it is in a container with a capacity of no more than 100mls it should be placed in the plastic bag).
- Baby milk, liquid baby food or special dietary requirement food stuff in liquid form and essential for the trip (the contents of each bottle or jar must be tasted by the accompanying passenger) however should NOT be included within the transparent, re-sealable plastic bag.
- A musical instrument if it can fit within the one piece of hand baggage, if not it will be allowed to be carried as a separate item within the carry case as long as it only contains the instrument itself and no other items.
- Customers departing from the UK are restricted to one piece of hand baggage per person Pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs are permitted and will be subject to x-ray screening.
At the security search point customers will be asked to remove their coats & jackets for x-ray screening, selected customers will be asked to remove their shoes for screening. Customers travelling to the USA may be subject to secondary searching at the boarding gate.
Do I have to Pay for Sporting Equipment
Yes, all sporting equipment including golf clubs, bikes, surfboards, skis, snowboards, windsurfers, handgliders etc. will incur a small charge. This is in addition to your luggage as they are put in separate parts in the hold. This needs to be pre-booked through ourselves beforehand to ensure the carriage of sporting equipment is guaranteed.
We only accept windsurfers or handgliders if the total length including the mast is less than 2 metres. The size of the hold does not permit bigger items and we will therefore refuse transport of any items that exceed this limit.
To guarantee a space within the aircraft hold for your equipment, you need to pre-book your item. Our aircraft hold is limited and we have a restriction on the amount of equipment that we can accommodate. If you do not pre-book, we will would only accept your equipment if there is sufficient room in the aircraft hold and you will have to pay the appropriate fee at the airport.
Please make every effort to secure your golf clubs and other sports equipment - we recommend that zipper type compartments are padlocked. The transport of individual golf clubs as hand baggage is not permitted. If you wish to carry just one or two clubs, we recommend that they are protected in a padded box for carriage in the hold of the aircraft. We recommend that passengers have insurance cover for the replacement value of all their sports equipment.
Please contact us at mustdotravel@shgi.ie
Do I have to Pay for Musical Instruments
Musical instruments can be carried for a fee. If the instrument is too large to fit in the overhead locker it must go into the hold. Smaller items can be carried as hand baggage, providing they are within the hand baggage dimensions of 45 x 35 x 20cm. Larger items can be carried in the hold at a charge from £15 (or local currency equivalent) per item, per flight. Please contact us at mustdotravel@shgi.ie, to discuss requirements.
Pre-assign Seats for Flight
Please note that airlines do not guarantee any particular seat and reserve the right to assign or reassign seats at any time, even after boarding of the aircraft.
What is Included in the Hotel Price?
Our prices include standard room only accommodation, unless otherwise stated. In rare cases hotels are fully inclusive (i.e. food and beverage included) this will be clearly listed in the hotel description. None of our packages include attraction tickets or resort facilities such as kiddies clubs, massage therapy or spa treatments. Although we list the facilities of a property in our hotel descriptions this does not necessarily mean that the use of these facilities is included in your price or free of charge, if you are in any doubt please inquire from our reservation staff at the time of booking.
Resort Fees:
You should be aware that certain properties levy clients directly in resort with fees for the use of various facilities at those properties. We have, where possible, in this brochure, detailed such fees in the hotel descriptions applicable.
Parking:
Most properties offer free parking, however, some establishments do charge a daily/weekly fee. Where possible, we endeavour to advise of these charges.
Where are Driving Directions to the Hotel?
A link to driving directions can be found on the left side of each Hotel Overview page.
What are the Payment Options?
We accept MasterCard, Visa, Laser and Diners Club. At this time, we can only accept bookings paid for with one of these credit cards. All payments must be in British Pounds.
What is Needed to Cancel or Change My Itinerary?
Please see our Terms and Conditions for information on cancelling or changing your reservation. In order to amend/cancel your itinerary you will need to call one of our representatives on 44-2890511880.
Can I Travel When Pregnant?
If you are pregnant you should check with your doctor before you travel. If you are more than 28 weeks pregnant at the time of your return flight, airlines insist on a medical certificate stating you are fit to fly. If you are more than 32 weeks at the time of your return flight they may refuse to carry you. Please also note the restrictions on your travel insurance policy.
Fit to Fly
If you need any clarification on whether or not you are fit to fly, please seek medical advice from your GP. Air travel can cause problems such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) for some people with bronchial or circulatory problems, so if you have any concerns at all please contact your doctor for advice.
Carrying Medication
You can carry insulin and a pen injection device in your hand baggage during the flight. However please be aware that you must advise check-in staff that you intend to carry insulin and a pen injection device on board, and you will also need a doctor's letter or approved Diabetic card to prove that it is for medical purposes only.
Even if you will not require insulin during the flight, we do recommend that you carry these items with you in your hand baggage for safety reasons, and also in case of any delays whilst on-board the aircraft. Please remember to inform our check-in staff and to carry your doctor's letter or Diabetic card with you during the flight.
How to Arrange for Airport Assistance
Passengers with special needs, use a wheelchair or who have reduced mobility and require airport assistance, are strongly advised to contact us before making a reservation. If you do not request assistance in advance we cannot guarantee that our airport assistance service will be available. We offer assistance to wheelchair passengers and transport your wheelchair free of charge (in addition to your normal baggage allowance), but please be aware that if assistance is required, the airline may require either a disabled badge number or a doctor's letter.
Electronically powered wheelchairs will be accepted for travel, providing that the general conditions for their carriage, as outlined in the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, are met. These relate to the batteries used to power wheelchairs. Since the batteries will remain attached to the wheelchair, it is important that the wheelchair can be easily stored in an upright position when collapsed for carriage. Batteries must be disconnected and the battery terminals insulated to prevent accidental shorting. We recommend that passengers have insurance cover for the full replacement value of their wheelchair.
Should I Carry a Credit Card?
We believe it is essential to obtain a credit card prior to your departure. In the United States, Europe and most travel destinations around the world, credit cards are a way of life. Hotels will require an imprint of your Credit Card on check-in to cover for incidentals and for security reasons. Car hire companies will also require a credit card imprint of the nominated driver. In our opinion you should not leave home without your plastic friend.
What Safety Standards Should I Expect on My Holiday?
At MustDoTravel the wellbeing and safety of our customers is a high priority. Therefore we are continually looking to improve safety and hygiene standards in all our overseas destinations. One of the joys of travelling abroad is experiencing the different way of life in other countries. However, it is important to remember that safety and hygiene standards in some destinations differ from those we take for granted at home. Hotels, apartments, homes and other facilities will be obliged to meet local safety regulations, but these do not always match British standards, which are among the highest in the world. We therefore strongly recommend that upon arrival in resort, you and your family should familiarise yourselves with your accommodation and its safety procedures, as a safeguard in the unlikely event of an emergency.
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