Useful Information
Passport
A ten-year British or EU passport is essential for any travel outside the UK and we recommended that it be valid for six months after your intended date of return - for some countries this requirement is mandatory. It is also recommended that children have their own passports, although some countries (excluding the USA) still accept a child's inclusion on their parent's passport. All passengers travelling to or via the USA must have machine readable passports. Also in order to comply with regulations, airlines operating to the US (and some other countries including Spain for example) are required to obtain certain information from passengers, such as country of residence and full address of your first nights accommodation, prior to the departure of your flights from the UK. It is your responsibility to ensure your travel documents, including your passport and vaccination certificates (if required), are in order and in your possession when travelling. 24 hour Passport Advice line: 0870 521 0410. UK Government website with passport information
Visas
To travel to some countries you need a visa. You are responsible for obtaining any visas that are required for your holiday. Full details of any requirements can be found on the Foreign Office website https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. Failure to have the correct documentation could result in you not being able to travel. Please ensure that you have a minimum of 6 months validity on your passport for your return to the UK. If you are uncertain of what you need to do contact our offices on 0208 248 2355 or by e-mail to info@baway.co.uk
Travel to the USA
If you are travelling to the USA you are now required to obtain authorisation to enter the USA and this is called Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA for short). ESTA is compulsory (unless you have a visa to enter the USA) and must be completed at least 72 hours before your arrival in to the USA. ESTA is valid for 2 years (or up to the validity of your passport whichever is soonest) and each time you travel to the USA you will need to update the flight information and your first nights accommodation in the USA. There is a charge for ESTA. Please click here to access the correct website for ESTA. Please do not web search for ESTA, there are many dubious websites out there that WILL complete the information required but will charge a lot more than the current charge for obtaining an ESTA.
Health
Before travelling we strongly advise you to consult your own medical practitioner well in advance of your holiday for up-to-date advice.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
To check the latest information about your holiday destination you are advised to check the UK Government Foreign Travel Advice website
Travel Insurance
The booking conditions of most tour operators require you to obtain adequate holiday insurance. Such insurance should ensure that you are fully covered against unexpected cancellation charges, medical expenses arising abroad, loss of luggage or money and personal liability claims. It is strongly recommended that you independently obtain adequate cover or accept the insurance arrangements described in the tour operator's brochure.
Baggage Allowance
Free baggage allowance varies by airline and destination. The following is a guide as to the checked-in baggage allowance (per person). To confirm allowances for your flight, please refer to your ticket or contact the airline you are flying with.
- Economy: Most airlines include 1 piece of checked in luggage with a weight of between 20kg and 23kg depending (on the airline).
- Premium Economy: Generally 2 pieces of luggage with a maximum weight of 20-23kg per piece.
- Business / First Class: 2-3 pieces of luggage (depending on airline) with a maximum weight of 30-40kg per piece.
Please be aware that if your itinerary involves an internal flight within the USA, most airlines now have ZERO baggage allowance and you have to pay for any checked in luggage (unless your ticket is issued as 'one' ticket with an international flight - please contact us if you are unsure if your itinerary has to be paid for baggage flight or baggage is included flight).
Understanding your Confirmation Document
We use many status codes during a 'live' booking, these include 'on request', 'awaiting booking form', 'awaiting confirmation' and 'awaiting tickets'. There is nothing to worry about with these; they just help us to track the status of your booking.
Balance Due Date
Generally the balance is due 10 weeks prior to departure; however, some tour operators require the balance to be paid before this. Your balance due date will be printed on your booking confirmation on the same line as the balance due amount.
Special Requests
Please inform us of any special requests, such as low floor, adjoining rooms, dietary etc. We shall pass on your requests and try to confirm your wishes. However, we can not guarantee all special requests will be met.
Disability
If you or any member of your party have any disabilities, it is extremely important that we make the necessary arrangements to make your holiday go smoothly. We must therefore insist that you contact our offices on 0208 248 2355 or by e-mail to info@baway.co.uk before completing any reservation to ensure compatibility for the holiday that you chose. For certain types of holiday (especially cruise) you could be refused travel on the grounds of safety if they have not already been advised of your requirements.
Hotel Check-in and Check-out Information
Should you have accommodation booked with LeisureFare / B away, please be aware the general check-in times range from 2pm to 4pm and check-out between 11am and 12 noon. Subject to availability you may be able to check-in earlier/check out later. However, early check-in / late check-out, is never guaranteed unless you book and pay for the night prior to arrival or night of departure.
Travel Documents
Travel documents will be dispatched approximately 14 days prior to your departure. We will call you to let you know that we have received them and that we shall be posting them to you. Please ensure you check all your documents carefully as flight times may have changed since you received your first confirmation. Please call should you have any queries.
Pre-booking Airline Seats
Some airlines still permit pre-booking of airline seats, however, generally only percentage of the aircraft can be pre-booked and the remainder allocated at check-in. As a general rule airlines do not permit the pre-booking of the bulkhead or exit row seats. British Airways have changed their policy and 'complimentary' pre-booking of seats is only permitted if you are a British Airways Gold/Platinum card frequent traveller or checking in online 24 hours prior to your flight.
Checking-In On-line
It is recommended that you check-in on-line for your flight (where possible) within 24 hours before departure. Your airline reference code is not on your e-ticket receipt. The reference (PNR) that is on your e-ticket is the booking systems reference code; please see your itinerary for the airline reference.