Major Travel Booking Conditions and Important Information

Please read the booking conditions carefully before you confirm a booking:

Passenger Protection

We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable).

If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or other-wise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme.

Our website may contain links to other sites not controlled by us. These sites may collect data and personal information. We are not responsible for the actions, content, privacy policies or the passenger protection in the event of insolvency offered by those websites to which our website may link. It is your responsibility to check the status of these sites.

£2.50 per passenger of the cost of an air holiday package or flight booked through Major Travel Plc is paid to the Civil Aviation Authority to provide ATOL Protection to you.

This means the money paid for these arrangements is fully protected. Our ATOL Number is ATOL 2933.

EU Regulations on Passenger Disruption

Denied Boarding Compensation – EC Regulation 261/2004

Regulation No 261/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2004 establishes common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights, and repeals Regulation No 295/91

The provisions of EC Regulation 261/2004 regarding measures to address the denied boarding of a passenger on a commercial flight, or to cater for instances of long delays/ flight cancellations come into force as from the 17th February 2005.

For further information on this regulation visit The Department of Transport Website

Foreign Office Advice

Before you enter into any contracts with us, may we recommend that you check the Foreign Office advice on your holiday destination.

For further information visit The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website at: www.fco.gov.uk

Booking Conditions

The conditions vary whether you book a seat only on an airline or a "package". A package is a combination of at least 2 travel components, sold to you as an inclusive price fully payable to Major Travel. The conditions relating to a package are outlined in paragraph "Inclusive holidays".

This contract is made under the terms of these Booking Conditions which are governed by English Law and both parties shall submit to the jurisdiction of the English Courts at all times.

For Airline tickets only, accommodation only or services such as car rental, insurance or other, Major Travel acts as a booking agent. Your contract is with the suppliers and their conditions apply.

Any booking made by you on our website or otherwise shall be deemed an offer by you to purchase the relevant travel arrangements.

No contract between you and Major Travel shall come into existence until Major Travel accepts full payment and issues a confirmation invoice.

Alteration and Cancellation of Airline Tickets

Airline tickets are not transferable under any circumstances. Name changes are not allowed on a booking even if the ticket is not yet issued.

It is imperative that names given at time of booking match exactly the names on the passports as the airlines regard any amendments as name changes and will be regarded as a cancellation and re-booking therefore incurring cancellation charges as stated below.

The following cancellation fees may apply to the issued ticket you have purchased:

• Most tickets are non-refundable and carry 100% cancellation fee. Some airlines treat a change of any date on your itinerary as a full cancellation, the 100% cancellation fee if appropriate will apply. 

• Cancellation fee on partially refundable airline tickets; from £75 to a maximum of £500 per person. Some airlines allow a change of dates for a minimum fee of £125.00 per person per change. 

• A partially used ticket has very little refund value, if you have not used parts of your tickets please email us so we can contact the airline on your behalf, we will endeavour to recover a partial refund, if applicable. 

Please note that we act as agents of the airlines, you have to abide by their rules and conditions.

Check in Procedure

As a rule you must check in at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for long haul travel and 2 hour for short haul. Some airlines require a longer check in time, we will advise you if this is the case. We cannot be responsible for you missing a flight due to lateness in check in at the airport.

Travel/Passports and Visas

When you travel with the carrier, the carrier’s conditions apply, some may have limited liability. Please note that in accordance with Air Navigation Orders, an infant must be less than 2 years of age on the date of the return flight, to qualify for infant status. All passengers will require passport and all appropriate visas, many countries require that your passport should be valid for a further 6 months from intended date of return. We do not accept any responsibility if you do not comply with the regulations.

Countries may alter their visa requirements without notice, please ask our consultants for advice or consult the embassy of the country you are visiting.

Travel to the USA

Most visitors to the United States enter the country as tourists. With the introduction of visa free travel to citizens of 27 countries, it is now possible for many travellers, including British citizens, to enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Visa free travel is also available to qualified travellers who enter the United States on business or in transit.

Citizens of the following countries: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom may travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program if they meet ALL of the following requirements:

The traveller is a citizen of one of the countries named above, traveling on a valid, individual machine readable passport. Note: A passport indicating that the bearer is a British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British National (Overseas) Citizen, or British Protected Person does not qualify for travel without a visa. A passport which states holder has Right of Abode or indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom does not qualify for visa free travel;

• Traveling for business, pleasure or transit only;

• Staying in the United States for 90 days or less;

Important: Some travellers may not be eligible to enter the United States visa free under the VWP. These include people who have been arrested, even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction, those with criminal records, (the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does not apply to U.S. visa law), certain serious communicable illnesses, those who have been refused admission into, or have been deported from, the United States, or have previously overstayed on the VWP. Such travellers must apply for special restricted visas. If they attempt to travel without a visa, they may be refused entry into the United States.

Please note: that if you are from a Visa Waiver Program country and you have had your passport issued on or after 26 October 2005 you will need a passport with a digital photograph. Citizens of France, Italy and Austria with passports issued after this date might need to obtain a US visa. All other countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program will normally issue passports with digital photos from this date.

Children and infants must obtain their own machine readable passport.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

From January 12, 2009, all qualified VWP travellers will be required to obtain electronic travel authorization prior to boarding an air or sea carrier to the United States.

Travelers who do not receive travel authorization prior to their departure may be denied boarding, experience delays or be denied admission into the United States.

Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, but no less than 72 hours prior to departure.

Travel Authorization is obtained through an online registration system known as the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). While not compulsory, travellers may obtain travel authorization from August 1, 2008 onwards. If you are planning on traveling to the United States any time after August 1, you may wish to consider registering with ESTA before your departure. If your registration is successful, it will be valid for multiple applications for two years or until the date on which your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Before going on line to register, you should ensure that you are qualified to travel under the Visa Waiver Program otherwise your registration will be rejected. ESTA only authorizes a traveller to board an air or sea carrier for travel to the United States. It also does not guarantee entry into the United States; that decision rests with the immigration official at the Port of Entry in the same way that travellers currently entering the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program or with a visa are subject to inspection.

Entering the United States by land

Travelers who make their initial entry into the U.S. by land from either Canada or Mexico are NOT required to travel authorization through ESTA before traveling.

Warning

If your passport has ever been reported lost or stolen to the authorities and then recovered, please do not attempt to use it for travel to the United States. If you input the passport details into ESTA, your application will be denied.

Submit your ESTA Application at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

For further information visit the US Embassy Website: http://www.usembassy.org.uk

Travel to Canada

Please note: Starting March 15, 2016, visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid visa.

For further information visit: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp

Health

Please check the various health requirements for the country you are visiting.

Transit

Although you may not leave the airport while in transit you will need a visa for the country of transit if applicable.

Payment

You may pay us by credit or debit card, cheque or cash. Major Travel will not accept responsibility for cash lost in the post. If your travel documents are being paid by a third party who is not travelling with you we will require written authorisation to be provided by the cardholder. All documents will be posted to the billing address of the cardholder.

Reconfirming your flights

Although many airlines no longer require you to reconfirm your flights, Major Travel recommends you to check in on line via your airlines travel website using your airline booking reference to ensure that the flights have not been rescheduled. We will endeavour to advise you of any scheduled changes to your outbound flights if we are able to do so but Major Travel cannot take responsibility for any losses incurred as a result of an airline rescheduling your flights.

Tickets on Departure

All tickets are electronically issued (e-ticket), an itinerary will be issued which is required to be presented at the check-in desk. This service is free of charge. However, some airlines do not operate e-tickets on all routes and will impose a ticket on departure fee if you are travelling within 96 hours.

Charges are as follows;

Any ticket on departure at London Gatwick will be £65.00 and London Heathrow will be £55.00. For charges at any other UK airport - please call our reservation team on 020 7393 1070.

Lost Tickets

If you lose your tickets it may be possible to reissue them for a fee, in some cases you may have to pay for new tickets and wait for a refund from the airlines.

Alteration by Major Travel

Major Travel cannot control or prevent changes implemented by their suppliers. Airlines reserve the right to alter their timing or cancel flights. Should a scheduled change occur we will endeavour to minimise the inconvenience you may experience, we cannot however offer any compensation. Major Travel is not liable for any cancellation or amendment of flights implemented by the carrier. We strongly recommend that you reconfirm your flights 72 hours before departure.

Please check your travel documents carefully, Major Travel must be advised of any error within 72 hours of receipt.

Special Request

Special Requests - such as Assigned Seat Number Requests, Special Meal Requests etc. will be passed on to the relevant supplier but cannot be guaranteed by Major Travel.

Infants Tickets

The cost of a ticket for an infant does not include a luggage allowance nor a seat on the aircraft.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance for your whole journey.

Car Rental/Hotel Reservation

Should you be unable to present your car or accommodation vouchers to our suppliers you may be charged again for the services locally, this may be at a higher cost. We will only refund you the amount you have paid us before departure.

INCLUSIVE HOLIDAYS

Major Travel Price Policy

All prices are based upon costs and exchange rates as shown in the relevant brochure or on current rates at the time of quotation for tailor-made holidays.

After a confirmation invoice has been issued, unless the holiday is fully paid, the price of your holiday is subject to the possibility of surcharge in certain limited circumstances. However a surcharge will only be levied solely to allow for variations in transportation cost, including the cost of fuel, increase in normal published airfares, taxes and fees chargeable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation fees at ports or airports.

Even then Major Travel will absorb an amount equal to 2% of your holiday price (excluding insurance premiums and amendments surcharge) before passing on any surcharge to you. Surcharges will be notified by a revised Confirmation invoice sent to you.

Please note that no surcharge will be made within 30 days of departure if a surcharge would increase the total holiday price shown on your original invoice by 10% or more, this will be considered a Major Change, you will be entitled to the options offered in paragraph entitled "Changes". (See below) including compensation.

The balance of the price of your holiday must be paid at least 56 days before your departure date. If the balance is not paid in time we reserve the right to cancel your holiday and retain your deposit. If after confirmation has been issued, you wish to change to another of our holidays or change departure date, we will do our utmost to make the changes, provided that notification is received in writing at our offices from the person who signed the booking form. This must be accompanied by a payment of £25 to cover our administration costs.

Certain costs of your package, such as airport or security tax may decrease before your departure, in which case we will refund you the difference.

Any member of your party may cancel your holiday at any time providing that the cancellation is made by the person signing the booking form and is communicated to us in writing. As this incurs administrative costs, we will retain your deposit and in addition may apply cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below.

The cancellation charges as set out in the table above apply to all bookings excluding those where items or services from a supplier include cancellation charges exceed those shown above. Please ask at time of booking as upto 100% cancellation charges may apply.

IMPORTANT

Once a booking is made even if the tickets are not issued we cannot do a name change. The previous booking will have to be cancelled and a new booking made. We cannot guaranty that we will be able to provide an airline ticket on the same airline at the same price that on the previous booking. Furthermore after a ticket is issued the airlines cancellation fees will apply. Some airlines charge 100% cancellation fees.

NOTE: If the reason for cancellation is covered under the terms of an insurance policy you may be able to reclaim these charges. Insurance cover taken through Major Travel cannot be cancelled, premiums remain payable in full and are not to be taken into account in the total holiday price for the purpose of calculating cancellation charges.

Changes

Occasionally changes may be made. Most of these changes are minor, and we will advise you or your travel agent at the earliest possible date. Flight timings and carriers in the brochure are subject to change as a result of airline procedures and these details are given for guidance only. Final details will be shown on your tickets. If a major change becomes necessary, we will inform you or your travel agent as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before departure. When a major change occurs, you will have the choice of accepting the change of arrangements, taking another available holiday from us, or cancelling your holiday and receiving a full refund on all monies paid. Examples of major changes are changes that we make to your holiday arrangements before departure that involves changing your outbound or arrival airport, time of departure or return by more than 12 hours, offering accommodation of a lower standard for a whole or substantial part of your holiday. Should we have to cancel your holiday we will offer you a holiday of a similar standard or higher at no extra cost, should the holiday be of an inferior standard than the original one we will refund you the difference. Following a significant modification, unless the change arises from circumstances of force majeure, you will receive the following minimum compensation, calculated according to the number of days prior to departure that you are notified of the change.

Force Majeure means unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond the control of Major Travel by whom this exception is pleaded, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised. The circumstances may include but are not limited to: war, threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, (actual or threatened), technical problems with transport, machinery equipment, power failure, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, flood, drought, adverse weather conditions.

If Major Travel becomes unable to provide a significant proportion of your holiday after it has commenced, suitable alternative arrangements will be made for you at no extra charge to you or, alternatively, you will be returned to your point of departure and given a pro-rata refund for ground arrangements not received.

Holiday Problems

If you have a problem during your holiday, please inform the relevant supplier (e.g. Hotel) and resort representative immediately who will endeavour to put things right. Please follow this up within 28 days of your return home by writing to our Customer Services Department at complaints@major.travel or at Building 3, 2nd Floor, The Exchange, Brent Cross Gardens, London NW4 3RJ giving your original booking reference number and all other relevant information. It is unlikely that you will have a complaint that cannot be settled amicably between us.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF MAJOR TRAVEL

Major Travel applies all reasonable checks to ensure that those involved in the preparation and provision of your holiday maintain the appropriate standards. The descriptions, information and opinions given in this brochure by Major Travel in respect of the airlines, hotels and other suppliers whose services are used are given in good faith, based on the latest information available at the time of printing.

Major Travel accepts liability for any loss you may suffer if any part of the holiday arrangements you book with Major Travel is not as described and not of a reasonable standard. Major Travel also accepts liability if you suffer death or personal injury as a direct result of these holiday arrangements failing to be as described and of a reasonable standard. However, these acceptances of liability do not apply if there has been no fault on the part of Major Travel or its servants, agents or suppliers and the loss, death or personal injury suffered is attributable to your own acts or omissions or to the acts or omissions of a third party not involved in providing the services which make up your holiday, or to unusual or unforeseeable circumstances or events which could not have been anticipated or avoided by Major Travel or its agents or suppliers even with the exercise of all due care. They are also conditional upon you following the procedures for notification complaints set out in condition 9, and upon you assigning to Major Travel any right you may have against any other person whose acts or omissions have given rise to Major Travel’s liability.

Major Travel’s liability to compensate you and the amount of such compensation is subject to the following limitations. First, in the case of damage other than death, illness or personal injury, compensation is restricted to a reasonable amount having regard to such factors as, inter alia, the holiday cost and the extent to which the enjoyment of your holiday can be said to have been affected. Second, in all cases, liability and compensation are limited in accordance with the provisions of all international conventions which concern transportation and accommodation, namely the Warsaw Convention 1929 (as amended), the Berne Convention 1961, the Athens Convention 1974, the Geneva Convention 1973 and the Paris Convention 1962. Copies of these Conventions are available on request.

If you suffer death, injury or illness during your holiday arising out of an activity which does not form part of the inclusive arrangements booked with Major Travel, Major Travel will offer assistance where appropriate and in its sole discretion. This assistance must be requested within 90 days of your misadventure and will be limited to general advice and/or assistance with legal fees up to £5,000 per Booking Form, such contributions to be repaid to Major Travel out of any judgement or insurance payment you subsequently obtain.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

(a) General information concerning passport, visa and health requirements applicable to UK & EU Citizens is set out in the brochures. However, such requirements are subject to change and you must check current requirements before departure. It is your responsibility to obtain all documents required for your holiday, to ensure that these are in proper order and to take them with you. Major Travel will not be liable if you fail to do so and you will be responsible for meeting any additional costs incurred by reason of such failure.

(b) You are responsible for checking-in for flights at the correct time and for presenting yourself to take up all pre-booked components of your holiday. Major Travel cannot accept responsibility for clients missing flights as a result of late check-ins and no credit or refunds will be given if you fail to take up any component of your holiday. No creditor refunds will be given for lost, mislaid or destroyed travel documents.

AIRLINES & OTHER SUPPLIERS

(a) As between you and the suppliers of the transport, accommodation and other components making up your holiday, the conditions of the supplier will apply. These conditions may be subject to international Conventions, which limit and/or restrict the suppliers' liability. (Copies are available on request - please allow 28 days).

(b) Transport timings are provided by the carrier concerned and are subject to such matters as weather conditions, maintenance requirements, the ability of passengers to check-in on time and, in the case of flights, to air traffic control restrictions. Accordingly the times of flights and other forms of transport are estimates only and cannot be guaranteed.

(c) Some activities carry inherent risks and if you are participating in such activities you may be asked to sign an additional form by the local supplier.

ABTA

ABTA: We are a Member of ABTA, membership number P7169. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. We can also offer you ABTA’s scheme for the resolution of disputes which is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. If we can’t resolve your complaint, go to www.abta.com to use ABTA’s simple procedure. Further information on the Code and ABTA’s assistance in resolving disputes can be found on www.abta.com. You can also access the European Commission Online Dispute (ODR) Resolution platform at http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/. This ODR platform is a means of registering your complaint with us; it will not determine how your complaint should be resolved.