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FLOODS AFFECTING WESTERN INDIA

There has been heavy rain in western India causing flooding and disruption in rail/road/air travel in the state of Gujarat and city of Mumbai. As a result many passengers cannot get to the airport.

Calcutta is also experiencing severe flooding following heavy rainfall.

British Airways have announced that customers who are unable to get to the airport or who are unable to complete their journey due to the disruption caused by flooding in the Mumbai and Gurjarat area are covered by their policy – details on the BA website.

HEATHROW TERMINAL 4 - CLOSED DUE TO SECURITY ALERT

Heathrow Airport's Terminal 4 has been evacuated after a suspect package sparked a security alert. The Metropolitan Police said it was dealing with the item at the terminal which had been evacuated and all roads leading to it closed.

BAA said departing passengers were being re-screened and delays to flights were expected.

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said all air traffic from terminal four had been stopped while checks were carried out.

We will update this section as soon as we have more information

ADVANCE PASSENGER INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SPAIN FROM 13TH JUNE 2007

From the 13th June 2007, the Spanish authorities have enforced the collection of Advance Passenger Information (API) to be collected from every passenger traveling to Spain.

This is similar to the current API legislation in place for all passengers traveling to the US, with the responsibility of the collection of information lying with the airlines. This information is compulsory and is required for the purposes of ensuring aviation safety and security, without this information you may not be allowed to travel.

The information that will be collected is:

Full given games
Surname
Nationality
Date of birth
Travel document number e.g. passport number

Spain is the first European country to require this information, and this policy is expected to be introduced in other EU member countries over the next 12 months

We recommend that passengers traveling to Spain arrive at the airport earlier than the advised 2 hours check in time to allow for any delays caused by the airlines collecting this additional information.

If your airline provides an online check in policy we recommend that you contact them to find out how they will be collecting this information.

SLOVAKIA

Before travelling to Slovakia, you should ensure your passport is in a presentable state. The Slovak authorities could refuse you entry if your passport is in a worn or damaged or looks as though it has been tampered with. You must carry your passport with you at all times for identification purposes. It is also advisable to carry a photocopy of your passport even if you are travelling as part of a group.

While in Slovakia, you will be subject to its rules and regulations. All those who violate Slovak laws, even unknowingly, could be arrested and fined or imprisoned.For example, there is a law regarding adverse noise between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am. Unruly or rowdy behaviour may attract the attention of the police.

Please visit the Foreign Office website for more detailed information.

COLOMBO

There have been a number of terrorist attacks in the Colombo area over the past few months aimed at Defense installations.

Some airlines are reviewing their flight schedules to Sri Lanka and travellers are advised to check the status of their flights to and from Colombo with their carrier.

There is heightened security, particularly in Colombo and southern Sri Lanka. You should ensure that you carry some form of identification with you at all times. If you are a British national and are detained, you should ask the authorities to contact the British High Commission.

The Sri Lanka Tourist Board has advised that all safeguards and precautions are taken to make visitors to the country comfortable, while the Sri Lankan Government has recently decided to set up a new Tourist Police Division. Their aim will be to ensure that Sri Lanka is a visitor friendly destination by reducing the incidences of harassment at cultural and other attractions, on the beaches and deceptive practices such as over charging for services, petty theft and other similar incidences.

Please visit the Foreign Office website for more detailed information.

TRAVELLING TO THE USA

The Transport Security Administration (TSA) website shows some information regarding travelling to the United States

API - Advanced Passenger Information
Upon entry to the US you need to provide full details of where you will be staying on the first night, including the address and zip code (post code) of your accomodation.

Baggage and Passenger Screening
All Passengers and baggage are screened in US Airports.

Passengers
The Passenger screening process is similar to what you would expect to receive in the UK.

Outer Clothing and Carry On Luggage will be screened using an X-Ray Machine
You will pass through a metal Detector
Shoes are also to be screened using an X-Ray Machine

Baggage
Although all baggage is screened there are times where it willl have to be physically screened. If the bag is locked the TSA are allowed to cut off the locks.

The TSA have worked with some security companies and have produced some TSA Accepted Locks.

Click here for More Information from the TSA Website

Restriced Items
As with the UK there are items which are prohibited in your hand luggage.

The TSA website has the following information:

With certain exceptions for prescription and over-the-counter medicines, baby formula and breast milk, and other essential liquids, gels, and aerosols, the following rules apply to all liquids, gels, and aerosols you want to carry through a security checkpoint.
All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. Each container must be three ounces or smaller.
All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed. Each traveler can use only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.
Each traveler must remove their quart-sized plastic, zip-top bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items

Click here for More Information from the TSA Website

Visas Depending on your status you may be required to have a Visa for entry to the United States. For more information please check this at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office or, if you are a non-UK National, your local embassy or consulate

For more information on the US Requirements please visit the Transport Security Administration website.

NEW HAND LUGGAGE MEASURES FOR FLIGHTS TO AND FROM AUSTRALIA

The Australian Government is introducing new measures restricting the amount of liquids, aerosols and gels that can be taken on board aircraft as hand luggage for flights to, from and within Australia, to enhance security for passengers.

The new measures, which take effect from 12.00am on 31 March 2007, mean that:

Liquids, aerosols and gels taken on-board planes as hand luggage must be in containers no bigger than 100ml (milliliters). This includes drinks, creams, perfumes, sprays, gels, toothpaste, lipstick, lip balm and similar substances that you can pour, spray or smear.
These containers must be sealed comfortably in a one litre transparent plastic re-sealable bag (for example 20cmX20cm or 15cmX25cm)
Passengers will only be able to carry one of these transparent bags each.
Duty-free items taken through screening are subject to the same rules as other liquids, aerosols and gels. At many Australian airports, passengers will be able to purchase and collect duty-free items after they have passed through screening for their international flight. Further restrictions will apply if travelling from Australia to the U.S.A. or Canada.
No duty-free items will be permitted to be taken through an international transit screening point in Australia. Similar rules are in place at airports internationally.
Passengers may carry duty-free liquid, aerosol and gel purchases on board if they are delivered to the departure gate in a sealed bag with proof of purchase and collected after passengers have proceeded through security screening.
Passengers may also purchase liquid, aerosol and gel duty-free items on-board an aircraft. However, if they are transiting through Australia, these items cannot be taken through the screening point.

The new measures take into account the health and medical needs of passengers. Passengers may still carry on-board prescription medicines, where the name on the medicine container matches the name on the boarding pass. Baby products and non-prescription medicines necessary for the flight are also allowed.

There are no changes to the amount of aerosols, liquids and gels passengers are allowed to pack in their checked luggage, providing they are not ‘dangerous goods’. Airlines will be able to advise what items are considered to be ‘dangerous goods’.

For more information about these measures, please visit the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services website.

NORWICH AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT FEE

Please note that for all bookings from Norwich Airport, there is a mandatory Airport Development Fee due on departure. This will apply to all bookings travelling on or after 2nd April 2007.

The charges are detailed below, and can be paid by cash or credit card by obtaining tickets from machines located within the terminal building, which will enable passengers to pass through automatic gates into the departures area.

Adults (aged 16+) - £3.00
Children (aged 2-15) - £1.50
Infants (under the age of 2) - Free

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE ON A RYANAIR

The hand luggage allowance for Ryanair is 10kg. The maximum baggage dimensions for hand luggage are 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. Up to and below these dimensions and weights are free for each passenger to take on board. Anything above this is not free and will need to be checked in as hold baggage instead.

Please note these are additional charges which are not included in your lastminute.com ticket price. These additional charges are payable at the check-in desk only, before you board your flight.

Ryanair's Hold Baggage is now charged £10 per bag per one way flight for any hold baggage up to a maximum of 15kg per bag.

BANGLADESH

On 11 January 2007, the President declared a state of emergency. The situation in Bangladesh is calm but events can move quickly and you should keep yourself informed of developments, including by regularly checking travel advice posted to the Foreign Office website and monitoring the local media.

If you are in Bangladesh you should ensure that you are comfortable with and regularly review your own and your family’s security and travel arrangements. You should carry photocopies of your Bangladeshi visa and data page from your passport at all times, plus copies of other important travel documents, for identification purposes

For more detailed information, please visit the Foreign Office website: http://www.fco.gov.uk

BRITISH AIRWAYS EXTRA BAGGAGE CHARGE

From the 13th February 2007 British Airways will impose charges for extra bags checked in on all flights.

- World Traveller, Euro Traveller and domestic passengers: The airline will allow one bag to be checked in free of charge of up to 23kg (51lbs) - World Traveller Plus and Club Europe passengers. This allowance rises to two bags to be checked in free of charge of up to 23kg (51lbs) each - Club World and First Class Passengers: Three bags to be checked in free of charge of up to 23kg (51lbs) each.

The airline will introduce a minimum charge of £30 for extra pieces of luggage checked into the hold on domestic flights rising to £60 per bag for short haul flights and £120 for long haul – with 30% discounts available for payments made online for travel by September 30. The maximum weight of bags allowed to be checked in is also being reduced to 23kg (51lbs) each, however, to allow customers to become familiar with the new baggage policy and weight limitations, BA will continue to accept bags at check-in weighing up to 32kgs for travel completed by 30 September 2007. Under the new guidelines British Airways will not accept oversized items exceeding 2.5m x 1.00m x 0.80m (98in x 39in x 31in), with the following exceptions: musical instruments, electric wheelchairs, some sporting items, TV news cameras, commercial spares. British Airways requires a minimum of 24 hours notice for passengers who will be travelling with any of the above items.

British Airways states on their website: "Our vision for London Heathrow Terminal 5 is to create the best possible airport experience before you fly." "With this in mind we have announced a new simpler checked and excess baggage policy which will come into effect on 13 February". "Word Traveller passengers will continue to be allowed to check in two bags on flights to the US, Canada, Caribbean, Nigeria, Brazil and Mexico " in line with the local government regulations"

THAILAND SECURITY SITUATION

Due to the recent security incidents in Thailand, the Foreign Office is advising that travellers should exercise caution, and where possible, to avoid crowded places. For further information please visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.

COUP IN FIJI

On 5 December, the Fiji Military Commander dismissed the elected Prime Minister and Government of Fiji and announced that he had assumed control of the country. A state of emergency was declared and curfews were imposed without warning.

The Public Emergency Regulations (State of Emergency) were lifted on 31 May 2007 but Police checkpoints remain in place at night in major centres. You should avoid all military or political rallies and large gatherings of people, and avoid openly discussing polictical issues. You should exercise caution when travelling to Fiji, particularly in urban areas. There is the potential for civil unrest following the military coup.

Tropical cyclones are common in Fiji from the beginning of November until the end of April.

For more detailed information please visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Website.

CT2/LOCO CHARTER FLIGHTS

Please be advised that our charter flight supplier, CT2 / Loco, has ceased trading with effect from 13 December 2006.

What happens to my booking?

Since CT2 / Loco is ATOL Bonded your booking is protected, meaning that you are able to reclaim your flight costs at the time of your booking.

ATOL is the government's licensing and financial protection scheme for air holidays and flights sold by tour operators and travel organisers in the UK.

To claim a refund for your reservation you can do so via ATOL, by completing and returning this form

For further details please visit the Civil Aviation Authority

How do I know if my flight was booked through CT2 / Loco?

On the confirmation email you will find a Flight Reference Number. Should it start with CT and followed by seven digits, your flight will be affected.

I am abroad; will I have a return flight?

Passengers currently overseas should be able to continue their holidays as planned. The Civil Aviation Authority have advised that alternative flights will be sourced to bring you home where necessary. Where possible the CAA will be making arrangements to retain representatives in resort.

How do I proceed if I have only booked a flight?

Passengers who booked a flight only will be unable to travel on their existing reservation. Should you wish to continue with your journey, you will need to book a new flight, please contact us.

How do I proceed if I booked a package holiday?

Our Customer Services Team will be contacting affected customers in the next few days. If you have not heard from us by the 18th of December, please contact us.

AIRPORT SECURITY - LATEST ADVICE FOR PASSENGERS

Passengers are reminded that heightened security restrictions remain at all UK airports. All passengers will be subject to hand baggage restrictions and are asked to arrive at the airport early, prepared for the security restrictions.

The following information will help you prepare for your journey:

Travelling with liquids:

Passengers can now carry a limited quantity of liquids (gels, lotions, pastes, liquid cosmetics, foams and foodstuffs) in their hand baggage when going through airport security checkpoints. We strongly advise you to pack any liquids that you don’t need whilst onboard the aircraft in your hold baggage. However, if you do need to travel with liquids, please be aware of the following restrictions which apply to all liquids you wish to carry through an airport security checkpoint:

All liquids must be in individual containers not greater than 100ml capacity. They must be placed in one transparent re-sealable transparent bag, no larger than 20cm x 20cm (8" x 8") in size, and fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be fastened closed
Only one bag per passenger is allowed. The bag must be clear and re-sealable, such as ‘ziplock’ bags or bags with pressable seals. Larger bags or bags that are sealable, such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed
Each passenger must remove their clear plastic bag from their hand baggage and place it in on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening
Liquids in containers of more than 100ml capacity must be packed in your hold baggage
Exemptions to the liquids rule applies for liquid medicine or baby milk/food

To ease your journey, we suggest that most items are placed in your hold baggage and only items of value or that you require whilst onboard the aircraft are carried in your hand baggage.

Hand baggage restrictions:

Passengers are allowed to carry ONE item of hand baggage through the airport security search point, no larger than:

56 centimetres tall (approximately 22 inches)
45 centimetres wide (approximately 17.7 inches)
25 centimetres deep (approximately 10 inches)

Please note, this is the maximum bag size allowed through security. Smaller bag sizes may apply depending on which airline you travel with.

Other bags, such as handbags, may be carried WITHIN the single item of cabin baggage, not in addition. All items carried by passengers will be X-ray screened. Cameras, (including digital, small electrical items such as mobile phones, MP3 players and game consoles can remain in the bag for screening. However, all laptops and large electrical items must be removed from the bag and placed in a separate tray.

Further passenger information:

Pushchairs and walking aids will be X-ray screened
Wheelchairs are permitted but will be thoroughly searched
Musical instruments are allowed will be screened separately
You can fly with everything you buy after security. All shops and catering outlets are open to all passengers before and after security. However, items purchased before security must fit into your ONE item of hand baggage and the restrictions on liquids also apply. After the security check, passengers are able to take all items purchased in the departures lounge onboard the aircraft.

Need more help?

For further advice on prohibited items, including what to do if travelling with baby milk and prescribed medicines, please visit the following websites:

www.baa.co.uk
www.dft.gov.uk