Luggage and check in

This information is intended to answer any queries you may have about your journey and your holiday in general. Please also refer to travelling safely and before you go for further information.

BAGGAGE
Passengers should always check current security regulations in force at the time of travel.

You are advised to use the enclosed labels supplied by Palmair, in addition, affix your own name and address label inside your suitcase. Do not complete the return section of the label until you are returning to the UK. The checked baggage allowance for one or two pieces of luggage is 20 kilos per person. If two or more passengers wish to pool their baggage allowance, the maximum weight for one suitcase must not exceed 30 kilos. Single items of baggage above this limit WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED for carriage. If you exceed the baggage allowance, there may not be room on the aircraft for your baggage or if there is, A CHARGE WILL BE MADE. Folding pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs do not count as part of your luggage allowance and will not incur a charge.
Infants: Infants under 2 travelling on a parent's lap do not have a baggage allowance. Golf Clubs, Bowls Woods, Bicycles, Windsurf Boards etc: The carriage of such items is subject to payload restrictions imposed by the Civil Aviation Authority. Prior arrangements to take such items must be made with Palmair at the time of booking and we will endeavour to meet your requirements, However, NO GUARANTEE IS GIVEN to carry such items and such carriage does not form part of your holiday contract. If such items are accepted for carriage at check-in and the weight exceeds your baggage allowance, a charge may be made. We are also unable to guarantee that you will be able to take such items on the transfer coach* to your hotel.
* Lanzarote - 10 Euros charge for the carriage of surf boards. Majorca - approx. 12 Euros charge for the carriage of bicycles, golf bags, surf boards, musical instruments - all subject to space.

BAGGAGE Hand Baggage
Each passenger is allowed one item of hand baggage and for carriage on Palmair flights, the dimensions of this item must not go beyond 22" x 18" x 10" (including wheels, handles and side pockets). The weight should be less than 5 kilos (11 lbs) and it must be capable of being stored underneath the seat or in the overhead locker. Laptops and other large electrical items have to be removed from cabin baggage and screened separately. A laptop bag will be regarded as your one item of cabin hand baggage.
Vital medication, cash and items of value should be carried on your person or in hand baggage and when you travel overseas it is always advisable to take with you a repeat prescription for essential medication. Suspect items such as aerosols, umbrellas (other than telescopic), knives, tools, darts, scissors, tweezers, knitting needles, syringes, or anything which could possibly be construed as a weapon, may be confiscated, or you will be required to transfer these to your checked baggage. Fragile items may also have to be carried in the hold (at passengers' own risk - please check that you are covered by insurance). Large quantities of wine, beer and spirits will not be allowed in the cabin or the aircraft hold for safety reasons. Cameras, camcorder, laptops portable DVD players and hand-held electronic games are allowed in the cabin but all items will be thoroughly inspected and X-rayed. It should be noted that hold baggage screening equipment may possibly inflict damage on specialised high speed films and photographic materials and passengers are advised to carry these items in their hand baggage. Most X-ray machines used to screen hand baggage have been proven to be safe. Pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs are permitted as hand baggage but will be x-ray screened, as are all other items. Other electrical items and batteries should be carried in the hold. Cigarette lighters and matches are prohibited in checked baggage but one small cigarette lighter is allowed in hand baggage when departing from Bournemouth Airport.

CHECK-IN
The necessity for security precautions can of course delay check-in procedures and it is therefore in your own interests to comply with the above. You are advised to check in no later than 1½ hours prior to departure and no earlier than 2½ hours prior to departure. Passengers are allocated seats when checking in at the airport on a "First come, first served" basis. Advance seat reservations are not accepted. Seats by Emergency Exits are allocated at the discretion of the handling agent's check-in staff in accordance with CAA regulations and depending on the age and fitness of the passenger.

THINGS TO TAKE WITH YOU
Please make sure you take with you:
A valid passport, your tickets, baggage labels, holiday invoice, driving licence and car hire voucher if you intend to hire a car, a copy of your holiday insurance cover and your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). You are advised to take suitcases and holdalls with wheels as porters and trolleys are not always available. Money - it is advisable to take a small amount of local currency with you - however, please be aware that most insurers will only cover the first £250 in the event of loss or theft (please check your policy). Eurocheques, travellers' cheques, credit & debit cards - it is advisable to check whether these are accepted in the country to which you are travelling. You may have difficulty using a debit card and travellers' cheques are no longer widely accepted by hotels and banks. NB Italy - Most hotels and the majority of banks do not accept travellers' cheques.

Vital medication** if you have to take vital medication regularly for any reason, please take a sufficient supply for the length of your stay and it is advisable to carry a supply in your hand luggage* and a prescription where possible. Passengers suffering from allergies and having special dietary requirements e.g. diabetics, are advised to carry in their hand baggage a supply of foods* that may be required in the event of a delay, as suitable meals may not be available at airports.
Passengers travelling with young children are advised to carry a supply of disposable nappies, sweets, drinks* and toys in the hand baggage, in the event of a delay.

* see also Airline Security

AIRLINE SECURITY
The Department for Transport has put in place security regulations for all passengers starting their journey at UK airports. For current regulations and further information please contact your local travel agent or visit the Department for Transport website at www.dft.gov.uk. Passengers who have concerns regarding their travel arrangements or security in place at airports should contact the airport or their airline. You should also be forewarned that extra security measures are in place at all overseas airports. Each passenger may carry small quantities of liquids in their cabin hand baggage, but only within separate containers, each of which with a capacity not greater than 100 ml, all contained within a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag (not sandwich bag). "Liquids" includes: all drinks including water, soups, syrups, creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara etc., sprays and pressurized containers including shaving foam and spray deodorants, pastes including toothpaste, gels including hair and shower gel, and any other solutions and items of a similar consistency. Essential medicines above the 100ml limit must be supported by documents from a relevant qualified medical professional. Liquid baby food or sterilized water, sufficient for the journey, can be taken through airport security. Passengers may be asked to verify items by tasting or testing on skin. All items which do not fit in the permitted cabin bag size must be carried in the hold as checked baggage. Duty free items that are purchased after the security check can be taken on board. These are given to you in a sealed bag - do not open this until your final destination - remember you will have to go through security procedures on your return journey. Damaged baggage should be reported to an airport official BEFORE you leave the baggage hall at the airport. You will be asked to complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) form before leaving the airport and you will be given a copy to submit your claim to your insurance company. Failure to comply with the above will result in any claim against your insurance company, the airline or Palmair, being invalid.

MONEY AND VALUABLES
Please be aware that crime, in particular theft, is on the increase in some resorts. Most hotels provide a safety deposit box for hire in your room or offer the use of the hotel safe on request and it should be remembered that they will disclaim responsibility for any items not left in a secure place.. You are advised to carry money and any items of special value with you at all times. Also be wary, particularly when abroad, of seemingly well intentioned people offering assistance with luggage and if you are in any doubt whatsoever, we strongly recommend you carry your own luggage

PERSONAL SAFETY
Safety regulations for hotels in our brochure may be different from those experienced in the UK so be alert and use common sense. Ensure that you read the fire notices and find out where your escape routes may be and where to raise the alarm. If in doubt, ask. The Palmair Information Book should be available for your inspection - please take note of health and safety warnings which apply to yourself, your hotel and the resort. In particular, bottled water is recommended for your consumption - local water is safe for personal hygiene.

WHEELCHAIRS
Airline handling agents can provide wheelchair assistance but only from the aircraft to Immigration/ Passport Control and vice versa. Assistance can be requested at the time of booking and confirmed at check-in and will be complied with wherever possible. A valid medical certificate confirming disability must be shown at check-in and you are advised to take an additional photocopy in the event that one copy is retained. Electric wheelchairs may be carried, depending on weight, but regulations apply to the type of battery accepted for carriage (please call 01202 200700 to discuss). Prior arrangements for a passenger to take their own wheelchair must be made with Palmair at the time of booking, so that any potential problem can be avoided.

ARRIVAL AT HOLIDAY AIRPORT
On arrival you will be met by your Palmair representative who will direct you to your transfer coach (transport is not provided for "Flight Only" passengers). Please identify your baggage as it is being loaded, before boarding the transfer coach yourself. There may well be several stops before your destination.

Inclusive holiday passengers who have made independent car hire arrangements should inform our representative on arrival that they do not require the transfer coach.

Your PALMAIR REPRESENTATIVE will hold an introductory talk, soon after your arrival at the resort, when you will be given contact telephone numbers, local information and answers to any queries you may have. If there is something you are not satisfied with, please report it to your representative immediately so that matters can be put right, rather than run the risk of having your holiday partly spoiled. Your representative will be available at specified hours at your hotel - should you be unable to contact our representative in an emergency, the hotel reception will do their best to assist. Otherwise, please contact our agents at the telephone number indicated during office hours. There will be a Palmair notice board in the foyer of most hotels, where information and notices regarding return transfer pick-up times etc. will be left. Sometimes your representative may wish to leave a note, which may not reach you unless your room key is handed to the reception.

ACCOMPANIED CHILDREN TRAVELLING WITHOUT THEIR PARENT / GUARDIAN
Please note that any child (up to 18 years) travelling with an adult who is not their parent or guardian, is required to be in possession of a letter giving appropriate written consent from the parent / legal guardian, this should include a contact telephone number.
NB. British visitors to Portugal and Madeira are required to have more detailed information on the written consent – please telephone for details.

Children of Portuguese nationals who are travelling other than with both parents may need notarised authority – please call for details.

RETURN ARRIVAL IN UK
Please see your itinerary for airport contact details.
Worried about travel to a specific country
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides advice for British travellers to stay safe overseas. Before you travel overseas, check the FCO website at www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo.com. It is packed with essential travel tips, and up to date country specific information.