Travelling Safely

Our Client Services Department is here to assist those passengers with special needs, with help and advice when booking their holiday. Passengers with particular requirements or any of the following concerns should discuss them with their travel agent or Palmair Reservations Department on (01202) 200700 PRIOR TO BOOKING.

Medical Conditions

Any medical condition, either temporary or permanent which you think may affect your ability to travel or the enjoyment of your holiday. DVT: Advice on measures to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis may be obtained from your G.P.

Pregnancies

Expectant mothers enjoying good health may travel up to the 34th week of pregnancy on the return journey. From 28-34 weeks a valid Doctor’s certificate is required, this should be obtained not more than 7 days prior to the date of the outward travel. If the pregnancy is otherwise than normal, the aircraft captain must be informed and his decision to accept the passenger for travel is final. Over 34 weeks, or within 7 days of the expected delivery, passengers are not accepted for travel except in exceptional circumstances (special regulations apply). Palmair insurance only covers pregnant women up to 28 weeks provided this has been declared and accepted by the insurance company. Alternative insurance companies may offer extended cover.

Contagious Diseases

In order to protect other passengers, the aircraft captain and/or cabin crew are within their rights to refuse to carry passengers suffering from contagious diseases. Passengers with visible signs of a contagious disease such as weeping spots and sores etc. or incessant coughing, may be required to produce at check-in a “Fitness to Fly” certificate which has been completed within 24 hours of departure by the patient's doctor.

Special Requests

Special requests should be made to your travel agent when you confirm your holiday booking. We will do our best to try and meet your requirement and whilst we are prepared to pass on a request for a specific room with a particular aspect (e.g. quiet room, low/high floor etc), no guarantees can be given and it will not form part of our holiday contract. The hotel management has the ultimate responsibility for the allocation of rooms and if the room you have specifically requested is allocated to you, this may be classed as “superior” and carry a supplement which will be payable on arrival. Children's meals and some special dietary in-flight meals e.g. vegetarian, gluten-free & diabetic can be requested at the time of booking and every effort will be made to ensure that such requests are complied with.

Wheelchair Passengers

We need to be advised if you are travelling with your own wheelchair or require help with boarding and/or assistance between the airport terminal building and the aircraft. Passengers (other than those with their own wheelchairs) requiring the use of a wheelchair and assistance, will need to show a medical certificate (or copy) to the Palmair representative at Bournemouth Airport. Hotels and apartments featured in this brochure are generally not considered suitable for guests who are totally confined to wheelchairs. The surrounding area of a hotel or apartment complex may be totally unsuitable for anyone with walking difficulties and this aspect should also be considered at the time of booking. Some hotels may be able to offer rooms which are specially adapted for wheelchair users.

Accompanied children under 16 travelling without their parent or guardian

Please note that any child (up to 16 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 telephone number. *Visitors to Portugal and Madeira should be in possession of a letter which clearly states the full name and relationship to the children of the person accompanying them, written consent from the parents and copies of both parents' passports. Special regulations apply to Portuguese mothers departing Portugal and Madeira and travelling alone with children - please ask for details. This is in accordance with the Child Protection Act.

Unaccompanied Minors

Please ask for the airline's regulations relating to children under age 12 travelling unaccompanied by an adult.

Child Seats

There are certain regulations regarding child seats on the Boeing 737 aircraft, please discuss this prior to travel if you wish to use a baby or child seat on board.

Complaints

Any complaint made by a client about the hotel must be registered during their stay in the establishment, either to the Palmair representative or to the hotel. Any complaint made after leaving the hotel will not be taken into consideration by the establishment concerned in any circumstances, whether directed to the hotel or travel agent/tour operator. Our reps are available to help you with any problems and these can normally be dealt with immediately whilst you are in the resort. Any other complaints should be registered in writing within 28 days of return from holiday.

Passports and Visas

A standard 10 year passport is required for travel to Europe. Please ensure that your passport is valid for the period of your holiday and any additional timescale stipulated by the country you are visiting. It is the passenger's responsibility to have the correct documentation which should be completely intact, any sign of tampering or serious damage may result in your not being able to travel on holiday. Persons holding passports other than British may require a Visa and should therefore check with their travel agent or appropriate consul.

It is important to apply for new passports well in advance of your departure date. Passport photos now have to meet stricter quality standards and photo booths are being upgraded with digital technology, those that meet with the new high resolution standards will have a sticker indicating this. For further information regarding biometric passports visit website www.ukpa.gov.uk.

For all first time applicants for a UK passport who are over the age of 16, the Passport Office will need to confirm your identity before issuing your first passport and you will have to attend an interview. This means that the application process will take longer. If you are 16 or over and haven't yet got a passport, the recommendation is that you should apply for one at least six weeks before your holiday.

For information, telephone the National Enquiry Line 0300 222 0000 or access the website: www.passport.gov.uk or e.mail: info@passport.gov.uk Passengers on all domestic flights are also required to provide a valid passport or other photographic ID (for details of acceptable ID, please call 01202 200700).

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 advice and tips, and up to date country specific information.

Health and Safety

Palmair recommends that you read the free booklet entitled "Health Advice for Travellers" (T7.1) which is available from your local Department of Health, or by telephoning 0845 606 2030. Website: www.dh.gov.uk. You are advised to check with your local GP for details of health requirements that may be necessary for your chosen destination. Safety regulations for hotels in our brochure may be different from those experienced in the UK, so you are asked to be alert and use common sense e.g. when you arrive at your holiday accommodation, please ensure that you read the fire notices in your room and in the hotel in general. Find out where your various escape routes may be and where to raise the alarm - if in doubt - ask.

Smoking

Palmair operates a non-smoking policy on all flights. There are now enforced smoking restrictions in operation at many hotels, bars, restaurants, airports and other public places. Some hotels are able to offer non-smoking rooms and non-smoking floors - these can be requested but not guaranteed.

Health Requirements

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

An EHIC certificate means you can get free or reduced cost medical treatment (not dental) at state hospitals if you fall ill or have an accident whilst on holiday in most of the European countries. However, there are very few state hospitals and you will not be covered in any way for repatriation to the UK, personal liability, personal baggage, cancellation or travel delay and you may also be charged a percentage fee or prescribed medicine fee. Palmair strongly recommends holiday insurance to all travellers (page 142). By itself, your travel insurance might not be enough to cover your medical care while you are away and some travel insurance policies are not valid without an EHIC. Your EHIC may cover the excess - the first part of the claim - which you normally have to pay yourself, but it is still advisable to have both.

You can apply for an EHIC (valid for 5 years only) online through www.dh.gov.uk/ travellers or you can obtain an application format the Post Office. The same application form can be used for you, your spouse or partner, and up to six dependent children.