Travel FAQs

Options to reserve a specific seat on the plane differs for all airlines and airfares, fees may apply to reserve a seat with additional fees for exit rows.
Your travel designer can request seats without fees however these will only be guaranteed by the airline at check in.
The airline reserve the right to change seating requests at any time even for a paid service.
Bassinets are limited and carry size and weight restrictions and are subject to availability and may not be confirmed until check in.
Emergency exit rows are only allocated to people who are fit to assist in an emergency.
If you are travelling with others on a separate flight booking our travel designers are able to alert the airline to request you stay seated together.

Tip:
Many airlines permit free of charge seat selection as part of their online check in service, based on availability.
Airlines generally will only allow a percentage of seats to be reserved on a flight. The earlier your book your flights the better chance to reserve preferred seats.
Many loyalty programs have seating benefits speak to you travel designer.

Each booking has relevant terms and conditions. Your designer will discuss these conditions to ensure you understand your options.
Changes and Cancellation of arrangements after payments are made will incur fees. In this event we will provide all options to assist in keeping costs down. Insurance should be taken at the time of payments being made to enable a claim in the case of unforeseen circumstances covered in the policy.
Majority of online booking agents offer instant purchase non refundable non changeable rates. We seek to understand your needs, and ensure all conditions are transparent so we can provide flexible options at the best value.

Tip:
Making a booking on line is the easy part, trying to make changes or canceling can be more challenging.
Our travel designers take the frustration away by seeing you through the entire process.

All airlines offer different airfare options with different payment terms. Your travel designer will discuss your payment due date and payment options at the time of booking. If these do not suit there maybe more flexible options available.
Airlines reserve the right to withdraw and increase airfares at any time, until your ticket paid and issued the price is not-guaranteed.
Your travel designers have the ability to reserve a fare option for you until the deadline set by the airline for payment.
Online booking engines require instant payment to book a flight.

Tip:
Our travel designers are updates continually with new fares and trained on creative ways to design the best option for your itinerary.
To get the best value, Discuss with your designer, the whole holiday from the start not just your first flight. Often our airfare options can include additional flight components on the same ticket. A lot of clients book their first flight and then try to add extra flights later incurring unnecessary expense and time wasted.
Consider a stop over to break up your long haul flight and experience a new destination. Certain airlines offer stopovers packages a reduced rates.

We recommend booking your airfares in advance once you have you have your complete itinerary. New airfares and flight routes are released periodically.
Our designers are updated on these new fares and enhancements.
With our strong industry relationships we have access to private fares that may suit your needs.

The internet is a valuable tool for research and inspiration when planning a trip. It can be very overwhelming with so many options and suppliers of the same or similar products.
There is no quality control of the suppliers available on the internet making it difficult to make a decision. Hence exposing yourself to risk of not only your booking but your payments.

Over the years we have built relationships with many suppliers around the world with whom we book our clients arrangements. We are constantly reviewing the quality and level of service and support on the ground which is very important to the overall experience.

We have our own hotel program. Some of these hotels offer exclusive benefits not available elsewhere.

Our travel designers take the time to really understand your requirements, wishlist’s, and what is most important on your holiday. They offer their recommendations based on you and help simplify the process. They are there every step of the way from the initial planning stage, through until you return home and can assist with any changes along the way.

Tip:

Ensure you have a credit card for checking into hotels. DO not use your currency cards or debit cards as they put a hold on your money and it can take time to have this released.

Speak to your designer if you have any special requests so we can pass onto the hotel. We have been so fortunate through our relationships with our selected hotels to organise amenities and often even upgrades for our clients.

Many countries require an International drivers permit when hiring a car.
The RACV issues these at a small fee. Countries often change their requirements so always check with your travel designer prior to travel.
Our travel designers have access to all inclusive prepaid rates as well as more flexible pay as you go rates. They’re experienced in understanding rules and regulations in hiring a vehicle here and overseas.

Ensure you read the terms and conditions and inclusions of your rental. Extra driver fees, age limits, one way drop off fees, GPS rental, car seats and many other fees are additional and payable locally. Discuss this with your travel designer when you are making the booking for any extra requests so they can ensure they are getting the best value deal with all requirements of your rental.

Tip:
Prebook car hire to avoid additional charges. Often in overseas depots employees may not be fluent in English and able to explain all of the conditions and additional payments you are bound to in your contract.

Availability is limited especially in more remote locations and during peak times so booking your car in advance is recommended.

You will be required to leave a credit card imprint or bond when collecting your car. They are entitled to “freeze” this amount until the car is returned. Do not use currency cards or debit cards for this purpose, have a bank credit card with a larger limit. These amounts are detailed on your vouchers so ensure you have a credit card with this limit ready. Speak to your designer if this is concern as all companies differ in the excess and bonds. The credit must be in the name of the reservation.

When designing your itinerary we will advise of any current visa requirements pertaining to your trip. We offer a service to facilitate your obtaining visas from Australian consulates. Consular, courier and service fees differ for each visa and passport nationality. As visa requirements can change we will keep our clients informed to ensure they have the correct documentation.

Visa processing times can be lengthy, and sometimes require an appointment in person.

It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure they have the correct documentation to travel including any re-entry permits, we will advise based on the information provided to us. Incorrect documentation can result in the traveler being denied boarding by the airline or immigration officials.

Visa’s and other passport requirements are also applicable when transiting a country en-route to your destination.

Often countries require 1 -2 blank pages in your passport at time of travel.

It is a requirement of travel that your ticket matches the name on your passport. Some airlines require your middle name to appear.
Your travel designer will ask for a copy of your passport prior to confirming your reservation to ensure these details are correct.
Some airlines require passport details to be added into your reservation.
If there is a name correction is required, a new ticket may need to be purchased or fees may be charged.
If the error is not rectified it can result in you being denied boarding of the aircraft.

If you do not have a current passport and wish to purchase your ticket, our travel designers will ask you for your old passport. If you do book without a current passport it is your responsibility to advise if you are going to get your new passport issued in a different name eg maiden to married and vice versa.
You are advised to organise your new passport as soon as possible and provide the updated copy to the designer.

Majority of countries now require a passport valid for a minimum 6 months. We strongly recommend that all clients have 6 months left on their passport from their return date to Australia. Countries can update and change their policies at any time. Airlines will deny boarding if this requirement is not met.

At Emma Whiting Travel our travel designers can provide you factual information on the features and benefit levels outlined in the cover . Product disclosure statements can be provided and should be read to understand if the policy is appropriate to your individual needs .