Tourist Information

INSURANCE

We would remind you that you must have adequate travel insurance for your holiday. If you do not yet have cover we can offer a range of policies to meet your needs at very competitive rates.

US VISA AND PASSPORT

Under the US Visa Waiver Programme, many British Citizens holding a UK Passport do not require a US visa providing: -
· Duration of stay is not more than 90 days and the traveller holds a valid ticket for their onward or return journey.
· Passport is valid for at least 90 days from the date of entry into the US
· Travel is for business, tourism or transit only.
· Traveller is not a journalist on assignment or an individual seeking gainful employment.
· Traveller has never been arrested (even if the arrest did not lead to a conviction) and has not been convicted of a crime.
· Traveller has not been refused entry into or deported from the US and has not previously violated the terms of admission under the Visa Waiver Programme.
· Traveller is in possession of a machine-readable passport. All children and infants must also have their own machine-readable passports.
· Traveller completes and presents an I-94 W form to the US Customs and Border Protection at the first point of entry into the US (these forms are available at check in or on the aircraft) and otherwise be eligible for a visa.
British Subjects (i.e. not British Citizens) are not eligible to travel visa- free under the Visa Waiver Programme and require a visa to enter the United States.

If you do not meet the above requirements, and need to apply for a visa, you may contact the US Embassy on 09055 444 546,for an appointment as far ahead as possible. You may also visit their website www.usembassy.org.uk.

DISABILITY AND SPECIAL NEEDS

If you have not already done so please advise us of any disability or special needs.

PAYMENT & DISPATCH

At the bottom of the confirmation you will find the date by which the balance must be paid.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE AIRLINE WILL CANCEL YOUR RESERVATION IF PAYMENT IS NOT RECEIVED AT THE CORRECT TIME AND THAT NO REMINDER WILL BE SENT.

Your tickets will be despatched approximately two weeks before you travel.

HAND BAGGAGE ALLOWANCES

The UK government's Department for Transport has announced revisions to restrictions in place for hand baggage allowed to be carried on all UK departing flights.

The new restrictions will be implemented by airports around the UK from Friday, September 22, 2006.

The changes mean customers will now be able to carry with them an industry standard-sized bag, no bigger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm.

Customers who need to carry with them musical instruments may now take them through security, provided they can be x-rayed.

Restrictions on liquids remain.

Customers may NOT carry the following items through security in their cabin bag.

· Liquid cosmetics. Solid cosmetics may now be taken in cabin bag
· All toiletries
· All liquids
· All drinks

NOTE: The definition of liquids includes gels, pastes, lotions, liquid/solid mixtures and the contents of pressurised containers, e.g. toothpaste, hair gel, creams/moisturisers, drinks, soups, syrups, perfume, deodorant, shaving foam, aerosols, etc.

Solid & Powdered cosmetics may now be taken in a cabin bag.

Cigarette lighters must not be carried through security.

We ask all passengers to arrive at the airport, at least 3 hours ahead of the scheduled departure time shown on your ticket or e-ticket. Please use Online Check In or airport kiosks where installed. Airport check in desks will open approximately 4 hours before departure and will close promptly, 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time of each flight.

Virgin Atlantic Hand Baggage

Cabin baggage must not exceed a maximum length of 56 cm, width of 36 cm and depth of 23 cm including wheels, handles, side pockets etc. Other bags, such as handbags, may be carried within the single item of cabin baggage. All items will be x-ray screened and must not exceed 6 kilos in weight in Economy and Premium Economy, and 8 kilos in Upper Class.

The following items CANNOT be carried in your hand baggage:

Essential medicines in liquid form sufficient and essential for the flight (e.g. diabetic kit), as long as verified as authentic, Baby milk and liquid baby food (the contents of each bottle or jar must be tasted by the accompanying passenger).

The following list, includes examples of Prohibited and Permitted cabin baggage items for guidance purposes only, we cannot provide an exhaustive list of items covering all eventualities and ask for your cooperation by being prepared before you arrive. Try not to over-think the guidelines and make sure you pack ALL liquids, gels, aerosols and toiletries in your checked baggage.

Passengers travelling to the US:

In addition to the above, passengers boarding flights to the USA and items they are carrying, including those acquired after the central screening point (including Duty Free shops), will be subjected to secondary search at the gate. Any liquids discovered will be removed from the passenger and any electrical items including mobile phones and cameras will be subject to additional checks.

Passengers travelling to all other destinations (non US):

All UK departures are subject to the above cabin baggage restrictions and security checks. However those passengers travelling to non-US destinations can carry sealed liquid products, such as suntan lotions, purchased from the airport airside duty free area, i.e. after security, as long as they are submitted for search with their proof of purchase.