Transport information

Air carrier liability, visa and passport information, flight information and car hire conditions for your ski holiday booking.

This information notice summarises the liability rules applied by Community air carriers as required by Community legislation and the Montreal Convention.

Compensation in the case of death or injury

There are no financial limits to the liability for passenger injury or death. For damages up to 100000 SDRs* (approximately €92,800) the air carrier cannot contest claims for compensation. Above that amount, the air carrier can defend itself against a claim by proving that it was not negligent or otherwise at fault.

Advance payments

If a passenger is killed or injured, the air carrier must make an advance payment, to cover immediate economic needs, within 15 days from the identification of the person entitled to compensation. In the event of death, this advance payment shall not be less than 16000 SDRs (approximately €15,000).

Passenger delays

In case of passenger delay, the air carrier is liable for damage unless it took all reasonable measures to avoid the damage or it was impossible to take such measures. The liability for passenger delay is limited to 4150 SDRs (approximately €3,828).

Baggage delays

In case of baggage delay, the air carrier is liable for damage unless it took all reasonable measures to avoid the damage or it was impossible to take such measures. The liability for baggage delay is limited to 1000 SDRs (approximately €1276).

Destruction, loss or damage to baggage

The air carrier is liable for destruction, loss or damage to baggage up to 1000 SDRs (approximately €1276) In the case of checked baggage, it is liable even if not at fault, unless the baggage was defective. In the case of unchecked baggage, the carrier is liable only if at fault.

Higher limits for baggage

A passenger can benefit from a higher liability limit by making a special declaration at the latest at check-in and by paying a supplementary fee.

Complaints on baggage

If the baggage is damaged, delayed, lost or destroyed, the passenger must write and complain to the air carrier as soon as possible. In the case of damage to checked baggage, the passenger must write and complain within seven days, and in the case of delay within 21 days, in both cases from the date on which the baggage was placed at the passenger's disposal.

Liability of contracting and actual carriers

If the air carrier actually performing the flight is not the same as the contracting air carrier, the passenger has the right to address a complaint or to make a claim for damages against either. If the name or code of an air carrier is indicated on the ticket, that air carrier is the contracting air carrier.

Time limit for action

Any action in court to claim damages must be brought within two years from the date of arrival of the aircraft, or from the date on which the aircraft ought to have arrived.

Basis for the information

The basis for the rules described above is the Montreal Convention of 28 May 1999, which is implemented in the Community by Regulation (EC) No 2027/97 (as amended by Regulation (EC)No 889/2002) and national legislation of the Member States. *SDR (Special Drawing Rights) is a unit of account created by the International Monetary Fund in 1969, based on a basket of the world's leading currencies, principally US Dollars, Euros, Japanese Yen and Sterling.

It is a customer's responsibility to be in possession of a full 10 year valid passport and any necessary visas. Ordinarily holiday companies and the UK Passport Office suggest that passports should be valid for at least 6 months after you return. Each country, however, sets its own rules covering this, more information can be obtained from the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit.

From October 5, 1998, under 16 year olds who are not already included on their parent's passport are required to have their own individual passport.

We recommend that customers contact the embassy of the destination country for any visa requirements prior to travel. Non-EU and EEA passport holders should note that transfers for flights arriving into Geneva leave from the Swiss side of the airport and it will be necessary, therefore, for you to obtain the relevant visas. Failure to do so will necessitate having to pay for your own transfer.

For full details of any travel restrictions, entry and stay requirements, visa and travel advice to your particular destination, visit the foreign office website at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and the passport office website at www.passport.gov.uk for passport information.

Validity

If you're a British citizen, you need a full, 10-year British passport for all holidays featured. Ordinarily holiday companies and the UK Passport Office suggest that passports should be valid for at least 6 months after you return. Each country, however, sets its own rules covering this, more information can be obtained from the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit.

New passports

Be sure to leave enough time for new applications as there can be delays at peak periods. If you are aged 16 or over and haven't yet got a passport, our recommendation is that you should apply for one at least 8 weeks before your holiday. The Passport Service has to confirm your identity before issuing your first passport and from April 2007 will ask you to attend an interview in order to do this. You can find out current processing times by phoning the UK Passport Office recorded message on 0300 222 0000. If you hold a Commonwealth or other passport, you should phone the consulate of the country you plan to visit.

Names and name changes

The name on the passport must match the name on the ticket, otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurances may be invalid. If someone in your party changes name after the booking is made, you must tell us immediately so we can issue the ticket in the new name. If you've already received the ticket, simply return it and we'll reissue one in the correct name. (An amendment fee may be applicable).

Minors

There may be specific entry requirements applicable to minors (children under 18) relevant to the country you are visiting. In certain circumstances this may incur additional expenses and require separate/additional legal documentation such as an affidavit, executed by a notary public, where for example the minor is not accompanied by both parents. As these entry requirements vary for different countries you should always check with the relevant consulate/embassy of the country you are intending to travel to prior to booking. Failure to do so may result in you being refused entry/carriage.

Special rules by destination or airline

Some countries and charter airlines have special rules about passports and visas. As visa requirements maychange at any time, it is important to double check with the relevant consulate/embassy of the country you are intending to travel to prior to booking your holiday and again within six weeks of departure. Failure to do so may result in you being refused entry/carriage.

Egyptian nationals, with official residence in the UK, can travel on Inclusive Package Tour arrangements only. Indian and Turkish passport holders can travel on Inclusive Package Tour arrangements only. Please check with Crystal or your embassy/consulate before you book your holiday. Failure to do so may result in you being refused entry/carriage.

Thomson Airways and other charter airlines: are not permitted to carry certain nationals to and from their country of origin due to licensing law restrictions in place with overseas aviation authorities. The current licensing laws as of 3 July 2006, do not allow Thomson Airways to carry nationals of the following countries on their operating routes; Cuba; Kenya; Morocco

Egyptian nationals, with official residence in the UK, can travel on Inclusive Package Tour arrangements only. Indian, Turkish and Mexican passport holders can travel on Inclusive Package Tour arrangements only. Please check with Crystal or your Embassy/Consulate before you book your holiday. Failure to do so may result in you being refused entry/carriage.

Geneva

Non-EU and EEA passport holders should note that transfers for flights arriving into Geneva leave from the Swiss side of the airport and it will be necessary, therefore, for you to obtain the relevant visas. Failure to do so will necessitate having to pay for your own transfer.

Bulgaria

Customers holding a full UK passport, valid for 6 months on the date of travel, do not need a visa for a package holiday. Prior to travelling you should ensure that your passport has a validity of 3 months beyond the end of your intended stay. Children are required to have their own passport.

All non-UK passport holders are responsible for making their own enquiries with the Bulgarian Embassy. It is compulsory for all Crystal customers to present their holiday confirmation invoice (locally termed voucher) to the immigration control authorities upon arrival. In the unlikely event of any confusion in this matter, customers are advised to request the immediate assistance of the rep or agent, prior to the purchase of any entry visas.

USA

Holders of British passports issued before 26th October 2005 can continue to use the Visa Waiver Scheme upon entry into the USA. Passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 must have a digitized photo and if issued after 25 October 2006 must have an integrated chip in the passport and if not, a visa will be required. All non-UK passport holders are responsible for making their own enquiries with the relevant Embassy. Any customers who may require a visa and intend to leave and re-enter the USA must ensure that their visa has multiple entry status. The US Government no longer issues indefinite visas and have changed the regulation invalidating these after ten years. Customers who hold an indefinite visa issued more than ten years prior to the date of return travel should contact the US Embassy to apply for a new visa. Please note: Children travelling to USA are required to have their own passport.

If you are travelling to the USA after 1 September 2008, the US authorities have introduced a requirement for passengers travelling under the Visa Waiver Programme to register for Electronic Travel Authority. For additional specifics about the VWP please consult the VWP information on the U.S. Embassy London website www.usembassy.org.uk.

We recommend that you apply for ESTA approval at least 72 hours before travelling to the US. As of 8 September 2010, there is a charge for obtaining an ESTA. The current fee is $14. Passengers who have not applied for and receive travel authorisation via ESTA prior to travel may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing or be denied admission at the U.S port of entry. However, neither possession of a visa, nor meeting the basic requirements for travelling visa-free on the VWP, guarantees admission to the United States. As with most countries, the final determination of admissibility is made by immigration officials at the port of entry.

Important reminder If you are refused boarding or denied admission at the US port of entry you will still be subject to our cancellation charges in accordance with the terms of our contract with you. We recommend that you carry your ESTA approval with you when you travel. All queries in relation to this requirement should be addressed via the US Embassy Consular department.

Please Note: when you register for ESTA you must have a valid passport at the time of registration. If you have applied for a post dated passport (for example to reflect a change in name following marriage) this passport will not be valid until the effective date noted in the passport.

Baggage allowance

Remains specified by charter airlines and must be strictly complied to avoid excess baggage charges or luggage being off-loaded from the aircraft, as we will not accept claims in the respect.

Thomson Airways: From 1 May 2009 the maximum weight for one item of luggage will be reduced from the current EU limit of 32kg to 23kg. Those who have pre-paid for an allowance exceeding 23kg must check-in another bag. Baggage allowances will no longer be pooled (e.g. having 60kg shared between 3 pax). Each allowance is now an individual allowance. Infants under 2 yrs will now have their own luggage allowance of 10kg.

Base Price Supplements

The basic holiday price shown on each page below the hotels is based on departures with no Holiday Supplement, which means there is no Flight Supplement and no 'Base Price Supplement'. Departures that do not attract a Flight Supplement are shown as £0 or NIL supplements in the Flight Supplement tables. If you choose to fly from a different airport, or on certain days, a Flight Supplement may apply, as shown on the Holiday Supplement and Flight Information page (pg 282) and will be included in the Holiday Supplement on your booking. Flights not listed in this brochure, but which become available after it is printed, may also attract charges, worked out in the same way. Please note that some holidays are only available with flights with extra charges, either because the accommodation is available only on certain days of flying, or because onwards travel arrangements are only available at certain times.

A Base Price Supplement will be included in the Holiday Supplement according to demand. This 'supplement' can be a discount, if the holiday demand is lower than expected or it can be a supplement if the holiday demand is higher than expected. We reserve the right to increase or decrease the Base Price Supplement and therefore the Holiday Supplement, according to demand.

Airport/resort transfers

Approximate timings: in order to keep prices low and still offer you as many Irish departure airports as possible, we often need to combine transfers to and from the resorts for passengers from several arriving and departing flights. This means you may incur additional waiting time on arrival at the airport and on your return, though we will do our best to keep waiting times to a minimum. Transfer times listed on resort pages, which apply to the actual journey time after leaving the airport/station, are approximate and can vary due to poor weather, traffic conditions or transfer routes. Please note that some transfers to your resort may not be accompanied by a rep and may include transferring onto a smaller vehicle to take you into the resort and your accommodation. Due to customer demand we are offering express direct transfers on certain routes and trains in Switzerland (this is why these flights carry a larger supplement).

Border controls: please note that transfers which involve crossing national borders may be subject to delays as a result of immigration control and customs. Therefore, approximate timings as advertised may sometimes be longer than anticipated. we recommend the customers contact the Embassy of the destination country for any Visa requirements prior to travel.

Flight delays

1. In the event of a flight delay over 2 hours, we will endeavour in conjunction with the charter airline, to provide light refreshments and, over 5 hours, a main meal, though this will depend on local circumstances. In the event of extended delays, we will try to make arrangements for overnight accommodation for you, though this is not guaranteed, and again depends on local circumstances. You should be able to reclaim the costs against your insurance policy. Please note we may not always be aware of delays on some scheduled or internal flights in which cases welfare arrangements will be made by the airlines. If you are travelling in the USA or Canada utilising connecting flights and experience a delay, please telephone the relevant Area Office to inform us of your amended travel details.
2. Airlines do not offer compensation for inconvenience or loss of holiday time caused by flight delays. Similarly, it is not possible to obtain refunds for any unused accommodation or facilities in the event of an extended delay.

Border controls

Airlines are now required to provide passenger details to government authorities in advance of travel for the purpose of border control. This includes information contained within your passport. If you are travelling on a charter flight you must provide this data between 6 months and 5 days prior to your departure by visiting http://eapi.thomson.co.uk quoting your booking reference. Customers travelling within 4 days of booking will be unable to use the online facility, so will therefore be required to provide necessary information upon check-in at the airport. If you are travelling on a scheduled carrier please contact your airline directly to supply this information. Failure to privde this information may result in you being unable to travel.

Seat only

For those who have their own accommodation, return flight seats are available at extremely competitive prices starting from just €259. Some transfers can also be pre-booked.

Accommodation only

If you are overseas on business, using up your Air Miles, or visiting friends and just need accommodation only, this is available, normally by deducting up to €190 for European or €350 per person off the brochure price on North American holidays respectively. Please call for an individual quotation on 01 433 1010, subject to availability.

Coach transfers

At Crystal, we are proud of our record of shorter waiting times at our overseas airports, with transfer coaches over last few winters leaving within an average 30 minutes of the first passengers boarding.

Private or helicopter transfers

Why not take the opportunity to pre-book a private or helicopter transfer for your group or family, taking you directly from the airport to your accommodation. Private transfers are available to most European resorts.

Pre-book your seats on our Thomson Airways flights

Seats together: guarantee that your party sits together on both the outbound and homeward Thomson Airways flight. Exact seat numbers will be given at check in. Prices are just €15 per person.

Operational decisions

These may be taken by carriers and/or airports, port authorities and other competent authorities, resulting in delays, diversions or re-scheduling. When such situations occur, this is not within our control and we do not accept liability for them.

Carriage of skis/snowboards and boots by air

With a growing number of skiers and snowboarders taking their own equipment on holiday, charter airlines are finding it increasingly difficult to cope with the extra weight and handling of these items. This has increased the risk of luggage being off-loaded from aircraft. In common with all other major winter sports operators, we have therefore introduced a system to improve the reliability of ski/snowboard carriage, at a cost of €30 per pair of skis/snowboard bag up to a maximum weight of 15kg per bag.

If you wish to have skis or snowboards added to your booking, these must be registered at the time of booking and if they should fail to arrive on your flight, the charge will be refunded and skis forwarded to you in resort free of charge. We will also provide superior skis for your use until your skis arrive. If you do not pre-book your skis/board carriage, there is no guarantee that they will be carried, but if accepted, a minimum €45 charge will be levied at the check-in desk by an appointed rep. This charge does not apply to scheduled airlines, unless operating as a charter, where ski equipment may be included in the total baggage allowance and additional charges may be levied if this is exceeded. Please note ski/snowboard boots contribute to the overall luggage allowance and must be checked in as hold luggage.

Helmets are not permitted in your hand luggage if you are flying in to/out of Chambery or Grenoble airport.

From the point of arrival to transfer vehicle and from transfer vehicle to accommodation, and return, remains your responsibility to ensure that it is loaded/off-loaded from the transfer vehicle. Please note that porterage is not included, unless indicated otherwise.

If a name change is requested on charter tickets once tickets have been issued, a charge of up to €25 per ticket will be made. There will also be a charge for the re-issue of charter tickets and this will be €75 per ticket.

An infant is defined as a child who is under the age of 2 years on the day of return travel. Children 2 years and above must have their own seat booked and paid for on the aircraft. Infants under 2 years as defined above can either sit on an adult's lap with the appropriate seat belt or alternatively you can book a seat at the child price or the airfare price, if this is lower than the administration charge of €59 for Europe, or €179 for USA and Canada, for children under 2 years. If you do book a seat you must use a purpose-designed car safety seat as long as it has a proper restraining harness and can be fixed facing forward on the seat in the plane (you are required to bring your own car seat, in good condition and provide the instruction leaflet for the cabin crew). We recommend you call the airline direct to check for any restrictions and further advice.

In accordance with EU regulation 2111/2005 please note that there is a'community list' which contains details of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban within the EU community. This list can be seen at www.dft.gov.uk. We have listed below the code and full name of the carriers to be used or likely to be used in our ski programme. AA - American Airlines; AC - Air Canada; BA - British Airways; BD - BMI; BE - FlyBe; DL - Delta Airlines; EZY - Easyjet; IB - Iberia; JL - Japan Airlines; JP - Adria Airways; KL - KLM Royal Dutch Airlines; LH - Lufthansa; LS - Jet2; LX - Swiss International; MON - Monarch; NW - Northwest Airlines; OS - Austrian Airlines; SK - Scandinavian Airlines;SN - SN Brussels; TCX - Thomas Cook Airlines; TOM - Thomson Airways; UA- United Airlines; VS - Virgin Atlantic; ZT - Titan Airways.

In accordance with EU regulation 2111/2005 please note that there is a'community list' which contains details of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban within the EU community. This list can be seen at www.dft.gov.uk. We have listed below the code and full name of the carriers to be used or likely to be used in our ski programme. AA - American Airlines; AC - Air Canada; BA - British Airways; BD - BMI; BE - FlyBe; DL - Delta Airlines; IB - Iberia; JL - Japan Airlines; JP - Adria Airways; KL - KLM Royal Dutch Airlines; LH - Lufthansa; LS - Jet2; LX - Swiss International; MON - Monarch; NW - Northwest Airlines; OS - Austrian Airlines; SK - Scandinavian Airlines;SN - SN Brussels; TCX - Thomas Cook Airlines; TOM - Thomson Airways; UA- United Airlines; VS - Virgin Atlantic; ZT - Titan Airways.

USA & Canada car hire

This year, our choice of free or reduced price car hire options is wider than ever! Unlike many other operators, the more spacious and comfortable 'compact' cars are our standard cars. And the car that's included on your booking will be the standard type appropriate to your party size. If car hire is not specified and confirmed on your invoice it will be assumed that car hire is not wanted and coach transfers will be provided.

The right size car for you

Our flexible car hire deal means that the car included on your booking is the standard type appropriate to your party size.

Choose the right size car for you

Party	Car allocated	Car type	UK equivalent
2	2 door compact (CCAR)	Chevrolet Cavalier	Vauxhall Astra
3	4 door compact (CDAR)	Chevrolet Cavalier	Vauxhall Astra
4	Intermediate 2 door	Oldsmobile Alero	Vauxhall Vectra
5	Full size (5DAR)	Chevrolet Impala	Vauxhall Omega
6	2 x compact	or similar
7	Compact & intermediate
8	2 x intermediate
9	Intermediate & full size
10	2 x full size

What's included

The term 'Rental free car hire' in this brochure means free of any vehicle rental charge for 7 days, so the following items are all included:

• Car rental hire charge for a 7 day duration for the car appropriate to your party size
• Unlimited mileage
• All weather tyres
• Basic Third Party Insurance liability insurance in USA. This only covers up to the state limit and varies in each state. In California no basic liability is included and either Alamo Gold or Fully Inclusive insurance must be added in the UK or basic insurance upon arrival (approx $13 per day). US law does not provide for the mandatory third party liability cover as in the UK.
• In Canada our locations have a provincial minimum liability of $200,00 third party liability cover.

What's not included

• Any rental charge beyond the 7 days
• Extended Protection (EP)
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
• Local sales tax, state tax and airport operation fees
• Fuel
• Additional Drivers & any Young Driver Fee
• One way drop charges
• Ski rack rental ($5-$8 per day USA/Canada and must be requested at the time of booking and paid locally) Board racks are not available
• Child seat rental
• Tolls and entrance fees to national parks (eg. Banff National Park, Canada)

Important information - driving licence

All drivers must be aged 21 or over and bring a full valid driving licence from their country of residence.

Collision damage waiver (CDW)

Alamo's CDW protects you from damage to the car (including theft and vandalism) regardless of who is at fault. Without CDW, you (the renter) will be held responsible for up to the full value of the car. The local daily cost is currently US$19 plus tax per car but is included in our Fully Inclusive and Alamo Gold packages. If you are not taking CDW, a deposit or credit card imprint will be required.

Top up third party cover - extended protection (EP)

This provides you with up to $1,000,000 third party liability cover. The local daily cost in USA is US$12.99 per car (not available in Canada) but is included in our pre-bookable Fully Inclusive and Alamo Gold packages.

Car hire vouchers

Details regarding your pre-booked car hire are contained within your ticket booklet.

Deposit

A major credit card is needed as a deposit and will be debited for any charges at the time of rental.

Child seats

Children up to 4 years old are required by law to be transported in approved child seats. These must be requested at the time of booking and will be provided by Alamo at a cost of $5.99 (US & CAN) per day. A refundable deposit is also payable.

Additional drivers

For additional drivers, a fee of US$ 6.99 or CAN$ 10.00 per day will be charged upon check-in. This is included with the Alamo Gold Package.

Drivers aged less than 25

Drivers under 25 years incur an additional Young Driver Surcharge of $25 (US & CAN) per day (payable locally).

Excess charges

These are $300 for Canada for drivers aged 25yrs and over and $500 for drivers aged 21-24yrs. Excess is NIL in USA.

Snow chains

They are not offered or allowed for use on Alamo rental vehicles and you may consider upgrading to a Standard SUV in the UK. Please check on weather conditions when you pick up your car as occasionally with heavy snow, some roads may close and you have to stop and resume the journey when conditions have cleared. You may not always be able to upgrade locally.

Ski racks

Please note: Europcar in Austria will no longer offer ski rack equipment

Fuel

Each vehicle is provided with a full tank of fuel and should be returned full. We suggest that you fill up with fuel prior to returning the vehicle to avoid any refuelling charges. If you chose our Alamo Gold package which includes a free tank of fuel then you may return the vehicle low on fuel at no additional cost.

Local fees and taxes

These are included in our Fully Inclusive and Alamo Gold Packages unless you incur any locally payable supplements like additional drives & child seats.

Pre-bookable insurance options

We cannot emphasise enough the importance of having adequate insurance. Without Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) you can be liable for the full cost of replacing the car whilst Extended Protection (EP) increases your Third Party liability insurance to $1,000,000 per accident. These are both included with our Fully Inclusive and Alamo Gold packages and we guarantee that it will save you money on paying locally. Prices are per car per day.

Alamo gold insurance option - €6 per day, USA & Canada

Includes 3 additional drivers and a free tank of fuel.

Alamo GPS option - €12 per day, USA & Canada

Although driving in North America is very easy, if you want the extra help and security of satellite navigation then you can include a GPS locally at an extra cost (needs to be requested in advance).