Latest Travel Updates
We express our deepest sympathies to all passengers and crew affected by the incident with Costa Concordia this week, and pay tribute to those who worked tirelessly to evacuate the ship and help minimise casualties. Incidents of this kind are very rare and we would like to reassure all our customers that we work closely with our Cruise partners to ensure the highest standards of safety are maintained. For more information please visit http://www.abta.com/consumer-services/travel_information.
Please check this site regularly for the most up to date travel information.
Snowfall in the South East of England
Updated Monday 6th February 2012 (10am Uk Time)
We’d like to thank all our customers for their patience and understanding during the period of disruption at London Heathrow caused by the severe weather. Currently we don’t anticipate any further significant disruption to flying programmes. It’s important passengers check the Flight Status section of the Virgin Atlantic website for the latest information on their flight schedules before travelling to the airport. If you’re travelling with any other airline please check their websites for the latest news on their flying programme.
ESTA - Electronic System for Travel Authorization
It is mandatory for anyone travelling to or transferring through the US under the Visa Waiver Program, to obtain approval to travel no later than 72 hours prior to travel by completing an online process ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) scheme. The cost of an ESTA is currently approx $14 per person and can be obtained by visiting https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov or the Visit USA Website at www.visitusa.org.uk where further information on the scheme and up to date fee can also be found. Once completed & approved, the ESTA application is valid for two years and allows multiple visits without the need to reapply. Travellers can apply for an ESTA even if they have no firm plans to travel to the US.
Failure to obtain an ESTA could result in the passenger being denied boarding by the airline.
The ESTA is very similar to the automated visa that you purchase to enter Australia and is completely paperless.
Secure Flight Details - US Travel
We've been advised of a new initiative being introduced by the American Government that all customers travelling to the USA are now required to provide certain information about all passengers prior to departure, this programme is called Secure Flight.
This means that the airline(s) needs to have the following information for all passengers on their system before departure:
* Full names with titles as they appear on your passports
* Dates of birth
* Gender
Please note: If you are travelling on more than one airline, you will need to provide Secure Flight Information to each airline.
If you are travelling with Virgin Atlantic these details have automatically been provided, however any other airline you are travelling with will need this information.
Please note: This is an additional requirement to the ESTA information.
This information is mandatory and needs to be provided by you, direct to the airline at least 72 hours prior to your departure, although we advise to do this as soon as possible. Failure to provide this Secured Flight information may result in you and your party being denied boarding.
To complete this information you will need to go directly onto your airlines website and complete the information. To do this you will need your Flight booking locator.
To ensure you have all the correct documentation for access in to the USA its imperative you and any member of your party complete the secure information at least 72 hours before your scheduled departure date - you'll need to complete this even if you're only transiting through the USA.
Swine Flu Information
What if the destination I'm going to has swine flu?
We work very closely with the Foreign Office and continue to monitor updates on Swine Flu very carefully. If we were to be notified of any changes that will affect our customers then we will of course be in touch with you.
Please use the following link here for any questions you may have on Swine Flu.
What if I have swine flu?
If you're not well enough to travel due to Swine Flu or symptoms, then normal booking conditions will apply. You'll need to contact your travel insurance company in the first instance
Please use the following link here for any questions you may have on Swine Flu.
Last updated Wednesday 28th, 2011 11:17H (UK Local)
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