Frequently asked questions
What are the new requirements for travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program?
Visa Waiver Program - UPDATE 09 August, 2010.
The US will begin charging a $US14 visa fee.
From 8 September, 2010 the U.S will begin charging a $US14 fee for ESTA visa applications. The fee will apply to travellers using the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) to gain entry to America, which include Australians. Introduction of the fee was foreshadowed in June.
Australian passport holders intending to visit or transit the US under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for entry via the ESTA at least three days before arrival. Failure to do so can lead to denied boarding of a flight or admission to the US on arrival.
All eligible travellers to the United States (including those in transit) who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver Program must now apply for authorisation using the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation website. Beware of scam websites and type the URL below exactly.
Travel authorisations are valid for multiple trips within a two year period, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Prior to travelling, you should update application details, relating to your next trip, on the website.
Electronic System for Travel Authorisation: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
Should I get a vaccine for Swine Flu before travelling?
For information on the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Vaccine, phone: 1802007 or visit: http://www.healthemergency.gov.au.
What if I need urgent consular assistance?
You can call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre, operated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Phone: 1300 555 135 or +61 2 6261 3305.
When overseas, how do I contact Travelplan Ski in an emergency?
If you urgently need to make travel changes after commencing your trip, it is best to contact service providers directly, such as the airline, hotel or your travel insurance. Travelplan Ski is also contactable from overseas in a genuine emergency:
Business hours phone: +61 2 9958 9700. After hours phone: +61 2 9007 2455. Email: e911@travelplan.com.au.
What are the rules for taking liquid, aerosols and gels through security onto international flights?
Liquids, aerosols and gels include items such as drinks, creams, perfumes, sprays, gels, toothpaste, lipstick, lip balm and similar substances. If the items are greater than 100ml, place them in your check-in baggage. If you want to take items through the screening point make sure:
- Each item is 100ml or less
- All items fit in a transparent and sealed one-litre bag
- Only one bag per person
At many airports you will able to purchase or collect items like duty free and drinks after you have passed through the screening point for your international flight. For more information, visit http://travelsecure.infrastructure.gov.au
What is my baggage allowance for checked and carry-on luggage?
Prior to departure, always check exact baggage restrictions with the airlines you are travelling with. Domestic flights often do not include free checked luggage. Airlines may waive baggage charges on domestic flights if you are connecting to/from an international flight, or upon presentation of your international ticket at the check-in counter. If more than one airline is providing the transportation for journey, each airline may apply different rules on both checked and carry-on luggage. If you are travelling on Air Canada with a both a ski bag and a boot bag, you must pre-register your details to avoid an excess baggage fee upon check-in. Phone Air Canada: 1300 655 767.
Generally speaking, for flights to North America, two suitcases are allowed with a combined total dimension of 106” (269cm) with no one suitcase exceeding 62” (157cm) or 23kg. One set of ski equipment counts as one piece of baggage. For flights elsewhere free baggage allowance for economy class travel is 20kg. First Class and Business Class allowance is 30kg. Maximum 1 piece per person carry on luggage. All carry on luggage must comply to size restrictions enforced by the airlines and each piece must not weigh more than 7kg.
Why does Travelplan Ski need my passport information?
Government regulations require certain passport information be included in flight bookings. A passenger may not be allowed to board a flight if this information is not entered prior to departure, or if the booking name is not written as per passport. If you have a redress number issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security, please provide this. The redress program is for individuals who have encountered misidentification and screening problems at airports. For information on the United States Secure Flight program, visit: http://www.tsa.gov/secureflight.
How long must my passport be valid for? What do I do if I need a Visa?
A passport is required for overseas travel, with a minimum of six months validity from your planned date of return. In many countries this is now mandatory, even for visitors in transit. Please advise Travelplan Ski if you wish us to make any necessary visa application on your behalf.
Do I need a Visa to visit Canada, Japan, France, Austria, Italy or Switzerland?
No visa is required for Australian passport holders provided you are eligible to participate in each country’s visa free entry provisions. However, you must tell Travelplan Ski if you have been arrested or convicted in respect of any offence or breach of law. Non disclosure of this information may lead to you being refused entry on arrival in certain countries. In that event, we take no responsibility whatsoever. If you are uncomfortable discussing this with Travelplan Ski, or have any other queries regarding your eligibility, you should contact the appropriate consulate urgently.
Are my travel itinerary details kept private by Travelplan Ski?
In the event that an accident, disaster or emergency is reported to have occurred in a country you may be travelling, Travelplan Ski may be required to disclose to the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade details of your itinerary and contact details.
Why are flight details on my itinerary different to those appearing on my airline tickets?
Airlines often adjust their flight schedules. Therefore, flight details showing on your itinerary may not match those on your airline tickets. Please refer to the flight details on your itinerary and not the flight numbers and times that appear on your tickets. You may like to confirm flights are due to depart on-time using an airline’s website or phone service.
What do I do in regards to airline loyalty programs?
Feel free to advise your travel consultant of airline loyalty program membership numbers prior to your departure. Upon check-in please confirm with the airline staff at the airport that your membership number has been registered in your booking. If it has not been registered please request that they issue you with a new boarding pass showing this number. Most airlines only allow a limited time frame for you to claim back your points if they have not been recorded. It is always a good idea to retain your boarding passes for each flight, until your points are credited.
How can I offset carbon emissions related to my Travelplan Ski booking?
Visit Travelplan Ski’s website and click on the “Sustainability” link. When you offset the carbon emissions from your Travelplan booking, the Carbon Reduction Institute prevents the exact amount of greenhouse gases your trip produces from entering the atmosphere by investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Travelplan Ski. All passengers need to travel with adequate travel insurance cover. A comprehensive policy must be taken out at the time of booking. Travelplan Ski can arrange this cover on your behalf.
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