FAQs & Important Information

Are all holidays available online?

Whilst a large range of our holidays are shown on our website, we can offer many more options. Our experienced travel consultants are always eager to assist with your holiday arrangements — please contact us if you have a specific hotel or destination in mind.

Can I book a twin or multi-centre holiday?

Absolutely! Please contact our dedicated team for information and pricing. We can tailor-make your perfect holiday and offer suggestions too.

How far in advance can I book a holiday?

Scheduled airlines will generally not have loaded their seats to sell until approximately 10–11 months before the chosen departure date. Should you wish to book beyond this range, we will inform you at the time of booking and calculate the price in anticipation that seats will be available. We hold the hotel reservation and will issue a booking 'on request' confirmation and take a deposit.

A contract between us will then come into existence, with the price confirmed when the airline releases their schedule. These details may differ from those quoted at the time of booking. We will then give you 7 days to confirm whether you wish to continue, look at an alternative airline, or cancel and receive a full deposit refund.

Can I book a holiday for someone else or make a payment if I am not travelling myself?

Yes, however if you are not travelling, additional security procedures would need to be followed. Please contact our team and we will be happy to go through this procedure with you.

What should I check as soon as I book my holiday?

You will receive your holiday confirmation as soon as the booking has been completed. It is very important to check all details immediately — names must be spelt exactly as they appear on your passport. Please notify us immediately of any discrepancies.

• Check your passport validity, visa, and entry and exit requirements for your destination and any transit countries. UK passport holders: visit the FCDO website
• Check you have valid travel insurance.

I am travelling on my honeymoon — what name should I travel under?

We recommend travelling in the name on your passport at the time of travel, which in most cases may be your maiden name. Additionally, please let us know at the time of booking that it is your honeymoon — many hotels offer complimentary gifts for newlyweds!

Do you offer wedding packages abroad?

Yes we do! Many hotels offer various levels of wedding packages, and sometimes — depending on length of stay or room type — they may be free. Please contact us for further details.

I am getting married overseas — can I take my wedding dress on the flight?

Some airlines will occasionally allow wedding dresses to be carried as hand luggage and hung in the aircraft cabin. However, this depends on passenger numbers and will not be known until you arrive at the airport, so we do not recommend relying on this. We recommend wedding outfits are packed in a hard suitcase or boxed and placed in the hold. Generally, there is no complimentary extra baggage allowance for wedding outfits, so excess charges may apply. Ensure everything is clearly labelled and inform check-in staff.

I am pregnant — can I still go on holiday?

Most airlines accept pregnant women up to 36 weeks for single pregnancies and 32 weeks for multiple pregnancies. A medical certificate confirming fitness to fly will be required from 28 weeks onwards. We can advise based on your specific airline, but we always recommend seeking your doctor's advice before travel. Please ensure your travel insurance covers pregnancy-related medical care.

How will I receive my holiday confirmation and travel documents?

We will email all relevant confirmations and documents to the email address provided at the time of booking. Travel documents will normally be sent approximately one month prior to travel.

What is included in the price?

Your package price includes airfare, accommodation on the board basis selected, pre-payable airline taxes and scheduled airline failure insurance, transfers where specified, and overseas representation at selected destinations.

What is a group booking?

A group booking is normally defined as 10 or more people travelling together. Airlines and hotels may offer further discounts for larger bookings — please contact our team for further information.

I need to take medication on holiday — where should I pack it?

• Keep medication in its original, labelled packaging to pass through customs.
• Carry essential medication in your hand luggage to prevent loss, but pack extra in your hold luggage.
• Pack enough medication to last the entire trip, plus a surplus for unexpected delays.
• Carry a prescription and a doctor's letter detailing your medication, dosage, and medical conditions.
• Inform security staff if you are carrying liquid medicines or needles/syringes.
• Medicines over 100ml are allowed but may require X-ray screening or inspection.
• Check the rules of your destination country and any transit countries for restricted or controlled drugs.

Can Ameira Travel arrange my UK airport hotel and/or car parking?

Yes we can! Please contact us for details.

What is the child age policy?

This can vary from hotel to hotel, but as a general guide:

• Infants: Under 2 years at time of travel — free or with a small tax charge
• Children: 2 to 11 years inclusive at time of travel — price subject to airline and hotel policies
• Youth: 12 to 15 years inclusive at time of travel — may receive a reduced tax; price subject to airline and hotel policies

Please contact our travel consultants for further details.

Can I book flight only with Ameira Travel?

We do not offer flight only bookings. Flights can only be booked as part of one of our holiday packages.

Can I pre-book my seats?

Although it is usually possible to request specific seats in advance, this will often involve a fee. If we can select seating free of charge, we will do our best to hold your preferred seats. If there is the opportunity to pay for specific seats in advance, this would need to be done directly with the airline once your tickets have been issued and paid for in full.

Seats can usually be pre-booked free of charge within 24 to 48 hours before departure, or will be allocated at check-in.

How do I arrange a sky cot on the flight for my baby?

If your infant is under 2 years at time of travel, we can make a request to the airline at the time of booking. However, due to the limited number of sky cots and bulkhead seats available on each aircraft, requests are subject to availability and cannot normally be guaranteed.

Can I upgrade my flight?

Yes — if there are available seats in a higher cabin class, we will be happy to provide you with a quotation.

Will I have luggage included with my flights?

For the majority of long-haul flights, luggage will be included for both checked-in and cabin baggage. However, some airlines offer discounted fares that do not include checked-in luggage. Low-cost airlines do not include checked-in luggage — this will need to be added at an additional charge at the time of booking. Please speak to one of our team to confirm what is included.

Will my luggage allowance be the same on internal flights?

If you are transferring from an international flight to an internal (domestic) flight, the internal flight may be on a light aircraft or seaplane. Some domestic airlines will honour the more generous allowance, but in other cases a more restrictive allowance will apply. Our team will be happy to confirm these details at the time of booking.

Are meals included on my flight and can I request dietary requirements?

In-flight meals are normally included on all international scheduled carriers. However, meals are generally not included on domestic, European, or US domestic flights, whether scheduled or low-cost. If you have any special meal requests (child, vegetarian, vegan, pork-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, etc.), please advise us and we will arrange this for you. Please note we require at least 48 hours notice before departure to arrange a special meal with an airline.

I'm a frequent flyer member — can I accrue miles for my flights?

Yes — please provide your frequent flyer number to our team prior to travel and we will add it to your booking.

How do I check in for my flight?

We advise passengers to check in online via the airline's website or app. Online check-in typically opens between 24–48 hours prior to departure — please check with your airline for their specific policy. If checking in at the airport, please allow plenty of extra time for queues and security.

My flight details have changed since I booked — why is this?

Airlines routinely change their flight schedules for a variety of reasons including seasonal demands, daylight saving time changes, new routes, or operational changes. We will advise you of any significant change as soon as we are informed by the airline. Changes to flight timings, airline identity or aircraft type will not generally entitle you to cancel without paying our normal charges, except where specified in our terms and conditions.

Can I change the name of a passenger?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to change a name with an airline once a reservation has been made. If a member of your party is unable to travel, their seat would need to be cancelled (with loss of deposit or balance), and we would then make a new booking for an alternative passenger.

Can I request airport assistance?

Yes — if you or anyone on your booking requires assistance at the airport or on the flight, please contact your Travel Consultant or our Customer Services team, who will ask for the relevant information needed to make the arrangements with the airline.

Can I bring my own wheelchair?

Yes — please let us know if you intend to bring a wheelchair, as depending on the type (manual or electric/battery operated), we may need to inform the airline in advance. It may also affect the size of vehicle needed for your airport transfers.

Can I bring sporting equipment?

We can provide advice on airline policies for carrying sporting equipment. Where airlines allow, we can book these services for you or offer guidance on making the arrangements.

What is the difference between a non-stop and a direct flight?

A non-stop flight travels directly from the departure airport to the destination airport with no stops. A direct flight flies from the departure airport to the destination and will normally have the same flight number throughout, but may include one or more stops en-route. Passengers normally remain on the same aircraft throughout the journey.

What is Advanced Passenger Information (API)?

Many countries require passport and travel information about passengers flying into their country. The information you provide is sent securely to the necessary government authorities. You will typically need to supply:

• Your full name (as it appears on your passport)
• Your date of birth
• Your gender
• Your nationality
• Your passport number
• Your passport expiry date
• The country that issued your passport
• Your country of residence

How do I provide my Advanced Passenger Information (API)?

It is normally best to provide details directly to the airline via the manage booking section on their website or app, once airline tickets have been issued. If you have any issues, please contact us and we will try to submit them on your behalf.

Can I book hotel only with Ameira Travel?

Yes, we can offer hotel only bookings.

What are the check-in and check-out times for my hotel?

Typically, hotel rooms will be available from between 14:00–15:00 on the day of arrival, with check-out normally between 10:00–12:00 on the day of departure. Times vary from hotel to hotel — please check with your consultant for the exact policy. Early check-in is at the hotel's discretion; late check-out must be agreed locally, subject to availability and any additional charges.

Are there any age restrictions for checking into a hotel?

For most hotels, at least one adult must be a minimum of 18 years of age. However, in some destinations or hotels the minimum age is 21. Our travel consultants can confirm this at the time of booking.

Will the hotel ask me for a credit/debit card when I check in?

As per international practice, most hotels secure a deposit from guests at check-in. If a debit card is used, funds may appear as a transaction and will be refunded once you check out. For credit cards, a pre-authorisation is taken and released upon check-out. Any incidentals (drinks, room service, etc.) will be deducted from this pre-authorisation, with the remainder automatically released.

Will my children have their own bed in the room?

When booking a double/king room, children will typically share existing bedding, however hotels will often provide a roll-away or sofa bed. As this varies from hotel to hotel, please speak to your travel consultant who will check and, if necessary, find alternative arrangements.

What is included with my meal plan?

Half Board: Two meals a day, usually breakfast and evening meal (sometimes lunch). May be served buffet-style only, though some hotels include a set menu, dining credits or full dine-around in their à la carte restaurants.

Full Board: As above but three daily meals.

All Inclusive: Three daily meals and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Policies vary dramatically — some are buffet only, others offer restricted or full dine-around in à la carte restaurants. Most also include a selection of hotel activities.

For further information on your chosen hotel's inclusions, please refer to the hotel page on our website or speak with your consultant.

How do I book an accessible room?

If you need an accessible room (e.g. walk-in shower, wider doors for a wheelchair), please call our team before you book so we can check availability. If you have already booked and need an accessible room confirmed, please call us as soon as possible.

Can I make any requests for my room?

Yes — if you have any requests such as a ground floor room, a room near the main facilities or a lift, we can add these as a request to your booking. Unfortunately, they cannot always be guaranteed.

Can my dietary requirements be catered for?

If you have specific dietary needs, please let us know at the time of booking. We will check with the hotel and add a note to your booking. We also recommend speaking with restaurant staff directly when you arrive.

Do I have to pay any city, tourist, green or resort tax when I am on holiday?

In some destinations, local authorities or hotels charge a mandatory tax or fee payable directly by guests during their stay. These charges are not included in your booking as they are set and collected locally. Common examples include:

• City or Tourist Tax — a nightly charge per person or per room
• Eco/Green Tax or Sustainability Fee — supports environmental initiatives
• Resort Fee — charged by some hotels for the use of on-site amenities

You will usually be asked to pay these charges at check-in or check-out, typically in local currency by cash or card. The exact amount varies by destination, hotel rating and length of stay, and can change without notice.

Can hotel facilities change after I have booked?

Whilst we always aim to keep our descriptions accurate and up to date, hotel facilities can sometimes change after you have booked — due to refurbishment, seasonal adjustments or decisions made by the hotel itself. We will update you where possible, especially if it could affect your stay. Please note these changes are managed by the hotel, not by us.

What are minimum stay restrictions?

Minimum stay restrictions may apply during peak seasons. Supplements may also be levied during Christmas, New Year, Easter and other school holiday periods. You will be advised of these at the time of booking.

Are in-resort airport transfers included?

We offer in-resort airport transfers for many of our featured destinations. They will be included where they are a necessity (such as the Maldives), but for the majority of destinations they can be selected as an optional extra where available. Please note you may need a larger vehicle if you have more than one standard-size piece of luggage per person.

Where do I meet my transfer on arrival and when will I be collected from my hotel?

Your flight information is provided to our supplier at the time of booking, and the transfer provider will schedule your times accordingly. For arrival transfers, please check your final documents for the specific arrival instructions, as these vary by supplier.

Your departure transfer is organised approximately 24–48 hours before your departure date, and your collection time will be provided to you. If you have not received your time within 24 hours of departure, please refer to the phone number on your transfer voucher.

How can I pay?

You can pay securely over the phone using a credit or debit card. We also accept BACS — please call us for details.

When is my balance payment due?

We require the balance payment to be made no later than 8 weeks prior to travel.

Will I receive a balance reminder?

Yes — you will receive an email reminder 1 week prior to your balance due date.

Can I spread the cost of my holiday?

Yes! For all advance bookings, simply pay a deposit from £100 per person and choose to pay the remainder in one further payment 8 weeks before departure, or in multiple smaller payments of your choosing.

Can I use frequent flyer miles to pay for my flights?

No — frequent flyer miles are not redeemable on our specially negotiated fares.

Why am I being asked to pay more than the standard deposit?

Some hotels and airlines offer additional special offer discounts, but to secure them they require payment in full at the time of booking.

I'm due a refund — how long will it take?

Once Ameira Travel has processed your refund, you can generally expect to receive it within 7–10 working days, and often sooner. Occasionally we may need to wait on a refund from a hotel, transfer company or airline — please allow up to 21 working days in these cases due to supplier policies and procedures.

Can I make an amendment to my holiday booking?

If you want to change any part of your holiday arrangements after a booking confirmation has been issued, we will do our best to make the change, but it may not always be possible. Any change will be subject to an administration charge dependent upon the type of amendment, plus any further costs incurred. Please view our full terms and conditions or contact one of our team who will be happy to assist.

I need to cancel my holiday — how do I do this?

The lead name on the booking must notify us as soon as possible. Notification must be confirmed in writing by email, sent from the same email address provided for the booking. Cancellation will take effect from the first working day we are notified. Please view our full terms and conditions for applicable cancellation charges.

Do I need travel insurance and when should I purchase it?

If you do not already have cover at the time of booking, we recommend purchasing a fully comprehensive travel insurance policy as soon as possible to cover you for any unforeseen circumstances prior to travel as well as whilst you are away.

Where can I find visa and entry requirements?

UK passport holders should visit the FCDO website for regular updates on visa and entry requirements: Foreign travel advice — GOV.UK

It is your responsibility to identify all necessary passport, visa-related and health requirements for your trip and to allow sufficient time to obtain any documents required. Please note many countries require your passport to be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the period of your stay.

Clients not holding a UK passport must check applicable requirements with their Embassy, Consulate or the British Foreign Office. Please ensure the name on your flight ticket exactly matches that on your passport, and that your passport has not been damaged or tampered with.

I am travelling to the USA — do I need an ESTA and how long is it valid for?

Yes. An ESTA is valid for two years from the purchase date, however it needs to be updated each time you travel to the USA. Applications are not instantly approved, so we recommend applying as soon as possible. If you apply less than 72 hours before travel, you may not be approved in time.

Apply at: esta.cbp.dhs.gov

Do I need an ESTA if I am just transiting through the USA?

Yes — even if you only have a layover and do not leave the airport, you are required to have a valid ESTA. Travellers transiting through the USA are still considered visitors of the United States. Simply enter 'In transit' as your final destination under 'Address While In The United States' on the ESTA application.

What are the requirements for UK passport holders travelling to the Schengen area?

For stays up to 90 days, you must have a passport issued less than 10 years before your arrival date and valid for at least 3 months after your intended departure date.

What is the EU's new border system (EES)?

Starting Sunday 12th October 2025, the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin a phased launch. This electronic system will replace passport stamping at border control and will apply to most UK travellers visiting for short stays (up to 90 days within any 180-day period).

Travellers will be required to provide a facial image and fingerprints at entry and exit points across 30 participating EU and Schengen countries, including Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Germany and others. Children under 12 will only need to provide a facial scan. Irish passport holders and British citizens with EU residency are exempt.

Additionally, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to launch towards the end of 2026.

I'm on holiday and have a complaint — what do I do?

Please immediately inform the relevant supplier (e.g. your hotel, airline) or our resort representative (where applicable), who will endeavour to rectify the problem. If your issue relates to the hotel, inform hotel management immediately to give them the chance to resolve it. Ask for the complaint to be formally recorded and keep any receipts or supporting evidence.

If this does not resolve the problem, please email our dedicated team who will assist wherever possible.

I have returned from my holiday and would like to make a complaint — what do I do?

We are sorry to hear that. We take all customer feedback seriously and are committed to investigating your comments fully and providing a satisfactory response as soon as possible.

If a problem remains unresolved during your holiday, please contact us in writing within 28 days of your return. We will reply within 28 days of receiving your correspondence. Please include your booking reference and as much information as possible, including any photographs or receipts.

My flight was cancelled or delayed — can I claim compensation?

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, airlines must offer affected passengers the following:

• Meals and refreshments in reasonable relation to the waiting time
• 2 short telephone calls or email messages
• Hotel accommodation if the delay extends into the following day
• Transport to and from the hotel

To make a claim, forward full details of expenses incurred along with receipts and travel itinerary information directly to the airline. Please note you will not be able to claim for un-receipted expenses, luxury hotels or restaurants, payments to friends/relatives, alcohol, room service, entertainment, or replacement flights on other airlines.

I believe I have been incorrectly charged by the hotel — what should I do?

Firstly, contact your credit card company immediately to advise them that you dispute the charge — this will allow them to place a hold on it while both we and your card company investigate. Please also contact our customer service team, and we will in turn contact our supplier to have the charge investigated and, where necessary, reversed.

How is my holiday financially protected?

All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk