Flight Information
Flight Information
We only use reputable transport suppliers and airlines, which enjoy a respected reputation for reliability, punctuality, customer service and most paramount of all, safety.
Checking in for your flight
In these days of increased security measures, it is vital that you plan to be at your airport at least 3 hours before the scheduled departure time, especially if you also have particular seating preferences. Allow adequate time for road works, traffic hold-ups, train delays, airport parking and security checks. Please be aware that check-in may close one hour before departure, especially on flights to North America.
Departure times
Please check your tickets and travel documents carefully for the most up to date departure time.
E-tickets
More airlines are now switching to e-tickets. This means that you will not be issued with a traditional paper ticket but will be advised of your Passenger Number Reference (PNR) in your travel documents and usually you only need to give this or just your name and flight number to the person checking you in. You will then receive a boarding pass in the normal way. The advantage of this system is that there is no possibility of lost tickets.
Remember to keep checking the departure monitors for the call to board your flight.
Baggage allowance
This can vary depending on the airline and aircraft used. Please check your Travel Documents for the correct weight allowance. Any excess luggage may incur an additional charge. View baggage allowances for major airlines.
Luggage labels
Please ensure you use your Riviera Travel luggage labels as this will aid our Tour Manager and agents in identifying you at your arrival airport.
Missed flights
Your international airline tickets are not transferable to alternative flights if you miss your booked flight. If you do not wish to travel, the airline will not make any refund for the unused seats. If you still intend to travel, then the airline can oblige you to purchase a new full-fare ticket. Please contact us and let us know if you have missed your flight. Unfortunately, Riviera Travel cannot be held responsible for any extra costs incurred.
Delayed and re-scheduled flights
All journey durations and departure timings are given in good faith based on schedules issued at the time of printing. Riviera Travel have no direct control over the transport provider and any delays, change of aircraft type or re-scheduling. The provision of meals and/or overnight accommodation is also at the discretion of the transport provider. Where possible, we will of course do our best to provide you with up-to-date information on the reason and expected length of the delay. In the event of extended delays, please note that hotels will not provide refunds for unused accommodation. However, most travel insurance policies (check your policy document) will pay some fixed compensation amounts if the delay exceeds 12 hours.
Long haul flights
Long haul flights in economy class across several time zones can be very tiring. Availability of exit-row seats is very limited and they are normally only allocated to persons deemed fit enough to open the aircraft door in an emergency. ‘Bulk head’ seats tend to be given to families with young children. Riviera Travel is unable to influence or have any control over the allocation of seats - even if particular seats have been requested, there is no guarantee that they will be available on the day. We therefore strongly recommend that you get to the airport as early as possible to ensure you get the seats of your choice. Normally there will be a choice of meals on long haul flights but sometimes your preferred choice may run out. If you require vegetarian or other special meals, please let us know well before departure as it won’t be possible to arrange these at check-in.
Jet Lag
Don’t let jet lag spoil the first few days of your holiday! Flying east may lead to difficulty in falling asleep, whereas flying west will make you wake up very early. On average, it may take a day to adjust to each time zone crossed. Jet lag can cause drowsiness and lack of concentration during the day, insomnia, loss of appetite and may affect your mood. By following these practical hints you should at least be able to minimise these effects:
• Make sure you get a good night’s sleep in the days before your flight. If possible, try to make small adjustments to your sleep patterns to match those of your destination: if flying west go to sleep and wake up an hour later each day; if travelling east go to sleep and wake up an hour earlier each day.
• Buy and use a set of earplugs, eye mask and a neck pillow to ensure you have the best chance of some sleep whilst flying. Loose, comfortable clothing will also help and don’t hesitate to ask for a blanket from the cabin crew.
• Avoid heavy meals before and during your flight.
• Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine which cause increased dehydration and loo visits!
• Change your watch to the time of your destination as soon as you take off.
• On arrival at your destination, it’s best to adapt to the local time zone straight away. Do some light exercise, a short brisk walk perhaps, followed by a light meal and do your best to go to sleep at normal local times.
Departure
Please see the Department of Transport website, http://www.transport.ie for the latest details regarding security procedures at UK airports. Most airport websites will also have security updates, as well as the latest flight departure/arrival information and car parking detail.
