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Frequently Asked Questions about Travel
Why
book with a travel agency?
Do we charge a fee to book with our agency?
Do we match prices that you find on the internet?
Where can I find the best deals?
When do seat sales occur?
Who gives the best prices in Canada?
How soon do I need to book
to get the best fares?
Who qualifies for standby?
What senior discounts are available?
Can I take my pet with me?
How much luggage can I take?
Can I cancel?
Can I change dates?
Can my children travel by themselves?
Do I need a passport?
Where do I get a passport?
How long does it take to get a passport?
Are there any deals for last-minute, emergency
travel?
Are there are any discounts for travel due to
family deaths?
Is my medical coverage from work enough?
1.
Why book with a travel agency?
We are in the know. We receive
100's of faxes and emails every week on deals and the latest news in travel.
We have all the airlines at our fingertips. We have access to wholesale
prices not available to the general public. We personally have visited
many places and can provide you with valuable information.
2.
Do we charge a fee to book with our agency?
On the mjority of airline tickets
we sell, we have to charge an administrative service fee.
For Westjet and Pacific Coastal Airlines, this is $20 plus GST.
For Air Canada tickets the booking fee is usually around 10% of the ticket
price.
Most Airlines don't pay commission any more and we cannot work for free.
For charters and packages we charge a reasonable booking fee, sometimes
nothing.
We have access to wholesale fares through consolidators which are usually
not available to the public.
If you have a group we usually can give you a discount.
In our office you can pay cash, which is not possible on the web.
3.
Do we match prices you find on the internet?
Yes, unless it is under our
cost. But this rarely happens. You are welcome to enquire as we want your
business. Note: we may charge a fee for this service.
4.
Where can I find the best deals?
Mountain High Travel, of course.
Every night we receive faxes and emails of last-minute specials and sales.
Some are posted on our storefront window. We can also book most of the
specials you see advertised in newspapers or on the net.
5.
When do seat sales occur?
They can happen anytime, though
not likely at Christmas or summertime. January, spring and fall are common
times. The sun destinations tend to go on sale in fall, January, late
March and April depending on when Easter falls.
6.
Who gives the best prices in Canada?
From Calgary, WestJet andSkyservice
usually have the best fares. Charter airlines can have great fares but
don't fly every day.
7.
How soon do I need to book to get the best fares?
At least seven days, and sometimes
14 to 21 days ahead of traveling. For each flight, there is a limited
number of lower-priced seats. Once they are gone, the price of the remaining
seats keeps moving up until departure time. Charters do no require advance
booking -- and may have their best deal at the last minute.
8.
Who qualifies for student standby?
After 11 September, standby
has pretty much disappeared. Airlines want to know who is on their planes
in advance.
9.
What senior discounts are available?
With the introduction of discount
airlines and fares most airlines have discontinued senior rates.
10.
Can I take my pet with me?
Sometimes. Airlines have varying
rates and rules. Some even allow small pets in the passenger cabin if
their kennel fits under the seat.
11.
How much luggage can I take?
On regular scheduled airlines
two pieces of checked baggage weighing less than 50 lbs. each, in addition
to one carry-on. Charters have lower weight limits (usually 20kg) and
charge for each kilogram that you are over. Some carriers permit sports
equipment in addition to the baggage allowance but may require special
packaging.
12.
Can I cancel?
Each airline has it own rules.
Cancellation fees can range from $45 to $100 with the balance of the amount
you paid retained as a credit for future flights within 12 months on their
airline. Charters often give no refunds or credits for the future. We
strongly recommend to purchase cancellation insurance with your flight
to protect your investment.
13.
Can I change dates?
Sometimes, for a fee. WestJet
charges $45, plus the difference between the old and new fares if it has
increased. Charters are not as easy to change. See 9.
14.
Can my children travel by themselves?
Children 12 and older can travel
on their own. Younger children may travel as an unaccompanied minor, for
an extra fee. They will be escorted to the gate, taken on and off the
plane and escorted to the person who is picking them up. Children and
young adults under 21 may need a letter of consent from both parents to
travel.
15.
Do I need a passport?
Not for travel within Canada.
Without a passport, you do need a birth certificate and a photo ID such
as a driver's licence. Many countries are changing this requirement daily.
Please check with us before booking a trip out of the country. We strongly
recommend having a passport for ALL OUT OF CANADA TRAVEL. see www.voyage.gc.ca
for most current information
16.
Where do I obtain a passport?
Application forms are available
at our office in Fernie. The completed applications can be mailed to Ottawa
or taken in person to the passport office in Calgary. We suggest that
you go to Calgary as you receive it much quicker and can keep your birth
certificate when you leave. If you have a lot of time before you travel,
you can also go to Cranbrook Passport Office. This process takes about
2 Months.
17.
How long does it take to get a passport?
By mail, up to two months. In
person at the Calgary passport office, seven to fourteen days, or in an
emergency 24 hours, for an additional fee.
18.
Are there any deals for last-minute, emergency travel?
Last minute charters are usually
your best bet. It may make sense to take a charter close to your destination
and rent a car from there.
19.
Are there are any discounts for travel due to family deaths?
Compassionate fares can be available
to immediate family members in North America. These discounts are still
quite expensive since they are based on last-minute pricing. You must
state your relationship to the deceased person and the name, address and
phone number of the funeral home in order to qualify for the discount.
20.
Is my medical coverage from work enough?
Be careful on this one. We have
discovered that some of the coverage is only up to $100,000 which is definitely
not sufficient.
We highly recommend travel Insurance, we sell unlimited emergency medical
which covers you totally and even pays for a bedside companion in some
cases.
Toll Free: 1-877-448-7285 Phone: 250-423-6916 or
250-423-7626 Fax: 250-423-3938 Email:
info@mountainhightravel.com
PO Box 149, 652 Second Ave.,
Fernie BC,
V0B 1M0
All Content © 2004 Mountain High Travel Design by Peak Creative
