Travel Check List
With the holiday season in full swing we have some travel tips to save you time and money plus information on baggage allowances for golf clubs.
There's lots to remember when you are travelling abroad but follow our travel tips and it will take the stress from your journey.
Airport Parking
Book airport parking in advance and save up to 60% on the gate prices. Compare prices at www.simplyparking.co.uk or direct at Holiday Extras www.holidayextras.co.uk. If you have an early start consider an overnight stay and leave your car at the hotel.
Car Hire
One of the easiest ways to book car hire is to use a price comparison site. Travelsupermarket www.travelsupermarket.com will search over 20 suppliers. Your car rental agreement normally includes cover for Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) however may still be liable for the excess on CDW and Theft. For a low annual premium, www.insurance4carhire.com (020 7012 6300) provides insurance protecting the customer against excess charges whenever they rent a car.
Passport
Check when your passport runs out- some countries insist that they are valid six months after your return date. The Passport Office offers both a fast track service (for those travelling within two weeks) and a one-day service, where it will be necessary to apply in person. Visit www.passport.gov.uk or phone the advice line on 0870 521 0410, for further details.
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EU Health Insurance Card
Anyone travelling to an EU country or Switzerland will need an European health insurance card (replacing the old E111). The card covers most medical costs whilst abroad. This can be obtained free from www.ehic.org.uk or phone 0845 606 2030. Your card should be received within seven days.
Travel Insurance
The most competitive prices for travel insurance can be found at www.travelsupermarket.com. It?s usually more cost effective to get an annual policy. Check policy small print before buying. Golf, extreme sports, diving and paragliding may need extra cover. Baggage isn?t always included either. Tell your insurance company about any expensive clubs such as a driver.
Vaccinations
Check with your doctor at least six weeks in advance if you need any vaccinations or click on the interactive world map at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk.
Visas
Ask your travel agent or visit the Foreign Office website www.fco.gov.uk/travel before travel, to see if it is necessary to get a visitor visa. Alternatively use a specialist visa service like Travcour UK www.travcour.com (020 7223 5295).
Foreign Currency
Buy from your local travel agent, bank or online from Travelex www.travelex.co.uk which offers a guaranteed best rate and is commission free. Your cash can often be collected from the airport. The Post Office also offers a commission free service. Once abroad, be wary of using the ATM machines to withdraw your money or using your card to pay for goods as a fee, often up to 2.75%, is added. Nationwide do not currently make a charge for using your debit card abroad.
Baggage
Rules for carrying golf clubs vary from one airline carrier to another. It is always advisable to check the carriers website, or to phone the call centre, to get full clarification of each ruling but below is some information:
Aer Arran
www.aerarann.com, 0800 587 2324
One golf bag at a charge of £20 each way. Advisable to pre-book as there is a limit to number of clubs carried.
BMI
www.flybmi.com , 0870 6070 555 (short haul) or 0870 6070 222 (long haul)
One golf bag costs £15 each way booked in advance. Business and Premium Economy fares clubs free of charge within weight allowance, then £15 charge each way outside of weight allowance.
British Airways
www.ba.com, 0870 850 9850
One golf bag, containing not more than 14 clubs, a dozen balls and one pair of golf shoes, free of charge along with your hold luggage.
Easyjet
www.easyjet.com, 0871 244 2366
The clubs are additional to hold baggage of 20kg. These are charged at £15 each way if pre-booked or £20 at airport.
Emirates
www.emirates.com, 0870 243 2222
One set of golfing equipment (a set of clubs and a pair of golf shoes) for free. This applies to passengers in all classes.
Flybe
www.flybe.com, 0871 522 6100
One golf bag in additional to your normal baggage allowance must be booked in advance through the customer call centre. These are charged at £20 each way. There is a limit to the number of sets of golf clubs each aircraft will carry so you may find if you just turn up at the airport your clubs will not be accepted.
Monarch
www.flymonarch.com, 0870 040 5040
One golf bag, additional to hold luggage, at a charge of £15 each way if pre-booked, and £20 at the airport.
South African Airways
www.flysaa.com, 0870 747 1111
South African Airways will allow 15kgs of golf clubs, free of charge, as long as the
passenger is within the allowed normal baggage allowance.
Virgin Atlantic
www.virgin-atlantic.com, 0870 380 2007
One set of clubs free of charge, with one suitcase. If taking more than one suitcase, excess baggage will be charged at a reduce rate.