Flight Routing

Understanding the difference between non-stop, direct, and connecting flights is important when reviewing an itinerary:

• Non-stop flights operate from origin to destination without any stops.
• Direct flights may make a stop en route, such as for refueling or passenger boarding, but continue under the same flight number.
• Connecting flights require passengers to change aircraft and usually involve a different flight number.

NOTE: Sometimes you will see what is called a “technical or operational stop” this refers to a scheduled landing made by the aircraft before reaching its final destination for reasons such as refueling, crew changes, maintenance checks, or other operational requirements. Although the aircraft stops enroute, the flight usually continues under the same flight number and is still considered a direct flight rather than a connecting flight. In most cases, passengers remain on the same aircraft, though occasionally they may be required to briefly disembark or go through additional security procedures before returning to the same aircraft.

When all flights are issued together on a single ticket or codeshare itinerary, the airline will generally provide protection in the event of delays or cancellations. If a missed connection occurs, the airline will normally rebook passengers on the next available flight to their final destination.

Flights booked on separate tickets are treated differently. Even if they are part of the same overall trip, separate tickets will usually have different booking references (PNRs), and airlines are not responsible for protecting onward travel if a delay or cancellation causes a missed flight. In these cases, passengers may be required to purchase a new ticket at their own expense.

Because of this, we strongly recommend purchasing trip interruption and cancellation insurance. While some airfare types allow changes, many fares are restrictive and may not permit last-minute cancellations or modifications.

Our agents assist in determining which flight connections are most practical based on factors such as airport size, terminal layout, and connection requirements. They also review whether passengers will need to collect luggage, clear customs and immigration, and re-check baggage during transit, as these procedures can substantially increase the time required between flights.

Flight Delays

If you’re flying from a European country on any airline, or arriving in Europe on an EU-registered airline, you may be eligible for compensation under EU rules for significant delays. Coverage details are set out by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, and claims usually need to be made directly with the airline.

Outside Europe, your rights depend on the airline’s terms and conditions, which are generally based on International Air Transport Association guidelines. Typically, airlines must offer a choice of a later flight, alternative transport, or a refund, and may also provide meals, accommodation, or vouchers, depending on the situation and the carrier.

Seat Requests

Seat selection on an aircraft allows passengers to choose where they will sit during a flight, either in advance (pre-purchasing) up to the moment of online check-in. The process depends on the airline, fare type, and route. In many cases, passengers can immediately select seats after paying their flights in full via “manage my booking,” or have your travel expert assist you, up to the moment when online check-in opens. On occasion some airlines include standard seat selection complimentary for free and in most case are pre-assigned for travelers travelling with children under the age of 12, and guarantee at least one adult from their party to be seated with them. If the passenger wishes to have a particular, and preferred for locations such as window seats, aisle seats, extra legroom seats, or seats toward the front of the cabin, they should be pre-purchased soon after ticket is issued.

If no seat is selected in advance, the airline will automatically assign a seat during check-in or at the airport. Availability may be more limited at this stage, especially on full flights or if other passengers have already chosen seats.

Seat assignments are not always guaranteed. Airlines may need to change seating due to operational, safety, or aircraft changes, even if a specific seat was pre-selected or paid for. For this reason, final confirmation typically occurs at check-in or boarding. If you have paid for a specific seat but it becomes unavailable due to an operational change, such as a change in aircraft model/type, you will usually be eligible for a refund of the seat selection fee. In some cases, the airline may reassign you to a comparable seat instead, but if a similar option cannot be provided, the cost is typically refunded. Exact policies vary by airline, so the outcome depends on the carrier’s terms and conditions.

Overall, seat selection is optional but gives passengers more control over their in-flight experience, with earlier selection generally providing more choice.

Flexibility of Flight Arrangements

If your vacation includes an “AIR inclusive tour”, which are offered for leisure travel and usually offer better value than standard business fares however they tend to be less flexible once tickets have been issued and paid for, and changes or cancellations may incur penalties or, in some cases, be non-refundable.

If you require fully flexible fares, please let your specialist know as early as possible. These options are available, but they will generally increase the overall cost of your trip.

Flight Changes

Airline cancellations and schedule changes can happen for a variety of reasons, including operational requirements, aircraft availability, staffing issues, weather conditions, or air traffic control restrictions. These changes may occur well in advance or, in some cases, at short notice.

When a flight is cancelled or significantly changed, airlines will usually offer passengers one of several options, such as being rebooked on the next available flight, transferred to an alternative route, or receiving a refund if no suitable alternative is available. In many cases, airlines will try to re-accommodate passengers automatically, but timing and convenience of the new itinerary may vary.

Minor schedule adjustments, such as changes in departure time or flight number, are also common and may not always require rebooking. However, more significant changes can impact onward connections or planned itineraries, which is why it is important to monitor updates and ensure flexible arrangements where possible. Passengers are typically notified by the airline or their travel provider, though communication may sometimes be delayed. For this reason, we recommend avoiding non-refundable onward bookings until your flights are fully confirmed, and ensuring you have appropriate travel insurance in place to provide cover where applicable under the policy.

Airport Assistance

If you require specific seating or assistance due to a medical condition, whether for boarding, disembarking, or moving through the airport, please inform your travel expert as soon as possible. Airlines must be notified in advance, and some require requests to be made anywhere from 72 hours up to 7 days before departure.

If you are travelling with your own wheelchair, the airline will need details such as its dimensions and battery type. The same applies to any medical equipment you plan to bring, including but not limited to devices such as CPAP machines.

Travel with Children

Many airlines permit parents travelling with young children to bring a stroller through to the departure gate, and in some cases up to the aircraft door. Depending on the type of stroller, it may then be placed in the aircraft hold and either returned at the aircraft door upon arrival(disembarkation)- convenient when traveling through large airports, alternatively passengers may collect them at the baggage carousel, typically in oversized/large item sections.

On board the aircraft, child car seats (also called “child restraint systems” or CRS) are typically used for infants and young children who have their own seat (rather than lap infants which do not have a seat).

There is no strict universal age limit for car seat use on board, but in practice they are most commonly used for children from newborn up to around 2–4 years old, depending on the child’s size and weight. Most airlines and aviation authorities require that the child seat is certified for use on aircraft (you must check your car seat sticker and aircraft policy) and it must fits within the airline’s seat dimensions.

Once a child outgrows the weight or height limits of the car seat—typically around 18 kg (40 lbs) or similar, they will use the standard aircraft seat with the regular seatbelt instead.

For infants under two years of age, it is advisable to confirm in advance with the airline what facilities are provided on board, such as bassinets or child seating options.

If seats have not been pre-selected, airlines will generally attempt to seat families together where possible. However, due to limited availability at the time of allocation, this may result in seating being split across rows or across the aisle. Airlines will ensure that children under 12 are seated with at least one accompanying adult from the same booking. Passengers aged 12 and over are typically treated as adults in reservation systems and may therefore be seated separately.

In-flight Meals

Meals are typically included on most long-haul international flights; however, many airlines no longer provide complimentary meals on shorter international and domestic routes. In such cases, food may still be available for purchase on board, though options are usually limited. Payment is generally accepted by card only (Credit), cash is not typically accepted. Pre-purchasing meals 7 days or more is helpful in securing your preferred selection.

If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us as early as possible, as meal requests must be made in advance. Most international airlines can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, lactose-free, gluten-free, and certain religious dietary needs, as well as child meal requests when arranged ahead of time. We will submit your request to the airline; however, as these are not always reconfirmed, we recommend verifying your meal selection again at check-in.

Frequent Flyer

If you are a member of a frequent flyer or rewards plan, please provide your membership details at the time of booking so they can be added to your flight reservation. We can also offer guidance on which flights may help maximize the use of your rewards, as well as advice on opportunities to double points and whether redeeming them represents good value, depending on your specific trip and itinerary, along with potential future ways to redeem them, whether through us as your travel agency or directly with the supplier where applicable.