Flights
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. Please be aware that check-in may close one hour before departure.
Your tickets and travel documents will include departure time for your flight abroad. However airlines may change flight departure and arrival times at the last minute. We suggest you check with your carrier the morning of your flight. You may call the airline directly or check on their website.
E-tickets
Most airlines issue e-tickets. This means that you will not receive a traditional paper ticket, but will be advised of your Airline Reservation ID, or Passenger Name Record (PNR) in your travel documents. Give this number to the person checking you in to receive a boarding pass. 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
Riviera recommends one piece of checked luggage per person not to exceed 50lbs per piece. Please check with your air carrier for size restrictions of checked and hand luggage. Any excess luggage may incur an additional charge. For the most up to date information regarding airline security and regulations, please visit the Transportation and Security Administration website at www.tsa.gov. View baggage allowances for major airlines.
Luggage Tags
Please be sure to use your Riviera Tours luggage tags as this will aid our Tour Director and agents in identifying you at your arrival airport
Missed flights
If you miss your flight, your international airline tickets are not transferable to alternative flights. If you do not wish to travel, the airline will not give you a refund. If you still intend to travel, the airline will require you purchase a new full-fare ticket. Please contact us and let us know if you have missed your flight so we may inform your Tour Director.
Unfortunately, Riviera Tours cannot be held responsible for any extra costs incurred.
Delayed and re-scheduled flights
All journey durations and departure times are given in good faith based on schedules issued at the time of ticketing. Riviera Tours has 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.
If at check-in you are informed of a flight delay or rescheduling, please notify Riviera Tours at 888 887-9860 of the change, including your new arrival time, so that we may inform your Tour Director. If you will be arriving at a later time on the same day, we will make arrangements to transfer you to your hotel. If you won’t be arriving until the following day, we will instruct you on how to transfer on your own. You will be responsible for the transfers cost incurred if you arrive on the second day of the tour. In the event of extended delays, please note that hotels will not provide refunds for unused accommodation. If you have purchased TripMate travel insurance, please check your policy for trip delay coverage.
International 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 Tours 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 of travel. 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 international flights but sometimes your preferred choice may run out. Special meals must be ordered in advance, please contact your carrier at least 48 hrs prior to departure to arrange a special meal. If Riviera Tours is booking your air, please advise your Travel Consultant of any seating or meal requests. If you require wheelchair or any other special assistance, please advise as soon as possible. As a courtesy, Riviera Tours will pass along your requests, which are subject to airline confirmation.
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 be able to minimize 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 traveling 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 during your flight. 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 may cause increased dehydration.
- Change your watch to the time of your destination as soon as you take off.
- Upon arrival at your destination, it’s best to adapt to the local time zone as soon as possible. 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 Transportation and Security Administration website, http://www.tsa.gov for the latest details regarding security procedures at US airports. Most airport websites will also have security updates, as well as the latest flight departure/arrival information.
