 |
 |
|
|
|
||||
 |
|
|
|
 |
||||
|
||||||||
| ||||
 |
Frequently Asked Questions
General travel 1. When I book travel with the RBC Travel Redemption Centre, Will I always be quoted the best fare? We will get you the best fares for the times and dates that you requested. Last minute reservations tend to cost more,so book early when you can. 2. Is it possible to order a passport or travel visa through this travel service? No. Travel agencies are no longer able to process the paperwork for passports or travel visas on behalf of clients. Applications for Canadian passports are available online at the Canadian government's Department of Foreign Affairs web site. Travel visas must be applied for in person at the Embassy or Consulate of the country to which you are travelling. 3. How do I avoid jet lag? Jet lag can occur on long domestic or international flights. Eating light, and avoiding alcohol in-flight are a central theme in many popular methods for dealing with jet lag. Alcohol consumption compounds your body's confusion and adds to dehydration, so drink plenty of water and fruit juices when you fly. You will be more comfortable.
The correct immunization depends on your health, medical history and destination. Contact your doctor, or local centre for disease control for more information. In some cases, some immunization takes place over the course of months, such as immunization for Hepatitis A & B. Make sure you give yourself enough time for the appropriate measures. 5. What is a good way to keep my documents and money secure while travelling? You should always carry your important documents and money in a hidden location, preferably in a water secure envelope around your waist, and always leave a copy of all documentation with someone close to you at home.
The Consular Affairs Bureau provides assistance to Canadian travellers abroad by providing you with a variety of information on conditions in other countries and what you can do to prepare for them. It offers up-to-date reports on safety and security conditions, health questions and entry requirements for over 220 travel destinations. Canada's consular services operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through a network of more than 270 offices in over 180 countries. 7. What should I do if my luggage gets lost while travelling? Write down your business or school address on a luggage tag so that it will get back to you without anyone knowing exactly where you live. You could also write down a cellular or pager number so that someone can get in touch with you without knowing where you are.
All travellers are strongly advised to purchase traveller insurance. By calling your insurer's 1-800 number, they can assist you. Otherwise, ask the hotel how close you are to hospitals, fire department, police stations and the emergency number in the area. 9. How do I find out what departure taxes I'll have to pay on route? Ask before you leave the airport after you arrive. Some countries make you pay at the airport or when you leave the country. Make sure you have enough local money to pay this tax. You can easily leave the cash with your tickets at the beginning of the trip so you don't spend it.
Check the Airline's policies about traveling with children, pets, extra luggage, meals or other special requests if they apply. For more information on where to call, contact your travel counsellor. 11. What should I do if I need a wheelchair in the airport? You should notify the Airline in advance. This way they'll be prepared to help you get one. Also, be sure to arrive extra early before your flight.
Cancel your reservation as soon as you are sure you won't need your ticket, since some Airlines have lesser penalties for an early cancellation. Generally, the cheaper the ticket the more restrictions. Ask the reservation center about the ticket cancellation policy. 13. What happens if I lose my paper ticket? If you are using a paper ticket, you should check all the information printed on the ticket for accuracy and write down the ticket number as soon as you get it. The penalty for losing a ticket will depend on the individual Airline's policy.
Be sure to check with the Airline if you think you're bringing something questionable, as you'll need to follow their guidelines. 15. What about travel assistance during my trip? Who do I get in touch with? If you have booked your travel using your RBC Royal Bank Visa* card or if you used a combination of RBC Rewards points plus a charge to your RBC Royal Bank Visa card and have made your reservation through the RBC Rewards Travel Redemption Centre, the Assured Assistance Centre offers 24-hour worldwide service for emergency cash, airline tickets, emergency message service, prescription medicines, lost luggage retrieval, document pick-up, legal and bail assistance and pre-trip assistance. You can contact them directly at 1-800-426-5333 (Canada and US) or call collect at (905) 816-2581.
Twelve participating countries in Europe welcomed the euro as official legal tender on January 1, 2002. Participating countries are: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. The euro banknotes and coins are valid in all 12 countries, and are available for exchange at any bank or bureau de change. National currencies of participating euro countries can be used in their countries of origin during each country’s specified dual circulation period. Afterwards, it will be possible to exchange these national currencies only at the counters of commercial and national central banks in the euro area within the countries specified time allowance. Additional information on the euro, participating countries, exchange schedules and locations, and descriptions of the banknotes and coins can be found at the euro website at: www.euro.ecb.int. 17. I have heard a lot about electronic tickets. What are they and how do I use them? Electronic tickets are becoming increasingly common. An electronic ticket is simply a paperless ticket, in which all of the information of a regular ticket is included. However, rather than receiving a traditional paper ticket with numerous coupons, travellers receive an email or fax which contains all the details of their itinerary, together with the special codes and information airlines use to identify the traveller’s reservation. At the airport, travellers simply present themselves at the ticket counter, and provide photo ID to the ticket agent, who is then able to retrieve their reservation and issue a boarding pass. Alternatively, travellers may choose to use the boarding pass kiosks to obtain their boarding pass. These kiosks are extremely easy to use. Travellers simply insert their frequent flyer cards or the credit card used to make their reservation. Following a few simple steps, travellers are able to view their seat assignments and obtain their boarding pass. If travellers have luggage to check, they are directed to a special counter where their luggage is tagged, and they are able to proceed through security and to their gate.
Airport Security 1. What are the new or enhanced security measures in place at airports? Airports are currently applying increased police presence, increased passenger screening and enhanced security procedures, including more restrictions and hand searches of baggage. Passengers are also required to bring photo identification with them and not to pack wrapped presents in carry-on. All U.S. bound airlines are required to collect the following information from each passenger prior to arrival in the U.S., whether passengers are bound for, or travelling through, a U.S. destination: full legal name, gender, birth date, nationality, and travel document number. A valid passport is still the preferred document for all travel outside of Canada, however all currently acceptable and valid travel documents for entry into the U.S. are still acceptable. U.S. bound passengers should continue to arrive at the airport a minimum of 90 minutes before their flight departure. The following documents† are acceptable forms of identification for travel to or through the US (subject to change):
Travelers are being asked to arrive a minimum of 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights at most international airports to allow for check in with tighter security procedures. 3. Are there any carry-on restrictions? Most airlines allow one carry-on bag, plus one personal item such as a briefcase or purse. In many cases, the Airlines have added new limits on both carry-on and checked baggage. Be advised that the airline limits for carry-on baggage on "charter" flights is considerably smaller than those for "regularly scheduled" flights. Also please remember that any sharp objects, such as swiss army knives, tweezers, knitting needles, and razors may not be allowed in carry-on baggage. Please pack all sharp items in your checked baggage.
There are no limits on the transport of laptop computers and other electronic equipment; however, increased security regulations have meant a longer screening process for electronic equipment in general. 5. How can I avoid being the victim of a crime at the airport?
You can check ahead of time using the Visa ATM locator web page at: www.Visa.com/pd/atm/main.html or ask at the airport information desk. For other ATM locations, please check at airport information desk. 9. What are some of the airport scams I need to know about? Keep an eye on your property as it moves through security. Wait until the line is clear in front of you before you release your bags onto the conveyor belt and watch that it does go through and stays there if you are delayed at the checkpoint.
If you are a victim of a crime in an airport, note the time and the location and notify security immediately. Noting the time and location may help the investigation since many airports have extensive security camera coverage. 11. I have heard a lot about the new Air Travellers Security Charge. What is the charge and how much is it? Effective April 1, 2002 the Air Travellers Security Charge (ATSC) will take effect across Canada. All flights originating from Canada will be subject to a $12 CDN one-way security charge, or a round-trip charge of $24 CDN. Implemented by Transport Canada as part of its overall security measures plan, the charge will contribute to enhanced pre-board screening at airports, certification and testing of all security officers, and aviation security related policing in conjunction with airport authorities. Your ticket will reflect this charge, which will be applied at the time of ticketing. You will not be required to pay this amount at the airport.
† The list of acceptable travel documents are subject to change. Insurance 1. What kind of insurance coverage should I have while travelling? You should take a package that includes medical, trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost baggage and flight accident insurance. If you have purchased your ticket using your RBC Royal Bank Visa card, please refer to the insurances you may already be covered for and contact 1-800 ROYAL® 1-2 (1 800 769-2512). 2. Do I need to purchase separate travel insurance when I use my RBC Visa* Preferred card for travel arrangements? When you make travel plans using a combination of points and a charge to your RBC Royal Bank Visa Preferred card, or strictly with a charge to your RBC Royal Bank Visa Preferred card, you are automatically covered by various insurance benefits dependent on the RBC Royal Bank Visa card you used to make the travel purchase. However, please consult with a counselor at the RBC Rewards Travel Redemption Centre at the time of booking to ensure the coverage meets your travel needs. IMPORTANT: All insurance coverages are subject to limitations and exclusions. For more complete details, please refer to the relevant policies included with your RBC Royal Bank Visa card welcome package. 3. What about travel assistance during my trip? Who do I get in touch with?
|
|||
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
