UK departure requirements

ADVANCED PASSENGER INFORMATION (APIS)

The UK Government has introduced legislation that requires airlines to submit APIS Information on all flights to and from the UK.

Your airline is legally obliged to collect passenger information from all customers (including infants) who are travelling to, and in some cases from, those countries involved in your itinerary that require information, for electronic transmission to the relevant country's Customs and Immigration authorities prior to departure.

Your airline will only provide each country with the relevant information requested by them for law enforcement purposes, the contents of which will not be used for any type of marketing activity.

 

What APIS information must I provide?

This varies depending on the country you're visiting but normally includes:

• Full name (as in passport)
• Gender
• Date of birth
• Passport number
• Country of issuance
• Date of issuance
• Expiry date

How do I provide the airline with APIS?

The easiest way is through the airline’s “Manage My Booking” facility on their website; please see the relevant airline’s link below which will take you directly to the airline’s website.

 

Where possible please ensure you enter your details at least 72 hours prior to your departure date. You will need to enter in the lead name and the airline booking reference which can be found under your flight details on your holiday documentation. If you have not been provided with an airline booking reference or your airline is not listed below you will be able to provide your APIS information when you check in for your flight.

Airline Links

• British Airways
• Virgin Atlantic
• Emirates
• Thomson
• Qantas
• Malaysian Airlines
• Air Canada
• Qatar

Please see the following pages if you are:

• Travelling to or via the USA

 

At what age is a child classified as an adult and up until what age does an infant qualify for infant prices?

Child costs or reductions are shown where appropriate and apply to children under 12 years of age on the date of their return travel to the UK when sharing a room with two adults. Once the child reaches their 12th birthday, they are then classified as adults. Children under the age of 2 years old are classified as infants. Infants who reach the age of 2 years while on holiday must be considered as being a child.

Infants do not automatically receive a flight seat, baggage allowance or in-flight meals.

  Information on your board basis

If you book half board, this is defined as breakfast and dinner. Meals are as specified in individual hotel descriptions and must usually be pre-booked. If included, they are generally based on a set menu, buffet, or meal voucher system unless specified to the contrary. Such meals are usually available in the main restaurant and not speciality restaurants.

Holidays that include main meals generally commence with dinner (on half board) on the day of arrival at your hotel and terminate with breakfast (on half board) or lunch (on full board) on the day of your departure. It is not usual for hotels to allow you to substitute lunch for dinner when booking half board.

Depending on the flight timings to your resort or tour, those who have booked meals may lose one due to the time of arrival at, or check-out from, their hotel. In these cases, we have calculated the basic holiday price to allow for this.

In China, meals, other than breakfast are usually taken away from the hotel. Vegetarian and other special dietary needs may be limited, and we would recommend taking holidays on either a ‘room only’ or ‘bed and breakfast’ basis and simply buying the most acceptable dishes from the à la carte menu available locally. If you have any special dietary requirements please call us at the time of booking so that we can check the availability of meals at your chosen destination, especially on tours, safaris, etc..

To celebrate festive occasions many hotels host gala events, usually a dinner (sometimes lunch) during the Christmas/New Tables for two may not be available especially in the Maldives and on ships.

 

  How soon before a flight should I check-in?

It is always best to check-in early - it is recommended that you check-in at least 3 hours before departure.

  What is the general luggage allowance allowed on flights and what terminal do I depart from?

British Airways	Air Canada	Continental Airlines	Air Mauritius
American Airlines	Cathay Pacific	Egypt Air	Emirates
Etihad Airways	EVA Air	Jet Airways	Kenya Airways
KLM	Malaysia Airlines	Qatar Airlines	Singapore Airlines
South African Airways	SriLankan Airlines	Thai Airways	United Airways
Virgin Atlantic	All other airlines

This will be shown on your air ticket/s.

As many airlines operate different policies regarding hold baggage and depart from different terminals, we have provided the information below as a guide. Should you wish to enquire about opportunities to upgrade your flight in any way, please do not hesitate contact our Customer Service department on the number stated on your itinerary.

Unless otherwise stated on your itinerary, your flight will consist of the following baggage allowance and will depart from the terminal as detailed below:

 

British Airways (pre fix BA) Baggage Information

Destinations in USA, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean and Kenya

• 2 pieces not exceeding 23kgs per piece luggage allowance in World Traveller
• 2 pieces not exceeding 23kgs per piece luggage allowance in World Traveller Plus
• 3 pieces not exceeding 32kgs per piece luggage allowance in Club World and FIRST

All other destinations

• 1 piece not exceeding 23kgs luggage allowance in World Traveller
• 2 pieces not exceeding 23kgs per piece luggage allowance in World Traveller Plus
• 3 pieces not exceeding 23kgs per piece luggage allowance in Club World and FIRST

British Airways (pre fix BA) Departure Terminal Information

Destinations in USA, Canada, Middle East, Egypt, India, China, Mauritius, Bahamas

• Depart from London Heathrow Terminal 5

Destinations in Far East - Bangkok and Singapore

• Depart from London Heathrow Terminal 3

All destinations from London Gatwick

• Depart from the North Terminal

 

Air Canada (pre fix AC) Baggage Information

All destinations

• 1 piece not exceeding 23kgs in Economy
• 3 pieces not exceeding 32kgs per piece luggage allowance in Executive First

Air Canada (pre fix AC) Departure Terminal Information

All destinations

• Depart from London Heathrow Terminal 3

 

Air Mauritius (pre fix MK) Baggage Information

Travel between Europe and Mauritius

• 1 piece not exceeding 23 kg in Economy Class
• 3 pieces not exceeding 23 kg per piece in Business Class

Air Mauritius (pre fix MK) Departure Terminal Information

All destinations

• Depart from London Heathrow Terminal 4

 

American Airlines (pre fix AA) Baggage Information

All destinations

• 1 piece not exceeding 23kgs luggage allowance in Economy Class
• 3 pieces not exceeding 23kgs per piece luggage allowance in Business Class (allowance may differ for code-share flights with other airlines).

American Airlines (pre fix AA) Departure Terminal Information

All destinations

• Depart from London Heathrow Terminal 3
• Depart from Manchester Terminal 3

 

Continental Airlines (pre fix CO) Baggage Information

All destinations USA and Canada

• 1 piece not exceeding 23kgs luggage allowance in Economy

Continental Airlines (pre fix CO) Departure Terminal Information

All destinations

• Depart from London Heathrow Terminal 4

All destinations

• Depart from Manchester Terminal 2

All destinations

• If you are departing from Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow and Edinburgh you will be departing from the main terminal.

 

Cathay Pacific (pre fix CX) Baggage Information

All destinations

• 20kgs luggage allowance in Economy
• 30kgs luggage allowance in Business Class
• 40kgs luggage allowance in First Class

Cathay Pacific (pre fix CX) Departure Terminal Information

All destinations

• Depart from London Heathrow Terminal 3

 

Egyptair (pre fix MS) Baggage Information

All destinations

• 2 piece not exceeding 23kgs per piece luggage allowance in Economy Class
• 2 pieces not exceeding 32kgs per piece luggage allowance in Business Class

Egyptair (pre fix MS) Departure Terminal Information

All destinations

• Depart from London Heathrow Terminal 3

 

Emirates (pre fix EK) Baggage Information

All destinations

• 30kgs luggage allowance in Economy
• 40kgs luggage allowance in Business Class
• 50kgs luggage allowance in First Class

Emirates (pre fix EK) Departure Terminal Information

All destinations

• Depart from London Heathrow Terminal 3

All destinations

• Depart from London Gatwick North Terminal

All destinations

• Depart from Manchester Terminal 1

All destinations

• If you are departing from Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh you will be departing from the main terminal.

 

Etihad Airways (pre fix EY) Baggage Information

All destinations except flights to and from the USA and Canada

• 23kgs luggage allowance in Coral Class Economy
• 30kgs luggage allowance in Pearl Class Business Class
• 40kgs luggage allowance in Diamond Class First Class

Etihad Airways (pre fix EY) Departure Terminal Information

All destinations

• Depart from London Heathrow Terminal 4

All destinations

• Depart from Manchester Terminal 1

 

EVA Air (pre fix BR) Baggage Information

All destinations (except USA, Canada and certain countries in South and Central America)

• 20kgs luggage allowance in Economy Class
• 25kgs luggage allowance in Elite Class Premium Economy Class
• 30kgs luggage allowance in Premium Laurel Business Class

EVA Air (pre fix BR) Departure Terminal Information

All destinations

• Depart from London Heathrow Terminal 3

 

Jet Airways (pre fix 9W) Baggage Information

India - All destinations except Amritsar, Diu & Porbandar

• 2 pieces not exceeding 23kgs per piece luggage allowance in Economy Class
• 3 pieces not exceeding 23kgs per piece luggage allowance in First & Premier Class

India - Amritsar, Diu & Porbandar

• 1 piece not exceeding 28kgs luggage allowance in Economy
• 3 pieces not exceeding 23kgs per piece luggage allowance in First & Premier Class

Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Kathmandu, Dhaka, Hong Kong & Columbo

• 32kgs (no piece restriction) luggage allowance in Economy
• 69kgs (no piece restriction) luggage allowance in First & Premier Class

Jet Airways (pre fix 9W) Departure Terminal Information

All destinations

• Depart from London Heathrow Terminal 4

 

Kenya Airways (pre fix KQ) Baggage Information

All destinations

• 2 pieces not exceeding 23kgs per piece luggage allowance in Economy
• 3 pieces not exceeding 23kgs per piece luggage allowance in Premier World Business Class

Kenya Airways (pre fix KQ) Departure Terminal Information

All destinations

• Depart from London Heathrow Terminal 4

 

KLM (pre fix KL) Baggage Information

Destinations in USA, Canada and Kenya

• 2 pieces not exceeding 23kgs per piece luggage allowance in Economy
• 2 pieces not exceeding 32kgs per piece luggage allowance in Business Class

All other destinations

• 1 piece not exceeding 23kgs luggage allowance in Economy Class
• 2 piece not exceeding 32kgs luggage allowance in Business Class

KLM (pre fix KL) Departure Terminal Information

All destinations

• Depart from London Heathrow Terminal 4

All destinations

• Depart from Manchester Terminal 2

All destinations

• If you are departing from Birmingham, Newcastle, Bristol, Southampton, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh you will be departing from the main terminal.

 

Malaysia Airlines (pre fix MH) Baggage Information

All destinations

• 20kgs luggage allowance in Economy
• 30kgs luggage allowance in Business Class
• 40kgs luggage allowance in First Class

Malaysia Airlines (pre fix MH) Departure Terminal Information

All destinations

• Depart from London Heathrow Terminal 4

 

Qatar Airlines (pre fix QR) Baggage Information

All destinations

• 23kgs luggage allowance in Economy
• 30kgs luggage allowance in Business Class
• 40kgs luggage allowance in First Class

Qatar Airlines (pre fix QR) Departure Terminal Information

All destinations

• Depart from London Heathrow Terminal 4

All destinations

• Depart from Manchester Terminal 2

 

Singapore Airlines (pre fix SQ) Baggage Information

All destinations - except flight to and from USA/Brazil

• 20kgs luggage allowance in Economy
• 30kgs luggage allowance in Business Class
• 40kgs luggage allowance in First Class

Singapore Airlines (pre fix SQ) Departure Terminal Information

All destinations

• Depart from London Heathrow Terminal 3

All destinations

• Depart from Manchester Terminal 2

 

South African Airways (pre fix SA) Baggage Information

All destinations

• 23kgs luggage allowance in Economy Class
• 30kgs luggage allowance in Business Class
• 40kgs luggage allowance in First Class

South African Airways (pre fix SA) Departure Terminal Information

All destinations

• Depart from London Heathrow Terminal 1

 

SriLankan Airlines (pre fix UL) Baggage Information

All destinations

• 20kgs luggage allowance in Economy
• 30kgs luggage allowance in Business Class

SriLankan Airlines (pre fix UL) Departure Terminal Information

All destinations

• Depart from London Heathrow Terminal 4

 

Thai Airways (pre fix TG) Baggage Information

All destinations

• 20kgs luggage allowance in Economy
• 30kgs luggage allowance in Royal Executive Class
• 40kgs luggage allowance in Royal First Class

Thai Airways (pre fix TG) Departure Terminal Information

All destinations

• Depart from London Heathrow Terminal 3

 

United Airlines (pre fix UA) Baggage Information

All destinations - International Flights

• 1 piece not exceeding 23kgs luggage allowance in Economy
• 2 pieces not exceeding 32kgs per piece luggage allowance in Business Class

United Airlines (pre fix UA) Departure Terminal Information

All destinations

• Depart from London Heathrow Terminal 1

 

Virgin Atlantic (pre fix VS) Baggage Information

All Destinations

• 1 piece not exceeding 23kgs per piece luggage allowance in Economy
• 2 pieces not exceeding 23kgs per piece luggage allowance in Economy for Kenya, Nigeria, Delhi and Ghana
• 2 pieces not exceeding 23kgs per piece luggage allowance in Premium Economy
• 3 pieces not exceeding 32kgs per piece luggage allowance in Upper Class

Virgin Atlantic (pre fix VS) Departure Terminal Information

All destinations

• Depart from London Heathrow Terminal 3

All destinations

• Depart from Gatwick South Terminal

All destinations

• Depart from Manchester Terminal 2

 

All other airlines (guide only)

• 23kgs luggage allowance in Economy
• 23kgs luggage allowance in Premium Economy
• 30kgs luggage allowance in Upper Class

For other carriers not mentioned above regarding luggage allowance information, please refer to your travel documents.

Some airlines offer a greater allowance than the average on certain routes. The total allowance on some local flights using light aircraft may be restricted. Carriage of excess baggage is at the airline's discretion and often only on payment of an appropriate fee.

Airport and Airlines policies may change without notice for security or commercial reasons. This information is therefore a guide only and is subject to change without notice

  What is the usual check-in / check-out times in resort?

In most cases your accommodation will be made available to you on arrival between noon and 2pm. On some holidays where late night/early morning departures from the resort are necessary, the room may be occupied until you leave the hotel and it will count as a night of your holiday. Otherwise you will be asked to check out of your room in the morning.

Courtesy rooms may be available although an extra charge may be payable locally.

  What are the passport and visa requirements for British Citizens?

All citizens of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland require a ten year passport (valid for 6 months after completion of any journey). Infants and children must also have their own passport with photograph. If you are 16 or over and haven't yet got a passport, our recommendation is that you should apply for one at least 6 weeks before your holiday. The UK Passport Service has to confirm your identity before issuing your first passport and from October 2006 will ask you to attend an interview in order to do this.

Visas may be required, depending on your destination - it is your responsibility to check the latest requirements with the appropriate authority before travelling. Nationals of other countries should check entry requirements with the relevant Embassy or High Commission.

  What hand baggage restrictions are there?

Cabin / Hand / Carry On Baggage - All Airlines

All airlines have differing specifications for cabin baggage. Due to the nature and the number of restrictions, which may be destination specific, we advise all passengers to check the relevant airline's website for full comprehensive details.

  Why do I need to supply my passport details for my flight to the USA?

The US Transport Security Administration (TSA) requires that airlines provide certain passenger data, by electronic means, to TSA by 72 hours prior to departure. This is known as US Secure Flight. The information required is Full name (as in passport), Gender, Date of Birth and Redress* number (if held). We will provide all this information to the airline.

*A redress number is a unique number for a regular traveller who has applied for redress under the US TRIP programme. This would apply where the traveller is regularly selected for additional screening when matched against the US watch list.

What are the new entry requirements for the USA/What is an ESTA?

Requirements to travel visa-free to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program have been changed. Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries will still be eligible to travel without a visa but will have to obtain an approved travel authorisation prior to their travel to the United States.
Visitors who do not receive travel authorisation prior to their departure may be denied boarding, experience delays or be denied admission into the United States. Applications may be submitted at anytime prior to travel, but no less than 72 hours prior to departure.

Please click here for full information on ESTA travel authorisation. To access the website to complete your ESTA please click here.