Air Travel
General Information
What is the latest time that air reservations can be made?

Air reservations can be made up to 3 days before the start of the journey.

How and when are air ticket confirmations received?

All E-ticket confirmation will be received via an email from support@explorajourneys.com immediately after tickets are issued.

What is the best way to determine if an air ticket can be changed or refunded?

Please contact the Explora Experience Center. They will coordinate with Air Services to provide the necessary information.

Will Explora Journeys assist if flights are cancelled or delayed?

Explora Journeys will assist in rebooking flights if they are cancelled. However, it is important to check with the airline first, as flights are often automatically rebooked. If the airline's rebooking options are not suitable, please contact Explora Journeys immediately. Air Services will likely already be aware of the situation and may have reserved alternative flights.

Does Explora Journeys offer air services for groups?

Yes, Explora Journeys offers comprehensive air travel options to accommodate both individual and group guests, including those participating in our Journey Together programme. Guests may select from either our Explora Journeys Commercial Air or Private Air programmes, which cater to a variety of group sizes and aircraft preferences.

What are the key benefits of booking air travel through Explora Journeys?

There are numerous advantages to booking air travel through Explora Journeys that enhance the overall guest and travel advisor experience.

Wide Selection and Competitive Fares:

  • Partnering with various airlines worldwide, the program offers guests a broad choice of flights and competitive fares.

Personalized Itineraries:

  • Guests can personalize their journeys, integrating flights with pre- or post-cruise hotel stays.

Flight Protection:

  • Includes The Explora Journeys Flight Protection Programme, ensuring support in case of airline irregularities or disruptions.
  • Explora Journeys will NOT charge any additional fees for any air services.
  • Both published and private air fares are offered in conjunction with all Journeys.
  • Flights may be reserved to arrive up to 30 days before the start of the Journey and/or to return up to 30 days after the Journey ends.
  • Explora Journeys Air services offer both private and published air fares which allow for maximum availability.
Air Travel
What is the Explora Journeys Air Travel programme? 

The Explora Journeys Air Travel programme is a personalised air programme which empowers guests to reserve and purchase flights in conjunction with an Explora Journeys holiday. The programme is designed to offer travellers the ability to personalise their journey based on their individual air travel preferences. The Explora Journeys Air Travel programme offers guests personal management over a wide selection of flights from a choice of multiple itineraries.  

Explora Journeys has partnered with many airlines across the world to provide guests with some of the most competitive fares on the market. The Explora Journeys Air Travel programme includes flight protection in the event of airline irregular operations or any other flight disruptions. 

Please find additional information here.

How to reserve the Explora Journeys Air Travel programme?

Fully deposited guests may reserve The Explora Journeys Air Travel programme with an Explora Journeys Ambassador or via the Explora Travel Advisor Center (ETAC). A confirmation email will be sent confirming flight details, itinerary, costs, and spelling of names. 

Flights may be reserved as early as 11 months to the start of an Explora Journeys trip. However, travel advisors and guests may solicit personalised air quotes beyond 11 months, if desired.

Once the air services itinerary is selected and confirmed, payment for the air portion of the reservation will depend on the airline fare rules. Payments for Contracted/Private/Flexible fares are normally due 150h prior to the start of the journey, while Published/Restricted fares are normally due within 24 hours of reservation. Upon receipt of payment, the air ticket(s) will be issued immediately.

Special ticketing arrangements can be made based on the guest’s individual preference.   

If adequate air service from the preferred airport is not available, guests have the option of selecting an alternate gateway, choosing to overnight En-route at an additional cost. 

Explora Journeys can assist guests with overnight accommodations and ground transfers if Explora Journeys cannot accommodate specific same-day arrival travel requirements. Guests are responsible for all costs associated with hotel ancillary charges, meals, and other items of a personal nature. 

Explora Journeys can also assist with airline seat assignments, special meal requests, and special service requests such as wheelchair assistance. Other services may be arranged directly with air carriers such as oxygen or service animal requests. These requests are services managed by the airline and Explora Journeys is not responsible for changes or lack of availability. Certain requests may have additional charges levied by the airline such as seat assignments. Requests that require an additional charge must be arranged directly with the airline. 

How to reserve the Explora Journeys Air Travel programme?

Fully deposited guests may reserve The Explora Journeys Air Travel programme with an Explora Journeys Ambassador or via the Explora Travel Advisor Center (ETAC). A confirmation email will be sent confirming flight details, itinerary, costs, and spelling of names. 

Flights may be reserved as early as 11 months to the start of an Explora Journeys trip. However, travel advisors and guests may solicit personalised air quotes beyond 11 months, if desired.

Once the air services itinerary is selected and confirmed, payment for the air portion of the reservation will depend on the airline fare rules. Payments for Contracted/Private/Flexible fares are normally due 150h prior to the start of the journey, while Published/Restricted fares are normally due within 24 hours of reservation. Upon receipt of payment, the air ticket(s) will be issued immediately.

Special ticketing arrangements can be made based on the guest’s individual preference.   

If adequate air service from the preferred airport is not available, guests have the option of selecting an alternate gateway, choosing to overnight En-route at an additional cost. 

Explora Journeys can assist guests with overnight accommodations and ground transfers if Explora Journeys cannot accommodate specific same-day arrival travel requirements. Guests are responsible for all costs associated with hotel ancillary charges, meals, and other items of a personal nature. 

Explora Journeys can also assist with airline seat assignments, special meal requests, and special service requests such as wheelchair assistance. Other services may be arranged directly with air carriers such as oxygen or service animal requests. These requests are services managed by the airline and Explora Journeys is not responsible for changes or lack of availability. Certain requests may have additional charges levied by the airline such as seat assignments. Requests that require an additional charge must be arranged directly with the airline. 

Can I change or cancel my flight?

Voluntary changes and cancellations are subject to airline fees which vary by airline, airline cabin class of service, schedule, and fares. Refunds will be processed excluding airline fees (if applicable). Explora Journeys will not charge any service fees. 

What happens if my flight is changed or cancelled?

In the event of an involuntary schedule change, Explora Journeys will coordinate with airline partners to ensure the best possible flights are secured in conjunction with an Explora Journeys cruise. Minor changes of 20 minutes or less will normally be communicated to the travel advisor without major disruption to the original schedule. For schedule changes of 21 minutes or more, Explora Journeys will coordinate with the travel advisor and the airline partner for the best alternative option. Should Explora Journeys not find a suitable option, applicable air costs for the affected flights will be refunded to the original form of payment. 

How far in advance of the Journey can air be reserved?

Air may be reserved up to 11 months prior to departure.

Is it possible to reserve flights arriving on the same day as the journey departure?

Flights arriving on the same day as the Journey's start depends on the guest's departure location. Please refer to our recommended flight arrival parameters below:

  • Americas to The Americas – Same day arrival
  • Europe to The Americas – Day prior arrival
  • APAC to Europe – Day prior arrival
  • APAC to The Americas – Day prior arrival
Is it possible to pay for air travel by wire transfer?

Yes, the guest can pay by wire transfer, however funds must be received prior to the air final payment date. For tickets needing issuance within 24 hours, paying by credit card is highly recommended.

Are middle names required for air reservations?

Middle names are not required, but some guests prefer their full names on the ticket. Ensure the name on the ticket matches the passport exactly (e.g., "William John Powner" on the passport should be reflected as "William Powner" on the ticket).

Are stopovers permitted?

Yes, stopovers en route to and from the embarkation and disembarkation ports are permitted.

Is it possible to travel from an airport other than the one from which the guest originally departed?

Yes.

Is it possible to fly into and out of airports that do not correspond with the cruise port?

Yes, provided the alternative airport is within 400 kilometres (250 miles) of the corresponding cruise port.

What are the recommended flight time parameters for arrival and departure?

The latest a flight can arrive at or depart from the airport corresponding to the cruise port is 4 hours, except for the following ports, where the limit is 5 hours:

  • Piraeus (Athens)
  • Civitavecchia (Rome)
  • Southampton (London)
  • Istanbul (Istanbul)
Can air travel be reserved if the journey booking is still in "offered" status?

Yes, air travel can be reserved under these conditions. However, if payment is due within 24 hours, both the first deposit and the full payment for the air component are required. Explora Journeys recommend using a credit card for this transaction, while the guest or travel agent may opt for wire transfer for the final payment when it is due.

Can air travel be paid for using a Journey Experience Credit?

No, the guest will need to pay for the air travel separately, as “coupons” cannot be used for air component payments.

Can Air Services assist with booking seat reservations, wheelchair assistance, or special meals for guests?

Absolutely. Air Services can request wheelchair assistance and special meals. Explora Journeys may assist with advance seat reservations can be made if the airline permits access. While most airlines allow seat reservations in advance, some do not. If advance payment is required for seat reservations, these must be arranged directly with the airline.

Does Explora Journeys book flights with low-cost carriers?

No, Explora Journeys does not currently book flights with low-cost carriers.

Who is responsible for verifying whether a guest requires a visa to enter a country?

It is the guest's responsibility to ensure they have the correct and valid documentation to enter the corresponding country.

How can it be known what the baggage allowance on an air ticket?

The baggage allowance will be listed on the e-ticket itinerary receipt. Additionally, the guest can verify the allowance on the airline's website under "Baggage Allowance" using the airline locator (booking reference).

What if a guest wants to upgrade their existing air ticket?

Please contact the Explora Experience Center. Air Services will calculate the cost of the flight upgrade and provide a quote. If the upgrade quote is not accepted, no changes will be made to the existing air ticket. If the quote is accepted, Air Services will update the Journey booking with the new cost. Upon receipt of payment, the new air tickets will be issued, and an e-ticket confirmation with the updated flight details will be sent.

How are involuntary air schedules managed?

In the event of an involuntary schedule change, Explora Journeys will collaborate with airline partners to secure the best possible flights for the Explora Journey vacation. Minor changes of 20 minutes or less will be communicated to the travel advisor with minimal disruption. For major changes of 21 minutes or more, we will work with both the travel advisor and the airline to find the best alternative. If no suitable option is available, the air costs for the affected flights will be refunded to the original form of payment.

Will guests earn loyalty points with the Explora Journeys Air Programs?

Both published and private fares will earn loyalty points on all commercial airlines booked through Explora Journeys. Please note that the accrual rate and participation are subject to change without notice and are at the sole discretion of the airline.

Should a pre or post hotel package be added before or after reserving air?

Hotel packages should always be added before making an air reservation. Adding a hotel package to a reservation that already includes air may require changes to the air booking, potentially incurring additional costs from the airline.

Are name changes or revisions allowed?

Minor corrections: Airlines often allow minor changes such as a correction of a misspelled name. Major changes: Major name changes, such as changing the entire name to a different person, are usually not permitted.

Are voluntary changes to air reservations allowed?

Yes, airlines generally allow voluntary changes to flights, but there may be fees or restrictions depending on the airline and type of ticket.

When is payment for an air reservation required?

Payment schedule for the air services will be reflected on the Journey confirmation. Payment schedules vary depending on the fare:

  • Private/Contracted/Flexible fares: 150 prior to the start of the Journey
  • Published/Restricted fares: 24 hours after the creation of the air reservation.
Will Explora Journeys provide an ATOL certificate for eligible air reservations?

Yes, an ATOL certificate will be automatically generated once payment is received, and the tickets are issued.

How can I determine the price for a flight on a journey scheduled to depart more than 11 months in the future?

Explora Journeys has designed a future air programme for guests to request specific airlines and schedules for Journeys departing more than 11 months in the future. These quotes are guaranteed, and the price quoted will not increase. If the actual cost of the flights is lower than the quoted price when the flights become available, Explora Journeys will adjust the cost to match the reduced fare at the time of booking.

Private Air Charters
Does Explora Journeys offer private jet services?

The Explora Journeys Private Air Services programme offers guests the option to reserve a luxurious private chartered aircraft in conjunction with their Explora Journey. Similar to the Explora Journeys Commercial Air programme, this is an upscale option designed to personalize air travel based on the individual needs of Explora Journeys travelers. The Explora Journeys Private Air programme provides access to a global network of private charter aircraft operators who have been thoroughly evaluated to ensure compliance with the highest levels of government health and safety standards. These operators are also assessed to meet Explora Journeys' exacting standards, offering a selection of aircraft to accommodate private parties of various sizes.

What is The Explora Journeys Private Air Charters programme? 

The Explora Journeys Private Air Charters programme offers Explora Journeys guests the preference of reserving a luxurious private chartered aircraft in conjunction with an Explora Journeys holiday. Similar to The Explora Journeys Air Travel programme, The Explora Journeys Private Air Charters programme is an additional upscale option to personalise air travel based on the Explora Journeys travellers’ individual requirements.

The Explora Journeys Private Air Charters programme provides guests with access to a global list of private charter aircraft operators who have been fully evaluated to ensure compliance with the highest levels of government health and safety standards. Aircraft operators have also been assessed to ensure they meet Explora Journeys exacting standards with a selection of aircraft which can accommodate private individual parties of various sizes.

The Explora Journeys Private Air Charters programme presents guests with the conveniences not readily available on scheduled flights including the discernment on when, and how they travel as well as custom-made upscale dining options. Explora Journeys Private Air Charters programme also supports entry into additional airports expanding access to cities across the globe and minimising travel time and check-in time.

Guests on The Explora Journeys Private Air Charters programme will have support throughout the journey with flight protection services offered by Explora Journeys.

Please find additional information and terms & conditions here.

How to reserve The Explora Journeys Private Air Charters programme?

The Explora Journeys Private Air Charters programme can be reserved by an Explora Experience Center Ambassador who will gather specific information from the travel advisor. The Ambassador will work with well-vetted charter operators to secure at least two options for the travel advisor to review.

The Explora Journeys Private Air Charters programme should be reserved prior to the final payment of the journey to maximise the availability of aircraft and access to preferred airports (if available) as special permissions may be required.

Full payment for the reservation must be made within 7 days of reservation when outside of the journey’s final payment date. Any new reservations made after the journey’s final payment date will require payment within 24 hours. 

Please note that any additional services or changes after the final payment may result in additional charges and will be due at that time.

Special instructions will be provided to the travel advisor with details which include where and when to meet the aircraft. Most guests may be directed to an exclusive airport passenger terminal known as a fixed base terminal (FBO). 

Guests participating in The Explora Journeys Private Charters programme will need to comply with all government rules, regulations, and requirements for entry and departure. These requirements will include but are not limited to the accurate spelling of each guest’s name (first, middle, if any, and last) being identical to the passport. Any changes after the final payment may delay or result in the cancellation of the original arrangement without the ability to secure a proper replacement. 

What if I need wheelchair accessibility or health/medical assistance?

Guests with special conditions such as wheelchair access, oxygen, assistance with hearing or vision, etc. should advise the Ambassador when reserving The Explora Journeys Private Air Charters programme. This will ensure that all necessary equipment, documentation, storage, and setup are in place on every aircraft and airport if required. 

Can I change or cancel my private charter?

Should guests’ travel requirements change which result in the cancellation of a private aircraft reservation, there may be penalties assessed by the aircraft operator. Each operator has distinctive change and cancellation requirements which will have been presented and agreed to at the time of booking. Any remaining funds for air services will be refunded to the original form of payment. 

What happens if my private charter is changed or cancelled?

It is rare that an operator changes or cancels a flight prior to departure. However, in the unlikely event that it occurs, Explora Journeys will work with the operator(s) to secure a suitable replacement. If the options available are significantly different or on the unusual occasion that an alternative cannot be found with the same or other operators, Explora Journeys will work with the travel advisor on the best suitable scheduled air options. Should Explora Journeys not find a suitable scheduled air option, applicable air costs for the affected flights will be refunded to the original form of payment.

What kind of aircraft can I book and what services are available? 

There are generally two types of aircraft available for charter: Private Jet and Commercial Jet. Private jets can accommodate parties from 1 – 15 guests while commercial jets can transport up to 80 guests on a VIP liner to 350 on a private commercial jet with multiple seating configurations. Some locations may be limited to the use of a turboprop or propellor aircraft or even helicopter access. Please note that local restrictions may prevent access to certain aircraft. 

On certain aircraft, the presence of flight attendants might be necessary. If the aircraft doesn't mandate an attendant, please notify Explora Journeys if one is preferred, and arrangements will be coordinated with the aircraft operator.

Private aircraft typically include private lavatories, though availability may vary depending on the aircraft's size.

While catering is generally accessible on most private aircraft, availability may differ based on the aircraft's size and location. Last-minute requests or alterations might not always be accommodated.

Private aircraft usually offer a baggage allowance larger than standard scheduled flights. Details about specific aircraft allowances will be provided at the time of booking.

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