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Air Arrangements
General Overview
What is Explora Journeys Air Arrangements?

Our Air Arrangements service includes Bespoke Air Travel arrangements and Private Air Charters – customised and personalised management of a wide selection of flights with the help of our dedicated team of specialised Explora Experience Ambassadors. We partner with airlines and trusted private charter partners worldwide to provide competitive solutions and fares. All our Air Arrangement services include flight protection, ensuring support during any flight disruptions.

What are the advantages of booking air travel through Explora Journeys?

There are numerous advantages to reserving 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 service offers guests a broad choice of flights and competitive fares.
  • Personalised itineraries:
    • Guests can personalise their journeys, integrating flights with pre- or post-Journey hotel stays. (Bespoke Air Travel and Private Air Charters only)
  • Flight Protection:
    • Includes our flight protection programme, ensuring support in case of airline irregularities or disruptions.
  • Explora Journeys will not charge any additional fees for any air travel services:
    • Flights may be reserved to arrive up to 3 days before the start of the Journey and/or to return up to 3 days after the Journey ends. (Bespoke Air Travel and Private Air Charters only) 
Booking and Payment
How far in advance of the Journey can flights be booked?

Flights may be booked up to 11 months prior to departure.

What is the latest possible time to make a flight booking?
  • Bespoke Air Travel – 3 days before the start of the sailing
  • Private Air Charters – 10 days before the start of the sailing
  • Sky and Sea Fare – 100 days before the start of sailing
Can guests pay for flights via bank transfer?

Yes. Funds must be received before the final payment deadline. For flights requiring ticketing within 24 hours, card payment is advised.

Can flights be booked if the Journey status is "offered"?

Yes. If payment is due within 24 hours, both a deposit and full airfare must be paid. Card payment is recommended.

Can a Journey Experience Credit be used for air fare?

No, air services must be paid for separately.

When is air payment due?

Flexible fares: 150 days before Journey start. Restricted fares: within 24 hours of booking.

Are middle names required for air reservations?

Middle names are not mandatory, though some guests may wish to include their full name on the ticket.

How can I find out the cost of a flight for a Journey departing more than 11 months from now?

For those who prefer to plan well in advance, Explora Journeys’ Air Arrangements offers the distinct advantage of requesting flight options more than 330 days ahead of travel. This service is ideal for guests seeking early visibility on their travel arrangements, well before airline schedules become publicly available. The process is both simple and reassuring. Once a guest’s flight preferences are submitted, such as chosen airline, class of service, routing, and preferred departure airport, our specialised Explora Experience Ambassadors prepare a tailored, indicative quote. There is no charge at this stage. Then, as soon as flights are released (typically 330 days prior to departure), Explora Journeys will secure the reservation and issue a full confirmation.

Flight Options and Flexibility
Can guests book flights that arrive on the same day as the Journey begins?

This depends on the guest's departure point.

Flights arriving on the same day as the Journey's embarkation date depend 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
Are stopovers permitted?

Yes, stopovers en route to or from the cruise port are permitted.

Can a guest return to a different airport from the one they departed?

Yes.

Can flights be arranged to or from airports not directly linked to the cruise port?

Yes, provided the airport is within 400 km (250 miles) of the port.

What are the recommended flight arrival and departure time windows?

Flights should be scheduled to arrive or depart latest four hours before or after the ship’s embarkation or disembarkation time. (Exceptions: up to 5 hours for Southampton, Civitavecchia, Istanbul, and Piraeus.)

How can I get a quote for travel more than 11 months in advance?

Submit a request. The price is locked in and adjusted if actual fares are lower at the time of booking.

Are group bookings available through Explora Journeys?

Yes. Our Air Arrangements services can offer personalised flights coordinated together as requested, using all major global airlines.

Ticket Management and Changes
When are e-ticket confirmations sent?

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

Can existing flights be upgraded?

Yes. Please contact us for a quote and we will update your booking upon acceptance and payment.

How to determine if a flight is refundable or changeable?

Please contact the Explora Experience Centre for assistance.

Are name changes allowed on flights?

Minor spelling corrections may be allowed. Full name changes typically are not. Airline penalties may apply.

Can guests make voluntary changes to their flights?

Yes, subject to airline fees and fare conditions and penalties.

Travel Assistance and Services
Can Air Arrangements assist with seating, special meals, or mobility needs?

Yes. We can assist with seating (where allowed by airline), wheelchair requests, and special meals.

Will Explora Journeys assist with cancelled or delayed flights?

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. Our Air Arrangements will likely already be aware of the situation and may have reserved alternative flights.

Where can baggage allowance be found?

It will be listed on the e-ticket and can also be checked on the airline’s website using the booking reference.

Who ensures a guest has the correct travel documents?

Guests are responsible for verifying and obtaining the correct travel documentation.

Will an ATOL certificate be provided?

Yes, once payment is received and tickets are issued.

Product Offering and Benefits
Does Explora Journeys book with budget airlines?

No, we do not book with low-cost carriers.

Will guests earn loyalty points?

Yes, for both published and private fares. Accrual is subject to airline policies.

Should hotel packages be booked before or after flights?

Always book the hotel package first to avoid air rebooking fees.

Does Explora Journeys offer private jet services?

Yes. Our Private Air Charters service offers the height of customised travel with a choice of aircraft, departure times, dining options, and more. Reservations can be made with the help of our dedicated team of specialised Explora Experience Ambassadors. We provide access to a global network of trusted private charter partners with a selection of aircraft which can accommodate private individual parties of various sizes. Our Private Air Charters service offers chartered flights tailored to guests' needs, meeting strict safety and quality standards.

Are group bookings available through Explora Journeys Air Arrangements?

Bespoke Air Travel and Private Air Charters services

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  Bespoke Air Travel or Private Air Charters services, which cater to a variety of group sizes and aircraft preferences.

Sky and Sea Fare

Available only for individual reservations and is not offered for Journey Together. 

Sky & Sea Fare
What is the Sky & Sea fare?

For a seamless, stress-free journey, Sky & Sea, our airport-to-airport fare, has been thoughtfully crafted to offer greater flexibility, personalisation and peace of mind.

Unlike traditional cruise-and-air packages, this fare allows guests to choose the flights that best align with their preferences, schedules, and travel styles.

Who is eligible?

All guests are eligible to reserve this fare. It is ideal for those wishing to combine their journey with flights into one seamless, worry-free arrangement.

Can I choose my airline or flight times?

Explora Journeys will provide flight options and arrangements. However, guests may request alternative airlines, routes, or schedules (known as a deviation), subject to availability and additional costs.

 

What class of service is included?

Economy Class is included as standard. Upgrades to Premium Economy, Business, or First Class are available for an additional cost, reflecting the difference between the standard fare and the chosen upgraded fare.

 

Can I use or earn frequent flyer points?

Air miles cannot be used to reserve flights through the Sky & Sea fare. Some airline fares may also restrict the earning of points. Guests are advised to check directly with the airline.

Are baggage fees included?

Explora Journeys always endeavours to include at least one checked bag per guest with our airfares. Additional baggage beyond the included allowance is subject to airline costs and remains the guest’s responsibility.

What if I book my own flights?

Guests who choose to arrange their own flights are not considered part of the Sky & Sea fare but may still request to arrange individual transfers directly through Explora Journeys.

Are hotels included?

When specified (e.g. Europe to Caribbean), one hotel night with breakfast is included. Hotels are pre-selected and cannot be modified, though upgrades may be available at an additional cost.

Are transfers included?

Yes. Private transfers are provided between the airport, hotel (if applicable), and port.

Can I request a call to discuss flight options?

Yes. Guests may request a callback from one of our Ambassadors to discuss departure airports and potential deviations.

Will I receive a credit for any unused portion of this fare?

No. Unused elements of the Sky & Sea fare such as flights, hotel, or transfer are non-refundable and cannot be substituted.

Can I make changes after booking?

Yes, changes are permitted but are subject to availability, airline policies, applicable penalties, and any fare differences. Please note that name changes are generally not permitted once tickets have been issued.

What happens if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

Explora Journeys will assist in the event of disruptions such as delays, cancellations, or missed connections, liaising with airline partners to support rebooking where possible. Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover any unexpected costs.

Can I cancel a Sky & Sea fare and receive a full refund?

Refunds depend on the timing of the cancellation. Please refer to our full terms and conditions for exact details.

Can I receive a Future Journey Credit if I cancel?

Yes, so long as the cancellation is made a maximum 200 days before departure. Administrative fees may be converted to Future Journey Credit.

How do I reserve the Sky & Sea fare?

You may book through your preferred Travel Advisor, directly with Explora Journeys by contacting our Explora Experience Centre, or via our website. Once the deposit is received, flight options will be provided or arranged through a callback with one of our Ambassadors.

Do I have flexibility on arrival and departure dates?

The Sky & Sea fare doesn’t allow the flexibility on arrival or departure dates, but through the Bespoke Air Travel service, you may arrive up to three days before or depart up to three days after your journey.

Do I have flexibility on arrival and departure airports?

Yes. This can be arranged as a deviation. Flights are subject to availability and additional costs may apply.

When is payment due?

A 25% deposit is required at the time of reservation. The balance is due 150 days prior to departure.

Will my final invoice show the cost of flights separately?

No. The invoice will reflect the Sky & Sea fare as a bundled total. Any deviation costs will be listed separately.

What is the latest I can book the Sky & Sea fare?

The fare must be reserved at least 100 days prior to departure and flights confirmed no later than 90 days before departure.

How do I request special assistance?

Please notify your preferred Travel Advisor or Explora Experience Ambassador at the time of reservation if you require a wheelchair, special seating, or are travelling with a service animal.

Are hotel accommodations and transfers accessible?

While every effort is made to accommodate all guests, we recommend checking in advance to confirm whether the hotel and transfer arrangements meet your specific needs.

Can I request a stopover?

Stopovers are not included in the Sky & Sea fare but may be arranged through the Air Travel programme.

Can I travel by private jet?

Private Jet is not included in the Sky & Sea fare but may be arranged through the Private Air Charters programme.

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