Travel Q&A

1. Rating: +3

   
   
   
   
   
   

   Can I change my ticket once it is issued?

   This is a very broad question. It depends on what is called the farebasis of the ticket. Each routing has afare and all fares vary in price and restrictiveness which in turn effect their price. Generally the more expensive the ticket is the more flexible it is. So to answer your question in short it depends on the fare basis and rules of the ticket. Some tickets can be changed for free and some with a small date change fee and others cannot be changed at all.

2. Rating: +2

   
   
   
   
   
   

   If I cancel my ticket how long does it take till I get my money back?

   generally between 8 and 12 weeks. The refunds need to be sent to the airline and paid back to the agent or direct to your credit card if you paid by credit card. The refunds (If you are due any) are done by the airline. Please generally all tickets have cancellation fees which will be deducted before the refund is returned to you. Be sure to make sure of the cancellation policy prior to purchasing the ticket.

3. Rating: +1

   
   
   
   
   
   

   Why do airlines that fly domestic charge over R1 000 for airport taxes?

   Airlines change airport taxes for a number of reasons, they collect taxes on behalf of the airports they fly to and from aswell as VAT in the case of domestic flights. here is an example: On a simple one way to Cape Town you can expect to pay: ZAR457 this is broken down as: 357YR- the taxes for Fuel surcharges 10EV the tax for passenger safety surcharge 55ZA the tax for passenger service charge and 35ZV the tax for Vale added tax.

4. Rating: +1

   
   
   
   
   
   

   When I have an UK visa, do I still need to get a Visa for Swtzerland to visit?

   Yes you will need to, the UK visa does not form part of the Schengan agreement.

5. Rating: +0

   
   
   
   
   
   

   Person aged 80+ living in South Africa but has recently renewed UK Passport wants to visit USA in May2010. Does she need visa for visit USA?

   No however they would need to complete ESTA : http://www.travelblog.co.za/travel/esta-info-for-the-usa/

6. Rating: +1

   
   
   
   
   
   

   We are planning a trip to Spain end of September 2010. When is the best time to buy plane tickets? Now or closer to the time? I see that the specials travel agencies offers are usually only valid from about 3-5 months before departure dates. Should I take the chance and hope that there’s a special to my destination?

   That is a very good question and there is generally no right or wrong answer. There are pros and cons to each option. To pay now you will get discounts for paying so far in advance however you may miss out on specials that come out next year close to the time of your trip. If you have the funds now I would book the tour and flights and pay now. It will take all the uncertainty out of your travel plans – it will leave nothing to chance – Have an excellent vacation!

7. Rating: +1

   
   
   
   
   
   

   Please explain to me how the alphabetic numbering of classes work or to what they represent.
   E.g C Class, K Class.
   Is there a reference table available in this regard?

   Hi – no there is not – it varies from airline to airline, generally though F A J are first and business class and the balance from there, example BA is F A J C D R W E T Y B H K M L V G and SAA is C J Z D Y B M K H S Q T V L W G

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