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Frequently asked questions

Holiday Planning

How can I order my brochure?
Brochures can be requested on our website or instantly downloaded ....Please click here for brochure Request!.
I'm travelling during Hurricane season, what I should do in the event of a Hurricane?
In the event of a hurricane occurring close to your departure visit our website or contact priority telephone number given on website. You should listen to local TV and radio for instructions.
You should also make contact with our local representatives or appointed agents wherever possible. This information will be provided on arrival if applicable to Florida or in your Hotel reception area for Caribbean.
What week in my pregnancy will I be unable to fly?
There will be no problem for expectant mothers to fly up to the 28th week of pregnancy from the 28th week of pregnancy a medical certificate must be obtained and taken to the check –in desk stating you are fit to fly and your stage of pregnancy. Expectant mothers will not be accepted for carriage from 1st day of week 34 of pregnancy.
Passengers who are pregnant are not allowed to book extra leg room seats for safety reasons.
Do I need vaccinations?
No vaccinations are needed to travel to Florida the USA or Caribbean at the time of publication. However, situations do change and it is your responsibility to confirm health requirements for yourself with your GP. Please allow sufficient time prior to your departure should vaccinations become necessary.
Can an infant travel on an adult passport?
As of October 1998, it is no longer possible to include children on an adult’s passport. Therefore every child must have their own passport.
Do you sell family insurance?
Family insurance is available from £69 which covers 1 adult and unlimited children for up to 17 days. The price for 2 adults + unlimited children is from £89 for up to 17 days. There is also a family annual insurance which is available at £99 this covers for the whole of the year (2 adults+2children)
What is the child age with Travel City Direct?
We do not have a general child age and unlike other travel companies we do not inflate our adult prices to compensate for FREE or reduced child prices. However when booking scheduled flights or attraction tickets child ages can vary from 2-17 years old.
Child ages vary from 2 to 17 years and are dependent on such factors as destination, property and season. Minimum/maximum child ages will be shown against each hotel description and appropriate reductions applied to your final holiday cost.
How do I obtain a visa to travel to America?
Refer to our visa + passport information provided in your Holiday confirmation Pack after booking for travel to the USA.
For Florida and Caribbean, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct documentation to travel including a valid passport and appropriate visa (where required).

Holiday Booking

Do you have any special offers for single parent families?
At this moment in time Travel City Direct do not have any on going offers for single parent families. This however does not mean something may become available in the future.
What are the top 5 hotels for value for money?
Every hotel that Travel City Direct advertise are good value for money.
Can I add on tickets after booking my holiday?
Yes this can be done by calling.....Click here for Reservations.
Will I know the address of my villa before I travel?
Clients will only know the address of their villa when they arrive at Sanford/ Travel City Directs information desk (welcome desk). This is where you will be given the keys and directions to their villa by a Travel City Representative.
Can I pay to have all my shopping in the villa before I arrive?
Some companies can arrange basic items please speak to your booking agent at the time of booking.
I want to cancel my booking or one of the passengers off my booking - how do I do this?
If you cancel your holiday we make a charge which depends on how late the cancellation can be accepted. This must be in writing from the lead name of the booking. The cancellation will then be effective from the date received.
Details on web + in brochure.
What is a single supplement?
We do not charge a single supplement for accommodation. Our accommodation prices are based on flat rates per room per night not per person per night. Process will vary subject to holiday destination and hotel terms and conditions.
Can you arrange twin centre holidays
We can arrange twin and multi centre holidays in Florida Holidays and USA. We can even put together your ideal and very individual trip. It’s not complicated and offer variety of experiences such as water sports, heritage + culture, golf, fishing and lots more fun.
At present we do not offer multi-centre on Caribbean holidays.
Do you have to take the car?
On Florida and USA Holiday Cars are optional transfers can be arranged.
WE CANNOT OFFER CAR HIRE TO THE CARIBBEAN PREDEPARTURE / PREBOOKED.
Can we arrange 7 & 21nt durations?
Travel City Direct online can only offer 14 night flights to Florida. However, if you do require a 7, 21 or any other duration we can easily arrange by calling our resort team.
7 & 14 NIGHTS ON CARIBBEAN AVAILABLE ONLINE & VIA TELEPHONE AND, WHERE FLIGHTS OPERATE TWICE WEEKLY, ODD DURATIONS SUCH AS 10/11 NIGHTS
Are transfers included?
Yes - we include return airport to hotel transfers in all our Caribbean holidays. If transfers are not required, you should indicate this at the time of booking; however, we are unable to offer any reduction in your holiday cost if transfers are not utilised.
What is included in an 'All Inclusive' plan?
Popular in the Caribbean and extent of inclusions would vary dependent on property. Those which are purpose built All Inclusive resorts would include all meals, drinks, entertainment and activities. Other properties which have adopted an 'All Inclusive' meal plan would provide all meals, soft drinks and a selection of house wines, beers and occasionally, spirits and a selection of watersports, usually non-motorised. Inclusions will be listed against each hotel description.

Holiday Preparation

What documents do I need to take on holiday?

The documents you need to take on your holiday are:-

  • Flight tickets
  • Car Hire Voucher (if applicable)
  • Accommodation voucher (if applicable)
  • Insurance Policy (if applicable)
  • Attraction tickets/vouchers (if applicable)
  • Transfer Voucher (if applicable)
  • Cruise Voucher (if applicable)
  • Luggage labels (if applicable)
  • Always check details are correct on all documents when received and also make sure you have the following with your documents.
  • Travel Insurance schedule policy
  • Policy Number, which is your booking number/ reference.
  • Holiday booking invoice
  • Passports
  • Visa if required
  • Original driving license
  • Credit Cards, travelers cheque's + US Dollars
What extra security procedures are in place?

No Sharp or pointed items are to be carried in hand baggage and will be taken by security control.

Cigarette lighters and non- safety matches may not be carried in baggage. However, you can carry one cigarette lighter on your person.

Please also see below - What can we take in our hand luggage

Do infants have baggage allowance?
Infants do not receive a baggage allowance but we do allow clients to carry the following free of charge. Pushchair, pram buggy, travel cot or seat.

Flights

Are meals included on my XL flight?
All meals are free on our XL/Travel City Direct Florida flights.
Where do I collect my tickets at the airport?

Ticket on Departure is available for holidays departing within 14 days of departure. Clients need to be at the airport 3 hours before departure to collect their travel documentation

Click Below for listed Ticket on Departure collection details for each UK departure airport: http://www.xl.com/Customer_Info/CheckIn.asp

Which terminal am I flying from?

London Gatwick Airport

  • American Airlines AA - North
  • British Airways BA - North
  • Continental CO - North
  • Delta DL - North
  • First Choice Airways FCA - North
  • Monarch MON - South
  • My Travel Airlines MYT - South
  • Northwest NW - South
  • Thomas Cook Airlines TCX - South
  • ThomsonFly - South
  • Travel City Direct / XL Airways - South
  • US Airways US - South
  • Virgin Atlantic VS - South

Manchester International Airport

  • Air Atlanta Europe EUK - Terminal 1
  • American Airlines AA - Terminal 3
  • British Airways BA - Terminal 3
  • Continental CO - Terminal 2
  • Delta Airlines DL - Terminal 2
  • First Choice Airways FCA - Terminal 2
  • Fly Globe Span - Terminal 2
  • Monarch MON - Terminal 1
  • Northwest - Terminal 2
  • My Travel Airlines MYT - Terminal 1
  • Thomas Cook TCX - Terminal 1
  • ThomsonFly - Terminal 2
  • Travel City Direct /XL Airways - Terminal 2
  • US Airways - Terminal 2
  • Virgin Atlantic VS - Terminal 2
How many hours before the flight do we have to check in?
Check in time is 3 hours before flight.
What can we take in our hand luggage?

Passengers may carry small quantities of liquids, but only within separate containers of no greater than 100ml. These must be brought to the airport in a single, transparent, re-seat able plastic bag which itself must not exceed 1 litre in capacity (approx 20cms x 20cms) Contents must fit comfortably and bag sealed. Each passenger may only carry one such bag of liquids.

Liquids that can not be placed inside a re-sealable bag must be packed into the hold luggage and checked in. Liquids:- All drinks, including water, soup, syrups, creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, massacre etc. Sprays and pressured containers including foam, spray deodorants, pastes and gels. Essential medicines and baby food may be permitted in larger quantities above the 100ml limit, but will be subject to authentication.

Are there towels and lining in my villa or do I have to take my own?
All villas supply towels and lining.
What is my luggage allowance?

Luggage Allowance as follows:

  • XL Branded Boeing 767 Economy - 20kg
  • XL Branded Boeing 767 XL one - 40kg
  • XL Branded A330 Economy - 20kg
  • XL Branded Airbus A330 Premium - 40Kg.
  • BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE IS 30kg ON CARIBBEAN AND NO DOUBLE ALLOWED

For other character flights please call for details.

Double baggage is also available on XL branded flights.

Can I choose my seat number if I pre book my seats?
When pre booking seats you can not choose your seat numbers but we will guaranteed you will be seated as a group on flight. You may be separated by an aisle or a row depended on party size.
When do I need to make all flight requests such as pre booking children's meals?

Prebooked seats must be 7-10 days before

Meal requests 7-10days.

Double luggage 48 hours

What age is an air passenger considered an infant?
An air passenger is considered and infant whilst under the age of 24 months. If the infant turns 2 years old while on holiday it is necessary to purchase a child ticket for the round trip.
Can you fly if you have been scuba diving?
You should not fly if you have been scuba diving within the last 48 hours before you are due to fly.
What is our seat pitch in economy and upgrade cabins?

XL Branded 767 (Boeing)

  • Economy 30-32 inches
  • XL One 45" Seat pitch

XL Branded Airbus A330

  • Economy 30-32"
  • Premium 35"
Who am I flying with?
All Travel City Direct / XL flights are flying with XL airways branded air crafts, either wide bodied Boeing 767 or wide bodied Airbus A330 Aircraft (other charter flights available).
Do the planes have seatback TV's
We can not guarantee that all our flights have back screen TV's but we are looking forward to giving our new A330 aircrafts which will have this entertainment onboard.
Is my flight direct?

All our wide bodied 767 and A330 flights are direct from Gatwick, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff.

ALL CARIBBEAN FLIGHTS OPERATE OUT OF GATWICK AND ARE NOT ALL DIRECT

What is the minimum age for a child to travel in an upgrade cabin?

Children under 3 years are not allowed to travel in an upgraded cabin on TCD Florida Premium Cabin.

Are there any airport taxes to pay?
All our USA holidays include airport taxes and fuel supplements. Caribbean destinations require payment locally* of their departure taxes, ranging from approx. US$15 to $30 (also payable in local currency) depending on island. (Except Barbados, where departure tax is included in your air ticket cost).Caribbean departure taxes are detailed on each destination page.
Can my child visit the cockpit?
Due to security reasons visiting the cockpit on flight is no longer a possibility.

Your Florida Holiday Key Questions

How far is the drive from Sanford to I’drive/Kissimme/Lake Buenavista?
Sanford to International Drive / Kissimmee / LBV is aprox 45 mins/1 hour depending on traffic.
Do the reps hold meetings in the hotels ?
City Direct Representatives will meet you at both Sanford and Orlando airports. Clients will be invited to attend daily welcome briefings which are held at 9am each morning. There are also information stations located at LBV and International Drive.
Why have I been charged a Resort Fee? (even though there are explanations on fact sheets)
Resort fees are charged for the use of Resort facilities. We will always where possible included these fees in the accommodation price.
Can I pre book a late check out of my hotel room?
This can be requested on check in at the individual hotels and is subject to availability. This is payable locally N.B villas (Disney free till 1pm then half the day rate.
How do I make a complaint?

If you have a cause for complaint whilst on holiday you should advise our local represent active or agent and the relevant supplier of the service immediately.

If the problem is unable to be resolved then obtain a holiday Report form, complete the sign and you should obtain a copy.

On returning home and wish to take the complaint further then send a copy of holiday report form together with holiday reference to (customer relations address)

You should do this within 28 days of your return home so that an investigation can take place, failure to do so many affect your rights under your contract.

Car Hire (Applicable in USA only)

Is the vehicle large enough to accommodate all passengers and their luggage?
Each Vehicle is large enough to accommodate the amount of passengers and luggage as advertised in our car hire details. We do recommend that clients do take a larger car for comfort.
Are we fully covered for all eventualities when taking out Comprehensive Insurance?
Comprehensive Insurance cover’s clients of loss, damage, supplemental liability insurance + uninsured / underinsured motorist protection.
Does my car rental voucher cover me for any additional services such as Roadsafe and PPP?
The car rental voucher does not include additional coverage such as PPP + Road Safe which are both optional extras and can be taken from the dollar car pick up location.
Can I take my own child seat?
Yes you can take your own child seat.
Will we have any extra to pay when we collect our car?
If the client has purchased platinum insurance there is no extra cost when collecting your vehicle apart from:-

Child seats plus tax

Driver under 25yrs plus tax

(Platinum car insurance rather than fully inclusive can save you as much as £100 per 2 week rental on local rates).

Florida Attractions

General

When can I order my attraction tickets or any other extras?
Attraction tickets can be purchased at time of booking or up to 7 days of departure. We do recommend that clients book their attraction tickets when you book your holiday, you don’t have to pay until your final balance is due and also, if the price increase you still pay the price at time of booking.
What ride restrictions?
Each ride has its own restrictions which vary from heart conditions, pregnancy, epilepsy and height, weight restrictions. Ride restriction boards which have all the various warnings are displayed at ride entrances at the different parks.
When is full payment due?
Full payment is due within 70 days of your holiday start date.
How can I pay the remainder of my balance?
The balance of your order can be paid in full or part by calling our customer services team on 08709 505 175 or via our new online payment facility.
Do you provide hard tickets or vouchers?
Travel City Direct provides vouchers, these can be redeemed on site and have the benefit of being replaceable if lost.
When is my order dispatched?
All tickets and vouchers are sent 7-10 days prior to your holiday start date.
Can I book attraction tickets with TCD even if I booked my holiday elsewhere?
Definitely, we are more than happy to offer you tickets, airport parking, airport hotels etc. and we hope you and consider us in the future when you are looking to book a holiday

Walt Disney World Florida

Can I use my 5 or 7 Day Premium Tickets to visit more than one park in a day?
Yes, you could visit all of the major 4 parks in any one day and that would only constitute one day of use. The 14 and 21 Day Ultimate Tickets offer even more flexible allowing you to visit the 4 major parks and any of the minor parks (e.g. Blizzard Beach) in one day.
Are the PLUS visits on the 5 & 7 Day tickets included within the 5 or 7 Days?
No, the PLUS visits to either Disney's Blizzard Beach, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Downtown Disney Pleasure Island or DisneyQuest are in addition to the 5 or 7 days.
Do any of the days have to be taken consecutively?
No, there are no consecutive days although days and visits expire after 14 days if not used.
Can I buy one day Disney Tickets from Travel City Direct?
No, the minimum number of days you can purchase in the UK is 5, the only place you can purchase a one day one park ticket is at the gates of the theme park.

Orlando FlexTicket

How long is the ticket valid for?
Both the four-park and the five-park Orlando FlexTicketTM (Orlando Flex Ticket/Orlando Flex Ticket Plus)are valid for 14 consecutive days from the date of first use.
What restrictions apply? Can it only be used at certain times of day?
The ticket can be used all day, any day for the full 14 days, subject to park opening times and conditions.
Who is the Orlando FlexTicketTM suitable for?
Because each of the attractions offer such a diverse range of activities, the Orlando FlexTicketTM is suitable for all ages. There's even something for very young toddlers and children, from feeding the dolphins at SeaWorld®, to the Nickelodeon Studios® and the rides and shows at Woody Woodpecker's KidZone® at Universal Studios®. Even the smallest ones can splash about in their own children's water playground on miniature versionsof the adultrides at Wet 'n Wild®!
Why do we need to have photo ID in the parks?
In order to prevent fraudulent use of Orlando FlexTickets we ask that each ticket holder signs the reverse of their ticket and carries proof of identification, this can be either a passport or photo driving license or any other photo ID. You may be asked to show this on entry to the parks. This helps to prevent fraud and also prevents others from using your Orlando FlexTickets if they are lost or stolen.

Universal Orlando

Can I visit multiple Universal Orlando® theme parks on the same day?
Yes, and it will only count as one day

Kennedy Space Center

How long does it take to see everything at Kennedy Space centre?
Kennedy Space Center is a full day experience, so plan on spending at least 6-8 hours.
How far is Kennedy Space Centre from the Orlando Attractions?
Kennedy is located near Cocoa Beach on the East Coast about 1 hours drive.
Is Kennedy Space Centre open every day?
Kennedy is open every day except Christmas day and launch days.
Could I see a launch if one is scheduled during my stay?
Tickets for launches can be booked in advance by calling Kennedy Space Centre.

Go Orlando

What is the main benefit to clients of buying the Go Orlando Card?
For Disney you have Disney tickets, for Universal & Sea World you have the Flex Ticket. For EVERYTHING ELSE it's the Go Orlando Card ! It gives clients the "best of the rest" that Central Florida has to offer with over 50 top attractions all in one card, and at one great price! And the cost of the card works out cheaper than buying single day admissions at those attractions individually. As an additional bonus, clients also receive a FREE colour guidebook, and discounts on selected dining and shopping. There is more to do in Orlando than just the major theme parks!
Don't people just go to Orlando to visit Disney and the other major theme parks?
They do indeed go to visit the major theme parks. But with so many people coming back to Florida year after year, they are also looking for additional ideas for things to see and do, and the Go Orlando? Card is packed with many marquee attractions including ,Gatorland, Cypress Gardens, Water Mania, dinner shows... and more! Clients are already visiting these attractions - we've just come up with a more attractive and economical way for clients to purchase visits to those places.
What is the difference between a Go Orlando Card and a Go Orlando Card PLUS?
The Go Orlando Card is our base 2 day card valid for 14 days. The Go Orlando Card PLUS has the additional benefit of one visit per card per person to a spectacular dinner show, and is available on a 3 day, 5 day and 7 day card (but not on the 2 day).
Are there any restrictions that I need to know about?
No. And there are no close out dates - the product is available 365 days of the year.