What you need to know

1. General Information
2. Pay Safely Online
3. Airline Tickets
4. Train Tickets
5. Rental Cars
6. Accommodation
7. Tour Operators
8. Medical Formalities
9. Luggage
10. Oversized luggage / sports materials
11. Special Assistance
12. Children
13. Pregnancy
14. Pets
15. Transfer by shuttle bus
16. Helicopter flights
17. PROTECTIONS Travel insurances
18. Garantiefonds

1.1  The traveller acknowledges to fully grasp and understand the contents of his/her order form and the present document “Important to know” and confirms and validates full acceptance of the contents by his / her signature.
First and foremost Connections requests the traveller to attentively examine ALL details of his/her booking, i.e. the correct spelling of the first and last names of all travellers. ‘Correct’ means ‘identical to the spelling of the first and last name(s) on the official travel documents, such as the identity card or international passport and communicated as such to the sales person by the traveller and/or undersigned. Be advised: Any and all expenses resulting from the incorrect orthography of names will be exclusively for account of the traveller. Furthermore the verification of the indicated travel route, the final destination, the travel dates, the departure and arrival times and the connecting time in between flights etc. are of vital importance.
Connections denies any liability should problems arise due to the neglect or disregard of the issues, listed above.

1.2  The traveller is at all times responsible for and in the obligation of collecting accurate information on and acquisition of the required travel documents (international passport, visa, ESTA, KIDS ID, ...) for his/her final destination as well as for any stop- or layover on his/her route. Connections only provides general guidelines.
Valid and updated travel information for Belgian Nationals can be found on www.diplobel.be.
Nationals of all other countries will be best advised through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Brussels (telephone 02 501 81 11) and/or the consulate/embassy of the country of nationality involved. Travellers of not-Belgian nationality shall report this spontaneously to the Connections travel consultant.
Note that in order to obtain the necessary travel documents, time is a crucial factor! Do not postpone applying for and procuring the required travel documents, this to avoid last minute problems.

1.3  Any visitor of a Visa Waiver Country traveling to or transiting in the USA shall request an electronic visa waiver authorization via the official website of ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) latest 72 hours prior to departure via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

1.4  Connections strongly recommends the traveller to present him/ herself at the airport check-in counters at least 2 hours prior to take-off for European flight destinations and minimum 3 hours beforehand for all other flight destinations and during public or school holidays. The border security procedures are stringent and long queues, resulting in severe time loss, may appear at any time. It is important to know that when a booking is made upon the traveller’s request, the Connections travel consultant will suggest the flight route and the flight connections as provided by the airline company booking system (or the airport), which is per definition based on minimum connecting time. Connections therefore advises the traveller to verify if such minimum connecting time is feasible for his/her trip or for the party he/she travels with. Connections cannot be held liable should the traveller(s) miss his/her/their connecting flight due to insufficient layover time.

1.5  Connections emphasizes that all segments of the entire travel itinerary, regardless of the means of transport (bus, train, boat, plane), must be respected and performed as listed on the order form, and on the dates specified here upon. Please refer to paragraphs 3.2 to 3.5 for examples.

1.6  If a travel request made by the client cannot be confirmed instantly, an ‘option’ is taken, i.e. a request for vacancy and confirmation which may or may not be ratified by the supplier or service. Inherent to such option is the right of the supplier or service (airline companies / tour operator/ hotel / excursions or other) to introduce price changes or cancel the request at any time without prior notice. Only after confirmation and full payment by the client/traveller is the option changed into a confirmed reservation.

1.7  With the exception of a distinct agreement, signed by all parties, Connections will act as travel intermediary in the sense of article 1, 4°, Law of 16 February 1994. All services presented through mediation of Connections, but performed by third parties (airline companies, tour operators, hotels, excursions, or other) are under the exclusive responsibility/ liability of this (these) third parties, and comply exclusively with the conditions of their respective contracts. The traveller declares to know, accept and abide by these conditions.

1.8  In case the order form comprises contracting for a travel organization, negotiated with a tour operator, the subscriber acknowledges that Connections will act as travel intermediary on behalf of the tour operator.

Buying online at Connections is safe. You will be transferred to a safe environment (https; s = secure). Furthermore we offer a wide choice of payment methods. From the usual credit cards to online banking, but now also via Maestro. The Maestro® card is a bank card which is the debit card brand of MasterCard Worldwide. Maestro can be used online in the United Kingdom, in Spain, Austria and in Belgium for KBC, CBC and Centea bank cardholders. When paying with a Maestro online, you will be requested to authenticate yourself via the MasterCard®SecureCode™application using your SecureCode. To enroll yourself for MasterCard®SecureCode™, please contact your bank.

Maestro is present on 312 million payment cards in Europe and 655 million payment cards in the world. Maestro is accepted at more than 7 million merchant locations in Europe and more than 11.8 million merchant locations worldwide.

3.1. The airline tickets listed on the order form / invoice are non exchangeable, non refundable and non-endorsable, unless mentioned otherwise.

3.2. The airline companies reserve the right to adjust fares at any time. Fares can only be guaranteed after full payment is received and the tickets have been issued. For charter flights, please refer to paragraph 6: Tour Operators.

3.3. The check-in of commercial airlines often operates electronically, i.e. by electronic ticket (e-tickets) receipts stored in the airlines computing system. The main advantage is one of time gain: passengers no longer need to pick up a ‘tangible’ ticket and, for travel within the European community, it is quite possible to fly with only the company’s booking reference and/or ticket number. As far as intercontinental flights and flights outside of the European community are concerned, the traveller shall be in possession of his/her copy of the individual electronic ticket receipt, if only to comply with custom regulations. To print such copy, please follow the procedure below:
I. Surf to www.connections.be, select “my reservation” and click on ‘log in’.
II. Fill in the reservation number in the field “reservation #”
(the mixed 6-letter/number code found below each passengers name or next to the ‘flight ref’’ on the order form)
III. Fill in the last name of (one of) the travellers in the field “last name”. The name should be written as one, with no spaces or accents. (e.g De La Rivière must be written as DELARIVIERE)
IV. The specific travel itinerary will open.
V. Click on “Electronic ticket receipt” in left-hand column.
VI. Select a passenger and click “Print the e-ticket”.
VII. Repeat this procedure passenger per passenger, as the e-ticket is an individual proof of booking.

Important: it regularly occurs that time changes appear exclusively on the ‘itinerary’ and are not displayed on the “electronic ticket receipt”. Connections strongly recommends his/her customer(s) to check his/her itinerary for flight time updates prior to departure and to print it close to the departure date (same procedure as mentioned above till point V. Then click ‘Print itinerary’).

In case printing problems arise, your Connections travel consultant will gladly provide assistance.

Note: this procedure is not valid for low cost or charter companies or in another few exceptional cases. In these specific cases, tickets will be ready for pick up in a Connections shop of the travellers’ choice free of charge, or can, on request and against payment be delivered to an address of the passengers’ choice via Taxipost services.

3.4. Keep in mind that all passengers must verify their booked return flight schedules latest 72 hours prior to the return flight date at destination and with the concerned airline reservations staff. The main purpose is to exclude possible time and date changes which may have occurred during the travellers’ stay abroad and to allow for all necessary adaptations. In order to facilitate this reconfirmation, it is wise to collect all useful telephone number prior to the departure at the airlines airport desk or at the airline desk at the airport of arrival. Connections denies any liability should problems arise due to the neglect or disregard of the issues, listed above.

3.5. Note that, if a flexible ticket is booked and the travellers’ wishes to change his/her return flight schedule, all adaptations shall be introduced by the respective airline company staff. Extra costs arising due to these modifications (e.g. for an upgrade to a higher booking class in case no more seats are available in the concerned booking class), will be charged to the traveller and shall be settled on the spot, directly to the airline company staff. Please also note that in case the return date needs to be altered, such shall be done prior to expiration of the actual return date.

3.6. Pre-seating (assignment of seats in advance) will – if such is possible, be performed at the time of reservation. Please note that pre-seating is generally not possible for the lowest fares and always depends on the airline of your choice.
The airline company reserves the right at all times to allocate different seat numbers at check-in than the ones previously confirmed. All fees – if any - regarding pre-seating will be charged to the traveller.

3.7. On most scheduled flights, a modestly sized meal or snack will be served, in relation to the length of the flight and the airline company. Special meal request can be introduced in your booking by the travel consultant at the time of reservation. Connections cannot be held liable in case this service is not or wrongly supplied by the airline.

3.8. How to obtain information regarding your requested pre-seating and meals?
I. Surf to www.connections.be and select “my reservation” and click on “log in”.
II. Fill in the reservation number (the mixed 6-letter/number code found below each passengers name or next to the ‘flight ref’ on the order form) in the field “reservation #”.
III. Fill in the last name of (one of) the travellers in the field “last name”. The name should be written as one, with no spaces or accents. (e.g De La Rivière must be written as DELARIVIERE)
IV. The specific travel itinerary will open.
V. Click on ‘Itinerary-detailed’ in the left hand column.
VI. Click on “Flight Service Information” to see pre-seating assignment and special meal request.

3.9. Certain airline companies or airports may impose additional taxes, previously unknown. Per definition, such taxes cannot be settled ahead (f.i. exit tax). Connections cannot be held liable for these taxes. In all cases the traveller will be in the obligation to pay them on the spot.

4.1. All travellers shall exchange the virtual train segments visible on his/her electronic ticket for a regular train ticket (always in 2nd class) as soon as possible and definitely before boarding the train. Exception to this rule is made for the Air France numbered virtual TGV tickets to Paris Charles de Gaulle (cf. paragraph 3.2). All travellers shall be in the possession of 2 copies of the electronic ticket receipt before presenting themselves at the international ticket window. It is wise to take into account that queues at the exchange counters may be time consuming and that unexpected circumstances (foul weather conditions, strikes, traffic jams…) may result in severe time loss.

4.2. Flight ticket + high-speed train (TGV) to Paris Charles de Gaulle airport (mostly Air France tickets):
It is compulsory to board the high-speed train on the date indicated in the booking if this journey is part of the flight fare and is included in the order form. Should the traveller not present him/herself for this train journey on the date indicated, the passenger shall be considered “no show” and his/her remaining (flight and train) segments shall be cancelled without notice.

It is important to note that:

1. exchange of the electronic ticket receipt is not necessary beforehand and the traveller may check-in on the basis of his/her copy of the electronic ticket receipt.
It suffices to be present at the Air France check-in counters in Brussels Midi/Zuid station 1 hour prior to the expected departure of the TGV-train. Here, the traveller receives a return train ticket and his/her boarding pass(es) to his/her end destination. On arrival at Charles de Gaulle train station the traveller shall pick up his/her luggage from the platform and drop it off at the corresponding Air France luggage counter inside the airport. The journey from any Belgian train station to Brussels Midi/Zuid Station is not included in the ticket fare. If necessary, please purchase that ticket separately. Connections cannot be held liable for non-compliance with this procedure, and/or related extra costs.

4.3. Flight ticket + IC (Inter-City) train from Brussels Midi/Zuid Station or Antwerpen-Centraal to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (mostly KLM tickets):
It is compulsory to travel on the IC train on the date indicated in the booking if this journey is part of the flight fare and is included in the order form. Should the traveller not present him/herself for this train journey on the date indicated, the passenger shall be considered “no show” and his/her remaining (flight and train) segments shall be cancelled without notice.

It is vital to know that:

1. All travellers shall exchange the copy of the electronic ticket receipt for a regular train ticket at the international ticket window at Brussels Midi/Zuid station or Antwerp – Central Station prior to boarding the train. Request more information from your Connections travel consultant.
The exchange of the electronic ticket for a one way IC train ticket (travel in 2nd class) to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport can be performed as early as 4 hours before the expected departure time of the train. All travellers shall be in possession of 2 copies of the electronic ticket receipt before presenting themselves at the international ticket window. It is the traveller’s own responsibility to secure the most appropriate train schedule to Schiphol, keeping in mind that, despite all unexpected delays, he/she must present him/herself at the check-in counter at Schiphol at least 2 hours prior to the departure of his/her flight. Under no circumstances whatsoever shall the copy of the electronic ticket receipt be acceptable as a valid and regular train ticket. If the electronic ticket receipt is not exchanged in advance for a regular train ticket, the traveller shall be forced to purchase a regular (new) ticket aboard the train, most likely at full fare.
2. Note: The train conductor must time-stamp the train ticket in order to provide tangible proof that the train trip between Belgium and Schiphol was performed and that the foreseen check-in procedure can be started by the carrier. If the train conductor does not show up, it is the responsibility of the traveller to meet up with him/her in order to get his/her train ticket time-stamped.
The same exchange procedure shall be followed on the way back from Schiphol to Brussels/Antwerp (exchange a copy of the electronic ticket receipt at the international ticket window at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for a regular train ticket).

Connections cannot be held liable for non-compliance with this procedure, and/or related extra costs.

4.4. Flight ticket + Thalys from Brussels Midi/Zuid Station or Antwerp-Centrale to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (mostly KLM tickets):
It is compulsory to board the high speed train on the date/hour indicated in the booking if this journey is part of the flight fare and is included in the order form. Should the traveller not present him/herself for this train journey on the indicated date and hour the passenger shall be considered as “no show” and his/her remaining (flight and train) segments shall be cancelled without notice.

It is vital to know that:

1. All travellers shall exchange a copy of the electronic ticket receipt for a Thalys train ticket at the international ticket office at Brussels Midi/Zuid station or Antwerp - Centrale prior to boarding the train. The exchange of the electronic ticket for a one way Thalys ticket (travel in 2nd class) to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport can be performed as early as 4 hours before the expected departure time of the train. All travellers shall be in the possession of 2 copies of the electronic ticket receipt before they present themselves to the ticket clerk. Under no circumstances whatsoever shall the copy of the electronic ticket receipt be acceptable as a valid and regular train ticket. If the electronic ticket receipt is not exchanged in advance for a regular train ticket, the traveller shall be forced to purchase a regular (new) ticket aboard the train, most likely at full fare.
2. Note: The train conductor must time-stamp the train ticket in order to provide tangible proof that the train trip between Belgium and Schiphol was performed and that the foreseen check-in procedure can be started by the carrier. If the train conductor does not show up, it is the responsibility of the traveller to meet up with him/her in order to get his/her train ticket time-stamped.
The same exchange procedure shall be followed on the way back from Schiphol to Brussels/Antwerp (exchange a copy of the electronic ticket receipt at the international ticket window at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for a regular train ticket).
Connections cannot be held liable for non-compliance with this procedure, and/or related extra costs, nor for late arrival at the Schiphol check-in counters and/or delays to Thalys trains or strikes.

4.5. Combination of a flight itinerary and train tickets which are not part of the original booking.
If the traveller decides to acquire the train ticket separate to the flight itinerary, Connections would like to emphasize the importance of purchasing flexible train tickets. To minimize the risk of a missed flight connection, it is wise to select a train schedule which allows for a 3-hour layover time between the arrival of the (high-speed) train and the departure of your flight, and vice versa.

4.6. Connections cannot be held responsible/liable if the traveller misses his/her (connecting) flight due to delays, strikes or any other actions of the train or airline personnel on the outbound, or on the inbound travel routing.

Connections cannot be held responsible or liable for non-compliance with this procedure and the resulting related costs or for missing a flight or for delays to the Thalys schedule.

5.1. Cars shall be booked and paid by the credit card holder in order to qualify for rental. This credit card holder will per definition be designated as “main driver” of the rented vehicle. For rentals within the United States, any additional driver(s) must equally be holder(s) of a personal credit card, which will be required upon registration.

5.2. In Europe, all drivers shall be in possession of a valid national or European driver’s license. Outside the European community an international driver’s license, together with the valid national or European driver’s license is obligatory.
It is the travellers’ responsibility to inform him/ herself about the latest updates on the requirements concerning driving permits via the Embassy of consulate of their country of destination. Connections merely provides general guidelines. An International Driver license can be obtained for a fee from the travellers’ local municipality.

5.3. Rental companies reserve the right to claim an additional, financial guarantee at the time of pick-up of the rented vehicle.

5.4. Optional equipment or services, requested by Connections (baby seat, one way fees and additional driver(s)) shall be paid at the time of pick-up and will be charged to the drivers’ credit card. Keep in mind that local taxes and VAT will be added to the total.

5.5. Any extra equipment or services chosen by the driver at the time of pick up will be charged to his/her credit card. Please check if no extra fees were charged to your bill for previously “included” options or services, before handing the voucher in.

5.6. If the (main or additional) driver of the rental car is under 25 years old, a “young driver’s fee” will apply. This fee must be settled locally and will be charged to the drivers’ credit card. Certain car rental companies will require a minimum age limit to drive certain types of car. The current age of the driver(s) must therefore be specified at the time of booking.

5.7. The traveller shall take the time to verify the rental contract presented to him/her by the local rental company attentively and in the presence of the rental agent before signing the latter as his/her signature automatically indicates full acceptance of all terms and conditions stipulated in the contract. Any additional fees included in the signed contract will be charged to the traveller credit card.
It is important to inform the rental agent that the rental car will be checked for damage and that if present, the damage shall be indicated on the signed contract. Under all circumstances this shall be done before leaving the rental premises and starting the journey.

6.1. Please examine thoroughly all information indicated on your voucher and travel document prior to departure.

6.2. IMPORTANT - it is the traveller’s duty and responsibility to report any defects in the hotel room or premises and to bring them to the attention of the hotel staff (reception/manager) in order to fix them or find an acceptable solution. In case no response is given to the travellers’ plea, the traveller shall not hesitate to call the local supplier emergency number (cf. the travel documents or hotel vouchers) in order to force a solution.
If still no acceptable solution is found, the traveller shall inform Connections through email or telephone (during working hours). Any extra expenses resulting from non-application of these procedures will be charged to the traveller.

6.3. Always request a check-out receipt from the hotel, especially when leaving the hotel prior to the foreseen check-out date. This document will enable Connections to contact the local supplier and request a refund, if appropriate.

6.4. Some hotels may reserve the right to charge extra tourist taxes and/or resort fees to their clients. These fees will need to be settled locally by the traveller. Connections cannot be held liable denies for these or similar financial practices.

6.5. It is important to know that most hotels in New York impose a minimum age limit of 21 years of age to its residing travellers. Should no traveller in the party be 21 years old or more, the hotel shall reserve the right to refuse check-in and provide lodging(s). Any extra expenses resulting from this refusal shall be for account of the traveller.

7.1. Connections acts as travel intermediary between the traveller and the chosen tour operator. The quality of service provided during travel remains the full responsibility/ liability of the tour operator involved.

7.2. The flight schedules proposed by tour operators are frequently subject to change. Such modifications may occur for various technical or operational reasons, e.g. due to a change in aircraft type and therefore the occupancy rate aboard, etc. Always check departure times regularly and especially close to the departure date. It is important to know that no fare adaptations or refunds result from such schedule modifications.

7.3. If your reservation is “on request”, the data have been communicated to the tour operator, but the desired formula has reached the contract’s full capacity. The tour operator will then attempt to obtain extra volume in order to still confirm the booking. The travellers’ signature on the order form, be it that the desired product is still ‘on hold’ implies that regular terms and conditions of the tour operators’ contract apply.

7.4. It is important for the traveller to carefully brief him/ herself on all extra information regarding the booked formula prior to departure. This information is listed in the general and special travel conditions of the travel brochure/ pricelist handed to you at the time of booking.

7.5. Tour operators/ charter companies reserve the right to charge their clients extra fuel surcharges up to 21 days prior to departure. For more information on this subject, we refer to art. 5 of the General travel conditions.

7.6. Note that special request concerning communicating rooms, twin beds, baby cots, etc can never be guaranteed beforehand, neither by the tour operator, nor by Connections. The availability is purely dependent on the stock held by the local supplier.

7.7. As travel intermediary Connections cannot be held liable for any cancellations or changes made by the tour operator involved.

8.1. Please keep in mind that Connections only provides general guidelines concerning current medical formalities and health advice for your travel destination or transit countries.

It is the travellers task to gather updated, detailed information about compulsory vaccination(s) for certain destinations and authorized vaccination centres, tips and suggestions on the composition of a practical first-aid kit, etc for instance via the following channels :

1. the Tropical Institute in Antwerp: www.itg.be

2. travelfoon 0900 10 110

3. the vaccination website : www.vacciweb.be

This list is not exhaustive. Connections cannot be held liable for the accuracy of the information the traveller obtains through the channels listed above.

9.1. Maximum weight: please refer to the information listed on the travellers’ electronic ticket receipt (e-ticket) and the electronic itinerary. The airline company has the right to change or adapt the weight concept at all times, if ample notice is given to the passengers before departure.

9.2. Security check points of certain countries (e.g. USA) reserve the right to open and verify the contents of any travellers’ luggage, even if the latter is firmly closed. Connections cannot be held liable for the resulting damage of such inspections and strongly recommends using the travel sentry lock (for sale in most of the Connections shops) or to leave the suitcase unlocked.

9.3. Please report damage or loss of luggage immediately to the “Lost and Found” service counter in the baggage pick-up area. Here a copy of the specific PIR (Property Irregularity Report) or DPR (Damage Report) document will be drawn up and handed over to the traveller. This document, together the explanation of the correct procedure will entitle him/ her to an indemnification or possible replacement of the specified loss.

9.4. As travel intermediary Connections cannot be held liable for loss of or damage to luggage. We strongly advise you to subscribe an insurance policy with additional luggage cover. (cf. paragraph 16).

10.1. The Connections travel consultant will gladly assist the traveller to request the airline of his/her choice for all the details/fees with relation to the transport of luggage exceeding standard size (musical instruments, sports material, e.g. bikes, surf boards, diving equipment, etc) during their flight. These conditions are specific to the airline and independent from Connections’ will. Connections can therefore not be held liable. Any extra expenses resulting from this transport will be for account of the traveller.

11.1. Passengers requiring special assistance (e.g. elderly people, disabled or visually impaired people, wheelchair users, passengers with babies or small children, etc) shall make this clear to the Connections’ travel consultant, at the time of booking, in order to send a computerized request to the airline company involved. As soon as the service is confirmed by the airline, the Connections travel agent will inform the traveller. Connections cannot be held liable for the airline company’s approval or rejection of this request, nor for the circumstances under which this assistance is provided. This responsibility/ liability rests entirely with the airline company. Any extra expense resulting from this transport will be for account of the traveller.

12.1. The aviation sector classifies babies and children, according to their age, as follows:
I. “infants” from 0 to less than 2 years old on the return flight date.
II. “child” from 2 to less than 12 years old on the return flight date.

An “infant” will not be allocated a seat, unless the “child” fare is paid for the infant by the traveller. Should a baby reach the age of 2 years old during the holiday abroad, the “infant” will become a “child” in airline terms and a seat will be assigned (and paid for) aboard the return flight. Possible fare discounts for “infants” and “children” invariably dependent on the airline company and the booking fare.

12.2. The policy around newborn babies varies from airline to airline. Generally babies less than 7 days old will not be allowed to fly. In all cases very restrictive terms and conditions apply for travel with babies less than a few months old.

12.3. Children traveling alone (minimum/ maximum age limit varies from airline company to airline company) are referred to as “unaccompanied minors”. Almost all airlines will charge additional fees for their unaccompanied minor services and require a specific request is made at the time of booking. The Connections travel consultant will gladly assist the traveller with this compulsory service request (UNMR = unaccompanied minor), but Connections will accept no responsibility/ liability for the conditions of or the fees resulting from this request. These rest entirely and exclusively with the airline company of travel and shall be settled at the airline desk/ counter or representative in the airport.

13.1. Policies concerning air travel during (normal, uncomplicated) pregnancy may differ from airline to airline. In most cases, air travel after the 36th week of pregnancy will not be permitted.

As a rule, after the 28th week of pregnancy a recent medical certificate of well being shall be required.

Connections strongly advises its customers to have an updated medical report at hand any time they wish to travel during pregnancy.

14.1. Pet air travel is regulated by legal guidelines and restrictions and a request shall be made in the airlines reservation system at the time of booking.
The Connections travel consultant will gladly assist the traveller with the request for pet air travel, but Connections cannot be held liable for the conditions of or extra costs resulting from this service.

14.2. Often, due to the animal size and weight or due to lack of space aboard, the pet will be transported in the cargo section of the plane. This will require the animal to be caged according to the airline specific requirements.

14.3. In all cases the traveller shall be in possession of all proper documentation (certificate of veterinary inspection, health certificate and vaccination certificates, the pet’s admission pass, compulsory quarantine etc) and is personally responsible for the update of these documents

15.1. Keep in mind that the transfer by shuttle bus is mostly a shared transfer and that consequently the driver may pick up and drop off other passengers on the way. This may stretch the time to destination. Connections cannot be held liable for unexpected delays due to long transfer times, traffic jams or such like.

16.1. If the confirmed helicopter flight is cancelled due to bad weather conditions or predictions, it suffices to return the original voucher to Connections after the travellers’ return home. In order to obtain a refund, it is compulsory that the voucher carries the stamp of the local helicopter company. Connections cannot be held liable for any cancellation of this service.

17.1. It is wise to invest in an exhaustive Travel Assistance cover, whatever your destination or length of stay abroad may be, and as such to minimize unnecessary costs due to unpredictable circumstances. Regularly travellers find themselves in the necessity to alter their travel dates, or cancel their plans altogether. Experience shows that cancellations are most frequent during the last few weeks before departure, when costs are at peak levels, cancellation fees are frequently 100% and rebooking is made difficult by lack of vacancy on board the flights or in the hotels.

The Cancellation insurance protects you against these calamities or the more advantageous All-In travel cover of Protections which Connections advises its travellers to subscribe, not only protects against such financial disaster scenarios before departure, it also provides extensive cover during travel, with special baggage, “Fly on Time” and a possible replacement trip. Globetrotters and frequent travellers will genuinely favour the most rewarding ‘annual contract’. This is not a ‘tacit’ contract and is therefore not automatically prolonged.

17.2. It is strongly advisable to subscribe to an All-In formulae (Cancellation and Travel Assistance) or Cancellation insurance at the time of booking.

Should it for some reason slip your mind, please contact your travel consultant as soon as possible and in each case latest 5 working days after the booking, as the date mentioned on your order form + 5 days is considered the limit for these formulae. Note that it remains possible to subscribe a Travel Assistance cover up to one day ahead of departure. The prize of this insurance will then be calculated on the basis of a fixed fee per day abroad system, rather than based on the sum of the booked travel.

17.3. Should you wish to stay abroad longer than 31 days, then the All In insurance will no longer be available and you will need to subscribe a Cancellation and Travel Assistance cover separately, or choose the best alternative: a yearlong cover with the annual contract.

The Connections Travel Consultant will be glad to help with any further detail or questions regarding the different Protections Travel Insurances!

Connections is a member of the Belgian “Garantiefonds Reizen” which safeguards warranted travel.

Comments and remarks regarding travel with Connections are more than welcome on www.connections.be. Click on “contact us” and select ‘quality control”. The feedback will help Connections to further optimize its products and services.

You, as traveller acknowledge the contents of this order form attachment by signing this document. Please note that the information provided in this document is not exhaustive, but for the benefit of enhancing safe, wise and carefree travel.
If any questions remains unanswered, after reading this document, Connections invites you to contact its shop or call centre where the trip was booked.