Safe travel and links to other useful websites
Safe travel
Diploma travel recognises smartraveller.gov.au as the most important website to keep you up to date on travel warnings, security and health issues, and recommendations. When you ask us to book you to a destination that is considered a high risk by the Australian Government, we will insist that you have read the latest updates about that destination.
You should always ensure that your Australian passport has a validity of six months after your return date to Australia and advise us if you wish us to make any necessary visa application on your behalf.
Some countries who allow Australian passport holders to enter under visa waiver programs do so on the understanding that the traveller has not been arrested and/or convicted of an offence in Australia. Non disclosure of this information may lead to a)refused entry on arrival in certain countries and b) financial losses for cancelled holiday arrangements.
New hand baggage rules were brought into effect in March 2007. There is still some confusion amongst customers as to what they can and can’t carry on board an aircraft. Each time you pass through a security screening point when travelling overseas you are not permitted to have any liquids, gel or aerosols greater than 100ml. It is important to remember this includes bottled water that you may have in your hand and any make up you may have in your hand bag. These items will be confiscated whether they are still in their original packing or not. Don’t risk it.
Click here to download a two page PDF A4 brochure on new hand baggage rules.
Lost or Damaged Luggage
Diploma often hears from Members who are trying to make a claim for lost or damaged luggage.
So what to do and what are your rights?
Extract from an article "Baggage looms large in airline eyes - Friday, September 26, 2008 E Travel Blackboard
……………What happens when a passenger arrives at a destination but their baggage doesn’t show up because it has been delayed or lost?
According to specialist Lawyer Anthony Cordato, whose legal firm, Cordato Partners, offers specialist legal advice to the travel industry, “If your baggage doesn’t arrive, it is lost baggage even if it is later found only to have been delayed … you should report it immediately to the lost-luggage booth in the baggage carousel area. You must report it lost to have any claim for compensation, and you have only 21 days to do so from the due date for arrival. You must report it even if you have travel insurance. Reporting it immediately improves your prospects that the baggage will be delivered to you later, if it has been delayed.
“If baggage is on the carousel but is damaged, or is delivered to you later in a damaged condition, you are entitled to be compensated for the damage. …….but you must report it within three days of arrival if it is an international flight, or if it is a domestic flight, within seven days. If you don’t, you lose your right to claim compensation.
Whether the claim is for loss or damage, compensation is paid per kilo, and the same limits apply – A$1600 for checked-in baggage. If cabin baggage is lost or damaged, the compensation payable is A$160 and interestingly, it is not based on weight. It is based on replacement cost.”
Pay close attention to the baggage weight restrictions when booking air travel. A kilo over the limit can prove expensive! Use freight forwarding where necessary, because it is cheaper.
If carrying valuable items carry them in your cabin baggage. You can obtain better coverage than A$160 by having travel insurance, but take care to specifically list the valuable items in the travel insurance application."
Members are encouraged to provide feedback on their experiences with lost luggage.
Simply email info@diplomatravel.com.au