The fine print
Terms and Conditions
Please carefully review the following terms and conditions, as they outline important legal aspects of your booking with World Travel Limited. By proceeding with any booking, you are agreeing to abide by these terms and conditions. References to “us,” “we,” and/or “our” in these terms refer to World Travel Limited, while “you” and “your” refer to the customer.
1. Passports & Visas:
Ensure all travellers possess a valid passport meeting international travel requirements, including at least 6 months validity from the return date. Certain countries may necessitate machine-readable passports. Notify us if your passport lacks sufficient validity or is not machine-readable. Additionally, confirm that visas and re-entry permits comply with immigration and government regulations. Any associated fines, penalties, or expenditures due to non-compliance are your responsibility.
2. Travel Documents:
Includes airline tickets, hotel and tour vouchers, and other essential documents. These may have specific conditions or restrictions, such as being non-refundable or non-changeable. Travel documents are non-transferable. It’s your responsibility to collect them before travel, and any errors in names, dates, or timings should be reported immediately.
3. Travel Insurance:
We strongly advise purchasing appropriate travel insurance covering cancellation, medical expenses, personal injury, baggage loss, and personal liability. Evidence of insurance may be requested, and we can provide general information and assist with obtaining coverage through our providers.
4. Travel Advice including COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Guidance:
Refer to Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) for travel advice, including COVID-19 updates and specific destination guidance. Familiarize yourself with current immigration and border arrangements, airline safety requirements, and health risks associated with COVID-19. Your decision to travel acknowledges the associated risks.
5. Health:
Ensure awareness of health requirements and recommended precautions for your destination. Consult with medical professionals before travel, particularly regarding COVID-19 related testing and vaccination requirements.
6. Prices:
Prices are subject to supplier availability and may change due to factors beyond our control, such as currency fluctuations and taxes. The price is guaranteed only upon full payment.
7. Financial Arrangements:
We receive remuneration through commissions and incentives from third-party travel providers for bookings made on your behalf.
8. Deposit and Final Payment:
A deposit may be required upon booking, with final payment typically due no later than 6 weeks before departure. Deposits are non-refundable unless otherwise stated.
9. Our Change and Cancellation Fees:
Change and cancellation fees are outlined in your quote, tax invoice, or itinerary, as well as in sections 10 to 14 below. These fees may vary depending on the travel service provider’s terms and conditions.
10. Travel Service Provider Change and Cancellation Fees:
Changes or cancellations, regardless of reason, may incur travel service provider fees of up to 100% of the booking cost. Indemnification may be required for incurred fees, and refunds are subject to the travel service provider’s processing time and policies. These terms and conditions govern your booking with Ocean Escapes Limited, and it’s essential to understand and agree to them before proceeding with any booking.
11. Changes or Cancellations by You:
If you request any changes to your booking, we will make every effort to accommodate them, but we cannot guarantee availability. Any changes are subject to fees imposed by travel service providers and any change fees outlined in your quote, tax invoice, or itinerary. You will be responsible for any increase in pricing resulting from changes.
Should you cancel any part of your booking, your deposit will be forfeited, and you’ll be liable for applicable travel service provider fees and cancellation charges as outlined in your quote,tax invoice, or itinerary. Refunds for remaining funds (if any) will be provided, or the travel service provider may offer a travel credit for the full amount paid, depending on their policies. For instant purchase, low-cost airlines or non-refundable bookings, no refunds or credits will be provided.
12. Changes or Cancellations by a Travel Service Provider:
If a travel service provider cancels your booking (except in unavoidable or extraordinary circumstances), they will typically offer alternative arrangements or a travel credit for the full amount paid. Alternatively, subject to their policy, they may offer a refund after deducting unrecoverable costs, travel service provider fees, and applicable cancellation fees. For instant purchase, low-cost airlines or non-refundable bookings, refunds or credits may not be available.
13. Unavoidable or Extraordinary Circumstances (force majeure):
In the event of unavoidable or extraordinary circumstances (force majeure) beyond a travel service provider’s control, such as war, natural disasters, or public health crises, they may materially modify or cancel your booking. Material modifications are those causing significant inconvenience, such as changes to departure date, point, or time by more than twelve hours.
14. Cancellation due to Unavoidable or Extraordinary Circumstances (force majeure):
If your booking is cancelled due to unavoidable or extraordinary circumstances, the travel service provider may offer a travel credit or a full refund.
15. Payments by Credit Card and Debit Card:
Credit card surcharges, ranging from 1.6 % to 3.5%, apply. We accept various cards and may charge establishment and merchant fees for credit card or debit card transactions in line with merchant service provider fees. By providing your card details, you authorize us to charge all related fees, agreeing to immediate payment if not received from the card issuer.
In some instances, at your request and approval saved credit card details may be encrypted and store for future secure transactions only where PCI DSS compliance and any applicable law permits. At all times you may request the removal of any card details by contacting us or emailing info@oceanescapes.co.nz.
16. No Payments by Cheque or Cash:
We do not accept payment by cheque, in line with phasing out by most New Zealand banks. We do not accept payments by cash.
We only accept payments made by bank transfer, wire transfer, credit card or debit card.
17. Taxes:
Certain taxes, including mandatory taxes in various countries and additional local taxes at some airports, may apply to your booking. These taxes are subject to change without notice. Upon issuance of your airline ticket, the exact amount of airline taxes will be confirmed.
18. Service Guarantees:
Our services come with guarantees under the Consumer Guarantees Act, ensuring that they are provided with due care and skill, reasonably fit for the specified purpose, and can reasonably be expected to achieve the desired result within a reasonable time frame.
19. Agency:
We act as an agent for various travel service providers and offer booking and advisory services. While we exercise care in selecting reputable service providers, we are not
responsible for the services provided by third parties. Your legal rights regarding the provision of travel services are primarily against the specific service provider, not against us.
20. Liability:
Our liability is limited to the extent permitted by law and international conventions. This includes limitations on compensation for death, injury, delay to passengers, and loss, damage, and delay to luggage. However, this liability clause does not affect your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act or the Fair Trading Act.
21. Supplier Insolvency:
In the event of a third-party provider being unable to provide the booked product or service due to insolvency or external administration, we are not obligated to reimburse you for the cost of your booking or for any resulting loss or damage, except as provided under the Consumer Guarantees Act.
22. Special Requirements:
Please inform your travel consultant of any special requirements you may have for your travel arrangements, such as special meal and seating requests, room type, or disabled access. While we can forward these requests, we cannot guarantee that service providers will accommodate
them.
23. Frequent Flyer or Other Loyalty Programme:
When booking with us, provide your frequent flyer or other loyalty program membership details for inclusion in your booking. However, we cannot guarantee that the supplier of your loyalty program will credit you with points or provide other benefits.
24. Schedule Changes:
We recommend that you contact the travel service provider 24 hours before your departure to confirm your scheduled departure time.
25. Privacy Policy:
Your personal information is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which is available online. By providing your personal information, you consent to its collection, use, and disclosure as detailed in the Privacy Policy.
26. Monies Not Held On Trust:
Monies paid by you to us are not held on trust but in a regularly audited separate client funds account. Refunds are subject to provider authorization and policies.
27. Flights for Unaccompanied Minors:
Specific requirements apply for unaccompanied minors traveling alone. Please contact us for details and to make arrangements before booking.
28. Modifications of these Booking Terms and Conditions:
We reserve the right to modify any of these Booking Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice. Any changes will be effective upon posting on our website, applications, or services.
29. Governing Law:
In the event of a dispute between you and us, New Zealand law will apply, and you submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts.
30. Assistance:
For all queries related to your booking, please contact your travel consultant directly.
31. Acknowledgment:
By agreeing to these Booking Terms and Conditions, you acknowledge that you are 18 years of age or older and that you understand and agree with the terms outlined herein, as well as our Privacy Policy. These terms were last updated on 01 February 2024