USA - CALIFORNIA Chino Airshow; Aviation Museums & Collections

Transcription

1 USA - CALIFORNIA Chino Airshow; Aviation Museums & Collections PROVISIONAL ITINERARY & GENERAL INFORMATION Monday, 29 th April Sunday, 12 th May The annual Planes of Fame airshow at Chino in California is continually voted one of the best 10 warbird shows in the USA. It s been a few years since we last attended the airshow and looked around the fabulous museum belonging to the one-and-only Steve Hinton warbird owner, restorer and flyer extraordinaire. California is big, you can t really visit the large number of aviation sites on a single tour, so we concentrate on aviation museums and collections from San Diego on the US/Mexico border up to San Francisco. This fabulous, comprehensive tour will visit the following 20 yes 20 museums and collections: Plus: San Diego Air and Space Museum (SDASM) SDASM Restoration Facility, Gillespie Field Allen Airways Flying Museum Flying Leathernecks Museum, MCAS Miramar Classic Rotors Museum, Ramona Palm Springs Air Museum March Field Museum Planes of Fame (Chino) Museum Yanks Air Museum Blackbird Air Park, Palmdale Joe Davies Heritage Park, Palmdale Milestones of Flight Museum, Fox Field Centre Circle, Edwards AFB North Gate (B-52), Edwards AFB Tulare: B-17 Flying Fortress, F-4 Phantom and T-29 Castle Air Museum Aerospace Museum of California (formerly McClellan Air Museum) Travis AFB Heritage Centre Oakland Aviation Museum (formerly Western Aerospace Museum) US Navy Aircraft Carrier USS Hornet Water-bomber attack bases of Fox Field and Porterville Mojave airfield Sanders Bros Sea Fury Hangar, Ione Oh, and a full day at the 2019 Planes of Fame Airshow whose theme is the 75 th Anniversary of D-Day! Tour USA California Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 1 of 10

2 There is also free time in San Francisco to enjoy as you wish: at SFO or OAK airports, sightseeing, etc.. As well as the aircraft on public display at the museums, requests will be made to visit any restoration facilities and storage hangars where they exist. We fly from London s Heathrow Airport on the scheduled services of British Airways; travel in-country is by air-conditioned coach (see appropriate paragraph on page 7 of General Information ); we stay each night in a comfortable hotel on a bed and breakfast basis (except in Bakersfield); and are accompanied at all times by one of our well-travelled and experienced Tour Managers. If you have ever planned to do a Grand Aviation Tour of Southern California, then this is the tour for you. PROVISIONAL ITINERARY all times local DAY 1: MONDAY, 29 th APRIL Between 12:00 and 12:25 please check-in with British Airways in Terminal 5 at London s Heathrow Airport. Then meet your Ian Allan Tour Manager and fellow enthusiasts who will be standing by Column G, located in the Departures Hall immediately before the self-service check-in podiums (not the usual line of check-in and fast bag-drop desks). Latest check-in time advised by the airline is 3 hours prior to departure, i.e. 12:25 Heathrow Airport, Terminal 5 Flight: BA 273 Departs: 15:25 San Diego Arrives: 18:40 After Passport Control we collect our luggage from Baggage Reclaim and proceed through Customs; in the Arrivals Hall we meet our driver, board our air-conditioned coach and transfer the few miles to our hotel, the Days Inn San Diego Hotel Circle, staying 2 nights on a bed and breakfast basis. Among the hotel s on-site facilities is: an outdoor swimming pool, free wi-fi, coffee/tea makers and an in-room safe. Website: There is no full-service restaurant, however, there is the Bunz Burger Café and, 1 mile away, the restaurants and bars of Old Town Historic Park (a major tourist attraction), Fashion Valley Shopping Mall and various other dining options. Our coach will take us to/from Old Town in the evening. DAY 2: TUESDAY, 30 th APRIL Departing at 09:00 we first drive out to Gillespie Field to the San Diego Aerospace Museum s main storage facility; next, across the airfield, we will ask to look around the private collection in the Allen Airways Flying Museum: In the afternoon we take a look around the San Diego Aerospace Museum in Bilbao Park (pictured right). Website: Then to the US Navy s retired aircraft carrier the USS Midway, home to a good number of aircraft. Website: Option: take a cruise around North Bay (goes around the back of NAS North Island where there is a storage area), and/or the South Bay (the huge US Navy base with many warships of all kinds visible). Tour of both bays is highly recommended. Transfer back to the hotel would be by taxi at your own expense. DAY 3: WEDNESDAY, 1 st MAY On the perimeter of MCAS Miramar (the original Top Gun airbase) is the excellent collection of US Marine Corps aircraft in the superb Flying Leathernecks Museum. Website: Driving north we arrive in Ramona and stop by the Classic Rotors Museum. Website: Tour USA California Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 2 of 10

3 We stay overnight in Palm Springs at the Days Inn-Canyon Drive. Set in 4 acres of gardens, this hotel has a swimming pool and its rooms have views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Rooms have a tea/coffee maker and cable TV. Free wi-fi throughout. Rick's Restaurant & Bakery serves both Cuban and American cuisine. A variety of restaurants are also nearby. Breakfast is included. DAY 4: THURSDAY, 2 nd MAY We start the day at the Palm Springs Air Museum which has a fantastic collection of warbirds. An optional flight in a P-51 Mustang may be a possibility for one or two members of the group please annotate your booking form if interested. Website: Next stop is the huge 80+ collection of military aircraft in the March Field Museum (pictured right) which is located on the active military Joint Service airbase. Website: Arriving in Riverside, a few miles away from March, we check-in to our hotel for the next 3 nights, on a bed and breakfast basis, the Days Inn Riverside Tyler Mall. There is an outdoor swimming pool, free wi-fi and the rooms have a mini-refrigerator, a tea/coffee making machine, a hairdryer, and a cable TV. Website: &asrc=search&ast=&gclid=eaiaiqobchmi78kqs4p13givhrhtch0ovwhbeaayasaaegigp_d_bwe DAY 5: FRIDAY, 3 rd MAY A full day exploring at your leisure Chino airfield, home to the famous Planes of Fame collection and the world-famous restoration facility of Steve Hinton. On the other side of the large ramp is the excellent collection of aircraft in the Yanks Air Museum (left). Website: Also around the side of the ramp are several warbird aircraft restoration companies. Today is also arrivals day for the weekend airshow. DAY 6: SATURDAY, 4 th MAY At 07:30 we depart the hotel for a full day at the annual Chino Airshow, famous over the years for a wide range of warbirds attending and participating in the air display. DAY 7: SUNDAY, 5 th MAY At 09:00 we continue our journey northwards, to one of THE most famous aviation sites in the world: Palmdale. We first look around the Blackbird Air Park - website: - then the adjacent Joe Davies Heritage Park: website: Fox Field near Lancaster is our next stop, to see what is left of the old Milestones of Flight collection. This closed several years ago but some of the aircraft were simply abandoned in the desert. This is also an Attack Base used by the California Forestry Department. So we will check to see if any water bombers have already arrived and taken up residence ready for the 2019 fire season. We stay tonight in Lancaster, at the Best Western Plus Desert Poppy Inn Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis. The hotel features free Wi-Fi and there is a restaurant and coffee shop right across the street. Website: Tour USA California Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 3 of 10

4 DAY 8: MONDAY, 6 th MAY A few miles away is Edwards AFB: here we visit the aircraft on display at Century Circle located at the West Gate of the airbase: ; and, outside of the North Gate, the NB-52B. Tail number , this B-52 aircraft was flown by NASA for many years to test other aircraft like the X-15, HL-10, and the hypersonic X-43. We then head north to Porterville and call in at the water-bomber base to see if any aircraft have deployed there for the 2019 fire-fighting season. Although much of Mojave airfield is fenced off, we can t drive past it without taking a look. Arriving in Bakersfield we check in to the Courtyard Bakersfield for the night on a room only basis (no breakfast), Hotel facilities include a Bistro restaurant and lounge and free Wi-Fi. Website: DAY 9: TUESDAY, 7 th MAY Outside of Tulare we stop to photograph a B-17 Flying Fortress and F-4 Phantom, followed by Aero Dogs T-29 in the town itself. Then to Atwater and the fabulous collection of over 80 aircraft in the Castle Air Museum. On display is an Avro Vulcan and a very rare beast indeed with no less than 6 rearward-facing engines - a Convair RB-36H Peacemaker (pictured right). Website: Tonight we stay at the Days Inn in Merced; breakfast is included. Rooms come with free high-speed Wi-Fi, microwave, mini fridge, a 50-inch LED TV, and coffee/tea making facilities. There is a Denny s restaurant a short walk away. Website: DAY 10: WEDNESDAY, 8 th MAY Departing for Ione we have requested a visit to the world-famous Sanders Brothers Sea Fury plant (to be confirmed). Website: Then to the Aerospace Museum of California on the ex-mcclellan AFB; there are over 30 aircraft on display outside alone, plus further exhibits inside. Website: We stay overnight at the Best Western Heritage Inn in Vacaville on a bed and breakfast basis. Its facilities include free wi-fi throughout and a swimming pool. For your evening meal tonight you have a choice of several restaurants all within walking distance. Website: DAY 11: THURSDAY, 9 th MAY Departing the hotel shortly after 09:30, twenty five minutes later we arrive at the Travis Heritage Centre which is located on the perimeter of the active airbase. Its doors open at 10:00. Another great collection of 19, mainly transport types, including this huge, immaculately restored C-124C Globemaster II (pictured right). We will ask for this, and other cockpits, to be opened for us: as enjoyed on our previous visits (to be confirmed). Website: Tour USA California Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 4 of 10

5 At midday we depart for the Western Aerospace Museum at Oakland Airport which has over 20 aircraft including a very rare Short Solent MkIII and a Harrier. Website: Another short drive brings us to Alameda and we go aboard the famous WWII aircraft carrier the USS Hornet. A veteran of many of the famous World War Two battles in the Pacific Ocean, the ship ended its long career as part of the NASA Space Programme including the recovery of the astronauts of Apollo 11! There are currently around a dozen aircraft on display, including quite a few types that operated off the ship including (pictured right), this beautifully preserved F-4J Phantom II. Website x320-1.jpg We stay the next 2 nights in Oakland at the Best Western Plus Airport Inn and Suites; breakfast is included. Facilities include free wi-fi, free (Oakland) airport shuttle, tea/coffee makers, heated indoor pool and hot tub. It s within walking distance of the BART (the Bay Area Rapid Transport) system, giving cheap and quick travel to Pier 39, Fisherman s Wharf, Union Square, downtown San Francisco and Chinatown. Website: DAY 12: FRIDAY, 10 th MAY A free day either in San Francisco or at the city s airport - as you like. Our coach will depart the hotel at 08:30 dropping off those who wish at the airport first before continuing to the drop-off area on Fisherman s Wharf (from nearby you can take the famous tram to Union Square). At 17:00 the coach will pick up first from Fisherman s Wharf, then at 17:45 from San Francisco Airport and return to the hotel. DAY 13: SATURDAY, 11 th MAY Time to return to London. Our coach departs at 10:00 and the journey takes around 75 minutes, however, we will make a stop at the famous hilltop viewing area looking out over San Francisco Bay and the bridge. Latest recommended check-in time advised by British Airways is 3 hours before take-off, i.e. 13:30. San Francisco Flight: BA 284 Departs: 16:30 DAY 14: SUNDAY, 12 th MAY Heathrow Airport, Terminal 5 Arrives: 10:55 Whilst waiting for our luggage in Baggage Reclaim we take the opportunity to bid each other farewell until we meet again. TOUR PRICE PER PERSON TOUR: From: 2, Package price based on sharing a twin bedded room on a bed and breakfast basis From: On request Single room supplement Land-only (NO flights) PLEASE SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR CONSULTANTS BEFORE BOOKING Tour USA California Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 5 of 10

6 PRICE INCLUDES Return scheduled flights with British Airways from London s Heathrow Airport as stated UK and US airport taxes, and UK Passenger Service Charge All transfers and transportation by coach as stated 12 night s hotel accommodation in rooms with en-suite facilities American Hot or Continental breakfast each morning except on the morning of Day 9 Admission to the Chino 2019 airshow Admission to all aviation museums and collections as stated Gratuity for the coach driver Services of an Ian Allan Tour Manager throughout NOT INCLUDED Meals, other than those stated above US ESTA see General Information, page 7 Travel insurance see General Information, page 9 Any optional pleasure flights Personal expenditure, for example, telephone calls, laundry, drinks, etc. Any other tips and gratuities Tour USA California Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 6 of 10

7 GENERAL INFORMATION Payment for A deposit of per person should accompany your Booking Form, with the balance due 10 weeks prior to the tour s departure. Please see your Booking Confirmation/Invoice for the exact date. Please note that a reminder of the payment date will not be sent. Tours Affected by World Events or Unforeseen/Unplanned Circumstances In an ever-changing world, events may occur immediately before or during a tour that result in cancellations or changes to the tour itinerary. For example, an increase in security may result in an approved visit being cancelled by the host, etc.. cannot be held responsible for any tour being cancelled, or itineraries affected, due to world events or circumstances beyond our control. Coach Travel only use coaches chartered from reputable companies, with a driver. Where we have had to cancel a tour, due to the small number of bookings, we have looked at the possibility of renting a 9-18 seater mini-van, with our tour manager driving. However, without exception, the hiring of such a vehicle is illegal if any of the occupants make any payment towards the rental price, fuel and/or other expenses - known as for hire or reward. Any such rental, made without these facts being made known to the rental company at the time of booking, also invalidates all insurance covering the vehicle, contents and persons. The DVLA has also confirmed that any for hire or reward rental could breach the normal driving classification of a standard U.K. driver s license. Therefore, we do not undertake any tours using 9-18 seater mini-vans from a rental company; either with our tour manager, or a member of the group, driving. Passports and Visas Citizens of the UK are required to be in possession of a Full UK Passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your return. You may also refer to the World Travel Guide: for general information on passports, visas and health requirements. FCO Consular Advice The FCO s consular service is a major operation. Every hour of every day consular staff around the world are advising and helping British nationals. We suggest you visit for up-to-date passport, visa and security information on the destination you intend visiting. In addition, the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) provides both a web site and an Information Line, telephone: This line is open between the hours 10:00 16:00, Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays). IMPORTANT MANDATORY REGULATIONS FOR ENTRY TO THE USA - Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) Anyone seeking entry to the USA must have an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), which was introduced by the US government in January 2010 for all persons flying into the United States under the Visa Waiver Scheme. This includes all UK passport holders. This means that all travellers are required to apply for authorisation to travel under the scheme before arriving at their departure airport. The changes affect all passport holders from 34 countries currently participating in the Visa Waiver Scheme (includes the UK). You must apply prior to departing on this tour. You can only apply online at There is a charge of $14.00 for all new ESTA applications (as of 1 st December 2018 the price remains unchanged). If you apply on the above website there are NO OTHER CHARGES WHATSOEVER for this service - but be warned, there are several other websites that offer you this service but will charge a higher amount. Tour USA California Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 7 of 10

8 The application process will take approximately 15 minutes and authorisation is normally granted immediately but may take up to 72 hours. We recommend that you apply for authorisation at the time of booking your place on our tour - or at very latest 72 hours before the tour departs, to ensure you are able to travel. If your application for an ESTA is unsuccessful you must apply for a US visa from the US Embassy in London. Once granted, an ESTA is valid for two years, during which time you need not re-apply. However you are required to up-date your ESTA each time you visit the USA. After 2 years you should apply for a new one. We know of instances where an ESTA has been cancelled by the US authorities without prior warning or notification to the holder! Therefore, we recommend you check your ESTA when planning your travel. We also strongly recommend that you keep a photocopy of the ESTA with your passport. For more information, please go to or The responsibility for acquiring an ESTA lies with each individual (and not ). If you arrive at check-in without an ESTA (or a US Visa if you were refused an ESTA), you will not be allowed to travel to the USA. No refund of the tour price whatsoever will be possible from. It is also extremely unlikely that any travel insurance company would agree any subsequent claim therefore it is important that you act upon this information NOW. Examination of Flight Bookings by US Customs APIS Information All airlines flying to the United States are obliged to provide information about US-bound passengers, under an agreement reached between the United States and the European Commission on the 18 th February Under the agreement, as of 5 th March 2003, US customs officials have discretionary power to examine passenger booking information held on computer reservation systems relating to flights beginning, ending, or stopping over in the United States. The European Commission has received guarantees from the United States that this information will be used appropriately. This requirement, based on the US Air Safety and Transportation law of November 2001, is intended to increase air safety and is in addition to the information supplied when applying for your ESTA (see above paragraph). Inspection of Luggage by US Transport Security Administration Items of luggage going into the hold of the aircraft may be opened by US Transport Security Administration (TSA) officials without you being present. In some instances locked suitcases have been forced open, their contents checked, and then re-sealed with tape and a note left inside by the TSA. Most airlines and insurance companies insist that your unaccompanied luggage be locked at all times; the TSA prefer they are left unlocked! The only advice we (and ABTA) can give at this time is that it is your choice whether you leave your suitcases locked or unlocked. You may wish to consult your travel insurance company before making a decision. Or you may purchase a TSA Approved Lock, available at various local retail shops (and airports); these locks can be opened by the TSA, thereby, avoiding damage to your luggage. First Nights Stay in the USA Airlines flying into the USA are required to provide the American authorities with the full postal address of where each passenger will stay on their first night. This information will be stated on the final itinerary and the accompanying covering letter. Baggage Regulations British Airways Departing from London s Heathrow Airport Checked Baggage: British Airways will transport 1 piece of checked baggage per person free of charge, the total dimensions of which must not exceed 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (75in x 29½in x 25½in), including the handle, pockets and wheels. Maximum weight is 23kg (50lb). Tour USA California Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 8 of 10

9 Cabin Baggage: for travel out of London s Heathrow Airport you may take 1 carry-on bag (and 1 personal item). Your main piece of hand baggage can be up to the dimensions of 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in), including handles and wheels. You must be able to lift the bag into the overhead locker unaided. Carryon baggage must be stowed in carry-on compartments of the aircraft, under a seat, or in an overhead locker. Your bag must also fit into the bag gauge, available at the check-in area. All larger-sized items must go in the aircraft s hold. Limited quantities of liquids are allowed as hand baggage but must be carried separately through security in a clear plastic, zip-top or re-sealable bag that does not exceed 20cm x 20cm (8 inches x 8 inches), or quart size. Individual containers must not exceed 90ml or 3 American ounces, and items must fit in the bag comfortably and the bag must be completely closed. The bag can only contain: Shampoo, suntan lotions, creams, toothpaste, hair gel and hair spray, perfumes, cosmetics such as mascara and lip gloss, water and other drinks, soups and syrups and other items of a similar consistency. Hand baggage can include: Electronic equipment including mobile phones, digital cameras and MP3 players (such as i-pods). Laptops must be removed from the bag for x-ray. Prescription medicines in liquid form, e.g. diabetic kit. All electrical devices, e.g. cameras, laptops, i-pads, mobile phones etc, must be fully charged. If not they, and you, may have to undergo additional security checks which could result in you missing your flight; in which case depending on the co-operation of the airline - you may have to purchase new tickets (if you do not board your first flight then all other flights are automatically cancelled). At security all remaining items should be placed in the tray provided for screening, e.g. car keys and fobs, cash, solid food, books, newspapers, cigarettes and tobacco, belts and shoes. Pushchairs and walking aids are permitted but must be x-ray screened. All wheelchairs will be subject to search. Please note, you may be subject to a hand search by the security team and required to remove footwear to be x-ray screened. Once in the departure lounge passengers may purchase certain items in any shop and take it onto the aircraft as normal. Passengers may be subject to a secondary search at the departure gate before boarding. Any items not on the approved list will be removed. As baggage regulations can change with little warning, due to security requirements, you are strongly advised to contact the airline for the latest information nearer to the time of your departure. Meals On this tour either American Hot or Continental Breakfast is included in the tour price, except for our stay in Bakersfield which is room only. In-flight meals when included within the cost of the air ticket form part of the tour price, however some airlines (primarily European carriers) now only serve refreshments for which they charge accordingly. Health Requirements There are currently no known mandatory or recommended precautions required for travel to the USA. However, we strongly recommend that you consult your local doctor or health centre for the latest information. Climate and Dress The weather should be warm and sunny during our visit with temperatures in the mid to high 70ºsF. Travel Insurance For citizens of the United Kingdom, can provide competitive and comprehensive insurance cover for the duration of your tour. However, if you do not wish to take out our insurance, you must ensure that comparable or greater cover is taken. The number of your Insurance Policy should be written, if known, on your Booking Form at the time of making the reservation, but no later than the date when final payment is due. A copy of the policy must be forwarded to. Individual insurance policies are arranged through CoverMore Insurance Services Limited; the premiums for which will vary according to your circumstances. Full details are available on request. Tour USA California Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 9 of 10

10 The Policies for the USA also include cover for non-scheduled flights, i.e. pleasure flights, where the aircraft is licensed and insured to undertake such flights, and where a payment is made. Wheelchair Assistance at Airports Anyone requiring wheelchair assistance at airports must have this service requested and confirmed in advance. Airlines and/or airports can no longer provide this service without prior confirmation, therefore, please annotate your booking form accordingly. Flexible Itinerary We are very happy for enthusiasts to take time away from the printed itinerary to pursue their own interests during multi-day stays in the same place, so long as they inform the Tour Manager. It will be the individual s responsibility to ensure that they re-join the group in the hotel at the stated time on the day of departure. Land Only Price For those enthusiasts who would prefer to join the tour in San Diego (instead of flying from the UK with the main group), we would be pleased to quote a Land Only price. This price does not include any flights whatsoever and you are strongly advised to contact us before making your own flight arrangements in the event that there has been a change to the published itinerary. This is particularly relevant where travel on domestic flights forms part of your individual itinerary. Please note that the Land Only price is based on you meeting the tour at the first hotel and does not include the hotel transfer on Day 1. Flight Timings & Connecting Travel Arrangements to Departure Airport All flight departure and arrival times are correct at the time of preparing each itinerary, however, airlines may change these times with little or no prior warning. In practice such changes are only a few minutes either way and the final itinerary will show the actual times. Clients making their own arrangements to get to the departure airport by air, rail, coach etc., should bear the above in mind if purchasing non-refundable or non-changeable tickets. cannot be held responsible for any changes to flight times, and any privately arranged travel tickets to the airport becoming invalid. Pre-departure For connecting flights from UK regional airports - please call on for the latest special offers available. Airport Hotel and/or Car Parking - we can offer special rates for the above at most UK airports, please ask for details. Pleasure Flights Disclaimer Should you decide to undertake any pleasure/sightseeing flights which have not been offered or sanctioned by us, will not be held liable for any injuries or death resulting thereon. * * * Tour USA California Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 10 of 10