USA - TEXAS Wings Over Houston Airshow; Wings Over Dallas Airshow; Aviation Museums & NASA; Optional Warbird Flights

Transcription

1 USA - TEXAS Wings Over Houston Airshow; Wings Over Dallas Airshow; Aviation Museums & NASA; Optional Warbird Flights PROVISIONAL ITINERARY & GENERAL INFORMATION Friday, 18 th Sunday, 27 th October It has been many years since we attended the Confederate Air Force s (as was) annual airshow in Midland. After a change of name to the Commemorative Air Force and a move from the remote desert area of western Texas to the sprawling metropolis of Dallas/Fort Worth, they now have their annual warbird extravaganza at the annual Wings Over Dallas Airshow ; and perfectly timed, the preceding weekend there is the CAF s Wings Over Houston Airshow. We will attend both! Pictured above is the famous wall of fire during the Tora! Tora! Tora! Squadron s re-enactment of the Battle of Pearl Harbor, which has been part of the CAF s air display since the early days. Among our aviation visits is: Lone Star Museum NASA s Mission Control - Houston USS Lexington USAF Airman Heritage Museum Fort Worth Aviation Museum Vintage Flying Museum Optional warbird flights are offered by the Lone Star Museum: please annotate your booking form if you wish to receive details. As we travel around the huge state of Texas also included are famous historical and sightseeing locations like San Antonio and its well-known Riverwalk with cafes, restaurants, bars and trips along the river; and the famous and historic The Alamo. In Dallas we have free time on Elm Street and the surrounding area: where the US President John F Kennedy was assassinated. 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 5 of General Information ); we stay each night in a comfortable hotel on a bed and breakfast basis; and are accompanied at all times by one of our well-travelled and experienced Tour Managers. Tour USA Texas Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 1 of 9

2 PROVISIONAL ITINERARY (all times local) DAY 1: FRIDAY, 18 th OCTOBER Between 06:00 and 06:55 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. 06:55. Heathrow Airport, Terminal 5 Flight: BA 195 Departs: Houston Arrives: 14:10 After Immigration, Baggage Reclaim and Customs we meet our driver, board our chartered coach and set off on the 1-hour transfer to the Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake, only yards from NASA s Space Centre and 8 miles from Ellington Field. The hotel has an on-site restaurant and lounge, outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool and free wi-fi. Website: www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/texas/hilton-houston-nasa-clear-lake- HOUNBHF/index.html DAY 2: SATURDAY, 19 th OCTOBER This morning we visit the excellent collection of aircraft in the famous Lone Star Museum which re-located several years ago from Galveston to Ellington Field, after it was largely destroyed by a hurricane. Website: Optional warbird flights are available in several of their aircraft including a B-17 Flying Fortress and a B-25 Mitchell (pictured right). For prices please go to: Please annotate your booking form if interested. Our second visit of the day is to NASA s Mission Control site, the Johnson Space Center. Various tours are available giving a fascinating insight into the American space programme: see The tour price will include basic admission. DAY 3: SUNDAY, 20 th OCTOBER Departing the hotel at 08:00 we spend a full day at the Commemorative Air Force s (CAF s) annual Wings Over Houston Airshow at Ellington Field which features both civil and military aircraft and aerobatic teams. One of the most popular airshows on the American calendar. Website: DAY 4: MONDAY, 21 st OCTOBER At 09:00 we depart for Corpus Christi, making convenience and lunch-stops en-route (lunch is not included in the tour price), after which, at approximately 14:00, we arrive at the Radisson Hotel Corpus Christi Beach and check-in for a 1-night stay. A 2-minute walk along the waterfront brings you to our next visit: the famous, long-retired, aircraft carrier USS Lexington, now home to an excellent collection of preserved aircraft. As well as at least 20 aircraft on display on the flight-deck, you can also explore the ship and take in a film in the IMAX theatre. Website: Basic admission is included in the tour price. You are free to enjoy the on-board attractions until 18:00 when the ship closes. Tour USA Texas Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 2 of 9

3 Our hotel s facilities include Bali s Bar & Grill, outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, free wi-fi and easy access to the beautiful beach. Website: DAY 5: TUESDAY, 22 nd OCTOBER This morning we drive inland, to the famous city of San Antonio. Our first visit is to the Air Park of the US Air Force s Airman Heritage Museum located on JBSA- Lackland; among several aircraft on display is this very rare F-82 Twin Mustang (pictured right). Website: Around 14:00 we arrive at one of the most famous battlefields of all time and a classic film: The Alamo! Free time to visit the site, take lunch in a local restaurant or café and a little souvenir shopping. Late afternoon we transfer the couple of miles to the Holiday Inn-Riverwalk for a one-night stay. Facilities include café, restaurant, lounge, free wi-fi, heated outdoor swimming pool with hot tub. Website: Time to wander along or take a cruise on the famous and very popular Riverwalk canal with its cafes, restaurants, bar and shops; website: DAY 6: WEDNESDAY, 23 rd OCTOBER After breakfast we head for Dallas, making a convenience and lunch-stop en-route (meal not included in the tour price). Our first visit today is the Fort Worth Aviation Museum which is located on Meacham Field: in addition to an air park with 26 aircraft dating from 1943 to the present. There are 2 museums: the B-36 Peacemaker Museum and the Forward Air Controllers' Museum: the latter tells the stories of Forward Air Control (FAC) used in Close Air Support (CAS), the history of the North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco, and the history of aviation in North Texas with an emphasis on Air Force Plant 4 (now known as Lockheed Martin). Pictured left is their immaculately restored F4-Phantom. Website: Then we look around the nearby Vintage Flying Museum and their 20 aircraft, some in various stages of restoration. Website: Later on we check-in to the newly built La Quinta Inn & Suites, Dallas Duncanville for a stay of 3 nights. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, spa and free wi-fi. There are several restaurants located across from and down the street, from fast-food outlets to one of the popular restaurants Applebee s Grill & Bar. Website: DAY 7: THURSDAY, 24 th OCTOBER This morning we drive to Dallas Love Field Airport and see the 29 aircraft in the Frontiers of Flight Museum, including this scary Vought V173 Flying Flapjack (pictured right), which first flew in November 1942! Website: Driving into the centre of Dallas, we alight on Elm Street, where the assassination of President John F. Kennedy took place in November Tour USA Texas Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 3 of 9

4 Free time to enjoy lunch (at your own expense), wander around the local pedestrianized tourist area and see, for example, the spot where JFK was shot and the 7-floor Texas School Book Depository, now known as the Dallas County Administration Building. Mid-afternoon we return to our hotel. DAY 8: FRIDAY, 25 th OCTOBER A full day at the CAF s Wings Over Dallas Airshow held on Dallas Executive Airport. DAY 9: SATURDAY, 26 th OCTOBER A second day at this world famous airshow with its wide range of civil and military aircraft. Website: Pictured left is the CAF s beautiful B-24 Liberator Diamond Lil. With the airshow scheduled to finish at 17:00 we board our coach and drive to Dallas/Fort Worth Airport and check-in with British Airways for our overnight flight back to Heathrow Airport; latest check-in time is 20:00. Dallas/Fort Worth Flight: BA 192 Departs: 23:00 DAY 10: SUNDAY, 27 th OCTOBER Heathrow Airport, Terminal 5 Arrives: 13:00 Whilst waiting for our luggage in Baggage Reclaim we take the opportunity to bid each other farewell until we meet again. * * * Tour USA Texas Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 4 of 9

5 TOUR PRICE PER PERSON TOUR: From: 2, From: On request Package price based on sharing a twin bedded room on a bed and breakfast basis Single room supplement Land-only (NO flights) PLEASE SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR CONSULTANTS BEFORE BOOKING 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 8 night s hotel accommodation in rooms with en-suite facilities American Hot or Continental breakfast each morning Admission to both CAF airshows (3 days) 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 5 Travel insurance see General Information, page 7 Any optional pleasure flights Personal expenditure, for example, telephone calls, laundry, drinks, etc. Any other tips and gratuities Tour USA Texas Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 5 of 9

6 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 upto-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 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 Texas Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 6 of 9

7 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 Ian Allan Aviation Tours. 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 Texas Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 7 of 9

8 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. Carry-on 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. Hand, or cabin, baggage is limited to one item no bigger than 25cm (9.85 inches) deep x 56cm (22 inches) long x 45m (17½ inches) high, and which you must be able to lift unaided into the overhead locker onboard the aircraft, plus one personal item, i.e. laptop, briefcase, etc.. 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. 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 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 Texas Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 8 of 9

9 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 Houston (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 group at Houston Airport. You should ensure that your flight is scheduled to land well before the group s flight arrives; and that your return flight, out of Dallas/Fort Worth, departs after the group s not before. 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 nonrefundable 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 Texas Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 9 of 9