CANADA & THE USA Northwest States of Oregon and Washington Flying Heritage Museum s Airshow, Aviation Museums & Collections including the Spruce Goose

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1 CANADA & THE USA Northwest States of Oregon and Washington Flying Heritage Museum s Airshow, Aviation Museums & Collections including the Spruce Goose PROVISIONAL ITINERARY & GENERAL INFORMATION SATURDAY, 14 th MONDAY, 23 rd JULY Coinciding with his fabulous airshow, this will be our first visit to see Paul Allen s incredible collection of warbirds in the famous Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum in Everett, since it moved from Arlington. Where else can you see flying a genuine ex-soviet Air Force tank-busting Il-2m3 Sturmovik (as pictured below)! Other well known - and fabulous museums and collections included within the itinerary are: Canadian Museum of Flight HP Hampden! Evergreen Aviation Spruce Goose! Tillamook Aviation Classic Aircraft Aviation Olympic Aviation Museum of Flight, Seattle Historic Flight Collection Legend Flyers Museum of Flight s Restoration Hangar We also enjoy one of the famous public tours of the huge Boeing Factory. In Portland we stop by the Oregon Air National Guard to see their preserved aircraft in the Memorial Park and there is also free time in downtown Seattle to explore and enjoy at your leisure. We fly from London s Gatwick Airport on the scheduled services of the Canadian airline Air Transat; travel in-country by air-conditioned coach (see appropriate paragraph on page 6 General Information ); stay each night in a comfortable hotel on a bed and breakfast basis; and are accompanied by one of our well travelled and experienced Tour Managers. PROVISIONAL ITINERARY (all times local) DAY 1: SATURDAY, 14 th JULY Please check-in with Air Transat who operate out of the South Terminal of London s Gatwick Airport, then meet your Ian Allan Tour Manager and fellow enthusiasts who will be gathering in the immediate area. We recommend you check in by 07:00, 3 hours prior to departure. Gatwick Airport, South Terminal Flight: TS 577 Departs: 10:00 Vancouver Arrives: 12:15 After Passport Control we collect our luggage from Baggage Reclaim and proceed through Customs; in the Arrivals Hall we meet our local driver and transfer the 10 miles to the Ramada Limited Vancouver Downtown, staying one night on a bed and breakfast basis. The hotel is ideally situated near the famous and popular Gastown area: the original city centre, named after "Gassy" Jack Deighton, a Yorkshire seaman, steamboat captain and barkeeper who arrived in 1867 to open the area's first saloon. It s the place to be, with its many restaurants, bars and music venues. Remainder of the day is free. Website: Tour USA North West States Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 1 of 9

2 DAY 2: SUNDAY, 15 th JULY At 09:00 we depart for nearby Langley (east of Vancouver) to see the excellent collection of aircraft in the Canadian Museum of Flight. Of particular interest is their beautifully restored Handley Page Hampden (pictured left). At midday we cross the border into the United States and approaching Seattle, we visit the Museum of Flight located on King County Airport - better known as Boeing Field. For the first time the Museum s unrivalled collection of large commercial aircraft can be seen in one place. The airliner exhibit includes the world s only presentation of the first Boeing 727, 737 and 747 jets, the first jet Air Force One, the extremely rare Boeing 247D and Douglas DC-2 airliners from the 1930s, the only Concorde on the West Coast (pictured right), and a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The military line-up includes 3 big bombers: World War Two s B-17F Flying Fortress and B-29 Superfortress, and the Cold War s B-47 Stratojet, plus jet fighters spanning the wars from Korea to the Persian Gulf and that s just the aircraft in The Pavilion! There are dozens more civil and military aircraft in the main building. Website: Continuing south towards Oregon we arrive in the small town of Chehalis and stay overnight at the Best Western Plus Park Place Inn & Suites on a bed and full breakfast basis. Facilities include free wi-fi. There are a number of restaurants, including a Denny s, and a bar within a very short walk. Website: DAY 3: MONDAY, 16 th JULY We are on the road by 09:00, arriving midday in McMinnville home of the fabulous collection of aircraft in the Evergreen Aviation Museum. Undoubtedly their most famous exhibit is the one and only Hughes Spruce Goose the largest wooden flying boat ever built (pictured left). There are more than 25 other aircraft including such classics as an SR-71, F-4 Phantom, Me-262, MiG 17, 21 and 29, B-17 and many more. We stay tonight a couple of hundred yards from the Museum, at the Red Lion & Suites in McMinnville on a bed and breakfast basis. Facilities include a swimming pool, coffee/tea maker and free wi-fi. For your evening meal tonight our coach driver will take us into the centre of the town (just over a mile away) where there is a good selection of various eateries including the Golden Valley Brewery & Restaurant DAY 4: TUESDAY, 17 th JULY This morning we drive to Tillamook, just over an hour and half away. At the Tillamook Aviation Museum its 20+ collection includes an Aerospacelines Mini-Guppy (pictured right) and pieces from the famous Hindenburg zeppelin! Continuing to Hillsboro we arrive at the Classic Aircraft Aviation Museum: this amazing collection includes a Hawker Hunter, Jet Provost, various MiGs and a TF and F-104 Starfighters! Website: Tour USA North West States Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 2 of 9

3 Arriving in Portland we stay at the Red Lion Portland Airport hotel on a bed and breakfast basis. Facilities include in-room tea/coffee makers, free wi-fi, restaurant, bar and swimming pool. Website: DAY 5: WEDNESDAY, 18 th JULY At 09:00 we make the short drive to the Portland Air National Guard base, home of the 142 nd Fighter Wing where we will be shown the aircraft on display in their Memorial Park. Turning north we arrive in Olympia and the Olympic Aviation Museum s collection of aircraft, which includes a P-51 Mustang (pictured left), FG-1D Corsair, A6M2 Tora Zero, L-39 Albatross and Cobra, Huskie, Cayuse and 2 Huey s helicopters. Optional flights may be possible in some of the above please annotate your booking form if you are interested. Website: Tonight we stay adjacent to Seattle s Sea-Tac International Airport, at the La Quinta Inn & Suites Sea- Tac Airport, on a bed and breakfast basis. Facilities include in-room tea/coffee makers, free wi-fi, swimming pool, spa and jacuzzi and a complimentary airport shuttle. Adjacent to the hotel is one of the popular chain restaurants Denny s with a further 6 eating outlets (from fast food to good food), within a 100-yards radius. Website: DAY 6: THURSDAY, 19 th JULY We spend the morning at leisure in downtown Seattle where you are free to explore as you wish. Among the attractions is the famous 520 ft Space Needle tower with its observation deck giving spectacular panoramic views out over the city and Pacific Ocean. Alternatively, you can spend the morning at Sea-Tac International Airport instead of going into Seattle. Our coach will pick you up en-route to Everett. In the afternoon we arrive at Paine Field and look around the Historic Flight Collection: this includes a Waco UPF-7, P-51B Mustang, Spitfire Mk. IXe, F8F Bearcat, T-33 Silverstar, Staggerwing D-17S, B-25D and a F7F Tigercat. We also look around their restoration hangar (pictured above). Next is the truly amazing Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum (FHCAM): Paul G. Allen's collection of rare military aircraft, tanks and other military treasures which comprise of artifacts from Germany, Japan, Russia (see photo on page 1), the United Kingdom and the United States. We purposely visit the Museum today when hopefully it will be less crowded than on Saturday the day of their airshow. Click on their website below to see their mindboggling collection of aircraft (and armoured fighting vehicles), too many to list here. Website: We stay the next 2 nights a few miles from Paine Field, at the Best Western Cascadia Inn on a bed and breakfast basis: facilities include in-room tea/coffee makers, free wi-fi and a swimming pool. Adjacent is one of the popular Denny s restaurants with 4 more eating outlets and a pub within a 100-yards radius. Website: Tour USA North West States Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 3 of 9

4 DAY 7: FRIDAY, 20 th JULY Today we join one of the public tours around the Boeing factory. We also visit the Museum of Flight s Restoration and Reserve Centre; this is a 23,000 square foot facility on Paine Field (pictured left). Inside are various aircraft in stages of restoration or held pending space to put them on display in the Museum itself. Website: Museum/Aircraft-Restoration During today we also call in at The Legends Flyers (Restoration) company who work out of a small hangar hidden in the depths of the airfield: they became famous for the 5 superb Me-262s they built several years ago and now they are rebuilding a Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero. The sequence of today s visits will depend on the time of our Boeing tour. DAY 8: SATURDAY, 21 st JULY At 09:00 we depart for Airport Road, Paine Field and from there take the special airshow shuttle coach service to the FHCAM Airshow (no vehicles are allowed on the airfield). In the morning there will be demonstrations by various armoured fighting vehicles and from 13:30 to 15:00 it s airshow time! As well as FHCAM s warbirds, previous shows have also included other participants, e.g. aircraft from the Planes of Fame Museums. Other attractions will be on hand including a live band, World War II re-enactors, and a multitude of food and drink vendors. At the end of the flying programme we return on the shuttle bus to the off airport car park, board our coach and head for the US/Canadian border: a journey of around 2 hours. Back on Canadian soil we check in to the Quality Hotel Vancouver Airport on a bed and breakfast basis. Facilities include on-site restaurant, bar and complimentary wi-fi. Website: DAY 9: SUNDAY, 22 nd JULY Using the hotel s courtesy shuttle coach we transfer to the airport and check in with Air Transat for our flight back to Gatwick. Latest recommended check in time is 3 hours prior to departure: 10:25. Vancouver Flight: TS 794 Departs: 13:25 DAY 10: MONDAY, 23 rd JULY Gatwick Airport, South Terminal Arrives: 06:55 Whilst waiting in Baggage Reclaim for our luggage we take the opportunity to bid each other Farewell until we meet again. Tour USA North West States 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 TOUR PRICE INCLUDES Return scheduled flights with Air Transat from London s Gatwick Airport as stated UK and Canadian airport taxes, and UK Passenger Service Charge All transfers and transportation by coach, as stated 8 nights accommodation Breakfast Admission to all aviation museums as stated Admission to The Flying Heritage and Combat Armour Airshow Tour of Boeing Services of an Ian Allan Tour Manager throughout Gratuity for the coach driver NOT INCLUDED Meals, other than those stated above Canadian eta entry document (replaces the old type visa) see General Information, page 6 US ESTA entry document (replaces the old type visa) see General Information, page 7 Travel insurance see General Information, page 8 Any optional pleasure flights Admission to any optional visits, e.g. Space Needle in Seattle Personal expenditure, for example, telephone calls, laundry, drinks, etc. Any other tips and gratuities Tour USA North West States 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. 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). 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. IMPORTANT NEW MANDATORY REGULATIONS FOR ENTRY TO CANADA - Electronic Travel Authorisation (eta) If you do not already have one, you will now need to apply for a Canadian Electronic Travel Authorisation or eta (very similar to the American ESTA entry document). To apply, you must have a valid passport, a credit card, and an address, as well as a few minutes to complete the on-line form. Please go to the following official Canadian government website: An eta only costs CAD$7.00 (approximately 4.30) and most applications are approved within minutes of applying. An eta is valid for 5 years or until your current passport expires, whichever occurs first. We strongly recommend that you keep a photocopy of the eta with your passport. Tour USA North West States Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 6 of 9

7 The above means that all travellers going to Canada are required to apply for authorisation to travel under the scheme before arriving at their departure airport: on this tour this is London s Gatwick Airport. The responsibility for acquiring an eta lies with each individual (and not ). If you arrive at check-in without an eta (or a Canadian Visa if you were refused an eta), you will not be allowed to travel to Canada. 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. 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 From September 2010 a charge of $14.00 (approximately 11.00) was introduced for all new ESTA applications. If you apply on the above website there are NO OTHER CHARGES WHATSOEVER for this service - but be warned, there are several unofficial websites that offer you this service but will charge a higher amount. 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 as soon as the tour is confirmed or at the 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, your 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 will have to apply for another ESTA. We have heard 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 to the USA. 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. First Nights Stay in the USA When crossing the Canadian border into the USA on Day 2 you will be required to provide the American authorities with the full postal address of where you are staying on the first night on American soil. The address will be stated on the final itinerary and the accompanying covering letter. Baggage Regulations Air Transat Airlines Departing from London s Gatwick Airport Checked Baggage: Air Transat will transport 1 piece of checked baggage per person free of charge, the total dimensions of which must not exceed 62inches (158cms), including the handle, pockets and wheels. Maximum weight is 23kg (50lb). Tour USA North West States Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 7 of 9

8 Cabin Baggage: you may take 1 carry-on piece of baggage up to the dimensions of 51cm x 40cm x 23cm (20in x 15in x 8in), 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 checkin area. All larger-sized items must go in the aircraft s hold. 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 Continental or a Hot Buffet Breakfast is included in the tour price, as included in the hotel s room rate. 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 Canada or the USA. However, we strongly recommend that you consult your local doctor or health centre for the latest information. Climate and Dress Taking Seattle as the mid-point of our travels, the city averages a daily maximum temperature for July between 73 and 79 Fahrenheit (23 to 26 Celsius). Therefore, we recommend items of summer clothing and a jacket. We also suggest you check the 10-day advance weather forecast before you pack your suitcase! 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. Tour USA North West States Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 8 of 9

9 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. 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 who would prefer to join and leave the tour in Vancouver (instead of flying from London 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. The airport-hotel transfer on Day 1 is not included, but should you wish to board the group s coach there would be a charge of 20.00, payable at the time of your final payment. 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 bare 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 North West States Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 9 of 9