RUSSIA AIRLINERS & AIRPORTS

Transcription

1 RUSSIA AIRLINERS & AIRPORTS PROVISIONAL ITINERARY & GENERAL INFORMATION Tuesday, 18 th Wednesday, 26 th September Moscow-Izhevsk Izhavia Yak-42 Izhevsk-Ufa Orenburzhye Let 410 Ufa-Tyumen Utair ATR-72 Tyumen-Irkutsk Yamal Sukhoi Superjet Irkutsk-Mirny Alrosa Tu-134 Mirny-Polyarny Alrosa An-24 Polyarny-Moscow Alrosa Tu-154 In October this year the very last scheduled flight in Russia by the classic Tupolev Tu-134 will take place, so for those who like to fly in as many types of aircraft as possible, now is the time. A total of 854 Crusty s of all versions (including test-bed examples) were built in the Soviet Union from 1966 to 1989 and Alrosa is the last Russian airline operating the type. Photo left courtesy of Gleb Osokin. The days of another Soviet classic airliner are also drawing to close: the big cousin of the 134, the Tupolev Tu-154. Book on this fabulous tour to fly on both! Over 9-days we will take our seats on the scheduled flights of the following airlines flying on a truly fabulous range of new and old aircraft: The road mileage is an incredible 7,677 miles (12,284kms)! London to New York is only 3,459 miles!! We travel extensively around Russia, from Moscow in the east, to beyond the Urals, to the far eastern province of Siberia. During our stay in Mirny and depending on the numbers booking on the tour there is the opportunity to enjoy charter flights in an Antonov An-38, Mil Mi-8 and Mil Mi-171. In arranging the flights, our Russian agent has spoken directly with his contacts at the airlines to determine the best routes offering the widest choice of airliners especially those flown by the Tu-134 and Tu-154. He is also discussing with all the airports including Moscow s Domodedovo Airport - for ramp tours and access (to be confirmed). We stay where possible at airport hotels on a half board basis (breakfast and evening meal) or bed and breakfast except when flying on the 20 th and 21 st and on the 24 th. Your Ian Allan Tour Manager is Ivo Pentchev a Bulgarian born, London policeman, fluent in Russian! As all our flights are on the scheduled services of the airlines we strongly recommend you book your place on this tour as soon as possible. Our land only option will include all the Russian domestic flights. With the pending retirement of the Tu-134 this October, we will not be offering a repeat tour! Tour Russia - Airliners - Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 1 of 8

2 PROVISIONAL ITINERARY (all times local and approximate) DAY 1: TUESDAY, 18 th SEPTEMBER Between 08:00 and 08:55 please check-in with British Airways in Terminal 5 at London s Heathrow Airport. Then meet Ivo (your Ian Allan Tour Manager), and fellow enthusiasts who will be gathering 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 2 hours prior to departure, i.e. 08:55. Heathrow Airport, Terminal 5 Flight: BA 235 Departs: 10:55 Moscow Domodedovo Airport Arrives: 16:50 After the usual arrival formalities we transfer to, and check-in for one night at the Aerotel Hotel at Domodedovo Airport. Your evening meal and breakfast is included. A favourite hotel for aviation enthusiasts, there is an on-site restaurant, bar and free Wi-Fi. Website: DAY 2: WEDNESDAY, 19 th SEPTEMBER After breakfast we depart for the airport at 07:00 and check-in with Izhavia Airlines for our Yak-42 flight to Izhevsk. Domodedovo Airport Flight: I8 302 Departs: 08:55 Izhevsk Arrives: 11:30 The rest of the day is spent at the airport: we hope to be given ramp access. DAY 3: THURSDAY, 20 th SEPTEMBER The day is spent at the airport where, again, we have requested air-side access. At 16:30 we check-in with Utair for our ATR-72 flight to Tyumen. Your evening meal should be taken, at your own expense, at the airport as it will be too late to eat at our hotel. Ufa Flight: UT 106 Departs: 18:30 Tyumen Arrives: 22:05 On arrival we transfer to the Hotel Liner, a few miles from the airport, staying overnight on a bed and breakfast basis. Late afternoon we check-in with Orenburzhye Airlines for our Let 410 flight to Ufa. Izhevsk Flight: UE 52 Departs: 18:10 Ufa Arrives: 20:20 We stay tonight at the Ufa Airport Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis. Situated in Zubovo the hotel features airconditioned rooms, on-site restaurant, bar and complimentary Wi-Fi. DAY 4: FRIDAY, 21 st SEPTEMBER Today is spent at the airport. Ramp access is to be confirmed. Late afternoon we check-in with Yamal Airlines for our Sukhoi Superjet flight to Irkutsk. Your evening meal should be taken, at your own expense, at the airport - we arrive at our hotel in the early hours of the morning! Tyumen Flight: YC 395 Departs: 19:35 Tour Russia - Airliners - Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 2 of 8

3 DAY 5: SATURDAY, 22 nd SEPTEMBER Irkutsk Arrives: 02:55 We stay overnight at the Hotel Vozdushnaya Gavan located only 200 meters from the terminal. We stay the night on a bed and breakfast basis. Time for a few hours sleep! At 08:00 we return to the airport to catch the local action before checking in with Alrosa for our Tu-134 flight to Mirny, the furthest east we travel. Irkutsk Flight: 6R 542 Departs: 12:05 Mirny Arrives: 15:00 On arrival we transfer downtown to the Hotel Zarnitza, staying 2 nights on a bed and breakfast basis. DAY 6: SUNDAY, 23 rd SEPTEMBER We spend the whole day at Mirny Airport. DAY 7: MONDAY, 24 th SEPTEMBER Returning to the airport we check in with Alrosa for our Antonov An-24 flight to Polyarny. Mirny Flight: 6R 553 Departs: 10:00 Polyarny Arrives: 11:20 The remainder of the day is spent at the airport. Tonight we stay at the Hotel Yunbileynaya in downtown Udachny, on a room only basis as the hotel does not have a restaurant. Charter flights are possible in a variety of types including an Antonov An-38 (pictured left) and Mil Mi-8 and Mi-171 helicopters. If interested please annotate your booking form. Price of any charter depends on the number of people eventually booking. DAY 8: TUESDAY, 25 th SEPTEMBER This morning we check in with Alrosa for their Tu-154 service to Moscow. Polyarny Flight: 6R 516 Departs: 11:00 Moscow Domodedovo Airport Arrives: 10:15 We await confirmation of access air-side today or tomorrow. Later in the day we check back in at the Aerotel Hotel at Domodedovo Airport. Your evening meal and breakfast is included. DAY 9: WEDNESDAY, 26 th SEPTEMBER This morning we return to the airport (alternate day for any approved ramp tour). No later than 13:05 we check in with BA for our flight to London. Moscow Domodedovo Airport Flight: BA 232 Departs: 16:05 London Heathrow Airport Arrives: 18:00 Tour Russia - Airliners - Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 3 of 8

4 TOUR PRICE PER PERSON TOUR: From: 2, From: On request Package price based on sharing a twin bedded room on a half board, bed and breakfast or room only basis as stated Single room supplement Land-only (NO international flights but all the domestic flights are included) PLEASE SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR CONSULTANTS BEFORE BOOKING TOUR PRICE INCLUDES Return flights on the scheduled services of British Airways, as stated 1 flight on the scheduled services of Izhavia, as stated 1 flight on the scheduled services of Orenburzhye Airlines, as stated 1 flight on the scheduled services of Utair, as stated 1 flight on the scheduled services of Yamal Airlines, as stated 3 flights on the scheduled services of Alrosa, as stated UK and Russian airport taxes, and UK Passenger Service Charge Coach transfers 8 nights accommodation on a half board, bed and breakfast or room only, as stated in rooms with en-suite facilities Services of a Russian-speaking Ian Allan Tour Manager throughout NOT INCLUDED Breakfast and evening meals where stated Any charges for air-side ramp access (not known as of 6 th April 2018) Visa see page 5 Travel insurance see page 7 Personal expenditure, e.g. telephone calls, laundry, drinks, etc. Tips and gratuities Tour Russia - Airliners - Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 4 of 8

5 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. Foreign & Commonwealth Office (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. For up-to-date passport, visa and security information, we suggest you visit 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). 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 seater minibus, 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 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 UK driver s license. Therefore, we do not undertake any tours using 9-18 seater minibuses from a rental company; either with our tour manager, or a member of the group, driving. Passports and Visas Very nearly all nationalities require a visa to enter Russia. All visa applications in the UK have been outsourced by the Russian Consular (Visa) Section to a private company Visa Services UK Ltd and ALL VISA APPLICATIONS MUST BE DONE ON-LINE; there are NO exceptions. After completing the application form you must then make a copy, sign it and either mail or take it to Visa Services Ltd who are located in central London, along with the necessary supporting documents which we will provide. Full details and the application form are on their website: For UK Passport holders/residents we strongly recommend you take a look at the website of ASLA Select, the specialist company with whom we have worked for many years: they can usually get visas more quickly than the advertised time. In fact, we consider it best if you speak with them even before you start the process of completing the visa application form as there are certain things you can and cannot do on the form. For example, there can be no mistakes whatsoever; you cannot use hyphens or slashes; there is to be no gaps between numbers (i.e. on telephone numbers). Their specialist staff will be able to answer any questions you might have. Details of charges and the application form can be seen on their website: Citizens of the UK are required to be in possession of a Full UK Passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Russia and must have 2 clean, facing pages. A tourist visa currently costs (as of 6 th April 2018). ASLA will assist you in your application by checking that it has been completed correctly before you submit your documents for which there will be a small fee of We strongly recommend you use this facility as they will make sure your submission is 100% correct. Tour Russia - Airliners - Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 5 of 8

6 Whether you apply yourself or via ASLA you will need to make a personal visit to the Visa Office in either London, Manchester or Edinburgh so that they can take your biometric data (your fingerprints). All prices quoted are correct as of the 6 th April 2018 and are subject to change at the discretion of the Russian authorities. Full details on how to complete and submit the application (6 pages) will be sent to you on receipt of your booking. However, if you wish to see the details before you book please contact us and we will forward a copy. 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). 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 largersized items must go in the aircraft s hold. Limited quantities of liquids (individual containers must not exceed 100ml or 3.5 fl oz), are now 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. Items must fit in the bag comfortably and the bag must be completely closed. Hand baggage can 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. Also prescription medicines in liquid form, e.g. diabetic kit. Cigarette lighters are NOT permitted in hold baggage or through the security search. These may be purchased airside. Hand baggage can also 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. 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. Baggage Weight Restrictions UK Airports Since 1 st June 2004, any single piece of checked baggage weighing more than 70lbs (32kgs) has not been accepted at check-in by any airline operating from London s and many U.K. regional airports. Meals On this tour breakfast and evening meals are included, as stated. Health Requirements There are no known mandatory or recommended precautions for visiting Russia; however, we recommend you consult your local doctor or health centre for the latest information. Climate You will be going to central and eastern Siberia and the Arctic in late summer/early autumn, so we recommend you take warm clothing including a scarf, gloves, good shoes or boots (you may encounter snow great for photographs) and it could rain. As you lose most of your body heat through your head, nice, warm headgear is also recommended. Tour Russia - Airliners - Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 6 of 8

7 Local Currency The currency is the Russian Rouble. For several years, in the major cities, it has been illegal to charge for goods or services in any currency other than Roubles, and no longer will taxi drivers or café/bar staff take other currencies like US Dollars, Euros or Sterling. Recent legislation has dramatically cut the number of places you can exchange money. Outside of the major cities, buying roubles can be difficult, and exchange rates, at least for Dollars and Euros, are not in your favour away from Moscow. If you want to carry cash, then bring it in one of those currencies. Or access your funds through an ATM machine; all the airports on this tour have one. Credit and bank cards are now widely accepted in large shops, most restaurants (including fast-food outlets), and larger bars. Check before you order, however, as some businesses don't consider it a major problem if their card terminals are out-of-order for a few days. Visa and MasterCard are accepted almost everywhere, while American Express and Diner's Club can rarely be used. You should also be aware that, due to high instances of card fraud emanating from Russia, some Western banks need to be notified of your travel plans, otherwise they may block your card automatically after the first time you use it in Russia, whether to make a payment or withdraw cash. Traveller's cheques are undoubtedly the safest option, however, the problem is they might not be exchanged in those parts of Russia we will be travelling through. Travel Insurance For citizens of the United Kingdom, are able to offer competitive and comprehensive insurance cover. 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. These policies 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. NOTE: You will be required to provide proof of travel insurance with your visa application. 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. Please be aware that some of the airports may not allow air-side any person who cannot walk un-aided. Flexible Itinerary We are very happy for enthusiasts to take time away from the printed itinerary to pursue their own interests 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 If you would prefer to join the tour in Moscow (instead of flying from London s Heathrow Airport with the main group), we will be very pleased to provide a Land Only price: the RUSSIAN INTERNAL FLIGHTS will however be included. 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. Please note that the Land only price is based on you meeting up with the group at the Aerotel Hotel at Domodedovo Airport on Day 1. Tour Russia - Airliners - Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 7 of 8

8 Pleasure Flights Disclaimer Should you 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. 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. Change of Aircraft Type Our agent in Moscow has discussed at length with the airlines the types of aircraft undertaking the various flights and they are as shown on the itinerary. Aircraft can go unserviceable at any time requiring a replacement to be used and Ian Allan Travel cannot be held responsible should any of the airlines substitute another aircraft type. At the time of releasing the itinerary the airlines have confirmed the types of aircraft on each flight. * * * Tour Russia - Airliners - Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 8 of 8