CHINA Zhuhai Airshow & Hong Kong Optional 4 Day Extension to Beijing

Transcription

1 CHINA Zhuhai Airshow & Hong Kong Optional 4 Day Extension to Beijing NOW FLYING CATHAY PACIFIC, CATHAY DRAGON & AIR CHINA INCLUDING AIRBUS A ! PROVISIONAL ITINERARY & GENERAL INFORMATION Friday, 2 nd Saturday, 10 th November The Zhuhai Airshow is China s equivalent to the well established and well-known Farnborough and Paris events. The difference being, is that you can expect an aviation surprise or two: in contrast to the UK and French events which can be disappointing, especially the flying display on the public days when some of the star attractions have either gone home or remain firmly on the ground. Not so in Zhuhai, where we enjoy 2 full Trade Days to ensure we get the full, undiluted airshow. In 2016 this event certainly produced some surprising aircraft! Like all hotels in and around Hampshire and Le Bourget, room rates increase dramatically over the show dates and unfortunately, in this regard, Zhuhai is no different. However, as we have already travelled a long way, we know you would prefer to stay in a hotel close to the venue. We start in Hong Kong with 2 full days to enjoy as you wish: spotting/photographing at Chep Lap Kok Airport and/or the famous attractions of downtown Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Flights are with Cathay Pacific Airlines from London s Gatwick Airport, on the airline s newly introduced Airbus A this will be a new type for many enthusiasts; we stay at superior, comfortable hotels at Hong Kong Airport and Zhuhai (and at Beijing Airport on the optional extension). Breakfast and evening meal in Zhuhai and Beijing is included in the tour price. Room only in Hong Kong. Transfers are by coach (see appropriate paragraph on page 6 General Information ); and we are accompanied at all times by one of our well-travelled and experienced Tour Managers. For those who are not limited by time or funds, we are also offering a 4-day extension to Beijing, flying with Cathay Dragon (A ) and Air China (Boeing ): see pages 4 and 5. Both short and long tours are also perfect for non-aviation-minded persons to enjoy the various sightseeing, shopping and leisure time opportunities. PROVISIONAL ITINERARY (all times local) DAY 1: FRIDAY, 2 nd NOVEMBER Between 07:30 and 08:15 please check-in with Cathay Pacific Airlines in the South Terminal at London s Gatwick Airport. Then meet your Ian Allan Tour Manager and fellow enthusiasts who will be gathering in the immediate area. New Airbus A s operate this flight. Due to security, long-haul passengers are being advised to check-in 3-hours prior to departure, i.e. 08:15. Gatwick Airport, South Terminal Flight: CX 354 (Airbus A ) Departs: 11:15 Tour China Airshow, Hong Kong (Optional Extension to Beijing) Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 1 of 8

2 DAY 2: SATURDAY, 3 rd NOVEMBER Hong Kong Arrives: 06:55 After Immigration we collect our luggage from Baggage Reclaim proceed through Customs, and take the hotel s courtesy coach service to the nearby Novotel Citigate Hotel where we stay 3 nights on a room only basis. The hotel s facilities include 2 on-site restaurants, bar, wi-fi and currency exchange. We have requested rooms facing the airport (TBC). If you wish to occupy your room on arrival, there will be supplement to pay, otherwise rooms should be ready from 12:00, novotel-hong-kong-citygate/index.shtml The hotel is connected by an escalator to a large shopping mall with 80+ shops and numerous restaurants. It is only a 2-minutes walk to the Tung Chung transport interchange from where you can catch a bus to the HEACO hangars, located at the western (far) end of the southern runway, a popular spotting site, or take the train to Kowloon, 30 minutes away. A fabulous option is to take the train to Hong Kong Island and from there travel by tram up to the viewing area, shops and restaurants atop The Peak (see right). DAYS 3 & 4: SUNDAY, 4 th & MONDAY, 5 th NOVEMBER Two free days to enjoy as you wish: photographing and/or logging aircraft at the airport; taking the train to Kowloon in downtown Hong Kong; taking the tram railway up to the top of The Peak (as pictured above). Why not return to the airport and the Skydeck observation terrace on T2 which is open until 22:00. The hotel s courtesy shuttle coach runs every 15 minutes from 06:00 23:45 from Bus Bays 29/30 outside Terminal 2. There are a number of websites giving information on the various locations around the airport s perimeter from where it is possible to photograph and/or log aircraft movements. DAY 5: TUESDAY, 6 th NOVEMBER This morning we transfer by coach to Zhuhai, travelling on the newly opened crossing which consists of a series of bridges and tunnels across the Lingdingyang Channel connecting Hong Kong, Macau and Zhuhai. Check in to hotel (tba). DAYS 6 & 7: WEDNESDAY, 7 th - THURSDAY, 8th NOVEMBER Two full days at Airshow China Pictured right: the KJ-500 AEW version of the Shaanxi Y-9. This is a very large event: see the list of aircraft participating in the last show held in 2016 on the following: 14/11464.html As well as the venue of the airshow the airport is also used by several Chinese and foreign airlines offering both domestic and international services. Tour China Airshow, Hong Kong (Optional Extension to Beijing) Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 2 of 8

3 DAY 8: FRIDAY, 9 th NOVEMBER This morning return to Hong Kong airport; those returning to London later that night have time at leisure to do as they please. Those going on to Beijing please see page 4. In the evening check in with Cathay Pacific Airlines for our overnight A flight back to London; latest recommended check-in time is 3 hours prior to departure: 21:45. DAY 9: SATURDAY, 10 th NOVEMBER Hong Kong Flight: CX 343 (Airbus A ) Departs: 00:45 Gatwick Airport, South Terminal Arrives: 05:55 Whilst waiting for our luggage in Baggage Reclaim we take the opportunity to bid each other farewell until the next time. TOUR PRICE PER PERSON TOUR: A HONG KONG & CHINA AIRSHOW From: 1, On request Price based on sharing a twin bedded room: room only in Hong Kong, breakfast and evening meal in Zhuhai. Single room supplement Land-only (NO flights) PLEASE SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR CONSULTANTS BEFORE BOOKING TOUR PRICE INCLUDES Return flights from London s Gatwick Airport on the scheduled services of Cathay Pacific Airlines All coach transfers as stated 6 nights hotel accommodation in rooms with en-suite facilities Breakfast each morning - in Zhuhai only Evening meal - in Zhuhai only 2 days admission to the airshow Services of a local guide in Zhuhai Services of an Ian Allan Tour Manager throughout NOT INCLUDED Meals, other than those as stated above Cost of local transport in Hong Kong: e.g. to/from the HAECO spotting location, Kowloon etc Chinese Visa see page 6 Travel insurance see page 8 Any optional sightseeing tours undertaken in Hong Kong Personal expenditure, e.g. telephone calls, laundry, drinks, etc. Tips and gratuities Tour China Airshow, Hong Kong (Optional Extension to Beijing) Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 3 of 8

4 OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO BEIJING DAY 8: FRIDAY, 9 th NOVEMBER Departing the hotel late morning we return to Hong Kong Airport and check in with Cathay Dragon for our flight to Beijing; latest recommended check-in time is 13:00. Hong Kong Flight: CX 5902 (Airbus A ) Departs: 15:00 Beijing Arrives: 18:15 Entering the Arrivals Hall we meet our local guide and board our coach for the short transfer to the 4* CITIC Hotel, staying 4 nights on a Half Board basis. Facilities at this hotel include restaurant, bar, wi-fi and a free shuttle to all 3 terminals at the airport Located in between the final approach to runways 36 Left and 36 Centre, it is one of the favoured places to stay for aviation enthusiasts. The area is also liked by both locals and foreigners at which to photograph and monitor aircraft movements. Breakfast and evening meal in Beijing is included in the tour price; room only in Hong Kong. Photo: courtesy Paul Mosier DAY 9: SATURDAY, 10 th NOVEMBER Today we visit the huge China Air Force Museum at Datan Shan with over 200 aircraft, mainly of the Korean War and Cold War periods, on display outside and through a long tunnel (pictured left) which runs through a mountain! As granted to all our previous aviation groups that have visited this incredible collection of aircraft over the years, we will again request access to their restricted storage area. DAY 10: SUNDAY, 11 th NOVEMBER This morning we visit the China Aviation Museum with its excellent collection of civil airliners This is followed by a look around the CAAC Aeronautical Museum in the city of Tianjin. DAY 11: MONDAY, 12 th NOVEMBER A free day to enjoy as you wish: photographing/logging from the various spots around the airport; enjoying an optional sightseeing tour to The Great Wall of China, Beijing and the Forbidden City, etc (bookable at the hotel); or exploring downtown Beijing at your leisure. DAY 12: TUESDAY, 13 th NOVEMBER This morning we check out of the hotel by midday and place our luggage in their storeroom. Remainder of the day is at leisure at the airport photographing and/or logging; or take the train to downtown Hong Kong for sightseeing and shopping. Later that afternoon we transfer to the airport using the hotel s courtesy shuttle service and check-in with Air China for our flight to London via Hong Kong; latest recommended check-in time is 15:30. Beijing Flight: CX 6117 (B ) Departs: 17:30 Hong Kong Departs: 20:50 Time to stretch our legs before our Cathay Pacific flight starts to board at approximately midnight. Tour China Airshow, Hong Kong (Optional Extension to Beijing) Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 4 of 8

5 DAY 13: WEDNESDAY, 14 th NOVEMBER Hong Kong Flight: CX 343 (Airbus A ) Departs: 00:45 Gatwick Airport, South Terminal Arrives: 05:55 Whilst waiting in Baggage Reclaim for our luggage we take the opportunity to bid each other Farewell until we meet again. TOUR PRICE PER PERSON TOUR: B: HONG KONG, CHINA AIRSHOW & EXTENSION TO BEIJING From: 2, On request Price based on sharing a twin bedded room: room only in Hong Kong, breakfast and evening meal in Zhuhai and Beijing. Single room supplement Land-only (NO international flights, but includes flight Zhuhai-Beijing) PLEASE SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR CONSULTANTS BEFORE BOOKING TOUR PRICE INCLUDES Return flights from London s Gatwick Airport on the scheduled services of Cathay Pacific Airlines Flight on the scheduled services of Cathay Dragon as stated Flight on the scheduled services of Air China as stated All coach transfers as stated 10 nights hotel accommodation in rooms with en-suite facilities Breakfast each morning in Zhuhai only Evening meal in Zhuhai and Beijing only 2 days admission to the airshow Admission to all aviation museums as stated Services of local guides in Zhuhai and Beijing Services of an Ian Allan Tour Manager throughout NOT INCLUDED Meals, other than those as stated above Cost of local transport in Hong Kong: e.g. to/from the HAECO spotting location, Kowloon etc Chinese Visa see page 6 Travel insurance see page 8 Any optional sightseeing tours undertaken in Beijing Personal expenditure, e.g. telephone calls, laundry, drinks, etc. Tips and gratuities Tour China Airshow, Hong Kong (Optional Extension to Beijing) Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 5 of 8

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. 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. British nationals do not require a visa to enter Hong Kong, however, they do for entry into Zhuhai and Beijing which are on Mainland China. Please contact your local Chinese Consulate; in the UK these are located in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. Or click on: All other nationalities should enquire at their nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate. 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). 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. Baggage Regulations Cathay Pacific Airlines Departing from London s Gatwick Airport; and Cathay Dragon out of Hong Kong Checked Baggage: Cathay Pacific will transport 2 pieces 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 30kg (66lbs) each. Tour China Airshow, Hong Kong (Optional Extension to Beijing) Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 6 of 8

7 Cabin Baggage: for travel out of London Gatwick Airport and Hong Kong Airport you may take 1 carryon bag (and 1 personal item). Your main piece of hand baggage can be up to the dimensions of 23cm x 36cm x 56cm (9in x 14in x 22in), 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. Baggage Regulations Air China Domestic Services Checked Baggage: 1 piece of checked baggage per person free of charge, the total dimensions of which must not exceed 100cm (40in) x 60cm (24in) x 40cm (16in). Maximum weight is 40kg (88lb). Cabin Baggage: Each Economy Class passenger can carry up to one piece of carry-on baggage that weighs no more than 5kg (11lbs). The linear dimensions of each piece of carry-on baggage shall not exceed 55cm (22ins) in length, 40cm (16ins) in width and 20cm (8ins) in height. Carry-on baggage must be stowed in the closed overhead compartment or fit under the seat in front of you onboard the aircraft. Any baggage that cannot be stowed in the overhead compartment or fit under the seat, or baggage that is overweight or oversized, or baggage that we consider could jeopardize safety should be carried as checked baggage. 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 Meals are not normally included in the price of our tours unless they are included within the room rate as we realise that not everyone wants three meals a day, especially in the USA where dinner tends to be quite large. Furthermore, hotel meals can be expensive and in general, we have found it is better to allow each person to decide for themselves. On this tour breakfast and the evening meal in Zhuhai and Beijing is included in the tour price. Room only in Hong Kong. Health Requirements There are currently no known mandatory or recommended precautions required for travel to Hong Kong or mainland China. However, we strongly recommend that you consult your local doctor or health centre for the latest information. Tour China Airshow, Hong Kong (Optional Extension to Beijing) Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 7 of 8

8 Climate and Dress Hong Kong weather in November is warm and sunny with low humidity. The average low and high temperature is 19 C (66 F) and 24 C (75 F). Clothing: long or short-sleeved shirts and a thin sweater or a light jacket. The weather in Beijing slowly begins to turn wintery, and the first snow usually falls in the second half of this month, but otherwise it is very dry. Air quality at the airport is usually nice and clear. The average low and high temperatures are -1 C (31 F) and 10 C (50 F). Clothing: take winter clothes such as sweaters and a thick winter coat. 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. 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 enthusiasts who would prefer to join the tour in Hong Kong (instead of flying from London with the main group), we will be pleased to quote a Land Only price. This price does not include any flights whatsoever on the basic tour 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. On the optional extension to Beijing, the flight between Zhuhai and Beijing IS included. 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. * * * Tour China Airshow, Hong Kong (Optional Extension to Beijing) Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 8 of 8