USA: NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow Nellis AFB Airshow, David Monthan, AMARG Luke AFB & Aviation Museums PROVISIONAL ITINERARY & GENERAL INFORMATION FRIDAY, 2 nd MONDAY, 12 th NOVEMBER As this itinerary is being written most of the U.K. lies shivering under a blanket of snow, made worse by the icy air blowing down from the Arctic Circle. Oh, to get away to some warm, summer sun. Well, no need to suffer in November 2018 pack your summer clothes and join your fellow aviation enthusiasts on this tour to Florida, Arizona and Nevada! During our travels we start and finish with an airshow, and in between visit: US Navy s Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow 2018, NAS Pensacola Hurlburt Field: Memorial Air Park/Air Command Museum NAS Pensacola: National Naval Aviation Museum Davis-Monthan AFB Arizona ANG, Tucson IAP Pima Air Museum AMARG Tour Aircraft boneyards in/around Tucson Optional sightseeing flights over AMARG and/or Marana Luke AFB, Phoenix (pictured left) Nellis AFB s Aviation Nation Airshow featuring the USAF s Thunderbirds aerobatic team Our time at Davis-Monthan AFB, Luke AFB and the Arizona ANG will be off-base, stood/parked at the landing end of the active runway. Additionally, we will request a windscreen tour of the ramps on Luke AFB. As the flight schedules have not been released, details will be announced in the New Year. We stay each night in a comfortable hotel (bed and breakfast or room only as stated); travel in-country is by airconditioned coach (please see appropriate paragraph on page 5 of the General Information ) and are accompanied throughout by one of Ian Allan s well travelled and experience Aviation Tour Managers. With lots of tourist sightseeing options available in Pensacola, Tucson and Las Vegas this tour is a perfect winter break holiday for non-aviation people! PROVISIONAL ITINERARY (all times local) DAY 1: FRIDAY, 2 nd NOVEMBER This morning we check in at London s Heathrow Airport details of which terminal, airline and timings to be advised. On arrival we meet our local driver, board our coach and transfer the 4 miles to our hotel in Pensacola, the Comfort Inn-University Area, staying 3 nights on a bed and breakfast basis. Facilities include in-room coffee makers, free wi-fi and an outdoor swimming pool. Within a 300 yards walk there are several restaurants including a Denny s and an Arby s; across the road is a Holiday Inn hotel with on-site restaurant and bar. Website: www.choicehotels.com/florida/pensacola/comfort-inn-hotels/fl712 Tour 227814 USA Pensacola & Nellis Airshows Provisional Itinerary Uncosted - Issue 1 Page 1 of 8
DAY 2: SATURDAY, 3 rd NOVEMBER Departing the hotel at 07:30 we drive the 30 minutes or so to Naval Air Station Pensacola to enjoy the second day of the base s annual Blue Angels Homecoming 2-day airshow, one of the most popular airshows on the North American calendar. Website: www.naspensacolaairshow.com/ Pictured right is a past and possibly 2018 participant at the airshow: a superbly restored, privately-owned, Douglas A-4 Skyhawk. Better known as The Scooter in the American armed forces, it served with the US Marines, the US Navy and the Blue Angels! DAY 3: SUNDAY, 4 th NOVEMBER This morning we drive to Hurlburt Field, home of 1 st Special Operations Wing. On display in their Memorial Air Park/Air Command Museum is an excellent collection of aircraft: A-1E Skyraider, A-26A Counter Invader, AC-47D Spooky, AC-119G Shadow, AC-130A Spectre, AC-130H Spectre, B-25J Mitchell, C-46D Commando, HH-3E Jolly Green, MC-130E Combat Talon, MC-130P Combat Shadow, MH- 53 Pave Low, OA-37B Dragonfly, O-1E Bird Dog, O-2A Skymaster, OV-10 Bronco, T-28D Trojan, U-10A Super Courier, UC-123K Provider and a UH-1P Huey. Website: www.hurlburt.af.mil/news/photos/ In the afternoon we return to NAS Pensacola to visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, which will be less crowded than during the airshow. As well as the aircraft on display in the museum itself, there are Flight Line Trolley Tours of the 50 aircraft displayed on the flight line behind the restoration hangar. We will request our own dedicated tour of the former and a visit to the latter (both to be confirmed). Website: www.navalaviationmuseum.org/ DAYS 4-6: MONDAY, 5 th - WEDNESDAY, 7 th NOVEMBER Monday morning we fly from Pensacola to Tucson, Arizona arriving early afternoon. Flight details to be advised. We check in for 3 nights at the Four Points by Sheraton-Tucson Airport Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis. The hotel is located yards from the terminal: its on-site facilities include the R&R Grill restaurant, sports bar, an outside swimming pool and hot tub. Rooms have tea/coffee makers. Website: www.fourpointstucsonairport.com/?swaq=958p The remainder of today and the next 2 days will be spent doing all or some of the following, as you wish: optional tour of AMARG. Organised by the Pima Air Museum, due to increased security all bookings must now be made in advance to allow for personal security checks. view from the outside the adjacent aircraft boneyards and/or AMARG perimeter. optional morning or evening sightseeing flights around AMARG and/or the large airliner storage airfield of Marana. Please annotate your booking form if interested. at the landing end of the runways of Tucson International Airport and Davis-Monthan AFB Tour 227814 USA Pensacola & Nellis Airshows Provisional Itinerary Uncosted - Issue 1 Page 2 of 8
respectively, photographing the landing F-16s, A-10 and C-130s. looking around one of the largest and finest aircraft collections in the world: the Pima Air Museum. There are over 300 aircraft spread over 80 acres, both on external display and indoors! Meals, at your own expense, can be take in the Museum s café. Website: www.pimaair.org. DAY 7: THURSDAY, 8 th NOVEMBER At 07:30 we depart for Phoenix, a 2-hours drive to the north, to Luke AFB. Home of the 56 th Fighter Wing (see photo on page 1), based here are some 170 F-16s and 55 F-35As so this is a busy base! We plan to spend most of the day on final approach. At around 16:00 we set off on our drive to Las Vegas, making several convenience stops along the way, arriving early evening at the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel and Tower located on the famous Strip. We stay 3 nights on a room only basis. There are several restaurants and an all-you-can-eat buffet located in the hotel, located on the ground and first floors. Also, 100 yards across the street from the North Entrance/Exit, is a 24-hour Denny s restaurant. Plus dozens of cafes, restaurants and bars along the Strip which you can explore by bus, monorail or on foot at your leisure. DAY 8: FRIDAY, 9 th NOVEMBER We leave the hotel at 09:00 for Nellis AFB s perimeter, spending the day at Cherokee Avenue or the Las Vegas Speedway, depending on which direction the aircraft are landing. Today is set aside for aircraft arrivals and rehearsals for the annual, 2-day Aviation Nation airshow. We arrive back at the hotel around 18:00. DAY 9: SATURDAY, 10 th NOVEMBER At 07:30 we depart the hotel for the speedway race circuit located opposite Nellis AFB, on the other side of Las Vegas Boulevard. It is from here that the shuttle coach service takes the general public into and out of the base during the Aviation Nation airshow. With a fleet of over 100 coaches, the service is quick and easy. As can be seen here the static area is huge, stretching way in to the distance. At the end of the show we return on the shuttle to the race circuit s car park and then board our own coach for the transfer back to the Stratosphere. DAY 10: SUNDAY, 11 th NOVEMBER A second day at the airshow. At the end of the flying programme, at 16:30, we take the shuttle coach back to the speedway circuit s car park, and from there our coach takes us directly to Las Vegas Airport where we will check in for our overnight flight back to London: details to be advised DAY 11: MONDAY, 12 th NOVEMBER Whilst waiting for our luggage in Baggage Reclaim we take the opportunity to bid farewell to one another. Tour 227814 USA Pensacola & Nellis Airshows Provisional Itinerary Uncosted - Issue 1 Page 3 of 8
TOUR PRICE PER PERSON TOUR: 227814 To be advised To be advised To be advised Package price based on sharing a twin bedded room on a part Bed and Breakfast basis and Room Only basis, as stated in the itinerary Single room supplement Land-only (NO flights) PLEASE SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR CONSULTANTS BEFORE BOOKING TOUR PRICE INCLUDES Flights on the scheduled services of a major airline: to be advised UK and US airport taxes, and UK Passenger Service Charge (latter subject to change) Coach transfers as stated 9 nights hotel accommodation in rooms with en-suite facilities, as stated Breakfast in Pensacola and Tucson only (room only in Las Vegas) Admission to all aviation museums and collections as stated (admission to both airshows is free) Gratuity for coach drivers Services of an Ian Allan Tour Manager throughout NOT INCLUDED Meals, other than those as stated above Travel insurance ESTA (or visa if required) Personal expenditure, e.g. telephone calls, laundry, drinks, etc. All other tips and gratuities Tour 227814 USA Pensacola & Nellis Airshows Provisional Itinerary Uncosted - Issue 1 Page 4 of 8
GENERAL INFORMATION Payment for A deposit of 400.00 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 16-18 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 UK 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 to the UK. As was introduced in October 2004, all travellers to the USA under the Visa Waiver Scheme must be in possession of a machine-readable passport. Non-UK citizens should contact the relevant Embassy in their country of residence for specific information and instructions. 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. We suggest you visit www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo for up-to-date passport, visa and security information on the destination you intend visiting. In addition, the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) provide an Information Line, telephone: 0901 201 505 (calls currently charged at 51p per minute). 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 https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov From September 2010 a charge of $14.00 was introduced for all new ESTA applications. If you apply on Tour 227814 USA Pensacola & Nellis Airshows Provisional Itinerary Uncosted - Issue 1 Page 5 of 8
the above website there are NO OTHER CHARGE 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 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, 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 https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, or www.visitusa.org.uk 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 2003. 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. The address of where you will stay will be included with the final itinerary. Baggage Regulations to be added Tour 227814 USA Pensacola & Nellis Airshows Provisional Itinerary Uncosted - Issue 1 Page 6 of 8
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 midday meals tend 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. Breakfast only is included, in Pensacola and Tucson; room only in Las Vegas. 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 In Pensacola: The average temperature is now 19 C. While at night the temperature drops to a cool average low of 13 C, in the afternoon it still climbs to a warm average high of 25 C. These temperatures tend to decrease in the course of the month, though, as the weather slowly moves toward the cooler winter season. In Tucson: the month of November is characterized by rapidly falling daily high temperatures, with daily highs decreasing by 11 F, from 80 F to 69 F over the course of the month, and rarely exceeding 88 F or dropping below 59 F. 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 the USA (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. Clients making their own arrangements to get to the departure airport by air, rail, coach etc. should bare the above in mind if purchasing non-refundable or non-changeable tickets. cannot be held responsible for any changes to flight times, and any privately arranged travel tickets to the airport becoming invalid. Please note that the Land Only price is based on you meeting the group at the first hotel, in Pensacola. It does not include the airport transfer on Day 1 but the transfer to Las Vegas Airport on Day 10 is included. Tour 227814 USA Pensacola & Nellis Airshows Provisional Itinerary Uncosted - Issue 1 Page 7 of 8
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, 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 non-predeparture For connecting flights from UK regional airports - please call on 01932 255625 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 227814 USA Pensacola & Nellis Airshows Provisional Itinerary Uncosted - Issue 1 Page 8 of 8