THAILAND & INDONESIA Bangkok & Jakarta Airports Optional Aviation Museums PROVISIONAL ITINERARY & GENERAL INFORMATION Saturday, 16 th Tuesday, 26 th March Calling all airliner/airport enthusiasts. Our tour is now boarding to enjoy a fabulous time at 2 of the busiest hubs in South East Asia: Bangkok in Thailand and Jakarta in Indonesia! We stay 4 nights in both places, at airport hotels that come highly recommended by your fellow photographers and spotters. The viewing facilities are superb, as are the rooms and facilities. The photographs below give you an idea of some of the airlines and their aircraft which are not seen outside of Southeast Asia. For those that wish, we will offer optional coach trips to aviation museums in both countries. Flights are on the scheduled services of Thai Airways International; we stay each night (except on Day 1 when we are in the air), in a comfortable hotel, situated on the approach to the runway, on a bed and breakfast basis; airport transfers are courtesy of the hotels; and you are accompanied by Gerry Manning, one of well-travelled and experienced Tour Managers. PROVISIONAL ITINERARY (all times local) DAY 1: SATURDAY, 16 th MARCH Between 08:30 and 08:50 please check-in with Thai Airways International, who fly out of London s Heathrow Airport, Terminal 2, for the flight to Bangkok. Then meet your Ian Allan Tour Manager and fellow group members who will be gathering in the check in area; latest recommended check-in time advised by the airline is 3 hours prior to departure: 08:50. London Heathrow Airport, Terminal 2 Flight: TG 911 Departs: 11:50 DAY 2: SUNDAY, 17 th MARCH Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport Arrives: 06:15 After the usual arrival formalities we transfer via the hotel s courtesy coach to the Phoenix Hotel for a stay of 4 nights on a bed and breakfast basis, in upgraded Deluxe Rooms. A pleasant 3* hotel with an on-site restaurant and bar, it s great for photography and spotting; it has a rooftop terrace complete with seating, toilet and shade from the sun. As well as free Wi-Fi also complimentary are transfers to the airport and local railway station. Rooms are equipped with cable TV, hot and cold shower, complimentary coffee and tea. There is a 10% discount for dinner. Website: www.phoenixhotelbangkok.com/ Tour 227930 Thailand & Indonesia Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 1 of 7
Due to our early arrival, rooms may not be available until midday, so it s off to the roof we go! Please note that breakfast this morning is not included in the tour price. Suvarnabhumi is one of two airports serving Bangkok; it is the 21st busiest airport in the world, 9th busiest airport in Asia, and the busiest in Thailand. Currently 105 airlines and over 20 cargo operators fly into and out of this very busy airport. DAY 4: TUESDAY, 19 th MARCH More time on the roof, or time away from the group doing what you want. Pictured right is a Maldivian Airlines Dash 8!! Or an optional visit to Don Muang International Airport (DMK). Transfers are at your own expense, however, if you take the hotel courtesy coach to the airport you can then get on the bus that operates between BKK-DMK - which has a viewing area - or share a taxi with another member of the group. A Room With A View article was published in the August 2013 issue of Aviation News; written by the wellknown aviation photographer Gerry Manning (who will be the Tour Manager), it gives you all the facts you need to know. Please contact us if you would like a copy mailed to you. DAY 3: MONDAY, 18 th MARCH All day on the roof. The wind direction at this time of the year should have aircraft landing over the hotel. To photograph an A320 or similar you need a 300mm lens and for B787 s a 250mm lens. DAY 5: WEDNESDAY, 20 th MARCH Today you again have the option of staying on the hotel roof. Or, subject to sufficient interest, we will charter a local coach and English-speaking guide for a full day s excursion to see the small number of aircraft in the Police Museum and the large collection of the Royal Thai Air Force Museum located on the far side of DMK Airport. DAY 6: THURSDAY, 21 st MARCH Mid-morning we depart the hotel using their courtesy service to transfer to the airport where we check-in with Thai for the flight to Jakarta; latest recommended check-in time is 12:25. You have the choice of transferring with the Tour Manager at 11:30 or independently at an earlier time. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport Flight: TG 435 Departs: 14:25 Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Arrives: 17:55 After Immigration etc., we transfer the short distance on the hotel s courtesy service and stay 4 nights in Superior/Deluxe Rooms on a bed and breakfast basis at the 4* FM7 Resort Hotel. Highly recommended by photographers and spotters alike, this hotel is ideally located and its facilities include the Montezuma Rooftop Lounge complete with a large open-air viewing terrace; also on-site is a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, sauna and steam room and fitness centre. Website: http://fm7hotel.com/ Tour 227930 Thailand & Indonesia Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 2 of 7
DAY 8: SATURDAY, 23 rd MARCH All day on the roof, or other locations as you wish. Alternatively, an optional trip by chartered local coach and guide, to see the aircraft collections in the Museum Abri Satriamandala and Taman Mini Indonesia Museum. DAY 9: SUNDAY, 24 th MARCH All day on the roof or other locations, as you wish. DAY 7: FRIDAY, 22 nd MARCH All day on the roof or other locations, as you wish. Depending on your camera you should only need a 230mm lens to get a 320-size aircraft or a 165mm for a 747 or similar. The airport is the largest airport in Southeast Asia; the busiest in the whole of the southern hemisphere; and the 17 th busiest in the world. Currently 43 airlines and over 15 cargo companies fly in and out of the airport. DAY 10: MONDAY, 25 th MARCH Most of the day can be enjoyed on the roof. By midday we have to check-out of our rooms, placing our luggage in the hotel s storage room. At 16:00 you can either transfer back to the airport with your Tour Manager, using the hotel s free transfer service, or separately at an earlier time as you wish. We check-in with Thai for our early evening departure to Bangkok; latest recommended check-in time by the airline is 2 hours prior to departure: 17:05. Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Flight: TG 436 Departs: 19:05 Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport Arrives: 22:35 We make our way to the departure gate of our onward flight to London which should start boarding at approximately 23:35. DAY 11: TUESDAY, 26 th MARCH Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport Flight: TG 910 Departs: 00:15 London Heathrow Airport, Terminal 2 Arrives: 06:20 Whilst waiting for our luggage to appear on the baggage carousel we take the opportunity to bid each other farewell until we meet again. Tour 227930 Thailand & Indonesia Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 3 of 7
TOUR PRICE PER PERSON TOUR: 227930 From 1,009.00 From 139.00 On request Based on sharing a twin bedded room with private facilities, on a bed and breakfast basis Single room supplement Land only (please speak with one of our consultants before booking) TOUR PRICE INCLUDES Flights on the scheduled services of Thai Airways from London s Heathrow Airport as stated UK, Thai and Indonesian Airport Taxes, and UK Passenger Service Charge Airport transfers on the complimentary services of both hotels 8-night s accommodation in rooms with private facilities Breakfast each morning (except on Day 2) Services of an Ian Allan Tour Manager throughout NOT INCLUDED Visas see page 5 General Information Meals in addition to breakfast Optional visits to aviation museums Travel insurance see page 6 General Information Personal expenditure, e.g. telephone calls, laundry, drinks, etc. Tour 227930 Thailand & Indonesia Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 4 of 7
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. 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 for UK callers only, telephone: 020 3117 0599. This line is open between the hours 10:00 16:00, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). Passports and Visas Citizens of the UK are required to be in possession of a machine readable full UK Passport which must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your return to the UK. UK passport holders do not require a visa to enter Thailand or Indonesia for stays of less than 30 days. Non UK passport holders should consult their nearest Thai and Indonesian Embassy or Consulate. Baggage Regulations Thai Airlines Departing from London s Heathrow Airport Checked Baggage: Thai Airways will carry as many items of hold luggage as necessary, but the sum total of all items cannot exceed a maximum weight of 66lbs (30kgs). Cabin Baggage: one piece of hand baggage with the maximum dimension not exceeding length 22ins (56cms), width 18ins (45cms), thickness 10ins (10 inches), with a maximum weight of 15lbs (7kgs). Plus one smaller piece, e.g., bag, binoculars, laptop 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. Tour 227930 Thailand & Indonesia Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 5 of 7
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 Breakfast is included in the hotels as stated. Health Requirements There are currently no known mandatory or recommended precautions required for travel to Thailand or Indonesia, however, we recommend that you consult your local doctor or health centre for the latest information. Climate and Dress Bangkok: during March you can expect high/low temperatures of 34 /26... on average only 2 days of rain falls during the entire month. Jakarta: you can expect high/low temperatures of 31 /25 and rain occurs throughout the month. Summer items of clothing are therefore recommended. Currency In Thailand it is the Baht. You can change your currency 24-hours a day at the airport where you will get the best exchange rate in Thailand. In Indonesia it is the Rupiah or IDR. In both countries traveller's cheques are not widely accepted. Most credit and debit cards are accepted and ATMs are widely available. 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. Wheelchair Assistance at Airports If you require wheelchair assistance at the airports you must have this service requested and confirmed in advance. Airlines and airports no longer provide this service without prior confirmation. 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, 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 at the hotel in Bangkok (instead of flying from the UK with the main group), we will happy to quote you a Land Only price. This price will 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. Tour 227930 Thailand & Indonesia Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 6 of 7
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 change 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 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. Pre-departure For connecting flights from UK regional airports please call on 01932 255625 for the latest special offers. 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 227930 Thailand & Indonesia Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 7 of 7