Travel Advice
Travel Tips | Advance Passenger Information (API) | Air Passenger Rights | Airlines Banned within the EU | Home office Rules | Pet Travel
Travel Tips
- Be aware of your Air Passenger Rights.
- Check the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) information.
- Check the NHS Health Advice for Travellers.
- Bookings are recommended that have protection with ABTA and ATOL members.
- Medication for use on the flight should be accompanied by a letter from the GP.
- Check that your medication is legal in the country that you are visiting.
- Understand other cultures and laws relating to alcohol and drugs.
- Do not rely on English being spoken at your destination. A phrase book is recommended.
- Check the validity, expiry dates and cash limit available on credit or debit cards.
- Take enough funds for the return ticket if not booked.
- Leave copies of travel documents and contact details with family or friends.
- Make contact with family or friends if they may be concerned about your welfare.
Advance Passenger Information (API)
The Spanish Government have regulations whereby airlines must provide the Spanish authorities with certain personal information about passengers before the aircraft leaves the UK. This information is known as Advance Passenger Information (API).
All the required API information (full name, nationality, date of birth, passport number) is on the traveller's passport. Passengers need only present their passport at airport check-in and the airline's representative will then be responsible forwarding the information.
Airlines may also offer passengers the opportunity to register the required API information before arrival at the airport either through their websites or travel agents.
Spain was the first European country to require the collection of API for visitors but the policy is expected to be introduced in other member countries.
Air Passenger Rights
The European Commission's Air Passenger Rights poster is displayed at the airport.
Under European Commission Transport law, passengers have certain rights when travelling by air with European airlines. All European airlines, travel agents, tour operators and all other businesses involved in providing air transport services must observe your rights. These relate to issues such as your right to receive accurate information about flights and reservations, obligations of travel agents and liability in the event of:
Denied Boarding, Cancelled Flight, Long Delays, Baggage, Injury & Death in Accidents, Package Holidays
In the event of a delay, for whatever reason, most reputable companies will follow the guidelines set out in the ABTA 'Recommended Practice on Flight Delays'.
In the event of a delay to a charter flight, the operator shall ensure that as early as possible there must be communication to customers of reasons for and the extent of any delays, together with an obligation to make appropriate welfare provisions to customers. The following minimum welfare standards should apply:
- In the event of a delay exceeding 3 hours, customers should receive light refreshments.
- In the event of a delay exceeding 6 hours, customers should receive a main meal.
- In the event of a longer delay, wherever possible, customers should receive meals and accommodation appropriate for the time of day.
In the event that an operator uses scheduled flights, it shall be incumbent upon the operator to approach the relevant carriers with a view to the carrier implementing appropriate standards of welfare provision and communication of information in the event of flight delays.
Most UK airlines and airports have signed up to voluntary commitments or Recommended Practice from the Air Transport Association (IATA) on passenger service. These commitments cover issues such as information, refunds, assistance during delays, complaint handling and passengers who have reduced mobility and the Citizens Advice Bureau's Air Travel Advice has full details of your rights. These commitments are in addition to your legal rights.
Airlines Banned within the EU
The Aviation safety standards in Europe are amongst the best in the world. However, to improve safety in Europe further, the European Commission, in consultation with Member States’ aviation safety authorities, has decided to ban airlines found to be unsafe from operating in European airspace and issued a List of Airlines Banned within the EU.
Home Office Rules
The Home Office states that if you are currently outside the United Kingdom, you may need to apply for entry clearance before you travel. The entry clearance process for the United Kingdom is run by UKvisas through the British diplomatic posts around the world.
Travellers to the UK may wish to see what is on offer in the South West on the Visit Britain website.
The website of the British Embassy in Spain has practical information about the services on offer in the country.
Pet Travel
There is no animal holding unit at Exeter and the airport is not licensed to bring animals into the country. Animals travelling to the UK under the Government's Pet Travel Scheme may only fly on approved airlines and Airpets Oceanic offer further information.
Flybe cannot accept pets on flights from Exeter but cats and dogs may be carried on certain routes.
Enquiries relating to the carriage of animals on flybe flights should be made with the Airline Management Group Ltd.
Tel: 00 44 (0) 1293 433 767
Rules do not apply to the carriage of guide dogs on flybe routes, but due to Government regulations guide dogs can only be carried on domestic routes. Flybe is not licenced to carry these animals on routes to or from France, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic.