Amid reports of record-high numbers of travellers being turned away at airports, boarding gates and even on arrival in overseas destinations, the Baltic Travel Company, a leading provider of tailored travel itineraries and excursions to some of the world's most unique locations, has clarified why DIY bookings and online-only reservations may be contributing to the issue.
The Baltic Travel Company, a team of travel specialists, notes that many of the problems are related to documentation and the validity periods of passports, where travellers unaware of the issue only realise they will be unable to attend their holiday at the very last minute.
Reasons for Widespread Travel Disruption and Refusals at UK Airports
One of the most common complexities affects holders of older burgundy red passports, which are typically issued for ten years. While the expiry date within a passport may reflect ten years since the original issue date, many have an additional validity period if the holder renewed their passport in advance of the expiry date of the previous document.
News reports suggest that as many as 200 people per day are being refused boarding, with an estimated 100,000 missed holidays, most of which occur because of the rules around the minimum time remaining on a passport differing between countries. For example:
European countries cannot accept passports over ten years old, even if just by a few days or weeks.
Most destinations require visitors to have at least six months remaining on their passport after the date of entry, although this can apply to the date of departure.
Some countries have specific requirements regarding entry permissions, tourist visas, and other travel documentation that visitors must present at the border before being allowed to enter.
Added to the difficulties are overbooking problems, which are common on budget airlines that often sell more tickets per flight than seats available, and failure to provide vaccination paperwork for specific locations.
The outcomes can be devastating, with as many as 44% of all UK travellers having no form of insurance, confusion about the coverage and financial protection provided by tour operators and airlines, and the risks of self-booked or third-party reservations, many of which are non-refundable.
How Travel Specialists Offer Added Certainty and Assurance Before Travelling
The Baltic Travel Company has long been known for its personalised service and ability to adapt itineraries and holidays to guests' requirements, with in-person support from a knowledgeable team who have visited every far-flung destination first-hand, ensuring recommendations and suggestions are relevant and suited to every traveller.
It also focuses on hand-prepared travel documentation, removing any potential for confusion, disruption, or delays owing to incorrect, out-of-date, or missing paperwork—the primary culprit for so many thousands of travellers missing their well-earned breaks.
Birthe Nielsen, Managing Director at the Baltic Travel Company, says, ‘We love nothing more than travel, culture, and adventure, and it is a privilege to support our guests, many of whom return to us time and again, in organising all of the details that make each excursion, trip, or holiday memorable.
Whether you're heading to a much-loved destination, off on a family holiday with children, or booking a special holiday to commemorate a wedding, anniversary, or retirement, attention to detail makes all the difference. We pride ourselves on knowing every client by name and understanding what we can do to ensure their experiences live up to their expectations.
Part of that involves personally preparing documentation for each individual guest and party without reliance on digital systems—which, as we've seen, are far from immune from mistakes!'
The Benefits of Personalised Travel Support for Frequent Flyers
Nielsen goes on to explain that comprehensive paperwork isn't just about customer service.
She says, 'It means our guests know with absolute certainty that everything has been checked and double-checked by a travel professional, they have every piece of documentation they might require, and that our 24-hour emergency helpline is always there if they encounter any issues or problems at any stage of their holiday.
Travelling is often considered stressful, with security checks, screenings, check-in procedures, luggage limitations and navigating longer flights, transfers and boarding policies.
Hand-prepared paperwork removes doubt and anxiety, mitigating any chance that something could go wrong and ensuring that all reservations included in each package, often flights, transfers, accommodation, guided tours, and tickets, have been pre-booked and are guaranteed.'
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About Baltic Travel Company
We specialise in crafting unique, tailor-made travel experiences that showcase the diverse wonders of Europe and the Baltic region. With over 15 years of experience, our dedicated travel experts are committed to providing exceptional service and unparalleled expertise to ensure your Baltic adventure exceeds your expectations. From cultural city breaks to the inspiring northern lights and breathtaking natural landscapes, our carefully curated itineraries highlight the very best of the Nordic Region, Scandinavia, The Baltic Region, Poland, Slovakia and more. Whether you're a solo traveler, couple, or group, embark on a journey of discovery with Baltic Travel Company – your ultimate travel partner in exploring the hidden gems of the Baltics.
Media Contact:
Birthe Nielsen
Baltic Travel Company
Tel:+44 (0)2082332875
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Source Company: https://www.baltictravelcompany.com/
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