Terms and Conditions

Last updated on Jan 1, 2024

AGREEMENT BETWEEN CUSTOMER AND COMPANY

Welcome to the Vipfares.com website (referred to as the "Website" or “Site”). This platform is exclusively provided to assist customers in gathering travel information, checking the availability of travel-related goods and services, making legitimate reservations, or conducting other transactions with travel suppliers. The terms "we," "us," "our," or “VIPFARES” denote a travel agency specializing in the sale of business and first-class air travel to corporate and high-end leisure customers. The term "you" refers to the customer visiting the Website and/or booking a reservation through our customer service agents.

This site (“Vipfares.com”) is owned by VIPFARES LLC, a Delaware limited liability company with registered address at 16192 Coastal Highway Lewes, Delaware, 19958. Under this agreement, the payment processing services for goods and/or services purchased on this website are provided by VIPFARES LLC, a Delaware limited liability company on behalf of the airlines depending on the type of payment method used and on the type of services and goods.

Disputes. The exclusive method for resolving any dispute or claim arising from or related to this Agreement, the Service, or the Website shall be Binding Arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association. The only exception to the exclusivity of arbitration is that you have the right to bring an individual claim against the Company in a small-claims court of competent jurisdiction. Whether you choose arbitration or a small-claims court, you may not initiate or maintain any class action, class arbitration, or other representative action. By using the Website or any of our Services, you agree to the aforementioned arbitration arrangement. By doing so, YOU WAIVE YOUR RIGHT TO GO TO COURT to assert or defend any claims against the Company (except for matters that may be taken to small-claims court). YOU ALSO FORGO YOUR RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION OR OTHER CLASS PROCEEDING. Your rights will be determined by a NEUTRAL ARBITRATOR, NOT A JUDGE OR JURY. Although the arbitrator can grant any relief that a court can, arbitration proceedings are typically simpler and more streamlined than trials. Arbitrator decisions are enforceable in court and may only be overturned for very limited reasons. Any action to enforce this arbitration agreement may be initiated in any court with competent jurisdiction. If, for any reason, this arbitration agreement is deemed unenforceable, any litigation against the Company (except for small-claims court actions) may only be pursued in federal or state courts located in Delaware, USA. You hereby irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of those courts for such purposes.

This Agreement and any disputes between you and the Company shall be governed by the laws of the state of Delaware, disregarding principles of conflicts of law. However, this arbitration agreement shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act. If legal action is taken to enforce any provisions of this Agreement, the Service, or this Website, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs, and expenses incurred during the suit, from the other party. You can reject this arbitration agreement by completing an arbitration opt-out letter and sending it to our email at [email protected] within 30 days of first accepting these Terms.

This Website is presented to you on the condition that you accept, without modification, all the terms, conditions, and notices outlined below (collectively, the "Terms and Conditions” or "Agreement"), which may be revised when necessary. Please carefully read these Terms and Conditions, as they provide crucial information regarding limitations of liability and dispute resolution through arbitration instead of in court. Additionally, familiarize yourself with our Privacy Policy, which governs your use of the Website. By accessing or using this Website, contacting our agents, or purchasing/using our services, you acknowledge that you have read and comprehended that your use is subject to these Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to the Terms and Conditions, please refrain from using this Website, booking any reservations, or applying for our services through our agents. We do not sell, organize, or arrange packages, and you will not be entitled to rights applicable to packages under the EU Package Travel Regulations. We are not responsible for the proper performance of additional travel services.

Use of the website / our services

As a condition of your use of this Website/our services, you warrant that:

You are at least 18 years of age.
You possess the legal authority to create a binding legal obligation.
You will use this Website in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.
You will only use this Website's services to make legitimate reservations for yourself or for another person for whom you are legally authorized to act.
You will inform such other persons about the Terms and Conditions applicable to the reservations/services you have made/ordered on their behalf, including all rules and restrictions applicable thereto.
All information supplied by you is true, accurate, current, and complete.
Neither you nor the person you are buying tickets for are currently subject to any sanctions (economic, financial, etc.), administered or enforced from time to time by the EU (its Member States), the United Nations Security Council, the US government, or any other relevant authorities with jurisdiction over you or us from time to time that would prohibit the use of our services. We reserve the right at our sole discretion to deny access to anyone to this Website and the services we offer at any time and for any reason, including, but not limited to, violation of these Terms and Conditions.

GENERAL RULES AND CONDITIONS

Acceptance of Conditions

By utilizing our services, you acknowledge that they are intended for personal use only. You agree to reserve tickets exclusively for yourself or individuals for whom you have obtained explicit permission. It's important to note that name changes on tickets are prohibited; only the original passenger is eligible to use the ticket(s).

Please be aware that airline tickets, hotel accommodations, and service fees may not be refundable. In cases where fare rules permit refunds or exchanges, a processing fee of $250 per person will be applied, in addition to any applicable charges imposed by the carrier/provider upon cancellation or exchange. Fees will be subject to the terms and conditions of the respective provider. Cancellation will not result in a monetary refund; instead, you will receive a credit (excluding any airline/hotel fees) towards a future ticket purchase for long-haul international flights of equal or greater value. This credit will be valid for up to twelve (12) months from the original date of purchase.

No-Show Policy

Tickets marked as No-Show cannot be refunded or exchanged unless the reservation is canceled and the trip rescheduled before the original departure date. Refunds are not possible if the ticket is suspended due to failure to cancel the reservation and reschedule.

Communication and Ticket Usage

Ensure that your provided email address is accurate, as we will use it for ticket confirmations and important travel information. Regularly check your email, and ensure that our messages are not blocked or directed to your spam folder. Failure to use any reservation will automatically result in the cancellation of all continuing and return flight reservations and the suspension of tickets. Tickets must be used in the sequence they were issued, and out-of-sequence usage is not permitted. For all international flights, the recommended check-in time is a minimum of 3 hours before departure, even if you are connecting from a domestic flight to an international one.

Airline Conditions and Changes

Airline tickets are subject to the published conditions of carriage and rules, including cancellation policies set by the respective airline. The contract of carriage is between the airline and the passenger. Airlines reserve the right to adjust flight times and schedules, and VIPFARES is not responsible for schedule changes. If your ticket is not honored, contact your agent immediately for a replacement or a full refund within 24 hours.

Consumer Legislation and Intellectual Property

Under consumer legislation, tickets are not subject to the right of withdrawal, and there is no 14-day "cooling-off period" for bookings. Access to our website/services does not grant intellectual property rights, and any reproduction, modification, transmission, or publication without explicit written permission is strictly prohibited. Violations may result in legal action.

Baggage Allowance

Travelers may incur additional fees at the airport for checked items exceeding the airline's standard baggage allowance in weight, size, or number. Some airlines may not offer free baggage allowance, and policies are subject to change.

Frequent Traveler Points

Frequent traveler awards, upgrades, certificate vouchers, or other incentives may not apply to VIPFARES flights, hotel stays, or other travel services. Mileage accrual may not be applicable to all tickets; consult your agent for more information.

SUPPLIER RULES AND RESTRICTIONS

Terms and Conditions with Suppliers

Your reservation and purchase of travel-related goods and services from airline and hotel suppliers are subject to additional terms and conditions. Please carefully review these terms on the respective websites of the airline, hotel, or other accommodation providers. By selecting these services, you commit to adhering to the purchase terms and conditions set by the chosen supplier. This includes, but is not limited to, timely payment of all amounts and compliance with the supplier's rules and restrictions concerning availability, fares, products, or services. We retain the right to cancel your booking if full payment is not received promptly. Some suppliers may require a credit card or cash deposit at check-in for potential additional expenses during your travel, unrelated to any payment received by VIPFARES for your booking. You acknowledge that certain third-party providers may necessitate signing a liability waiver before participating in their services or activities. Violating the rules and restrictions of such suppliers may result in reservation cancellation, denial of access to the travel product or services, forfeiture of any paid amounts, and debiting your account for incurred costs.

Travel Risk Assessment

While most travel, including to international destinations, proceeds without incident, certain destinations may pose higher risks. VIPFARES recommends passengers review travel prohibitions, warnings, announcements, and advisories issued by the European Union and the United States Government before booking travel to international destinations. Information on country conditions and associated risks can be found at https://europa.eu, www.state.gov, www.tsa.gov, www.dot.gov , www.faa.gov, www.cdc.gov, and www.treas.gov/ofac. VIPFARES, by offering travel to specific international destinations, does not guarantee the advisability or risk-free nature of such travel and is not liable for damages or losses resulting from travel to these destinations.

Exchanges, Cancellations, and Refunds

Confirmed tickets are non-reroutable and non-transferable. If fare rules permit refunds or exchanges, a processing fee imposed by VIPFARES will be applied in addition to any penalties charged directly by the airline or recalled by the airline from VIPFARES (recalled commissions). Reservations for refund and/or exchange requests must be canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time, as NO SHOW tickets will not be eligible for refund or exchange.

Exchanges are subject to fare differences and the rules applicable on the date of change. Cancellation of a reservation does not automatically initiate a refund. All exchanges must be made before the scheduled departure, and once tickets are issued, changes or refunds are subject to fare restrictions. Discounted fares are often more restrictive, with many being non-refundable and non-exchangeable. It is crucial to pay attention to the fare restrictions of your tickets. For more flexibility, consult your agent and request a less restrictive fare, as airlines offer various fares, some allowing exchanges and refunds without restrictions.

Ticket Delivery

VIPFARES issues electronic tickets (e-Tickets) for all sales, and these will be delivered to the email address provided during the booking process. Once your electronic tickets are issued, you will receive an email confirmation containing the ticket number and reservation numbers for each airline on your itinerary.

Payment Information

By making a payment, you affirm that the card used belongs to you or that you have the right to use it. VIPFARES employs rigorous security measures for credit card processing and accepts major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, and Discover. Credit card transactions are authorized when you or a representative acting on your behalf accepts these Terms & Conditions and proceeds with the purchase. All credit cards must have a verifiable billing address in the EU, US, Canada, UK, Australia, Singapore, or another eligible country. Transactions identified as high risk will not be processed until our credit card verification team deems them safe. To validate such transactions, we may contact you or your bank. Fraudulent transactions are reported to airport security, airlines, and law enforcement. Most phone transactions are recorded and can be used as evidence in disputes. If your credit card is declined for any reason, we will notify you within 24 hours. Simply submitting the credit card does not automatically guarantee ticketing. All bookings and fares are not guaranteed until ticketed by the supplier.

Currency Conversion and Fees

Some banks and credit cards may impose fees for transactions, and your bank may convert the payment amount to your local currency, charging a conversion fee. The amount on your statement may differ from the billing summary on the Website due to currency conversion. Additionally, foreign transaction fees may apply if your credit card's issuing bank is located outside the EU and/or United States. VIPFARES may pass your payment to an international travel supplier, categorizing the booking as an international transaction. The currency exchange rate and foreign transaction fee are determined by your bank on the transaction processing day. For inquiries about fees or exchange rates, contact your bank.

LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY

Disclaimer of Warranties and Damages

The information provided on the website, including text, graphics, links, or other material, is presented on an "as is" and "where available" basis. VIPFARES offers no representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding accuracy, results, timeliness, completeness, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or any other warranty arising by statute or otherwise in law. Under no circumstances, including negligence, shall we, our providers, or distributors be liable for damages to your computer equipment or other property or any loss of data due to your access, use, or browsing on the website. We are not responsible for viruses that may infect your equipment, nor are we liable for any special, punitive, exemplary, direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages (including lost profits, business, or savings) arising from the use or inability to use the website, services, materials, or travel reservations booked through VIPFARES, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. In no event shall our aggregate liability, or that of our providers or distributors, exceed the total charges in the itinerary giving rise to the liability.

Disclaimer of Warranties and Damages

Communication of Claims and Applicable Law

Any claims or causes of action arising from your access, use, or purchase of products/services from the website must be communicated to VIPFARES in advance to reach a mutual agreement. Applicable law may not allow the limitation or exclusion of liability for incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you. Your use of the website is at your own risk, and we act as an intermediary for travel-related products and services, not liable for the providers' products and services.

Independent Contractors and Force Majeure

Carriers, hotels, and other suppliers offering travel services on the website are independent contractors, not agents or employees of VIPFARES or its affiliates. VIPFARES and its affiliates are not liable for the acts, errors, omissions, representations, warranties, breaches, or negligence of such suppliers. We are not responsible for delays, cancellations, overbooking, strikes, force majeure, or other causes beyond our control. Any additional expenses, omissions, delays, re-routing, or actions of any government or authority are also not our responsibility.

Waiver of Claims and Air Travel Risks

By using the website and services, you agree to waive any claims against VIPFARES, its subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, managers, agents, contractors, or employees. Neither VIPFARES nor its subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, managers, agents, contractors, or employees shall be held liable for property damage, injuries, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, mental distress, or any similar matter. We do not assume liability for canceled flights, missed flights, or flight connections due to scheduled changes made by the relevant airline.

Survival of Terms and Conditions

The limitations specified in these Terms & Conditions persist even if any limited remedy fails its essential purpose. The specified limitations of liability benefit VIPFARES, its affiliates, and travel product and service suppliers.

Resolution of Disputes

In case of a dispute, we aim to resolve it quickly and fairly. You agree to allow us an opportunity to address any concerns by contacting VIPFARES Customer Support or submitting a claim via the online form at Contact Us.

Indemnification

You agree to protect and indemnify VIPFARES, its affiliates, partners, joint ventures, and their respective officers, directors, managers, employees, and agents from any claims, causes of action, demands, losses, damages, fines, penalties, or other costs resulting from breaches of these Terms & Conditions, violations of laws or third-party rights, or your use of the Website.

WARSAW CONVENTION AND MONTREAL CONVENTION

Passenger Liability and Relevant Treaties

Passengers embarking on journeys involving destinations or stops in countries different from the departure country are informed about the Montreal Convention or its predecessor, the Warsaw Convention, and their amendments (the Warsaw Convention system). These international treaties may apply to the entire journey, including segments within a country. For such passengers, the pertinent treaty, along with any special contracts of carriage outlined in applicable tariffs, governs and may limit the carrier's liability.

Notification of Liability Limits

The Montreal Convention or the Warsaw Convention system may be relevant to your journey, specifying and limiting air carriers' liability for death or bodily injury, loss of or damage to baggage, and delays.

Compensation in Case of Death or Injury

There are no financial limits to liability for passenger injury or death. For damages up to SDR 128,821 (as of 27/12/2019 around USD 171,331.80), the air carrier cannot contest claims. Beyond that amount, the carrier can defend against a claim by proving non-negligence or faultlessness.

Advance Payments

In cases of passenger injury or death, the air carrier must make an advance payment within 15 days, covering immediate economic needs. In the event of death, this advance payment shall not be less than SDR 16,000 (as of 04/01/2010 around USD 21,280).

Passenger Delay

The air carrier is liable for damage caused by passenger delay unless all reasonable measures were taken to avoid it or it was impossible to do so. Liability for passenger delay is limited to SDR 5,346 (around USD 7,110.18 as of 27/12/2019).

Baggage Delays

In case of baggage delay, the air carrier is liable for damage unless all reasonable measures were taken to avoid it or it was impossible to do so. The liability for baggage delay is limited to SDR 1,288 (around USD 1,713.04 as of 27/12/2019).

Destruction, Loss, or Damage of Baggage

The air carrier is liable for destruction, loss, or damage to baggage up to SDR 1,288 (around USD 1,713.04 as of 27/12/2019). Liability exists for checked baggage regardless of fault, provided it was not previously damaged. For unchecked baggage, the carrier is liable only for culpable conduct.

Higher Liability Limits for Baggage

Passengers can avail themselves of a higher liability limit by declaring a special value at the check-in counter and paying a supplementary fee.

Baggage Complaints

In the case of damaged, delayed, lost, or destroyed baggage, passengers must promptly write and complain to the air carrier. For damage to checked baggage, a written complaint must be made within seven days, and for delayed baggage, within 21 days, both from the date the baggage was made available.

Time Limits for Filing a Claim

Any court action to claim damages must be initiated within two years from the aircraft's arrival date or the date it should have arrived.

Basis for the Information

The rules outlined above are based on the Montreal Convention of May 28, 1999, implemented in the Community by Regulation (EC) No 2027/97 (as amended by Regulation (EC) No 889/2002) and national legislation of the Member States. This summary or notice cannot be used as the basis for compensation claims or to interpret the provisions of this Regulation or the Montreal Convention.

NOTICE OF CONTRACT TERMS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Your agreement with the carrier providing air travel, be it international, domestic, or a domestic leg of an international journey, is subject to this notice, any carrier-issued notices or receipts, and the individual terms and conditions (Conditions), associated rules, regulations, policies (Regulations), and applicable tariffs of the carrier. If your journey involves multiple carriers, distinct Conditions, Regulations, and applicable tariffs may apply for each carrier. This notice incorporates by reference and integrates the Conditions, Regulations, and applicable tariffs of each carrier into your agreement.

The Conditions may cover, but are not limited to:

Limits on the carrier's liability for passenger bodily injury or death.
Limits on the carrier's liability for the loss of, damage to, or delay of goods and baggage, including fragile or perishable items.
Procedures for declaring a higher value for baggage and paying any additional fees.
Application of the carrier's Conditions and liability limits to the acts of the carrier's agents, servants, representatives, and those providing equipment or services.
Restrictions on claims, including time limits for passengers to file claims against the carrier.
Guidelines for reconfirmations or reservations, check-in times, the use, duration, and validity of air transportation services, and the carrier's right to refuse carriage.
The carrier's right to deny carriage to passengers not complying with applicable laws or presenting necessary travel documents.

Additional information about your agreement and how to obtain a copy can be found where the carrier's transportation is sold or on carrier websites. In accordance with applicable law, you have the right to inspect the full contract at carrier airports and sales offices and, upon request, receive a free copy by mail or other delivery service from each carrier.

If a carrier sells air transportation services or checks baggage for another carrier, it acts as an agent for the other carrier.

YOU MUST POSSESS ALL REQUIRED TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING PASSPORT AND VISA, TO TRAVEL.

GOVERNMENTS MAY REQUIRE YOUR CARRIER TO PROVIDE PASSENGER DATA OR GRANT ACCESS TO SUCH INFORMATION.

Denied Boarding

Airline flights may be overbooked, and there is a slight chance that a seat will not be available on a confirmed reservation. In such cases, volunteers are initially sought to give up their reservation in exchange for compensation. If insufficient volunteers emerge, the airline will deny boarding based on its boarding priority. Complete rules for compensation and boarding priorities are available at ticket counters and boarding locations. Some airlines may not apply these consumer protections to travel from certain foreign countries; check with the airline or travel agent.

Baggage

Special rules may apply to excess valuation and certain types of articles. Carriers may have specific rules for fragile, valuable, or perishable items. Check with your carrier. Free checked baggage allowances and additional charges may vary by carrier, class, and route. The same applies to free cabin baggage allowances.

Check-in Times

Departure time on the itinerary/receipt differs from check-in and boarding times. The carrier may refuse carriage if passengers are late. Check-in and boarding times are carrier-advised deadlines.

Dangerous Goods (Hazardous Materials)

For safety reasons, dangerous goods are prohibited in checked or cabin baggage unless specifically allowed. Such goods include, but are not limited to, compressed gases, corrosives, explosives, flammable materials, radioactive substances, oxidizing materials, poisons, infectious substances, and briefcases with installed alarm devices. Other restrictions may apply for security reasons; verify with the carrier.

Merchant

In the event of charges by VIPFARES, the Merchant Location and address used for payment processing will be:

VIPFARES LLC,

16192 Coastal Highway, Lewes, DE 19958

Credit Card Chargebacks

You have the right to dispute credit card charges ("chargebacks"). Before disputing a charge with your credit card company, contact VIPFARES to address any concerns. VIPFARES retains the right to dispute improper chargebacks and may fully cancel bookings related to chargebacks.

VIPFARES considers the following chargeback scenarios as improper:

Chargebacks for non-cancellable bookings when refunds cannot be provided.
Chargebacks for charges authorized by family, friends, or associates with direct access to your credit card.
Chargebacks due to the airline's failure to meet its product description.
Chargebacks resulting from force majeure or circumstances beyond VIPFARES' control.
Chargebacks related to fully or partially used services or products.

VIPFARES may use information, including customer service call recordings, to dispute chargebacks. You authorize VIPFARES to charge your credit card for chargeback amounts and related fees.

COVID-19 WAIVER OF LIABILITY

Your decision to travel is a personal one, made with full awareness of current travel recommendations and restrictions related to the risks of COVID-19. We bear no responsibility and shall not be held liable for unsafe conditions, health hazards, including pandemics, or other illnesses. Our knowledge of travel dangers or conditions at destinations is limited. To access information on potential dangers, visit the State Department travel website at www.travel.state.gov. Click on "Find International travel Information," then select "Country Information," and enter the destination country's name. For medical and health information, we recommend visiting the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/travel. Click on “Destinations,” scroll to the destination country's name, and find relevant information.

We disclaim responsibility for COVID-19-related requirements imposed by travel suppliers and governments, such as health affidavit forms, health screenings, face coverings, or quarantines. Stay updated on the latest COVID-19 government travel regulations by checking IATA’s website at https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-travel-document-news/1580226297.htm. For current travel supplier requirements, refer to the supplier’s home page.

We are not accountable for the acts or omissions of travel suppliers, their adherence to schedules, provision of services or refunds, financial default, or honoring of future trip credits. We lack special knowledge of suppliers' financial conditions and hold no liability for recommending a trip credit instead of a refund. If requested, we will aid in obtaining any due refunds or rebooking trips using future credits, with a potential nonrefundable fee for such services. You absolve us of responsibility for choosing not to purchase travel insurance or for any denial of claims by a travel insurer related to COVID-19 or any other policy claim.

BY ELECTING TO TRAVEL, YOU EXPRESSLY ASSUME ALL RISKS AND DANGERS DESCRIBED ABOVE. YOU HEREBY AGREE TO RELEASE, DISCHARGE, AND HOLD US, ALONG WITH OUR AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, ASSOCIATES, AFFILIATED COMPANIES, GUIDES, GROUP LEADERS, AND SUBCONTRACTORS, HARMLESS AGAINST ANY LIABILITY, ACTIONS, CAUSES OF ACTIONS, SUITS, CLAIMS, AND DEMANDS OF ANY AND EVERY KIND AND NATURE WHATSOEVER, BOTH NOW AND IN THE FUTURE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THESE RISKS AND DANGERS.