VIPFARES TRAVEL PROTECTION T&C
1. Definitions
For the purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them:
1.1. "Airline": Any licensed air carrier operating passenger transportation services.
1.2. "Baggage": Luggage and personal property that is checked and transported with you on a flight.
1.3. "Immediate Relative": Your spouse, parent, legal guardian, child.
1.4. "Schedule Change": Any changes initiated by the airline, including adjustments to flight numbers, departure times, routes, dates, or cancellations.
1.5. "VIP Club": Exclusive membership program provided by VIPFARES LLC, offering specific benefits as outlined in this Agreement.
1.6. "Voucher": A credit issued by us for future bookings on vipfares.com, subject to these terms.
2. Price Drop Protection
2.1. Description: Price Drop Protection is an optional service that monitors your itinerary for 24 hours after booking. If the published fare decreases by $50 or more, we will rebook your ticket(s) for the same itinerary and provide the savings in the form of a Voucher for future bookings on vipfares.com.
2.2. Authorization: By purchasing this service, you authorize us to rebook your ticket(s) should eligible savings be found.
2.3. Limitations:
- No guarantee of savings or applicability across all itineraries or airlines.
- If your ticket(s) are reissued, you will receive a new confirmation email with updated ticket number(s).
- We recommend waiting to purchase any additional services from the airline (such as seat selection or baggage) until the 24-hour monitoring period has ended.
- For debit card users, it may take 5 to 14 business days to regain access to the funds from the original ticket purchase.
2.4. Refund Eligibility
- Waiver of Right to Refund: If the original fare is eligible for a full refund within 24 hours of booking, you may request it. However, once we begin the rebooking process, you waive your right to a refund on the original ticket. Instead, any refund will be applied to the rebooked ticket and any applicable rebooking fees.
2.5. Governing Rules
- Airline and Company Terms: The rebooked ticket(s) will be subject to the airline’s rules, restrictions, and our terms and conditions.
3. Airline Schedule Changes and Flight Cancellations
3.1. Acknowledgment: You acknowledge that airlines may adjust their flight schedules, including cancellations, delays, and other changes due to various reasons beyond our control.
3.2. Notifications
- Effort to Notify: We will make every reasonable effort to notify you of any major or minor Schedule Changes via email, using the contact information provided during booking.
- Responsibility for Contact Information: It is your responsibility to provide accurate contact information and to check your email for such notifications.
3.3. Minor Schedule Changes
- Automatic Reconfirmation: For minor Schedule Changes, you will be automatically re-confirmed on an alternate flight unless it results in a misconnection. You will receive notification of the Schedule Change from us and an updated itinerary.
- Alternative Accommodations: If the re-confirmed flight is not suitable, you may contact us for alternative accommodations, subject to the airline's fare rules.
3.4. Major Schedule Changes
- Required Actions: If a Schedule Change is considered "major" by the airline or would result in a misconnection, we will send you an email notification of the Schedule Change along with a request to confirm or modify the re-accommodation offered by the airline. The email will contain an airline-imposed deadline by which you must respond to protect the validity of your ticket.
- Failure to Respond: Failure to respond by any airline-imposed deadline may result in automatic confirmation of the re-accommodation option provided by the carrier to avoid cancellation of your ticket.
3.5. Limitations
- Incorrect Contact Information: We are not responsible for incorrect contact information provided at the time of reservation.
- Airline Responsibility Post-Check-In: If a Schedule Change occurs after you have checked in for your flight, it is the airline's responsibility to notify you of the change and rebook your flight.
- Flight Reconfirmation: It is your responsibility to reconfirm your flight directly with us or the airline 72 hours and 24 hours before departure.
- Bad Weather or Last-Minute Changes: If you discover Schedule Changes, including cancellations, within 24 hours of departure, or if you are already at the airport or between flights, we recommend working directly with airline staff to explore alternative transportation options, especially during bad weather when options may be limited.
4. Technical/Mechanical Issues
4.1. Assistance
In the event your flight is delayed or canceled due to technical or mechanical problems with the aircraft, we will:
- Alternative Arrangements: Assist you in securing alternative travel arrangements on the same or a different airline.
- Communication Facilitation: Facilitate communication with the airline regarding compensation or refunds, if applicable under the airline's policies.
4.2. Limitations
- Limited Rebooking Options: Technical or mechanical issues are often outside the airline's immediate control, and rebooking options may be limited.
- Variable Compensation: Compensation varies by airline and may depend on whether the delay or cancellation is considered under the airline’s controllable events.
- Excluded Expenses: We do not cover non-refundable expenses such as accommodations or meals not covered by the airline.
- Mechanical Issues on the Tarmac: Mechanical issues that occur once the aircraft has already left the gate (resulting in delays on the tarmac).
5. Airline Bankruptcy
5.1. Acknowledgment: You acknowledge that If an airline goes bankrupt or ceases operations, your flight might be canceled without prior notice.
5.2. Assistance
In the event an airline files for bankruptcy or ceases operations:
- Rebooking: We will assist you in rebooking your travel with a different airline, subject to availability and fare conditions.
- Refund Claims: We will work with the airline on your behalf to file refund claims if applicable.
5.3. Limitations
- Variable Airline Policies: Airline bankruptcy policies vary by country, and some airlines may not be able to offer immediate refunds.
- Payment Provider Disputes: In cases where we cannot secure a refund from the airline, we recommend contacting your payment provider to dispute the charge.
6. VIP Club Benefits
6.1. Exclusive Access & Availability
- Exclusive Access: VIP Club members gain exclusive access to special rates, offering up to 45% savings on select hotel and car rental bookings.
- Availability: Availability may vary depending on location, season, and provider.
- Non-Transferable Discounts: Discount rates are non-transferable and cannot be combined with other promotions or offers.
6.2. Airline Loyalty Program Enrollment
- Enrollment Assistance: We will assist you in enrolling in your preferred airline’s loyalty program.
- Subject to Airline Terms: Loyalty program participation is subject to each airline’s terms, including eligibility requirements.
- Points Accumulation: The accumulation and redemption of points are governed by the respective airline's rules and policies.
6.3. Online Check-in Assistance
- Personalized Assistance: VIP Club members can take advantage of personalized online check-in assistance.
- Check-in Timing: Online check-in opens 24–48 hours prior to your flight, depending on the airline.
- Subject to Availability: Seating preferences and check-in options are subject to availability and the airline’s policies.
7. Hassle-Free Exchange
7.1. Service Description
- No Agency Fees: Our Hassle-Free Exchange service allows you to exchange your airline ticket without paying agency fees.
- Expert Assistance: Our team will assist you through the entire process.
7.2. Limitations
- Airline Fees May Apply: Any fare differences or airline-imposed penalties may still apply based on the airline’s exchange policies.
- Subject to Availability: The exchange is subject to availability.
8. Refund Policy Due to Sickness/Hospitalization
We offer refunds in specific cases such as illness, injury, or hospitalization. Please provide the necessary evidence and adhere to the conditions for refund eligibility.
8.1.1. Illness or Injury
- Criteria: Illness or accidental injury affecting a person in the booking or an Immediate Relative.
- Evidence Required: Doctor’s note or Medical Certificate confirming the details of the illness or injury, the date it first occurred, and a statement that it prevents the person from attending the flight. Proof of relationship if applicable.
8.1.2. Pre-existing Medical Condition
- Criteria: Physical or mental health condition existing at the time of Booking that wouldn't normally impede attending the flight.
- Evidence Required: Doctor’s note or Medical Certificate detailing the condition, the date it changed, and confirmation that it prevents the person from attending the flight.
8.1.3. Pregnancy Complication
- Criteria: Unforeseen complications of pregnancy hindering attendance, unknown at the time of booking.
- Evidence Required: Doctor’s note or Medical Certificate specifying the complication, its occurrence date, and confirmation that it prevents the person from attending.
8.1.4. Death
- Criteria: Your death or that of an Immediate Relative within 15 days prior to the booked departure date.
- Evidence Required: Death certificate and proof of relationship.
8.1.5. Hospitalization
- Criteria: Hospitalization due to a serious illness, injury, or medical emergency affecting a person included in the booking or an Immediate Relative.
- Evidence Required: Medical Certificate or hospital admission form stating the reason for hospitalization, the date of admission, and confirmation that it affects the ability to attend. Proof of relationship if applicable.
8.2. Exclusions
Refunds are not offered for:
- Predictable Conditions: Conditions that would typically prevent attendance or were known prior to booking.
- Elective Procedures: Elective or pre-scheduled hospital stays or treatments.
- Failure to Provide Evidence: Failure to provide the required evidence as specified.
8.3. Refund Request Procedure
- How to Apply: To initiate a refund, contact your personal travel agent or submit a claim via [email protected].
- Timeframe: Applications must be submitted within 7 days post-booking.
Important Notes:
- Refunds are subject to discretionary review and do not imply a guarantee.
- This is not an insurance policy but an optional extension to Our standard Terms & Conditions, outlining specific refund scenarios.
9. Premium Seat Selection
9.1. With our Premium Seat Selection service, we will assist you in choosing the best possible seats based on your preferences and cabin class.
9.2. Limitations
- Availability: Service is subject to seat availability at the time of booking or check-in.
- Additional Charges: Certain seats may incur additional charges depending on the airline’s policies.
- Influencing Factors: Seat selection may be influenced by fare type or loyalty status.
10. Baggage Tracking Assistance Service and Pledge
10.1. Assistance
In the event your baggage is lost or mishandled by an airline, we will:
- Locate Baggage: Assist in identifying the location of your baggage.
- Monitor Progress: Monitor the airline's efforts to reroute your baggage.
- Provide Updates: Keep you informed about the progress of your baggage's rerouting.
10.2. Service Guarantee
- Compensation: If your baggage is not delivered to the airport at your destination within 96 hours of your flight's actual arrival time, we will pay you $500 per lost bag with a maximum of two bags per passenger.
10.3. Eligibility and Effective Dates
- Service Availability: Service is available for you and your travel companions booked on the same flight itinerary, provided the required service fee has been paid.
- Enrollment: Enrollment and the service fee must be completed at least 24 hours before your flight's departure. Your enrollment must contain accurate travel information. False or inaccurate information may disqualify you from receiving service or the service pledge payment.
- Eligibility: Eligibility begins when you check your baggage and ends when your baggage is returned to you.
10.4. Reporting Procedure
- Report to Airline: Report lost or mishandled baggage to the airline within 24 hours of arrival and obtain a Baggage Claim File Reference Number.
- Notify Us: Report this number to us within 24 hours of arrival along with required information such as airline name, flight confirmation number(s), and baggage ticket number(s), scanned copy of the boarding pass.
10.5. Exclusions
- Non-Checked Baggage: Service does not apply to baggage not checked prior to departure.
- Late Reporting: Failure to report lost or mishandled baggage to the airline and us within 24 hours.
- Timely Return: Baggage returned within 96 hours.
- Manipulations: We will not provide service if there is intentional concealment or fraud.
11. Vouchers
11.1. Benefits
- Immediate Savings: Receive an Instant Voucher upon completing your current booking, which can be redeemed for a discount on your next travel purchase.
- Flexible Redemption: Vouchers can be used on a wide range of travel services, including flights, hotel accommodations, and car rentals.
11.2. Limitations
- Maximum Coverage: Vouchers can cover a maximum of 15% of the total price for your new booking.
- Exclusive Use: Vouchers can only be used for bookings made directly on vipfares.com.
- Non-Combinable: Vouchers cannot be combined with other promotional offers and are subject to the terms and conditions applicable at the time of issuance.
12. General Provisions
12.1. Governing Law: This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Delaware.
12.2. Entire Agreement: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties.
12.3. Severability: If any provision is found invalid, the remaining provisions will remain in full effect.
12.4. Amendments: We reserve the right to amend these terms at any time.
12.5. Contact Information: For questions, contact VIPFARES LLC at: [email protected] or 855-777-5533.