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Apple's Got the Answers! Over the past 30 years, we've learned a lot.
If you've got a travel related question, from proof of citizenship requirements to
the best seafood restaurant in Cancun, chances are good that we have your answer.
Here's a sampling of the questions we're asked most often.
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Tips to Get to Your Departure Gate On Time |
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As you know, recent events have caused airports to increase security measures. This has translated into longer lines and wait times clearing security at U.S. airports.
The people of Apple Vacations and USA 3000 Airlines will work together to ensure that our customers' vacation experience is as smooth as possible while making every effort to ensure the safety of our passengers, pilots and crew. Passengers should be advised of new heightened security measures.
Apple Vacations suggests:
· Arrive at least three hours prior to departure;
· Bring proper proof of citizenship to expedite the check in process;
· Pack lightly and understand carry on baggage restrictions (listed in detail at www.tsa.gov);
· Reconfirm flight schedules with the departure airport prior to leaving home.
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Carry-On Baggage Regulations for Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols |
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The TSA has new regulations for carrying liquid on board planes. Air travelers may now carry liquids, gels and aerosols in their carry-on bag when going through security checkpoints.
The TSA Rule is "3-1-1" for carry-ons. Passengers may carry any 3 ounce bottle or less, stored in a 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; and only 1 bag per passenger may be placed in screening bin. The one-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring; and the 3 oz. container size is a security measure.
There are exceptions and larger amounts may be carried on for prescription and over-the-counter medicines, baby formula and breast milk, and other essential liquids, gels, and aerosols. These should be carried on in separated bags and declared to the security officer at the X-Ray machine for inspection.
Containers that can hold more than three ounces and are half-full, such as toothpaste tubes rolled up, are not allowed. Any liquid, gel, or aerosol purchased in the secure area after you process through a security checkpoint, such as liquor, perfume, coffee or soda, is allowed on board your plane.
If in doubt about the amount of liquid you have, put your liquids in checked luggage. See www.tsa.com for more information.
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Important New Baggage Policies Information |
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Please note that for domestic and international travel many airlines have changed or will be changing some of their baggage policies and are now allowing fewer free bags. Check with your air carriers website or call them for more specifics.
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Which airline will I fly with when I travel with Apple Vacations? |
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That will vary depending on where you are departing from and your destination. Apple uses popular USA 3000 Airlines for most of it vacation flights. Additionally, Apple uses other major scheduled service airlines available for the flexibility of daily departures and daily returns.
Click here for more information about the Airlines we use.
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Is there a difference between charter and scheduled air packages? |
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The term "charter" refers to aircraft used specifically to fly Apple Vacations customers to many major sun destinations. Our Charter flights are typically non-stop, and you have more time to enjoy in the destination. Typically, charter flight times are better, and the package vacation price is less. Another benefit is that your luggage will be removed quickly from the aircraft and will be ready to board your resort transfer once you arrive. Apple Vacations strives to manage every aspect of your vacation experience when you fly with our charter partners, from the time you check-in at the airport, until you arrive at your resort. We are there to help you along the way until the time you arrive back home.
Apple Vacations also offers scheduled air packages to every major sun destination. "Scheduled Air" refers to the transportation portion of your vacation that includes major airlines with schedules at various times and days of the week. Apple Vacations offers scheduled air packages from over 200 cities nationwide to those destinations where we do not offer non stop charter service; and also to complement our charter schedules to those destinations where we do offer charter service but need additional seats due to high demand. Scheduled air packages give you the most flexibility in departure and arrival times when traveling to a destination.
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What is the baggage allowance for air travel? |
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Most airlines allow one bag (under 50 pounds) for each paying passenger. Check your airlines website for specific allowances. Carry-on baggage is limited to one bag per person. The dimensions of the carry-on cannot exceed 45" linear. Excess or oversized baggage may be denied at check-in. If accepted, there will be additional charges. Anyone attempting to check-in excess baggage should arrive at the ticket counter a minimum of 2 hours prior to departure (3 hours for Mexicana Airlines), or risk being denied boarding. Infants under age two do not receive a separate baggage allowance. Apple Vacations accepts no liability for loss or damage to luggage, although maximum care will be taken to ensure safe handling. Regulations are subject to change, so please consult your travel agent or Apple Vacations for the most updated information.
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What should handicapped passengers know about obtaining assistance at the airport or in their destination? |
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Should you desire any special service or equipment to assist with a disability, please let us know in advance so we can advise the air carrier. Although we will do our best to assist you, Apple Vacations cannot guarantee the availability of wheelchairs at any airport. Wheelchair accessible rooms may be requested but cannot be guaranteed. Standards may vary at different hotels and destinations, and are not within the control of Apple Vacations, but we will do our very best to accommodate handicapped passengers.
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What does the Apple Hotel Rating beside the hotel name mean? |
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Apple Ratings are based on the opinions of hundreds of thousands of Apple vacationers who complete our Vacation Satisfaction Questionnaires. We want your opinions too, so that we can continue to offer you the best service and value!
- 6 Apple - A luxurious resort/hotel offering the highest standards and widest variety of dining and amenities
- 5 Apple - An excellent resort/hotel with superior first-class accommodations and guest services
- 4 Apple - A first-class resort/hotel or condo with a good selection of guest services
- 3 Apple - A comfortable hotel or condo with simple accommodations and public areas
- 2 Apple - A modest hotel or condo with limited choice of amenities
- 1 Apple - A basic budget hotel or condo with few public areas or amenities
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What are Golden Apple hotels? |
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With such a wide range of fabulous accommodations, choosing the perfect hotel isn't easy. When you select a Golden Apple hotel, you can be assured that you've made an outstanding choice, because other travelers have designated these hotels as "Golden". When returning on a charter flight, every passenger will receive a Vacation Satisfaction Questionnaire. Those hotels who receive the very highest ratings for accommodations, service, facilities and meals will be awarded with the designation "Golden". Some hotels are moderate and others deluxe, but all Golden Apple hotels offer an exceptional standard of quality, service and value - as determined by the people who stay there.
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Will I be able to use credit cards and travelers' checks at my destination? |
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MasterCard, Visa, American Express and travelers' checks are accepted in most destinations. Most local banks and hotels provide a currency exchange. Don't plan on bringing alot of cash, especially if you're staying at an all-inclusive resort. You may want to bring a small amount of $1 bills to use for tips to show your appreciation for great service.
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Does Apple Vacations provide vacation packages from my departure city? |
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Apple Vacations offers vacations from every major city in the U.S. with our scheduled airline partners, and from more than 20 cities with charter airline service. Click here for more information about our departure cities.
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My flight is leaving very early in the morning. Can Apple Vacations recommend a hotel near the airport where I can stay the night before? |
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Yes, Apple Vacations has negotiated with many airport hotels to provide our customers with discounted hotel rates and in most cases FREE parking for up to 7 days when you spend the night pre - departure at the hotel. Click here and enter your departure city to find our "stay, park and fly" hotel partners.
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What if I need help or have questions once I arrive in my resort destination? |
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Your Apple Representative will greet you at the airport and escort you to your air-conditioned transfer. At most resorts, your Apple Representative will host a welcome briefing to acquaint you with your destination, answer your questions, arrange optional excursions and ensure that your vacation runs as promised and as planned. Apple Vacations has over 450 Apple Representatives in most destinations throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and Hawaii. They are available to help with any special needs you may have.
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What should I know about Customs Regulations? |
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U.S. Customs currently imposes an $800 limit per person ($1200 for US Virgin Islands) on the value of goods you can bring back into the U.S. duty-free from most countries. This amount varies depending on the particular country to which you travel. Also, you are restricted from bringing certain types of goods, (e.g. fresh fruits, vegetables) back into the country. Ask your travel agent for the latest details and remember to save receipts for purchases made while on vacation.
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What do I need to know about getting married while in resort? |
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If you plan to get married in your resort destination, be sure to check with the local tourist office and consulate of the country in which you are getting married for legal documents that may be required.
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What do I need to know about safety in resort? |
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Traveling to destinations, domestic or foreign is rewarding and exciting. Tourists must be aware, however that potential problems and risks to your personal safety could exist everywhere. Please use the same personal safety precautions and common sense on your vacation that you would at home. Example: apply sunscreen, don't swim alone, avoid display of cash and be especially careful of low railings on hotel balconies. Avoid venturing out alone; beware of dark places and isloated areas...just as you would at home.
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How do I make a reservation with Apple Vacations? |
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Apple now has 2 ways for you to book your dream vacation!
Shop On-Line, then Click and Go!
Use Apple Vacations' award-winning website to browse and help you decide on the perfect destination and resort based on your unique travel needs. Then, click "Plan Your Vacation" to select your preferred flights and hotel. It's that easy!
See Your Favorite Travel Agent to Book!
You can also contact any travel agent in the U.S. to book with Apple Vacations. If you don't already have a favorite travel agent, you can select one from our on-line listing of travel professionals who have known us for years!
Enjoy the convenience of shopping at home and the option of booking on-line, along with the security of an experienced travel professional to follow up with on any of your questions or concerns. Personal service via the internet...what could be better!
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Can I book just the hotel portion of your packages? |
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You can book a land only package to any of our destinations for durations of 2 to 14 nights. You can also book air only with Apple Vacations on any of our non-stop charters from more than 20 cities nationwide.
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What should I pack? |
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Pack light, you'll only be allowed to check one bag and carry one bag. Have your passport handy; you'll need to show it several times before you board your plane. Bring your bathing suit, a hat, sunglasses and a high SPF sunscreen in your carry on bag (but don't worry about packing a towel!). We like to bring bug repellant, just in case. And don't forget to check the detailed information about your resort to see if the restaurants have a dress code.
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Are there certain dress codes at the resorts? |
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Although casual dress is the standard by day, many resorts have dress code requirements for dinner. In many cases, "casual yet elegant" dress is suggested for women. Men are required to wear long pants (excluding jeans), proper footwear and shirts with collars. Some gourmet restaurants may require men to wear a jacket. Before you pack, be sure to visit your hotel's page on our web site for detailed dress code information, or ask your travel agent.
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What is "Value Plus"? |
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With Apple Vacations'exclusive Value Plus features, you always get more than what you pay for. We've teamed up with many of our hotel partners to load extra value into your vacation package. Go to the hotel's web page on our site and look for the Value Plus symbol to find exceptional features like these:
FREE room upgrades
FREE food & beverage credits
FREE full American breakfast daily
FREE or discounted golf greens fees
FREE scuba diving, tours and more
FREE or value priced weddings
FREE Kids - kids play, stay & eat free!
Optional value-packed meal plans
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Can I get the latest Apple Vacations Specials e-mailed to me when they become available? |
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Yes, simply click on "Register". We'll ask you to complete a short vacation profile, telling us where and when you'd like to go, how long you'd like to stay and a price range that is comfortable for you. Then when our Vacation Specials match your personal preferences, we'll e-mail them to you.
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What is a "Square Deal"? |
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Apple Vacations Square Deals are fantastic last minute vacation bargains!
Your clients choose the destination and departure date - we choose
the hotel. Our Representative will inform your clients of the hotel
when they arrive at the departure airport. Apple guarantees that the hotel
will be at least the Apple rating stated in the offer. In return
for letting us choose the hotel, we give a significant price reduction!
Because of the special nature of Square Deals, no special requests
can be accepted. Square Deals are subject to the terms of the
Fair Trade Contract and include:
- round-trip air
- hotel accommodations based on double occupancy
- transfers
- hotel baggage handling
- hotel tax
- services of an Apple Representative
- welcome reception
(Meals, drinks and watersports are not included unless an
"All-Inclusive" Square Deal is purchased.)
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Will I need to show identification when I travel within the US? |
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All passengers traveling within the United States or to any U.S. territory (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) require only a valid government issued photo I.D.
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Are there special requirements when traveling with minors? |
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All passengers regardless of age now require to a valid U.S. Passport for travel to international destinations. If a child under the age of 18 years on the day of departure is traveling to any of Apple's vacation destinations with a parent whose last name differs from the last name of the child, proof of parentage is recommended.
PLEASE NOTE: It is strongly suggested that all children under 18 on the day of departure, traveling with an adult other than a parent, have a notarized letter from the non-accompanying parent(s) stating that they have given consent for the child to leave the country. Additional requirements apply when traveling to specific countries. See the travel information sheets enclosed with your documents for complete details.
We regret that we cannot accept unaccompanied minors under 18 on any of our vacation packages. Anyone traveling who has not reached 18 on their departure day will be denied boarding if not accompanied by an adult. See below for additional information on traveling to Europe, Dominican Republic and Mexico.
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What are the requirements for minors traveling to Mexico? |
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All passengers regardless of age now require to a valid U.S. Passport for travel to international destinations. Mexican law regarding minors traveling to Mexico has changed since the printing of our Travel Information. As of April 2005, Mexico no longer requires a notarized letter from the non-accompanying parent(s) for minors under 18. Anyone under 18 on the day of departure will be denied boarding on Apple's exclusive vacation (charter) flights if not accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.
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What are the requirements for minors traveling to Europe? |
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All passengers regardless of age now require to a valid U.S. Passport for travel to international destinations. Non U.S. citizens must contact the appropriate consulate to determine if any visas are needed. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in denied boarding.
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What are the requirements for minors traveling to the Dominican Republic? |
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All passengers regardless of age now require to a valid U.S. Passport for travel to international destinations. Dominican Republic law has changed since the printing of our Travel Information (as of June 2006).
The Dominican Republic no longer requires a permit or a notarized letter for minors who are United States nationals or Canadian nationals. Anyone under 18 on the day of departure will be denied boarding if not accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.
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My child is under 2 years old. Is there anything I should know about traveling with an infant? |
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Infants under 2 years of age throughout the duration of their vacation fly and stay free, but must sit on an adult's lap and do not receive a separate baggage allowance. Some scheduled airlines may charge infants for air taxes and some countries charge infant departure taxes. Any such charges (by independent suppliers or governments) are the responsiblity of the client. Also, remember that ALL travelers returning to the U.S. by air from an international destination, regardless of age, require a passport. This means infants.
For Europe:
All children, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Children under 2 years old are considered infants and are not provided with an individual seat. The fare for a lap child is approximately 10-20% of the adult fare. If you choose to purchase a seat, the percent discount off the standard adult fare varies by country of origin, destination, season and fare type. Check with your travel agent for details. Land arrangements for infants under two are free of charge, provided they are accompanied by two full paying adults, and extra incidentals such as crib and food is paid to the hotel directly.
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Important Information when Traveling with Lap Children (under age 2) |
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USAirways, Continental, Mexicana and Frontier Airlines are now imposing a charge that is 10% of the current adult fare. To receive the current fare for a Lap Child, please contact Apple Vacations Customer Assistance for the latest applicable pricing at 1-800-517-2000.
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What is included when reserve a vacation package with Apple Vacations? |
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Your package price includes roundtrip airfare, baggage handling, resort transfers to and from the destination's airport*, services of an Apple Representative in-resort, and hotel accommodations, taxes and gratuities.
When you purchase an All-Inclusive package, all of your meals, drinks, gratuities, entertainment, and a variety of watersports are included in addition to the above.
*Airport/hotel transfers are not included in Puerto Rico.
For Europe, hotel transfers, baggage handling, and services of an Apple Representative at hotel are not included.
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What should I do if I have a special request? |
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Apple Vacations will provide the services and facilities of your vacation package as described in our catalog and confirmed on your invoice. If you would prefer special arrangements other than those described, such as adjoining rooms or rooms on a lower floor, special meals or specific assistance needed, we will be glad to pass on your special request to the appropriate vendor on your behalf. However, since these requests lie outside our contracts with our suppliers, Apple Vacations cannot guarantee that unless otherwise specified, these requests will be fulfilled.
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What items are not included when I book a vacation package? |
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Unless specified, wines, liquors, meals, sightseeing and excursions are not included in the price of your vacation. Passport and visa fees, port and embarkation fees, laundry, telephone calls, other items and services of a personal nature, tips to airport baggage handlers are not included in the price of your vacation. Departure/immigration taxes, passenger facility charges, September 11 Security Fee and any applicable fuel surcharges are not included and will be invoiced and collected with final payment. In some instances, departure taxes or tourist card fees are payable at the airport on your day of departure or arrival.
Please note: Tourist Cards for the Dominican Republic must be purchased at your resort airport upon arrival. Hotel taxes are not included in Bermuda. Energy Surcharges are not included in Nassau and at The Mill Resort & Suites Aruba.
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What do I need to know about safety in resort? |
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Traveling to destinations, domestic or foreign is rewarding and exciting. Tourists must be aware, however that potential problems and risks to your personal safety could exist everywhere. Please use the same personal safety precautions and common sense on your vacation that you would at home. Example: apply sunscreen, don't swim alone, avoid display of cash and be especially careful of low railings on hotel balconies. Avoid venturing out alone; beware of dark places and isloated areas...just as you would at home.
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What should I do if my return flight is departing late in the evening? |
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The "Nights in Hotel" listed on your booking confirmation indicates the number of nights that your room has been reserved for you. If your return flight departs late evening, it is normal for your hotel to require that you check out of your room at midday. In these cases, a room MAY be made available for storing hand baggage and for changing your clothes prior to departure. However, this is at the discretion of the hotel. We recommend asking at the front desk a couple days prior to your departure.
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