South African Airways warns on holiday problems travelling with kids
South African Airways (SAA) has issued a warning following a number of passengers with children checking in at Perth Airport failed to have correct documentation resulting in families unable to board flights.
According to Tim Clyde-Smith, SAA’s Country Manager for Australasia, South African Government laws on travel for children remain in place and must be observed.
“In too many recent examples, passengers have arrived to check in for their flight to find they have incomplete or no supporting paperwork that should include unabridged birth certificates and/or sworn affidavits,” Clyde-Smith said.
“Despite a comprehensive and ongoing education program through the travel trade, people are still arriving in Perth without the right documents. This is a failure of all stakeholders involved, unfortunately, as it is our collective role to ensure people are fully aware of the rules,” he said.
“If people try and check in with the wrong documents, our only option is to ask them to obtain the correct documentation before they can proceed on their journey. This can result in significant extra expense in re-booking flights and accommodation if re-booking can be made at all.”
“In addition, Botswana has now introduced similar regulations on children travelling which are similar to the South African laws.”
“I would urge all travel agents to check with their clients that they have obtained the correct documents well before they travel. Not doing so can mean major inconvenience at Christmas time, the busiest travel period of the year, with flights fully booked.” Clyde-Smith concluded.
For more information on South African regulations on child travel see: www.dha.gov.za
For information on Botswana regulations, see: http://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/travel-advisory
For more information on SAA flights and reservations please call 1300 435 972 or see www.flysaa.com.au
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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Ridiculous rules so I will never consider taking my family to South Africa as a result.