smarTours Group Flights

Many smarTours packages include optional airfare on a group flight departing the US. If you've booked our air-inclusive package, the Primary Booker on your reservation will receive an email notification with your flight ticket details once the tickets have been issued. Expect your flight itinerary to be confirmed and ticketed between 30-45 days before your trip. In the meantime, please visit the "Before You Depart (https://smartours.ladesk.com/050563-Preparing-for-your-trip)" page for your t...

We know that many travelers prefer to book their own flights - this can have many advantages in terms of flying from your home airport, choosing your own seats, upgrading your seats, and using and collecting airline miles. You may even be able to find a better price. Please weigh your options carefully and choose the one that is best for you. Booking your own flight: There are many advantages to booking the smarTours Tour-Only package and arranging your own flight. - Home Airport: ...

Travelers with smarTours Group Air: If you are traveling on a smarTours group flight, your transfer from the airport upon arrival and back to the airport upon departure are included with your airfare. You will be met at the airport by your tour director or another member of our team, and provided transport back to the airport at the end of your tour. Details will be provided in your tour documents, which you will receive 7-14 days prior to departure. Land Only Travelers: Booking your own f...

Airline schedule changes do happen and it's important to keep on top of these. For passengers who have booked the group flight, it's the responsibility of the traveler to monitor minor schedule changes after your tickets have been issued. Tickets are typically issued 30-45 days prior to your departure. In the case of major schedule changes (one hour or more from your original itinerary), smarTours will email the Primary Booker on your reservation with an update. This will include any impact the...

If you’re traveling on the smarTours group flight, you can add your nine-digit Known Traveler Number (KTN) for each passenger on your reservation on the Traveler Information page linked from your Account page on the smarTours website before your trip is ticketed so we can add it to your reservation. Be sure to add this information as soon as possible after making your reservation. If you’ve already received your air tickets, you may also add it directly to the airline’s website using the re...

Unfortunately, smarTours cannot offer flight upgrades to business class or premium economy. Group bookings are limited with respect to these options. If you wish to travel with upgraded air, your best option is to purchase our Tour-Only package and book your own flights to the destination. This can be advantageous for other reasons as well. See "[Booking your own flight](https://smartours.ladesk.com/555335-Booking-your-own-flight)" for further details.

Flight tickets booked as part of a group usually do not allow guests to choose their own seats in advance. Seating is solely under control of the airline, and while we can submit preferences on your behalf, they are not guaranteed. The airline will typically pre-assign seats to the entire group block and changes can only be made upon check-in at the airport, subject to availability. In select cases where advanced seat selection is allowed by the airline for group tickets, additional fees may be...

We unfortunately cannot accept airline miles as payment for your tickets, nor can we accept miles to pay for upgrades. If you'd like to book or upgrade with miles, you'll need to make a Tour-Only reservation with smarTours, and [book your own flight](https://smartours.ladesk.com/555335-Booking-your-own-flight). When it comes to earning miles, policies vary by airline for group tickets, and can’t be guaranteed on group flights. Once you receive your tickets, you can check directly with your airl...

All international flights with smarTours include one checked bag and one carry-on bag. This also includes intra-tour flights. Checked bags are usually limited to 44 pounds, and carry-on luggage is limited to one piece per person, which must fit in overhead bins or under the seat in front of you. Please also check the airline website to confirm their limits. We kindly ask that you pack as light as you can. Do not bring more than one checked bag with you on tour, as travelers must be able to hand...

If you checked luggage for your flight and it doesn’t arrive at the baggage claim, it’s important to report it missing while you are still at the airport. - Try to speak directly to an airline representative, who can guide you through any paperwork you will need to complete. - If an airline representative isn’t available, call the airline’s customer service number or go to their website to report your missing bag(s). - You’ll need your baggage claim tags that you were provided when you checked ...