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Traveling Together 8
Group Travel Planning Guide:
Getting Started:
• Choose a group leader/coordinator
• Survey group for dates and budget
• Determine destination preferences
• Set booking deadline for members
Benefits of Group Booking (10+):
• Special group rates
• Flexible payment plans
• Hold seats without names
• Dedicated support agent
• Potential perks (free seats, upgrades)
Planning Timeline:
• 6-12 months ahead: Start planning
• 3-6 months: Lock in dates and book
• 2-3 months: Collect passenger details
• 1 month: Final payments due
• 2 weeks: Confirm all arrangements
Tips for Success:
• Use shared docs for coordination
• Set clear deadlines
• Collect deposits early
• Book activities in advance
• Have backup plans
• Create a group chat
Contact Us:
For groups of 10+, email info@milestour.com or call +254 7927 24009
Getting Started:
• Choose a group leader/coordinator
• Survey group for dates and budget
• Determine destination preferences
• Set booking deadline for members
Benefits of Group Booking (10+):
• Special group rates
• Flexible payment plans
• Hold seats without names
• Dedicated support agent
• Potential perks (free seats, upgrades)
Planning Timeline:
• 6-12 months ahead: Start planning
• 3-6 months: Lock in dates and book
• 2-3 months: Collect passenger details
• 1 month: Final payments due
• 2 weeks: Confirm all arrangements
Tips for Success:
• Use shared docs for coordination
• Set clear deadlines
• Collect deposits early
• Book activities in advance
• Have backup plans
• Create a group chat
Contact Us:
For groups of 10+, email info@milestour.com or call +254 7927 24009
Sitting Together on Flights:
Best Strategies:
• Book early (more seat availability)
• Book together in one transaction
• Select seats immediately after booking
• Consider paying for seat selection
• Check in exactly at 24-hour mark
Group Seating Options:
• Book consecutive seats in same row
• Book window and aisle (middle often stays empty)
• Request adjacent rows
• Ask gate agent at boarding
Airlines and Families:
• Many airlines try to seat families together
• Children under 13 usually seated with adult
• DOT requires airlines to seat kids with adults (no fee)
If Seats Aren't Together:
• Ask politely at gate
• Offer to swap with other passengers
• Middle seats easier to swap for
• Gate agents have some flexibility
Upgrading for Groups:
• Business/First often has more availability
• Consider splitting group if necessary
• Premium economy may help
Best Strategies:
• Book early (more seat availability)
• Book together in one transaction
• Select seats immediately after booking
• Consider paying for seat selection
• Check in exactly at 24-hour mark
Group Seating Options:
• Book consecutive seats in same row
• Book window and aisle (middle often stays empty)
• Request adjacent rows
• Ask gate agent at boarding
Airlines and Families:
• Many airlines try to seat families together
• Children under 13 usually seated with adult
• DOT requires airlines to seat kids with adults (no fee)
If Seats Aren't Together:
• Ask politely at gate
• Offer to swap with other passengers
• Middle seats easier to swap for
• Gate agents have some flexibility
Upgrading for Groups:
• Business/First often has more availability
• Consider splitting group if necessary
• Premium economy may help
Flying with Kids Complete Guide:
Infants (Under 2):
• Can sit on lap (free or small fee)
• FAA-approved car seat recommended
• Bassinets on long-haul (request ahead)
• Bring more supplies than you think
Toddlers (2-5):
• Must have own seat
• Car seat or CARES harness recommended
• Aisle seat for bathroom access
• Pack snacks and entertainment
Older Children (6-12):
• Window seat for distraction
• Download movies/games before flight
• Pack activity bag
• Let them help with their bag
Packing Checklist:
• Diapers and wipes (extras!)
• Change of clothes (for you and child)
• Favorite toy/comfort item
• Snacks and drinks
• Entertainment devices
• Headphones (kid-sized)
• Medications
Pro Tips:
• Book flights around nap time
• Feed during takeoff/landing (ear pressure)
• Let kids burn energy before boarding
• Gate check stroller
Infants (Under 2):
• Can sit on lap (free or small fee)
• FAA-approved car seat recommended
• Bassinets on long-haul (request ahead)
• Bring more supplies than you think
Toddlers (2-5):
• Must have own seat
• Car seat or CARES harness recommended
• Aisle seat for bathroom access
• Pack snacks and entertainment
Older Children (6-12):
• Window seat for distraction
• Download movies/games before flight
• Pack activity bag
• Let them help with their bag
Packing Checklist:
• Diapers and wipes (extras!)
• Change of clothes (for you and child)
• Favorite toy/comfort item
• Snacks and drinks
• Entertainment devices
• Headphones (kid-sized)
• Medications
Pro Tips:
• Book flights around nap time
• Feed during takeoff/landing (ear pressure)
• Let kids burn energy before boarding
• Gate check stroller
Family-Friendly Services:
At the Airport:
• Family lanes at security (some airports)
• Kids' play areas in terminals
• Family restrooms
• Nursing rooms (many airports)
• Stroller gate check (free)
On the Plane:
• Bassinets for long flights
• Kids' meals (request in advance)
• Activity packs on some airlines
• Kid-friendly entertainment
• Blankets and pillows
Priority Boarding:
• Most airlines offer family pre-boarding
• Usually after First/Business but before general
• Take advantage to get settled
• Store bags and set up distractions
Unaccompanied Minors:
• Available for ages 5-14 typically
• Dedicated staff throughout journey
• Fee: $100-150 each way
• Cannot book on connecting flights (varies)
Request in Advance:
• Child meals
• Bassinets
• Extra baby food warming
• Adjacent seats
At the Airport:
• Family lanes at security (some airports)
• Kids' play areas in terminals
• Family restrooms
• Nursing rooms (many airports)
• Stroller gate check (free)
On the Plane:
• Bassinets for long flights
• Kids' meals (request in advance)
• Activity packs on some airlines
• Kid-friendly entertainment
• Blankets and pillows
Priority Boarding:
• Most airlines offer family pre-boarding
• Usually after First/Business but before general
• Take advantage to get settled
• Store bags and set up distractions
Unaccompanied Minors:
• Available for ages 5-14 typically
• Dedicated staff throughout journey
• Fee: $100-150 each way
• Cannot book on connecting flights (varies)
Request in Advance:
• Child meals
• Bassinets
• Extra baby food warming
• Adjacent seats
Traveling with Pets Guide:
In-Cabin (Small Pets):
• Dogs and cats mostly
• Must fit in carrier under seat
• Carrier max: ~18" x 11" x 11"
• Pet + carrier under 20 lbs usually
• Fee: $95-200 each way
• Limited spots - book early!
Checked Pets (Cargo):
• For larger pets
• IATA-approved hard kennel required
• Climate-controlled cargo hold
• Fee: $200-500+
• Temperature restrictions apply
• Not available on all routes
Pet Shipping Services:
• Door-to-door pet transport
• Professional handlers
• Best for complex itineraries
• Expensive but comprehensive
Preparation:
• Vet visit 10 days before
• Health certificate required
• Update microchip info
• Practice with carrier
• Don't feed 4-6 hours before
• Walk before check-in
Restricted Breeds:
• Snub-nosed breeds (pugs, bulldogs) often restricted
• Check airline pet policy carefully
In-Cabin (Small Pets):
• Dogs and cats mostly
• Must fit in carrier under seat
• Carrier max: ~18" x 11" x 11"
• Pet + carrier under 20 lbs usually
• Fee: $95-200 each way
• Limited spots - book early!
Checked Pets (Cargo):
• For larger pets
• IATA-approved hard kennel required
• Climate-controlled cargo hold
• Fee: $200-500+
• Temperature restrictions apply
• Not available on all routes
Pet Shipping Services:
• Door-to-door pet transport
• Professional handlers
• Best for complex itineraries
• Expensive but comprehensive
Preparation:
• Vet visit 10 days before
• Health certificate required
• Update microchip info
• Practice with carrier
• Don't feed 4-6 hours before
• Walk before check-in
Restricted Breeds:
• Snub-nosed breeds (pugs, bulldogs) often restricted
• Check airline pet policy carefully
Pet Travel Documentation:
Domestic Flights (US):
• Health certificate from vet (within 10 days)
• Proof of rabies vaccination
• Some states have additional requirements
International Flights:
• USDA-endorsed health certificate
• Rabies titer test (some countries)
• Import permit (destination country)
• Microchip (ISO standard)
• Specific vaccinations per destination
• Quarantine info (UK, Australia, etc.)
Service Animals:
• DOT Service Animal form
• Vet health documentation
• Attestation of behavior
• Submit 48 hours before flight
Getting Documents:
1. Visit your vet 10 days before
2. Get health certificate signed
3. For international: Get USDA endorsement
4. Check destination country requirements
5. Make copies of everything
Plan Ahead:
Some requirements take weeks. Start 2-3 months early for international!
Domestic Flights (US):
• Health certificate from vet (within 10 days)
• Proof of rabies vaccination
• Some states have additional requirements
International Flights:
• USDA-endorsed health certificate
• Rabies titer test (some countries)
• Import permit (destination country)
• Microchip (ISO standard)
• Specific vaccinations per destination
• Quarantine info (UK, Australia, etc.)
Service Animals:
• DOT Service Animal form
• Vet health documentation
• Attestation of behavior
• Submit 48 hours before flight
Getting Documents:
1. Visit your vet 10 days before
2. Get health certificate signed
3. For international: Get USDA endorsement
4. Check destination country requirements
5. Make copies of everything
Plan Ahead:
Some requirements take weeks. Start 2-3 months early for international!
Service Animals on Flights:
Definition (US DOT):
• Dogs only (as of 2021)
• Individually trained to perform tasks
• For person with disability
• Emotional support animals are NOT service animals
What's Required:
• DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form
• DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form
• Submit 48 hours before departure
• Health/behavior attestation from owner
Your Rights:
• No fee charged
• Can fly in cabin
• Must be on floor or in lap
• Cannot block aisles
• One service animal per person typically
Airline May Deny If:
• Animal poses safety threat
• Documentation incomplete
• Animal is disruptive
• Too large to be accommodated
Emotional Support Animals (ESA):
• No longer recognized by US airlines
• Must follow pet policies
• Fees apply
• Cabin restrictions apply
Psychiatric Service Dogs:
• Still considered service animals
• Same rights as other service dogs
• Must perform trained task
Definition (US DOT):
• Dogs only (as of 2021)
• Individually trained to perform tasks
• For person with disability
• Emotional support animals are NOT service animals
What's Required:
• DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form
• DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form
• Submit 48 hours before departure
• Health/behavior attestation from owner
Your Rights:
• No fee charged
• Can fly in cabin
• Must be on floor or in lap
• Cannot block aisles
• One service animal per person typically
Airline May Deny If:
• Animal poses safety threat
• Documentation incomplete
• Animal is disruptive
• Too large to be accommodated
Emotional Support Animals (ESA):
• No longer recognized by US airlines
• Must follow pet policies
• Fees apply
• Cabin restrictions apply
Psychiatric Service Dogs:
• Still considered service animals
• Same rights as other service dogs
• Must perform trained task
Pet Travel Checklist
Traveling with your pet is a breeze when you're well-prepared! Here's everything you need for a purr-fect trip:
✓ Vaccinations/Documentation
• Current vaccination records
• Health certificate (if required)
• Visit aphis.usda.gov for international pet travel requirements
✓ ID Tags
• Up-to-date contact info on collar
• Microchip information
✓ Pet License
• Current registration
• Rabies tag
✓ FAA-Approved Carrier
• Max dimensions: 17" L x 12.5" W x 8.5" H (may vary by airline)
• Must fit under seat in front of you
• Well-ventilated and secure
✓ Pet Treats
• Favorite snacks for comfort
• Avoid feeding heavy meals before flight
✓ Favorite Toy
• Familiar comfort item
• Nothing with squeakers (courtesy to other passengers)
✓ Supplies
• Collapsible water bowl
• Waste bags
• Absorbent pads for carrier
• Leash for airport transfers
✓ Pre-Flight Workout
• Exercise your pet before heading to airport
• A tired pet is a calm traveler!
Traveling with your pet is a breeze when you're well-prepared! Here's everything you need for a purr-fect trip:
✓ Vaccinations/Documentation
• Current vaccination records
• Health certificate (if required)
• Visit aphis.usda.gov for international pet travel requirements
✓ ID Tags
• Up-to-date contact info on collar
• Microchip information
✓ Pet License
• Current registration
• Rabies tag
✓ FAA-Approved Carrier
• Max dimensions: 17" L x 12.5" W x 8.5" H (may vary by airline)
• Must fit under seat in front of you
• Well-ventilated and secure
✓ Pet Treats
• Favorite snacks for comfort
• Avoid feeding heavy meals before flight
✓ Favorite Toy
• Familiar comfort item
• Nothing with squeakers (courtesy to other passengers)
✓ Supplies
• Collapsible water bowl
• Waste bags
• Absorbent pads for carrier
• Leash for airport transfers
✓ Pre-Flight Workout
• Exercise your pet before heading to airport
• A tired pet is a calm traveler!
Still Have Questions?
Our customer support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any questions or concerns.
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