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As you know, we have made some fairly serious changes the
past couple of years in our trip conditions and policies, notably that dealing
with deposits and charges for air taxes. I think it would be helpful if we went
over them again so avoid future potential misunderstandings.
1. DEPOSIT PENALTIES and
DATES FOR CANCELLATION: When we first started hosting these trips, we set
cancellation policies based on the cancellation penalty fees assessed to us by
the resort and airline used to get us there. As you know, life has changed .
The Euro is still up against the dollar and there are fewer flights. In
addition, because of increased jet fuel costs, domestic airlines have nearly
doubled fares and foreign carriers have increased their “fuel surcharge”
prices. Airlines have limited seats due to reduced numbers of flights, and
they have also discovered the increased cancellation penalty as a means of
raising revenue. If we hold seats past the cut-off dates, Gateway will end up
paying money to cover seats not used. As a result, just as last year, we are
holding only 26 seats to Steamboat and Taos and 63 to Zermatt.
Even if we were able to
get you on at a later date, your air cost would not be guaranteed, and, more
likely than not, will be more expensive than the original cost! Waiting until
October to decide what your plans will be for next season could cost you a
considerable amount more for the same trip. Please review the cancellation
dates and penalties!! The amount of the penalty reflects Gateway’s actual
cost on cancellation. These cancellation dates allow us to insure adequate trip
planning for our participants and are very clearly set forth! Please
read them! Finally, note when and how you will receive your refund. When you
pay for your trip, that money is forwarded to the resort and the airline. It is
not kept in Gateway’s bank account. I cannot control when they will give it
back, if ever. As a result, we will make any refunds only after all the
trips have been completed.
2.
TIMELY TRIP ENROLLMENT : Many times, we hear “Count Me In!!!”.
For some of the same reasons stated above, that will no longer insure you a spot
on a trip. Gateway will only have a limited number of spaces that we believe
we can fill. After our recent experiences, we will not hold seats beyond
any cancellation period. We are paying deposits now for all of our
trips. If you want to go on the trip, you must follow the deposit schedule and
must send in a payment form for each trip. Please don’t believe
that you can wait until the last minute and someone will find a seat for you.
Absolutely not true! If we don’t have a payment form and deposits for your
seat, it won’t be held! If the trip does not look like it is going to fill,
that seat will be canceled!! Don’t expect to just make a phone call and
indicate you want to go. Send in the form; send in the deposit!
3.
INCREASED TRIP COSTS: I wish that there was something magic I could say.
If you deducted the“fuel surcharges” from Europe, our trips would be nearly
$300.00 less. The Euro has now stayed about the same for the past three years,
but it also is a factor in increased costs. By way of example, our very
first trip to Kitzbuhel, Austria in 1989 (with NO extension) cost
$1,050.00. It was a two star hotel and did not include any post trip
extension. Once again, we have priced the trip without including the air
taxes or fuel surcharges. Hopefully, they will not increase, but until we
actually buy the tickets, the cost may fluctuate.
4. EUROPE PAY DATES: Once again this year,
we are going to move the deposit and payment dates a bit ahead so that we don’t
hit you up for so much money in December! One of the ways our broker is
keeping our costs down is by buying foreign currency as a hedge. We need to
make sure he is paid when it comes time for him to complete his transaction. It
is good for him and good for us. Please make sure you get your payments in on
time! While this mainly applies to Europe, it makes my life much easier for all
of the trips.
5. New this year! We have a
“Paypal” account which can be accessed on the website and used to make
your payments online. WARNING! If
you use Paypal (or a credit card), it will add an additional 3 % to your payment
as that is what Paypal charges Gateway. Frankly, we would prefer that you send
a check rather than use a credit card or Paypal as it is much cheaper for you to
do so. However, if it is more convenient for you to use these other forms of
payment, we are happy to accommodate you.
I believe that in most cases, these
items are understood by most of our members. However, I feel that it is best to
explain to you why our policies have changed, and explain fully our positions
and the reasons for them. I am sure that you will understand why we have done
what we have. If you have any questions or comments, let me know.
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