FAQ

General

What documentation do I need at the airport?

When checking in online or at the ticketing counter, it’s a good idea to have a photo ID as well as your airline confirmation code, sometimes referred to as a record locator. You’ll find this 6 digit code on your e-mail confirmation from Baker Travel. If you don’t have this information handy when you check in at the ticketing counter at the airport, don’t worry. It’s usually not necessary with airline personnel. However, you will definitely need it if you plan to check in early online. This is available up to 24 hours in advance of your flight for domestic flights. Online check in is not available for international flights at this time.

What are all these new airline fees I’m hearing about?

Airline fees are here to stay. When comparing fares, you should take in to account the additional fees for checked luggage, carry-on items and overweight baggage. Also, the airline may charge for in-flight food and beverage service, and other traveler amenities such as pillows and blankets. Check airline websites for the latest information.

What time should I arrive at the airport?

Plan to arrive at the airport 2 hours in advance for international flights or 1.5 hours in advance for domestic flights. Take in to account the time of day, day of the week, holidays and weather in to account when making your plans, and adjust accordingly.

How do I check flight status?

If you’d like updated flight status information, please call Baker Travel, or refer to the airline website. You can also find updated flight information if you booked through Baker Travel at www.viewtrip.com

Do I need a visa or passport for my international flight?

All foreign countries now require a passport or equivalent government documentation for U.S. citizens to enter. While some countries do not require a visa to enter, many others do. To know exactly what the visa requirements may be, call Baker Travel or refer to the state department at www.state.gov/travel.

Does Baker Travel provide leisure travel services?

Baker Travel specializes in corporate travel. However, if you are in need of help with leisure travel, we partner with an excellent leisure travel company. We’d be happy to refer you to this company for all your leisure travel needs.

Does Baker Travel provide visa & passport services?

Baker Travel provides visa & passport services through a 3rd party provider. Consider us a resource for all your visa & passport requirements. As forms and requirements change often, you’ll always have the most up to date information when you rely on us for your visa. Also, we’ll pick up and drop off your documents if you’re in Orange County, or arrange for express delivery in other cases.

International Air Travel

What are all these new airline fees I’m hearing about?

Airline fees are here to stay. When comparing fares, you should take in to account the additional fees for checked luggage, carry-on items and overweight baggage. Also, the airline may charge for in-flight food and beverage service, and other traveler amenities such as pillows and blankets. Check airline websites for the latest information.

Can I still send an unaccompanied minor on a flight?

Most airlines will allow for a minor traveling alone, and will accompany the child through the airport. Each airline charges a fee to do so and it’s best to plan for that ahead of time. Refer to the airline website to get the most detailed information about policies and procedures. Alternatively, you can ask for a gate pass at the ticketing counter at the airport so that you can help the child through security and in to the terminal yourself.

What time should I arrive at the airport?

Plan to arrive at the airport 2 hours in advance for international flights or 1.5 hours in advance for domestic flights. Take in to account the time of day, day of the week, holidays and weather in to account when making your plans, and adjust accordingly.

How do I check flight status?

If you’d like updated flight status information, please call Baker Travel, or refer to the airline website. You can also find updated flight information if you booked through Baker Travel at www.viewtrip.com

How can I tell what vaccinations I need?

Vaccinations probably won’t be necessary for most international destinations. But to be sure of the suggested or required vaccinations, visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.aspx

Do I need a visa or passport for my international flight?

All foreign countries now require a passport or equivalent government documentation for U.S. citizens to enter. While some countries do not require a visa to enter, many others do. To know exactly what the visa requirements may be, call Baker Travel or refer to the state department at www.state.gov/travel.

Does Baker Travel provide visa & passport services?

Baker Travel provides visa & passport services through a 3rd party provider. Consider us a resource for all your visa & passport requirements. As forms and requirements change often, you’ll always have the most up to date information when you rely on us for your visa. Also, we’ll pick up and drop off your documents if you’re in Orange County, or arrange for express delivery in other cases.

Why do airfares change so much?

Airfares fluctuate daily, often multiple times in a single day. Airlines change fares so often in an effort to generate the maximum revenue possible from each flight. This results in a balancing act of lowering fares to ensure that a flight is full and raising fares to be sure the flight is profitable. Coach class can have dozens of fares on a single flight. This is why we cannot guarantee a fare until it is actually ticketed.

Why do I have to pay extra for my seat selection?

Some airlines will not assign a seat unless a premium seat selection fee is paid in advance. This happens often with intra-European carriers, but not often with domestic carriers here in the U.S.

Why can’t I sit in the first rows of coach class?

The first rows of coach class are usually reserved for travelers with airline status. Sometimes the forward seats are considered premium economy seats, and have higher fares associated with them. Baker Travel will do all we can to secure you a seat as far forward as possible given your airline status level.

Why do I have a middle seat/no seat?

We’ll do our best to get a favorable seat assigned for you at the time we issue your ticket. However, if your flight is already full, there may not be many choices. If you’re assigned to a middle seat, Baker Travel will do all we can to move you to a better seat by calling the airline directly and having a seat unblocked for you. Sometimes, an airline will not assign you a seat at all if you’re taking a flight at the last minute. When this happens, you’ll be assigned a seat at the gate.

Why can’t I sit in the first rows of coach class?

The first rows of coach class are usually reserved for travelers with airline status. Sometimes the forward seats are considered premium economy seats, and have higher fares associated with them. Baker Travel will do all we can to secure you a seat as far forward as possible given your airline status level.

Domestic Air Travel

What documentation do I need at the airport?

When checking in online or at the ticketing counter, it’s a good idea to have a photo ID as well as your airline confirmation code, sometimes referred to as a record locator. You’ll find this 6 digit code on your e-mail confirmation from Baker Travel. If you don’t have this information handy when you check in at the ticketing counter at the airport, don’t worry. It’s usually not necessary with airline personnel. However, you will definitely need it if you plan to check in early online. This is available up to 24 hours in advance of your flight for domestic flights. Online check in is not available for international flights at this time.

What are all these new airline fees I’m hearing about?

Airline fees are here to stay. When comparing fares, you should take in to account the additional fees for checked luggage, carry-on items and overweight baggage. Also, the airline may charge for in-flight food and beverage service, and other traveler amenities such as pillows and blankets. Check airline websites for the latest information.

Can I still send an unaccompanied minor on a flight?

Most airlines will allow for a minor traveling alone, and will accompany the child through the airport. Each airline charges a fee to do so and it’s best to plan for that ahead of time. Refer to the airline website to get the most detailed information about policies and procedures. Alternatively, you can ask for a gate pass at the ticketing counter at the airport so that you can help the child through security and in to the terminal yourself.

What time should I arrive at the airport?

Plan to arrive at the airport 2 hours in advance for international flights or 1.5 hours in advance for domestic flights. Take in to account the time of day, day of the week, holidays and weather in to account when making your plans, and adjust accordingly.

How do I check flight status?

If you’d like updated flight status information, please call Baker Travel, or refer to the airline website. You can also find updated flight information if you booked through Baker Travel at www.viewtrip.com

Can I go standby on my flight when my meeting ends early?

Many airlines allow travelers to fly on standby instead of exchanging the return flight ticket. There is sometimes an additional fee to do so but it can add flexibility to your travel plans. Call Baker Travel when you when you’d like to catch an earlier flight and we can check availability and suggest the easiest and most cost effective way to accommodate your changing schedule.

Why do airfares change so much?

Airfares fluctuate daily, often multiple times in a single day. Airlines change fares so often in an effort to generate the maximum revenue possible from each flight. This results in a balancing act of lowering fares to ensure that a flight is full and raising fares to be sure the flight is profitable. Coach class can have dozens of fares on a single flight. This is why we cannot guarantee a fare until it is actually ticketed.

Why can’t I sit in the first rows of coach class?

The first rows of coach class are usually reserved for travelers with airline status. Sometimes the forward seats are considered premium economy seats, and have higher fares associated with them. Baker Travel will do all we can to secure you a seat as far forward as possible given your airline status level.

Why do I have a middle seat/no seat?

We’ll do our best to get a favorable seat assigned for you at the time we issue your ticket. However, if your flight is already full, there may not be many choices. If you’re assigned to a middle seat, Baker Travel will do all we can to move you to a better seat by calling the airline directly and having a seat unblocked for you. Sometimes, an airline will not assign you a seat at all if you’re taking a flight at the last minute. When this happens, you’ll be assigned a seat at the gate.

Why can’t I sit in the first rows of coach class?

The first rows of coach class are usually reserved for travelers with airline status. Sometimes the forward seats are considered premium economy seats, and have higher fares associated with them. Baker Travel will do all we can to secure you a seat as far forward as possible given your airline status level.

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Business Programs

What will the airlines do for larger travel budgets?

The airlines are absolutely willing to work with larger air budgets in excess of $1 million or so. If your air budget is in this range or higher, the airlines will design a custom contract that will provide a discount structure off the face of every ticket on that airline. The requirement is usually a market share commitment or a market specific performance level. If your air budget is over $1 million, you should be getting hard dollar discounts on your preferred airline. If that’s not the case, call Baker Travel and we can help you reduce this important budget item.

Do airlines offer any business loyalty programs?

They sure do. While not well publicized, Baker Travel has been helping businesses get more for their money since 1981. Airline loyalty programs are offered by most of the major domestic airlines and a number of international carriers. They offer such soft dollar incentives as free tickets, free upgrades, and status enhancements. The best part about these programs is that there are no minimum requirements, and it allows you to gain awards across all company travel. To find out more about how these programs work and to get enrolled, call Baker Travel and we’ll be happy to help you reduce your travel budget through these great programs.

Loyalty Programs

How do I get mileage credit for a trip I’ve already completed?

If you didn’t get credit for a trip you’ve already flown, the airlines make it pretty easy to get credit. Simply go to the airline website and request mileage credit. Some airlines may ask for boarding passes to prove you actually took the flight, but this is not usually the case anymore. If you need assistance in getting credit for your flights, call Baker Travel and we’ll gladly assist you.

Car Rentals

Why is my rental car so much more expensive than I had been quoted?

Airport rental locations especially can be subject to higher fees and taxes. Each location varies depending upon local tax rates, municipal laws and additional levies. City locations are often cheaper overall and taxed at a lower rate. Airport locations are of course more convenient, but you’ll pay for the pleasure of easier rental procedures.

Why is my rental car not the type that I originally ordered?

Rental agencies can take reservations for the car of your choice in anticipation of having it on the lot when you arrive. However, the previous renter may keep the car beyond the scheduled return date, so your preferred car may not in fact be available. The rental car agency will do all it can to accommodate your needs in a similar car.

Hotels

Why can I get a better hotel rate when I walk up and talk to the desk clerk?

Baker Travel can secure discounted rates at thousands of hotels around the world. However, depending upon the occupancy rate of any particular hotel, you may be able to ask the clerk at the reception desk for a better rate. Hotels would rather you stay with them than walk next door to a competing hotel.

Airport Security

Can I bring my own water bottle on the plane?

Water in quantities greater than 3.4 oz. is prohibited. However, you can purchase water inside the terminal and bring that on to the plane.

What can I take through the security checkpoint at the airport?

The TSA requirements make carrying personal items onto a plane more restrictive. Travelers can bring a one quart ziplock bag filled with liquid or gel containers of up to 3.4 oz. each. Medications, baby formula and food are allowed in greater quantities. Be prepared to declare these when entering the security line. There is more detailed information about permitted and prohibited items on the TSA website. You can find updated information at www.tsa.gov.

Baggage

What about luggage fees?

Most airlines now charge additional fees for checked baggage. Each airline charges differently depending upon the number of bags you have an the size and weight of each. They also take in to account the airline status level of the traveler. To find out the latest information on checked baggage fees, call us at Baker Travel or refer to the airline website.

Online Travel Booking

Can’t I find cheaper fares online?

That used to be the case, but is generally not the case today. Airlines have been allowing travel agencies access to the lowest of the low fares for some time now. Most of the time when you find a lower fare online it is due to the fact you are making an apples to oranges comparison. Times, airlines or routing may be different. If you can let Baker Travel know exactly what you are seeing online, we can secure the same or a lower fare in nearly every instance.

Why did I find a lower fare online?

Some airlines offer “internet only” fares but this is not generally the case. For all major airlines, Baker Travel has access to any and all of the lowest fares offered, including internet fares. In almost all instances, any disparity between Baker Travel’s fares and fares found online are cases of an apples to oranges comparison. Times may be different or routings may vary. It is very rare that the same flights at the same times will result in a lower fare online. Also, remember that some websites will not add in all applicable taxes and fees on the results page. Sometimes, after securing a low fare online, it will not be available when you proceed to actually try to ticket the fare.