FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Welcome to the Budget Travel FAQ section. Here you’ll find clear answers to the most common questions about booking, payments, deposits, cancellations, and travel with BudgetTravel.ie.
Booking & Deposits
How much is the deposit when booking with Budget Travel?
Many holidays with Budget Travel can be secured with a low deposit from €25 per person. The exact deposit may vary depending on the airline, hotel, or operator.
Can I pay for my holiday in instalments?
Yes. Budget Travel offers a monthly instalment plan after paying your deposit. This allows you to spread the cost of your holiday up until the balance due date.
When is the final balance due?
The balance must be paid at least 2 weeks before departure. For some package holidays, the due date may vary depending on the operator.
What happens if I don’t pay the balance on time?
If the balance isn’t paid by the due date, Budget Travel reserves the right to cancel the booking. In this case, cancellation charges (as outlined in the booking terms) will apply.
Payment Options
What payment methods do you accept?
Payments can be made securely online by Visa or Mastercard debit/credit card. All payments are processed through encrypted, secure servers.
Can I change my payment method after booking?
Yes, you can change your card details for future instalments by logging into your booking or contacting our customer service team.
Is my payment secure with Budget Travel?
Your credit/debit card payment on our website is extremely secure as our website is using an SSL (Secure Socket Layer) connection with the credit/debit card companies. Our secure server encrypts your credit/debit card information, ensuring that your Internet transaction is private and 100% protected.
Cancellations & Changes
Can I cancel my booking after I’ve paid a deposit?
Yes, but cancellation fees will apply. The deposit is non-refundable, and additional charges may be incurred depending on the timing and type of booking.
Can I make changes to my booking?
Changes are sometimes possible but are subject to airline, hotel, or tour operator rules. Amendment fees may apply.
What happens if my airline changes the flight schedule?
If there are schedule changes, Budget Travel will inform you as soon as possible and advise on your options. In some cases, alternatives or refunds may be offered, depending on the airline’s policy.
Baggage & Travel Documents
How much baggage is included in my booking?
Baggage allowances vary by airline. Most low-cost airlines include a small cabin bag, with check-in baggage available at an extra cost. The exact allowance will be displayed at the time of booking. Details of checked baggage allowance specific to your itinerary will be shown on your ticket. If you exceed the permitted baggage allowance airlines will make additional charge.
Will I receive paper tickets?
No. Budget Travel issues e-tickets. Your booking confirmation and travel documents will be emailed to you.
Do I need a passport for all holidays?
A valid passport is required for travel outside Ireland. It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport and any required visas are valid for the duration of your holiday.
What hand baggage can I carry?
Please check www.daa.ie for the latest information regarding the carriage of liquids and other restricted items in your carry-on luggage. Please check with the airline you are travelling with for guidelines on hand baggage.
We recommend you always carry the following items in your hand baggage:
- Valid passport and Visas
- Your travel documents
- Contact details for your travel agent and insurer
- Any medicines needed during your flight
- Any cash or other valuable belongings
Can you add my frequent flyer details to my booking?
If you have frequent flyer membership, please contact us and we may be able to add the details to your booking. We are unable to exchange frequent flyer points / miles for new flights. Also please be advised that not all flights are eligible to accumulate frequent flyer points.
In what time zone are the times listed on my itinerary?
All departure and arrival times on your itinerary are in the local time zone of the departing airport and arriving airport.
What is APIS?
Advance Passenger Information or APIS is passport and associated information, which the governments of various countries require Airlines to collect from passengers prior to travel.
It is important to note that you can be denied boarding if you have not submitted this information prior to check-in.
What information is required?
- Passport Info (country of issue, passport number, date of birth, expiry date etc)
- Country of Residence
- Flight details and Full Destination Address
- Antigua & Barbuda
- Australia
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- Canada
- China (except Hong Kong)
- Cuba
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Korea
- Kuwait
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- Spain
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Thailand
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom and USA
There are new destinations being added to this all the time, so make sure to check at the time of booking if APIS is required for your destination or transit point.
ESTA Visa
Irish citizens require an ESTA or visa to enter the USA. It is essential that you complete the ESTA form before you travel to receive travel authorization. The form must be filled out at the latest 72 hours prior to departure, but it is recommended that you complete it as soon as you plan your journey.
This procedure applies to adults and children (whatever their age). The information requested includes passport number and country of residence.
In most cases, electronic travel authorization is granted online almost immediately by specifying authorization approved. It is valid for a period of two years or until expiry of the passport.
Is it safe to travel to my chosen destination?
We advise all Irish citizens travelling abroad to be mindful of their surroundings at all times and take the necessary precautions for their personal safety and belongings. Please visit Travel Advice By Destination | Department of Foreign Affairs | Ireland.ie for up to date information on the country you plan to visit.
Travel Insurance
What does the 7 Day money back guarantee mean for my insurance purchase?
If cover of the policy you have purchased is not suitable for you and you want to cancel your policy, you must contact us by email to request cancellation within 7 days of purchasing your policy.
In line with the conditions of your policy we will refund the premium you have paid. We will not refund your premium if you have travelled or made a claim before you asked to cancel the policy within the 7-day period.
Why should I purchase Travel Insurance?
It is essential to be insured when travelling. Medical and liability costs can run to the tens of thousands of euros. Cancelling your holiday could mean losing some or all the money you have paid.
Having access to a 24-hour Assistance Service means help is always at the end of a telephone. Having travel insurance gives you peace-of-mind when travelling, allowing you to enjoy your holiday.
What are pre-existing medical conditions?
Our insurance does not cover claims that arise from the following circumstances below. These conditions apply to you, or anyone upon whose ill health would force you to cancel or cut short your trip.
Any person who is travelling with a pre-existing medical condition or has taken prescribed medication within the last 2 years must contact the Medical Screening number on 0818 286 274 to declare their condition otherwise there is no cover for that pre-existing medical condition.
There is no cover available for persons travelling or a third party relative with a terminal prognosis or those awaiting results of tests or medical investigations.
There is no cover for medical expenses if the insured is travelling with the intention of obtaining medical treatment abroad, if the insured has been advised not to travel and if the insured is not taking recommended treatment or prescribed medication, as directed by a medical practitioner.
Package Holidays
How do I pay the balance of my holiday?
You can pay online within Manage My Booking.
You can also pay in-store by card or in cash.
When will I receive my tickets for my holiday?
You will receive your tickets for your holiday 10 days prior to travelling once your balance is paid in full. You will receive your tickets for your holiday 10 days prior to travelling once your balance is paid in full.
What if I want to change, add or remove passengers from my booking?
If after booking, you or any member of your party is unable to proceed with your holiday or wish to change any details we will try to facilitate these changes. A request for alteration is required in writing and will incur a charge. Further details are provided in your booking terms and conditions.
As soon as you require changes to be made, please contact us as amendments and fees depend on how close you are to going on holiday. Please note that sometimes alterations are impractical depending on the hoteliers and other service providers involved in your booking.
How old do I have to be to book a holiday?
The minimum age to make a holiday booking is 18 years.
Travel Documentation
What documents do I need to take with me to the airport?
Non-Irish passport holders should consult the Embassy of their destination country regarding any special documentation for the countries they are visiting and/or transiting or for return to Ireland.
It is your responsibility to check with the applicable Embassy to see whether the destination(s) that you are visiting requires a visa.
If you fail to do so, you will be solely responsible for any cost, loss or damage which you or we incur because of your failure.
DOCUMENTATION
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date of travel.
Ensure that you have received all travel documents, i.e. flight tickets or e-ticket information, hotel or car vouchers and your insurance certificate.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Visa requirements vary based on the country you are visiting, purpose of your visit and the length of stay. You should contact the local Embassy.
General Questions
Is Budget Travel fully licensed and bonded?
Yes. Budget Travel is licensed and bonded by the Commission for Aviation Regulation in Ireland. This provides financial protection in the unlikely event of insolvency.
How do I contact Budget Travel?
You can reach our customer support team via phone, email, or through the online contact form on BudgetTravel.ie. Budget Travel is in Dublin City Centre on 29 Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1. Main office phone number is 01 435 0024.
Why should I book with Budget Travel?
We are one of Ireland’s leading travel agents, offering exclusive deals, low deposits, and flexible payment options on package holidays, city breaks, sun holidays, and more.