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Questions & Answers
Preparations for February 1, 2007
Q1.What is a commercial alliance?
A1.A Commercial Alliance is an agreement between two or more parties made in order to advance common goals and secure common interests. The Commercial Alliance between LIAT and Caribbean Star officially goes into effect on February 1, 2007 and will exist until the merger is finalised.
Q2.Will LIAT and Caribbean Star’s commercial alliance affect my reservations for future LIAT or Caribbean Star flights?
A2.All bookings and tickets will be honoured, and ticketing policies remain unchanged. Existing marketing partnerships and alliances with other airlines remain in place, and customers can continue to book flights and travel as usual.
Q3.What changes can I expect as
LIAT and Caribbean Star as a result of their commercial alliance?
A3.Flight Schedules
Commencing February 1, 2007, the flight schedules for LIAT or Caribbean Star will be amalgamated into one new and enhanced flight schedule. Both airlines will continue to operate their full fleets and will provide air transportation for 22 markets across the region.
Passenger Re-accommodation
All LIAT and Caribbean Star passengers will be re-accommodated on flights in the new combined schedule which takes effect on February 1, 2007. The reservations teams of the airlines have begun the re-accommodation process and are proactively contacting customer regarding any adjustment to their travel itinerary. Re-accommodation is being conducted in a chronological order beginning with customers booked on February 1, 2007.
Passenger check-in
With the new combined flight schedule, LIAT and Caribbean Star customers will need to check in at LIAT airport counters in 20 of the 22 airport served by the airlines. The two exceptions where customers should check in at Caribbean Star counters are Curacao and Tobago.
Q4.What does “passenger re-accommodation” mean?
A4.In order to facilitate the smooth transitioning into one merged airline, LIAT and Caribbean Star will have one flight schedule commencing February 1, 2007. All flights will be marketed as LIAT and flown with LIAT flight numbers at that time. The airlines will continue to operating separately with Caribbean Star crews operating Caribbean Star aircraft and LIAT crews operating LIAT aircraft.
All ticketed reservations will still be valid. Passengers for both airlines with bookings on or after February 1 will be re-accommodated or re-assigned flights in the new schedule. In the new schedule, flight numbers and some flight times changed. The airlines’ reservation teams will proactively contact customers regarding any adjustments to their travel itinerary.
Q5.On what airline will I be travelling when I am re-accommodated?
A5.The assignment of aircraft in the new schedule is unbiased. All passengers for both air carriers will be travelling on LIAT and Caribbean Star aircraft without discrimination, depending on the carrier assigned to the flight in the new schedule.
Q6.Where do I go for check-in beginning 01 February?
A6.All passengers should go to the LIAT ticket counter to check-in for flights dated on or after 01 February. The only exceptions are Tobago and Curacao where customers should check-in at Caribbean Star counters. Banners will be placed at Caribbean Star airport counter to direct customers to the appropriate check-in area. Before 01 February, customers should check in as normal with LIAT or Caribbean Star.
Q7.Will I need anything different for check-in?
A7.No. Customer should continue to bring the necessary travel documents (passport, etc.) and their reservation confirmation number. The ticket numbers and confirmation numbers provided by Caribbean Star prior to 01 February will still be valid and can be used to find the PNR when the customer checks in at the LIAT counter.
Q8.Can I still make changes to my ticket?
A8.Yes. Changes can still be made to your travel itinerary as per the rules applicable to your particular fare. After February 1, you may call either the LIAT or Caribbean Star call centres to make bookings or changes. All ticketing policies remain unchanged.
Q9.How will I know if the flight I'm ticketed on will still be operating?
A9. All bookings and tickets will be honoured. If there are schedule changes, passengers will be notified in advance by Reservations. As always, passengers can also check flight status at liatairlines.com or by calling our Help Desk.
Q10.How will I know when my flight is called for boarding?
A10.After February 1, all LIAT and Caribbean Star flights will be marketed as LIAT. Therefore when a flight is called for boarding in the airport it will be designated as LIAT followed by the respective flight number and destination. Agents will make further announcements to assist customers during the first few weeks of the new flight schedule.
Q11.Will the baggage allowances remain the same after 01 February?
A11.If a customer was ticketed prior to 01 February 2007 on a Caribbean Star flight, the baggage allowance rules for Caribbean Star will be enforced. LIAT’s baggage rules will be enforced for all tickets issued on or after 01 February 2007. Both LIAT and Caribbean Star have the same baggage allowances. The airlines apply different fees for excess baggage.
Checked baggage: 2 pieces of luggage totalling no more than 50 lbs
Cabin baggage: 1 piece totalling no more than 15 lbs.
Q12.Where do I collect my baggage?
A12.LIAT will manage baggage handling for LIAT and Caribbean Star beginning February 1. To collect luggage, passengers should proceed to the LIAT carousel bearing your flight number. For any queries regarding luggage, please contact LIAT staff. The only exceptions are in Tobago and Curacao where Caribbean Star personnel handle all ground and baggage operations.
Q13.May I still receive a refund for unused refundable tickets?
A13.Yes, provided that the tickets are designated as refundable when purchased. All ticketing rules remain unchanged.
Q14.What will happen to my miles accumulated through LIAT’s Frequent Flyer and Caribbean Star’s StarMiles programs? May I still earn and redeem my miles?
A14.Yes. Customers will continue to be able to accumulate and redeem frequency flier miles as the frequent flier programs remain unchanged at the current time. When the airlines officially merge, customers will be able to transfer their StarMiles to the frequent flier program of the merged airline. Customers are not required to redeem their StarMiles prior to 01 February 2007.
Q15.How will cargo be managed?
A15.Customers will continue to purchase services through either QuikPac or StarPac as usual. The cargo will be loaded on LIAT and Caribbean Star flights assigned to operate to the intended destinations.
Q16.Will LIAT accept Caribbean Star ticket vouchers previously issued to customers?
A16.Yes. LIAT and Caribbean Star will honour our commitments to customers.
Q17.Will LIAT and Caribbean Star keep their partnerships with other airlines?
A17.Existing marketing partnerships and alliances with other airlines remain in place and customers can continue to book flights and travel as usual.
Q18.How do I book travel for date on or after February 1, 2007?
A18.Passengers may continue to book with either LIAT or Caribbean Star. Your options remain as follows:
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