Ross High School, Well Wynd, Tranent, East Lothian EH33 2EQ Tel 01875 610433
Fax 01875 615462
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Mrs Margaret Cleat Mrs Ann Archer Mr Neil Craik-Collins Ms Katrina Donaldson Mrs Dorothy Patterson Mr Paul Reynolds
Business Manager Depute Head Depute Head Depute Head Depute Head Headteacher
Geography Department
28th November 2016
NAME OF PUPIL ……………………………………….
Dear Parent/Guardian,
It’s been a while since I’ve been in touch with you but I can assure you that I have been working behind the scenes. I’m sure that, like me, you have been wondering about the impact that the falling exchange rate might have on our costing. I’ve been particularly concerned since the Brexit vote, as the pound is now worth 20% less against the dollar.
I’ve been in touch with the company to try to get some clarity on the matter. My real concern is that, like other travel companies, the small print says that they can alter the price up to 30 days before departure. I think it best just to copy a couple of the replies that I’ve had so that you are fully aware of the situation.
21st October
All that I am able to communicate at this point in time is that we have not been advised by our Commercial Team of a currency surcharge being implemented for confirmed bookings. Should this decision be made there is a lengthy application and approval process with ABTA. I fully appreciate your concerns about the potential tour price increase given the current exchange rates and that you would need to inform parents. Should this current information change in any way then I will be sure to be in touch as soon as possible.
28th October
Unfortunately this is a decision that lies with our Commercial Team - I am afraid we cannot confirm that a currency surcharge will not be implemented. I think it is unlikely but I am unable to confirm this at this time. Therefore, I can only advise that our booking conditions will apply, meaning that we cannot change the price within 30 days before travel. Sorry that I cannot be more helpful than this.
We just have to hope that, because we have a firm booking, that there won’t be a surcharge. I don’t think that there will be a problem with the flight price, although there could be fuel surcharge; it’s perhaps more likely the accommodation and half board costs that could be increased.
I now have full flight details. We are flying to and from Edinburgh via Amsterdam with KLM. As for previous trips we will meet as a group at the airport and ask you to pick up your son/daughter at the airport on our return. Hopefully, nearer the time, you will be able to make arrangements to share lifts. Despite the very early meeting time for the outward journey, I’m delighted that it is early as the Royal Highland Show is on that weekend and a later flight time would have been very problematic because of the traffic issues making it difficult to get to the airport. At least meeting around 3.30am should mean that the roads will be clear.
The flight times are as follows:
KL1276 FRI 23rdJUNE EDI (Edinburgh) – AMS (Amsterdam) 0600 – 0835
KL605 FRI 23rdJUNE AMS (Amsterdam) – SFO (San Francisco) 0955 – 1150
KL604 FRI 30thJUNE LAX (Los Angeles) – AMS (Amsterdam) 1655 – 1210 (Next day arrival – 1stJuly)
KL1285 SAT 01stJULY AMS (Amsterdam)– EDI (Edinburgh) 1440 – 1515
At this point I should be reminding you that each pupil will require having a biometric passport to enter the USA and this must be valid for at least 6 months after we return. All passports issued from 2007 onwards are biometric (have a chip in it) so hopefully there shouldn’t be any problems for you, however can I ask you to please check? If you need to apply for a passport then please do it soon as I will require passport numbers to complete forms in March/April.
Nearer the time you will each need to apply for an ESTA online on behalf of your son/daughter. This gives the individual a Visa Waiver for 90 days from entry. It is applied for online and it costs $14. It is valid for 2 years so it may be that some pupils will still be covered if they have visited the USA this year. I will let you know when to apply for this as you need to know the address of our first accommodation to complete the form.
Please contact me at the email address below if you have any specific questions about this information.
Have a wonderful Christmas and keep an eye on the dollar exchange rate to make sure you purchase your spending money when the rate is at its best.
Yours faithfully
Mrs Rhona McNaughton
PT Social Subjects
Reminder:
Our travel insurance is covered by Travelbound’s Travel Insurance Policy. This can be viewed on their website at by clicking on “Insurance” to read and understand the Key facts and policy documents