Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General Travel and Booking Questions
Q: What types of travel does Shai Travel Solutions specialize in?
A: Shai Travel Solutions specializes in corporate travel management, meetings and events (MICE), leisure travel for executives, and incentive travel. We also partner with major cruise lines like Virgin Voyages and offer luxury vacations and all-inclusive resort packages.
Q: Can you assist with both domestic and international travel?
A: Yes, Shai Travel Solutions serves clients globally, arranging seamless travel experiences for destinations such as New York, Tel Aviv, Singapore, Sydney, Sao Paulo, and beyond.
Q: Do you offer travel protection or insurance?
A: Yes, we highly recommend travel protection for all trips, especially for corporate travelers. We work with trusted providers to offer coverage that protects your investment against cancellations, medical emergencies, and more. Ask us for more information when booking.
Q: Can I book travel for someone else through your agency?
A: Yes, you can book travel for others through our agency. Just make sure to provide the correct names and details as they appear on their identification (e.g., passport or driver's license) to avoid any issues with tickets or reservations.
Q: What should I do if my passport or visa expires before my trip?
A: You will need a valid passport and, if applicable, a visa before your departure. If your passport or visa is expiring soon, we recommend renewing it as soon as possible. Please notify us if there are changes to your travel documents, as this may affect your booking.
Q: Can I request a specific seat on a flight?
A: Yes, we can help you request specific seating based on availability. Whether you prefer a window, aisle, or extra legroom, let us know your preference when booking. However, note that some airlines may charge for seat selection.
Q: What’s included in an all-inclusive vacation package?
A: All-inclusive packages typically include accommodation, meals, drinks, and select activities at the resort. Some packages may also cover transportation to and from the airport. We’ll provide a detailed breakdown of what’s included for any package you’re interested in.
Q: Can I make changes to my booking after it's confirmed?
A: Yes, but changes are subject to the airline or supplier’s policies and may incur additional fees. We recommend contacting us as soon as possible if you need to make changes to avoid higher costs or penalties.
Q: How does Shai Travel Solutions' IATAN membership benefit our clients?
A: As an IATAN-accredited agency, Shai Travel Solutions is recognized as a legitimate and trusted travel provider. This membership gives us access to exclusive industry resources, global supplier networks, and special rates, allowing us to provide clients with superior options, savings, and security in all their travel arrangements.
Q: Why is being a member of ASTA important for our clients?
A: As a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), Shai Travel Solutions adheres to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and service. This membership connects us to a global network of resources and best practices, which means our clients benefit from trusted expertise and added protection for their travel arrangements.
Q: Why is being a member of ARC VTC important for our clients?
A: Our ARC Verified Travel Consultant (VTC) status means we’re recognized by airlines and travel suppliers, ensuring smooth, trusted transactions. This membership also gives us access to secure payment solutions like ARC Pay, reflecting our commitment to high professional standards for a reliable, efficient travel experience.
Airline Ticket Name Formatting
Q: My first and middle names are combined on my airline ticket. Will this be a problem?
A: No, this is generally not an issue. Airlines often merge the first and middle names, and as long as your ticket matches the name on your passport or government-issued ID, you should not have any problems during check-in or boarding.
Q: What if my ticket has a typo in my name?
A: Small typos or formatting differences (like missing spaces between first and middle names) are usually acceptable, but significant errors should be corrected. Contact your agent as soon as possible if you notice a major mistake.
Q: Do airlines care more about my first or last name?
A: Airlines typically focus on the last name. As long as your last name is correct and the rest of the name closely matches your ID, you should be fine.
Q: What if I have multiple middle names or use initials?
A: Most airlines will allow abbreviations or merging of middle names as long as the names are reasonably consistent with the ID you are using for travel. Check with the airline if you're unsure.
Q: Can I change the name on my ticket if it's wrong?
A: Some airlines allow minor corrections for free, while others may charge a fee or not allow changes at all. It's best to review the airline’s policies or contact customer service if a name change is needed.
Q: How do I claim missing miles for my flights?
A: If your frequent flyer miles haven't posted automatically, you can claim missing miles by visiting the airline's website and logging into your frequent flyer account. Look for the "Claim Missing Miles" or "Mileage Credit Request" section and fill out the required details, including your flight information and booking reference. If you need assistance, please contact us directly at Shai Travel, and we’ll help guide you through the process.
Passport Validity and Travel
Q: How long does my passport need to be valid for international travel?
A: Many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure. However, this requirement can vary depending on the destination. We recommend checking the specific entry requirements for your destination or contacting us for assistance.
Q: What happens if my passport expires before my trip?
A: If your passport is set to expire before or during your trip, or within the six-month window required by some countries, you will need to renew it before traveling. Otherwise, you may be denied entry or boarding. Contact your country’s passport office for expedited services if necessary.
Q: Can I travel internationally if my passport expires within the next three months?
A: For most destinations, you’ll need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. If your passport is set to expire soon, we recommend renewing it before your trip to avoid any issues with entry.
Q: Do I need a passport for domestic travel?
A: In most countries, a passport is not required for domestic travel. However, you will need a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or national ID card. Keep in mind that starting May 2025 in the U.S., a REAL ID-compliant license will be required for domestic flights.
Q: Can I travel if I’ve applied for a new passport but haven’t received it yet?
A: No, you must have a valid passport in hand to travel internationally. If your trip is approaching and you haven’t received your new passport, consider contacting the passport office to inquire about expedited processing.
Q: How can I check the passport requirements for my destination?
A: You can check the specific passport and visa requirements for your destination here or by reaching out to us. We stay up-to-date with the latest travel regulations and can help you verify the necessary documents for your trip.
Corporate Travel Services
Q: How does Shai Travel Solutions manage corporate travel programs?
A: We offer a full range of corporate travel services, including flight booking, hotel accommodations, and car rentals, while ensuring that travel programs stay within budget. Our personal approach means we tailor solutions to each company’s needs, helping you implement airline and hotel loyalty programs to maximize savings.
Q: How quickly can I expect a response when booking or managing corporate travel?
A: Our team responds within a few hours to all corporate travel requests. We understand the fast-paced nature of corporate travel and prioritize quick, accurate assistance.
Q: What Service Level Agreements (SLAs) does Shai Travel Solutions offer?
A: Shai Travel Solutions provides customized Service Level Agreements tailored to meet each client’s unique requirements. Our SLAs outline specific response times, support availability, and service standards, ensuring reliable, timely assistance and a seamless travel experience.
Q: What kind of reporting and analytics do you provide for corporate travel?
A: We provide detailed reporting, including spend tracking, booking trends, and compliance with company travel policies. This helps you monitor costs and make data-driven decisions for future travel planning.
Q: Which Online Booking Tools (OBTs) does Shai Travel Solutions work with?
A: Shai Travel Solutions partners with industry-leading Online Booking Tools, including Concur, Deem, and ComBTAS, to streamline the booking process for corporate clients. These OBTs provide a user-friendly experience while aligning with company travel policies, ensuring efficient, compliant, and cost-effective travel arrangements.
Q: What offline booking options does Shai Travel Solutions offer?
A: For clients who prefer offline booking, Shai Travel Solutions provides personalized assistance via email, phone, and WhatsApp. Our team ensures quick, tailored support, managing every detail to make the booking process as seamless and efficient as possible.
Q: How does Shai Travel Solutions handle travel disruptions for corporate clients?
A: Shai Travel Solutions proactively manages travel disruptions by closely monitoring clients' itineraries and providing immediate assistance when issues arise. Our team offers real-time updates and alternative arrangements, ensuring minimal impact on business schedules. We leverage strong relationships with airlines and other travel partners to secure prompt solutions, maintaining seamless travel experiences for our corporate clients.
Q: Does Shai Travel Solutions offer 24/7 after-hours support?
A: Yes, Shai Travel Solutions provides 24/7 after-hours support for our clients. Our team is available around the clock to assist with urgent travel needs, last-minute changes, and any disruptions, ensuring continuous support and peace of mind, no matter the time zone.
Booking Process
Q: How do I book a trip with Shai Travel Solutions?
A: You can contact us via email at info@shaitravel.net or WhatsApp for personalized assistance with your booking. We’ll walk you through the process, whether it’s for corporate travel, event planning, or leisure trips.
Q: Can I make changes to my booking?
A: Yes, changes can be made depending on the terms and conditions of your booking. For corporate clients, we ensure flexibility wherever possible to accommodate last-minute changes.
Q: How do you handle last-minute bookings?
A: We specialize in handling urgent, last-minute travel requests. Our strong relationships with suppliers allow us to secure bookings quickly, ensuring that your travel plans stay on track.
Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Events (MICE)
Q: What services do you offer for corporate events and meetings?
A: Shai Travel Solutions arranges flights, hotels, meeting spaces, audio-visual equipment, and food & beverage services for corporate events. We partner with Cvent for efficient venue sourcing and management, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish.
Q: Can you manage incentive travel for our employees?
A: Absolutely! We specialize in organizing incentive travel programs that reward your employees with unforgettable experiences. Our team handles every detail, from destination selection to itinerary planning, ensuring a seamless and rewarding trip.
Q: Do you offer virtual or hybrid meeting solutions?
A: Yes, in addition to in-person events, we can help you organize virtual and hybrid meetings, providing the necessary tech solutions to ensure smooth connectivity and engagement for participants worldwide.
Travel Protection & Insurance
Q: Why is travel insurance important for corporate travel?
A: Travel insurance protects against unexpected disruptions, such as cancellations, flight delays, or medical emergencies during travel. It’s particularly important for corporate travelers, as last-minute changes can significantly impact business operations. We offer policies that cover a wide range of scenarios to safeguard your investment.
Q: What happens if I need to cancel my trip?
A: If you’ve purchased travel protection, your policy may cover cancellations due to specific circumstances like illness, natural disasters, or work conflicts. We will work with you to ensure you understand your coverage and guide you through the claims process.
Payments & Invoicing
Q: How do I make payments for my travel bookings?
A: We accept all major credit cards and offer invoicing for corporate accounts. You’ll receive detailed invoices for each booking to ensure clarity and easy record-keeping for your accounting needs.
Q: Can I get a detailed report for my company’s travel expenses?
A: Yes, we provide detailed reports on your company’s travel expenses, which can be customized to suit your internal requirements.
Data Security & GDPR
Q: How does Shai Travel protect my data?
A: Shai Travel Solutions takes data security seriously. We comply with GDPR regulations, ensuring that your personal and corporate data is protected throughout the travel booking process. Our secure CRM system encrypts sensitive information and limits access to authorized personnel only.
Q: Will my company’s travel data be shared with third parties?
A: We do not share any client information with third parties without your explicit consent. Your data is used solely for the purpose of managing your travel and improving your experience with Shai Travel Solutions.
If you have further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out via email or contact us through WhatsApp. We're here to help ensure your travel experience is seamless and stress-free.