Policies

NOTE: All reservations are subject to Participant Terms and Conditions/Charter Agreement which must be completed & signed prior to travel.  For questions regarding your reservation or if your confirmation is inaccurate, please call us immediately.

NOTE: Due to a sharp increase in the price of jet fuel, all Charter Airlines have the right to impose a fuel surcharge upon the passenger to cover this increased operating expense.  Jet fuel prices have risen over 70% since last summer when charter air prices were established. The U.S. Department of Transportation regulates charter airlines and allows these air carriers flexibility in imposing these fees, as contracts are made many months in advance. Please be advised that a fuel  surcharge is being levied by our charter carriers. A fuel surcharge must be paid by each Student Express air passenger prior to departure. Payment is made directly to Student Express by check or credit card prior to departure date in the amount of $40 per passenger.

1. INITIAL DEPOSIT: $50/person (Land only packages) or $75/person (Air inclusive packages) non-refundable deposit due within 7 days of booking by personal check, money order, cashier's check, Visa/MasterCard, Discover Card, or Travel Agency check.  SECOND DEPOSIT: $50/person (Land only) or $75/person (Air inclusive) is due 60 days from date of booking OR December 1st, whichever comes first. For reservations within 60 days of arrival/departure, full payment due within 7 days unless otherwise specified at time of booking.

2. FINAL PAYMENT: Due in our office 60 days prior to trip date OR Feb. 1st, whichever date is EARLIER. It may only be made by personal check, cashier's check, or money order, as all pricing reflects a $30 discount for cash payment.  For payment by Visa, MasterCard, or Discover Card, please add back the $30 discount to all final balances.  Credit card MUST be in the name of a trip participant to be accepted. Maximum two final payments per credit card.

3. TRAVEL AGENTS: Initial deposits can be made by Agency Check or by Visa/MasterCard/Discover Card-call in card number to us, take imprint on UCC form, complete and obtain cardholder signature, & send UCC to us for approval.  Final balance must be by Agency Check for Pre-deducted commissions.  If your client wishes to pay final balance or payment-in-full by credit card, please see #2 above and ADD back the $25 cash discount. For these types of payments, commissions are sent after completion of travel.  Parents may use their credit card for final payment by completing the Notarized Supplemental Credit Card Form (for their child only & must be notarized - no exceptions).

4. TRAVEL INSURANCE: is available for an additional cost of $35/person (up to $600 coverage).  It includes Trip Cancellation due to medical reasons, Trip Interruption due to flight delays, Medical & Accident insurance while on the trip, and other valuable coverage.  Although not mandatory, it is highly recommended AND is included on all initial invoices.  For additional information on coverage and costs, please call 1-800-787-3787.

5. DAMAGE DEPOSITS & SECURITY FEES:
South Padre Island: In accordance with each property's policy, a CASH damage deposit of $50 per person, along with a valid credit card imprint (Visa/MasterCard/Discover) will be required for all South Padre reservations.  This may be paid in advance or upon arrival, and is refunded approximately 50 days after completion of travel less any damages.  A non-refundable Security/Wristband Fee of $15 per person ($25 for Royale) will also be charged upon check-in for all properties.  You will receive a complete check-in packet prior to your arrival.  Please read all information enclosed, including the procedure to follow to obtain your damage deposit refund after completion of your trip.

Mexico:  A refundable damage deposit may be required by the hotels at check-in and refunded upon departure minus any damages.  Most properties will accept a credit card imprint, however, some may require $50-100 per person cash deposit.  Please be prepared, as the hotels will not make exceptions to their rules.

6. S. PADRE-HIGH SCHOOL & UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE: All properties have a minimum requirement of 18 years of age.  It is possible for persons under age 18 to participate if the following procedures are completed: l. The lead name on the reservation must be an actual trip participant who is 18 years of age or older.   2. A signed Parental Consent Form, with the parent or legal guardian accepting responsibility for their child's total trip cost and any damages or portion of damages caused by their child (Parental Consent Forms may be requested by calling our office).  3. The Damage Deposit for any H.S. Groups and/or any persons under 18 years of age is $100 cash per person or $50 cash per person with a signed open credit card voucher, plus the non-refundable Security/Wristband Fees as noted above.  Trip participants under age 18 who do not comply with these procedures will be denied check-in.

7. CANCELLATION POLICY: 60 or more days prior to departure-$125 per person charge for International destinations 
and S. Padre Island air inclusive packages, $75 per person charge for S. Padre Island land only packages. 59-31 days - 50% of total trip cost charge; 30 days or less-100% of total trip cost charge.  Substitutions up to 14 days prior to  departure - $25/person change fee.  Late payment WILL result in cancellation of your booking.  Late fees of $25 per person charge for air-inclusive packages and $15/person for land only packages be charged.  Re-booking fee for canceled reservations of up to $25/person MAY be charged, subject to availability (same hotel is NOT GUARANTEED & current rates at time of re-booking will be charged - based on availability at time payment is received).  Please pay on time.

8. OPERATOR'S OPTION: Flight Packages - Days & times for all chartered air packages are subject to change within the chosen break weekend. The selection of the actual schedule is at the charter operator's option- not a reason to cancel.  Guaranteed departure dates are available from most cities for an additional charge - call for details.  Documents (tickets, itineraries, etc.) will be sent approximately 10 days prior to departure.

9. TAXES AND FEES: The US and Mexican governments and Airport Authorities charge various airport taxes and immigration fees for all persons traveling to Mexico. Currently Student Express requires $93/Passenger for TAXES/FEES for persons traveling to Mexico.