Terms and Conditions and Cancellation Policy
1
The tours described are operated by Sydney Seaplanes in partnership with the restaurants, accommodation providers and other third-party suppliers listed in the tour itinerary.
2
While Sydney Seaplanes will make every effort to provide the advertised product or service, we reserve the right to change the method of transport, route, accommodation, or other services at our discretion. This may occur for reasons including, but not limited to, weather conditions, unserviceable aircraft or equipment, operational requirements/conditions. Sydney Seaplanes accepts no responsibility for any additional costs or expenses resulting from delays, cancellations, or changes made under this clause.
NB: Passengers should take special note of this clause, particularly when Accommodation Packages are being booked. In the event inclement weather or unserviceable aircraft causes the cancellation of seaplane transfers, a chauffeured car will be provided to your accommodation destination (with the point of origin and return being the Seaplane Base in Rose Bay). This may happen for departure or return flights, or both, and passengers must avail of the service or forfeit their fare. (See 8.2 for more information). If Sydney Seaplanes is unable to fly due to weather or aircraft issue a Sydney Highlights scenic flight will be provided in credit to be used at another time in the next 12 months.
3
Sydney Seaplanes is not liable for any loss, damage, or injury arising from any part of the tour or service (referred to as "tour inclusions") that it does not directly operate or provide, regardless of the cause, including negligence.
4
Sydney Seaplanes can give no guarantee of exact times of arrival or departure of any service and will not be liable for failure to make connections to other services.
5
The Company reserves the right to adjust the price of any tour in the event of a material increase in fuel costs or other applicable partner or supplier charges or tariffs.
6
Passengers are advised that all baggage and personal belongings are carried entirely at their own risk.
7
Baggage Allowance – Soft bags preferred
Sydney Seaplanes guarantees to carry 5kg of baggage per person, to include a “Carry On” size bag plus a garment bag, purse or laptop. Anything more than 5kg is charged at $5 per kg and will only be carried if space is available on the aircraft. Bags larger than “Carry On” size will only be carried if space is available on the aircraft.
Maximum baggage dimensions (“Carry On” size): Length 48cm (19in) / Width 34cm (13in) / Height 23cm (9in)
8
Cancellation and Refund Policy
8.1
Scenic and Fly & Dine flights:
7 days or greater - no charge | 48 hours - 7 days - 50% charge | Less than 48 hours or no-show - 100% charge.
8.1.1 In the event that a passenger chooses not to travel due to weather conditions, illness or a change of mind and flights are operating as scheduled, a 100% cancellation fee will apply. No refunds or credits will be issued in such circumstances.
8.1.2 Date changes are permitted without penalty provided that more than 48 hours’ notice is given.
8.1.3 In the event weather or unserviceable aircraft forces the cancellation of Scenic or Fly & Dine packages the customer can choose between rescheduling the experience or a full refund. However if weather or unserviceable aircraft causes cancellation of your return flight while you are at the destination restaurant, Sydney Seaplanes will provide a ground transportation to transfer you back to Rose Bay. In this case, a Sydney Highlights scenic flight will be provided in credit to be used at another time in the next 12 months.
8.2
Accommodation packages:
14 days or less - 100% cancellation charge. More than 14 days - 100% refund. This is in line with the cancellation policy of the accommodation suppliers.
8.2.1 In the event that seaplane transfers are cancelled due to inclement weather or unserviceable aircraft, passengers may choose to either:
Be provided with a chauffeured car transfer to their accommodation destination. Please note that the car transfer will originate from and return to the Seaplane Base in Rose Bay. This may apply to departure flights, return flights or both. Passengers are required to avail of the service as scheduled. Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of the full fare paid, with no entitlement to a refund or credit.
OR
Drive themselves to and from the accommodation destination and flights will be held in credit to use at a later date.
If we are unable to provide a flight for one or more sectors, and a car transfer is required, a Sydney Highlights scenic flight will be provided in credit to be used in the next 12 months.
8.2.2 In the event that a passenger chooses not to travel due to weather conditions, illness or a change of mind, but flights are operating as scheduled, a 100% cancellation fee will apply. No refunds or credits will be issued in such circumstances.
8.3
Exclusive Charter flights:
14 days or less - 100% cancellation charge | More than 14 days - 100% refund | Full payment must be made at the booking stage.
9
Group bookings:
For groups booking, full payment must be made at the time of booking. Cancellation can be made up to 14 days prior with 100% refund. Less than 14 days a 100% cancellation fee will be imposed.
NB: If Sydney Seaplanes cancels flights due to the weather or unserviceable aircraft, the group coordinator has two options:
The booking can be re-booked anytime within 18 months from the cancelled date.
OR
Gift vouchers could be issued to the value of the booking valid for 18 months from the cancelled date.
No refunds will be issued for group reservations and a Group Booking form MUST be signed and submitted prior to a confirmed reservation being sent.
10
Gift Vouchers
Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase and must be used to travel within this period.
After the initial 12 months, the voucher's value may be extended for an additional 24 months and can be redeemed toward any current package available on our website. Please note, if there is a price difference at the time of rebooking, it will need to be paid to confirm your booking.
Gift vouchers are non-refundable.
11
Passenger Safety:
11.1 The pilot-in-command has full authority over the aircraft and passengers at all times. All instructions given by the pilot or crew must be followed promptly and without dispute.
11.2 Passengers must wear seatbelts at all times or as instructed by the pilot or crew.
11.3 Passengers must ensure they are medically fit to fly. If in doubt, medical clearance should be obtained in advance. Passengers with mobility impairments, recent surgeries or any medical conditions that may affect their ability to travel safely must notify the operator prior to booking. For safety reasons, all passengers must be physically capable of boarding and disembarking the aircraft unaided. Assistance from crew may be limited due to the nature of the aircraft and operational requirements.
11.4 Passengers who are deemed to be under the influence of alcohol or any other substance (including drugs, whether legal, illegal, or prescribed) to an extent that may impair safety or disrupt operations may be denied boarding at the discretion of the pilot or crew. It is a criminal offence to attempt to board an aircraft while intoxicated. Consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited onboard all flights. We reserve the right to refuse boarding to any passenger whose behaviour poses a risk to the safety of the aircraft, its passengers, crew or property. Tampering with, disabling or removing any safety equipment is strictly prohibited and may result in prosecution.
11.5 Any passenger whose behaviour is deemed to pose a risk to the safety, security, or comfort of others - including verbal abuse, aggression, refusal to follow crew instructions, or interference with the operation of the aircraft -may be refused boarding or removed from the aircraft. In such cases, the passenger forfeits any right to a refund or compensation and may be liable for damages or legal action.
11.6 We reserve the right to refuse carriage to any person who fails to comply with these Terms & Conditions, presents a risk to safety or whose behaviour is otherwise deemed unsuitable for the flight.
Dangerous Goods
Dangerous Goods are items or substances that pose a significant risk to health, safety, or property when transported by air. Common household items - such as pesticides, petrol, acids, aerosols, and bleach - may seem harmless at home but can become hazardous under severe atmospheric pressure, temperature changes variations as well as vibrations and many items behave in an unpredictable manner.
When packing, check all household items for hazardous symbols on their containers. If an item is marked as hazardous, consider whether it is essential for your journey or if a safer alternative can be purchased at your destination.
Prohibited Items - Not Permitted in Checked or Carry-On Baggage:
- Camping fuel containers and fuel-powered equipment
- Surfboard repair kits (resin is highly flammable)
- Corrosive substances (acids, alkalis, mercury)
- Security attaché cases with explosive/dye cartridges
- Fireworks, flares, sparklers, and other explosives
- Fuels, paints, lighter refills, and matches
- Drain cleaners, solvents, and strong cleaning agents
- Spray cans, butane fuel, propane tanks, CO₂ cartridges
- Scuba tanks and self-inflating life vests
- Ammunition, gunpowder, mace, tear gas, and pepper spray
Further information on dangerous goods may be obtained by contacting the Civil Aviation Safety Authority on telephone 131757