COVID-19 Travel Update

Hello There ?

If you’ve clicked this link – well let’s be realists you either have holiday booked or you know someone who has and you’re out there scouring the universe for some guidance.

Allways Dive Expeditions has been in business for 44 years and are Australia’s first dive travel agency servicing the dive industry. We’ve learnt a lot along the way and indeed the industry and divers themselves have changed dramatically.

The one thing that hasn’t changed since we opened our doors in 1976 is our commitment to you the diver!

Our staff and all experienced travel agents, passionate about the ocean and most importantly we love our jobs. Please allow us to do our best for each and every one of you by being patient – have faith in our service, skills and commitment to our industry and our clients. We are constantly receiving updates from industry contacts, airlines, hotel, dive operators  and also governing bodies and in that respect we are doing our best to stay on top of what is a constantly changing situation.

We are working on every single file and with every single group.  We care about every single one of you. In fact our staff care so much about you that members of our team over the past number of months have offered to work on days off , or to start early and work back for no pay to get the job done. A giant shout also to our clients that offered to come in and help us over the past number of months because they care about Allways Dive and our industry.

Remember we are doing our best and working with all suppliers and airlines for the best outcomes for everyone. Most importantly be kind not just to us but to all of humanity , if you’re reading this but you’ve booked with another agent we urge you to be kind to them too this industry is tight knit we all know each other we all care about each other .

STAY INFORMED: The internet is a magical place full of knowledge but it’s also selling “cures” for COVID19 – take it all with a grain of sea salt.

THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE:  

WHO
IATA
Smart Traveler
Australian Department of Health

Please be aware that Allways Dive Expeditions is a member of AFTA (Australian Federation of Travel Agents) and ATAS (Australian Travel Agent Accreditation Scheme) for client peace of mind.

Our client safety is our highest priority so if you are unable to travel right now we recommend you refer DFAT (Department Foreign Affairs Trade) once the borders do start to reopen, Of course if DFAT says not to travel to a particular destination we will of course follow this direction.

YOUR FUNDS PAID TO ALLWAYS DIVE EXPEDITIONS:

When you book your spot onto a dive trip with Allways Dive we don’t sit on your funds paid to us. Once your payment has been received depending on whether it is a deposit, partial payment, or payment in full we pass your payment onto the hotel, liveaboard, dive operator or airline. Nearly all these prepaid components are non-refundable and non-transferable.

All airlines are offering different options in regards to cancelling or rebooking. Some are offering a credit to re-book, some allow you to cancel however with penalty and some are offering a refund less fees.

All suppliers and airlines are being as flexible as possible to allow rebooking of your holiday, however this is still being treated on a case by case scenario.    

If your trip has been impacted by COVID and or border closures you have an option to either:

A/ Reschedule your trip.

We understand that this is what the majority of clients want to do as we know you are all passionate about diving and want to travel.

Most hotels, liveaboards and dive operators are allowing rebooking of your dive trips impacted by COVID from 2020 to 2021. Most airlines are offering a credit to the value of the airline ticket purchased and only charging for any nominal increase in airfare pricing from 2020 to 2021.

B/ Cancel your trip.

If you choose this option please be aware we have paid on your behalf in full or part for airline tickets , hotels and dive operators for your holiday and there will be the loss of the non-refundable deposit, airline cancelation fees and non-refundable hotel, liveaboard and dive operator fees.

We will work out on a case by case request what Allways Dive are able to refund to you.

If you have travel insurance, and are able to claim on your travel insurance, we are able to assist by producing an insurance letter on your behalf and you can claim for any non-refundable components.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST:

If your trip has been rescheduled to next year relax there is nothing else you can do at this time.

Let’s hope that 2021 is a better year than 2020.

If you are booked on a trip via a dive shop, dive club or retail travel agent please refer all your inquiries back to your contact at that organisation and they will then liaise with us. This will allow us to work with one centralised person.     

Our office is open Monday to Friday 9.00 AM to 5:30 PM.

Call us on anytime on 03 9531 6818 or email us on allways@allwaysdive.com.au

For all urgent travel assistance matters contact Ian Lockwood on 0411 129 860.

Thank you all for your support through this exceedingly difficult time.