TRAVEL COMMUNIQUE – latest travel news 

LATEST TRAVEL NEWS 

IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION: 

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT – SARS D65 DECLARATION
SARS is tightening enforcement on existing legislation in respect of travellers commuting with electronic equipment – mobile phones, laptops, tablets, cameras and even watches.
Law requires travellers to register their electronic equipment prior to departing South Africa if they plan to return to the country with these items.
Through registration, the traveller receives a DA 65 form signed and stamped by SARS at the Airport Customs office at OR Tambo International Airport which is valid for 6 months but must be updated every time the traveller acquires a new device that they travel with internationally.
Failure to produce the form to Customs on request could result in the traveller receiving a fine (on average R1 500) which, with import duties and VAT, could increase substantially.

LUFTHANSA – NEW ONBOARD OFFERING
Lufthansa’s new ‘Dream Collection’ is now available on select long-haul flights of 10.5 hours or more, including flights to and from Latin and South America, the West coast of the United States and South Africa.
The improved offering includes a new pillowcase, blanket and new sleep shirt from Van Laack while the new mattress topper has been developed specifically for Lufthansa. The bed linen’s plastic packaging has replaced with a paper band to improve the environmental impact of the product.
The Dream Collection will be available on select Asian flights from June and will then be rolled out onto all Lufthansa long-haul flights.

VIRGIN ATLANTIC – NEW ECONOMY CLASS
Virgin Atlantic’s new economy-class offers three new fare types – ‘Economy Delight’, ‘Economy Classic’ and ‘Economy Light’.
In Economy Delight and Economy Classic, passengers are allowed one item of checked luggage weighing 23kg, at no extra charge. Checked luggage is not included in the Economy Light option but passengers can pay extra to have additional baggage on their flight.
The following are the same in all three fare classes: meals and drinks, inflight entertainment, free hand luggage up to 10kg, blanket, pillow, and headphones, and USB chargers in the seat.
Free seat selection at any time is available for Economy Delight and Economy Classic customers, while Economy Light customers are only assigned a seat at check-in. Priority check-in/boarding is available only on Economy Delight.