BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS – SIKH CHANNEL YATRAS
- Contract
Sparrow Path Ltd (Company No. 17045182), registered at C/O Metropolitan Accountant Ltd, Phoenix Business Centre – Office 10, Rosslyn Crescent, Harrow HA1 2SP, United Kingdom, provides all travel services booked through www.sikhchannelyatras.com or via our operating office at 81 Sweetcroft Lane, Uxbridge UB10 9LG.
These Terms & Conditions apply to all bookings and distinguish between packages and other holiday arrangements.
Definition of a Package
A “package” is a combination of at least two of the following components, sold to you at the same time for an inclusive price, with full payment made to the Company:
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Another tourist service (e.g., tours, transfers, excursions)
If two or more of these elements are purchased together as a single arrangement, your booking is treated as a package.
Other Holiday Arrangements
Any booking that does not meet the above definition—such as flight‑only, accommodation and flights booked separately, or cruise‑only—is considered “other holiday arrangements.” In these cases, Sparrow Path Ltd acts solely as a booking agent, and your contract is directly with the relevant supplier (e.g., airline, hotel, cruise operator). Supplier terms are available on request.
Formation of Contract
A booking made by you constitutes an offer to purchase travel arrangements under these Terms. A binding contract is formed only when full payment is accepted, and a confirmation invoice is issued.
All contracts are governed by English law and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England & Wales.
The lead passenger accepts these Terms on behalf of the entire party and is responsible for all payments. Bookings are only accepted from persons aged 18 or over.
- Financial Protection (ATOL 12960 & PTS Membership 6475)
Sparrow Path Ltd provides financial protection for qualifying package holidays through:
- ATOL 12960, issued by the Civil Aviation Authority, protecting flight‑inclusive packages; and
- PTS Membership 6475, which provides additional financial protection under the Protected Trust Services (PTS) trust account and insurance model.
All customer funds for qualifying arrangements are securely held in accordance with PTS requirements until they are used to pay suppliers. Non‑package travel arrangements may not be covered by ATOL but may still benefit from PTS protection depending on the nature of the booking.
- Payments
- Deposit: A booking is not confirmed until the required deposit or full payment is received. Deposits are non‑refundable.
- Balance: The remaining balance must be paid no later than 12 weeks before departure unless agreed otherwise in writing.
- Card Charges: Payments by credit or debit card may incur bank charges.
- Immediate Payment: Some bookings require full payment at the time of reservation; you will be advised if this applies.
Failure to pay on time may result in cancellation and applicable charges.
- Changes Requested by You
If you wish to amend your booking (other than increasing the number of travellers), an amendment fee per person will apply. Some arrangements—such as restricted‑fare airline tickets—cannot be changed and may incur 100% cancellation charges. All changes must be confirmed in writing.
- Cancellation by You
Cancellations must be made in writing by the lead passenger.
- After ticket issue: Most arrangements incur a 100% cancellation fee.
- Charter flights: Always carry a 100% cancellation fee.
- Changes or Cancellation by the Company
We reserve the right to amend or cancel travel arrangements.
- Minor changes include airline changes, flight time adjustments under 12 hours, aircraft type changes, or accommodation of similar standard.
- Major changes entitle you to:
- accept the change,
- accept an alternative of comparable standard (with refund of any price difference), or
- cancel for a full refund.
Compensation may be payable depending on the notice period, except where changes arise from force majeure or your failure to pay on time.
- Force Majeure
Events beyond our control—such as war, terrorism, industrial disputes, natural disasters, or severe weather—may affect your arrangements. In such cases, no compensation is payable.
- Pricing Policy
Prices may change due to government action, fuel surcharges, taxes, fees, or exchange rate fluctuations.
- We may absorb increases up to 2% of the invoice price.
- Reductions over 3% may be refunded.
- No surcharges apply once air tickets are fully paid and issued.
- Travel Documents & E‑Tickets
Documents are normally emailed or dispatched 14 days before departure. For late bookings, collection at the airport or courier delivery may be required. Many airlines now issue e‑tickets rather than paper tickets.
- Complaints
If an issue arises during your holiday, notify the supplier and our representative immediately so we can resolve it. Unresolved issues must be submitted in writing within 28 days of return. Failure to report issues locally may affect your rights.
- Our Liability
We are responsible for the proper performance of your contract except where failures are due to:
- your actions,
- unforeseeable actions of an unrelated third party,
- unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, or
- events that could not be prevented even with due care.
Liability (except for death, injury, or illness) is limited to twice the cost of your travel arrangements. International conventions (e.g., Montreal, Athens, Berne, Paris) may further limit compensation.
- Assistance in Resort
If you suffer injury or material loss due to failures outside our control, we will provide reasonable assistance.
- Passports, Visas & Health
You are responsible for ensuring you meet all passport, visa, and health requirements. Many countries require six months’ passport validity beyond your stay.
- Behaviour
Suppliers and the Company may terminate your arrangements if your behaviour causes offence, danger, or damage. No refunds or compensation will be provided, and you will be liable for any resulting costs.
- Flights
Some flight journeys may include stops. Flight times may change due to operational reasons. You must reconfirm flights 72 hours before departure.
- Pre‑Travel Advice
You should review official travel advice at www.fco.gov.uk before travelling.
- Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for all travellers.
- Special Requests & Medical Conditions
Special requests must be made at the time of booking but cannot be guaranteed. Medical conditions must be disclosed in writing; we may decline bookings we cannot safely accommodate.
- Building Works
We cannot control local development but will inform you of any significant works likely to affect your stay.
- Early Check‑Out
Early departure from accommodation does not guarantee any refund, regardless of information provided by hotel staff.
- Your Financial Protection (ATOL 12960)
When you purchase an ATOL‑protected flight or flight‑inclusive holiday from us under ATOL 12960, you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This certificate clearly sets out:
- What is financially protected
- Where to find further information
- Who to contact if your travel services cannot be provided
The ATOL Certificate explains your rights and the protection available to you should anything “go wrong.”
- Provision of Services Under ATOL 12960
If we, or the suppliers named on your ATOL Certificate issued under ATOL 12960, are able to provide the services listed, we will do so. If this is not possible due to insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide the services you purchased, or a suitable alternative, at no extra cost to you.
You agree to accept the alternative ATOL holder as the party responsible for delivering your travel services and to pay any outstanding balance directly to them. If no alternative ATOL holder can be appointed, you may make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or through your credit card issuer where applicable).
- ATOL 12960 Scheme Payments and Assignment of Claims
If we, or the suppliers named on your ATOL Certificate issued under ATOL 12960, cannot provide the services listed due to insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to you or confer a benefit on you under the ATOL scheme.
In accepting such a payment or benefit, you agree to assign absolutely to the Trustees any claims you may have relating to the non‑provision of those services—including claims against us, the travel agent, or (where applicable) your credit card issuer.
You also agree that the Trustees may re‑assign these claims to another body if that body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme.