TERMS AND CONDITIONS

I understand that Connections Luxury Travel, Inc. (“Connections Luxury Travel”), an affiliate of the member agency Departure Lounge (“Departure Lounge”), is not the direct source or supplier of the travel services I am requesting, and acts solely as an agent liaison for the (“vendors”) and (“suppliers”) of such services. The supplier names that appear in the information provided to me  are solely responsible for providing the travel services I will purchase. I understand that should the suppliers or vendors not provide rendered services, that Connections Luxury Travel will work tirelessly on my behalf (the “Client”) to rectify the situation to the best of their ability and the extent of their reach. I also understand and agree that I will not hold Connections Luxury Travel, liable or responsible should any of these suppliers commit the following, but not limited to: (1) fail to comply with any applicable law; or (2) engage in any negligent act or omission that causes me any sort of injury, damage, delay or inconvenience. I understand that by opting to purchase travel insurance I can work with an insurance representative to arrange coverage for these services. Connections Luxury Travel is required by law to offer such travel insurance vendors. Noting the information described supra, I agree to enter an engagement between my traveling party (“the Clients”) and  Connections Luxury Travel.

Travel Documentation

I will review my travel documents for accuracy upon receipt and understand that I may contact Connections Luxury Travel if I have any questions.  I will confirm that all travel dates and times proposed are accurate and that all traveler's names, date of birth, and gender given at time of booking match my government ID exactly. I acknowledge that my failure to strictly comply with these requirements may result in denied boarding or an undue delay at an airport security checkpoint causing me to miss my flight. I understand that while Connections Luxury Travel may advise me on COVID-19 and other entry requirements, I bear responsibility for checking most updated rules and requirements.

I understand that if traveling internationally, I must have a valid passport with 6 months validity past my travel date. And depending upon my destination and nationality, I may need to obtain one or more visas. Connections Luxury Travel is not responsible for the issuance of travel identification such as passports and/or visas and travelers should ensure they have or have been approved for the appropriate documents before purchasing travel. I also understand that credit cards will often need to be provided upon check in at hotels or with car rental services with an incidental hold placed on my card. This policy is set by the provider, not Connections Luxury Travels.

Travel Planning Fee

I understand that travel planning fees are due in full within 7 days of the first initial call and execution of this engagement letter agreement. If I need a more personalized payment plan, I am to confirm said payment plan with Connections Luxury Travel prior to the execution of this agreement. Connections Luxury Travel may receive commissionable earnings from certain properties and Virtuoso hotels. I understand this is not an out of pocket cost for me. I understand that the non-refundable travel planning fee covers Connections Luxury Travel’s time spent curating my trip plans and assumes I will book hotels through Connections Luxury Travel. If my trip is planned, but not taken, it is up to the sole discretion of Connections Luxury Travel to roll over some or all of the planning fees towards a future trip's planning efforts. If hotels are not booked with Connections Luxury Travel, planning fees will be revisited. A new planning fee may also be required if more than 1 month elapses between proposal and client feedback and approval as pricing and availability can dramatically shift requiring a new plan to be researched and presented. Planning fees do not cover dining and spa reservations. Should the travel dates or destination need to be adjusted for any reason, a cancellation fee of $200 will be charged due to time required to change/rebook items.

Travel Insurance

I understand that Connections Luxury Travel will offer me travel insurance for purchase to cover certain risks inherent in travel such as supplier bankruptcy, trip interruption and/or the inability to travel due to a medical or personal emergency.  If I choose not to purchase travel insurance or if I purchase travel insurance on my own and not through Connections Luxury Travel I understand potential penalties may apply and I may not have protections if I need to cancel. I will not hold Connections Luxury Travel liable nor responsible for any expenses incurred resulting from delay or cancellation of the confirmed itinerary, accident, sickness, death, stolen or damaged baggage or property.

Force Majeure 

No party of this agreement shall be liable or responsible to the other party, nor be deemed to have defaulted under or breached this Agreement, for any failure or delay in fulfilling or performing any term of this Agreement (except for any obligations to make payments from the Client to Connections Luxury Travel  hereunder), when and to the extent such failure or delay is caused by or results from acts beyond the impacted party’s (“Impacted Party”) control, including, but not limited to, the following force majeure events (“Force Majeure Events”): (a) acts of God; (b) a natural disaster (fires, explosions, earthquakes, hurricane, flooding, storms, explosions, infestations), epidemic, or pandemic; (c) war, invasion, hostilities (whether war is declared or not), terrorist threats or acts, riot or other civil unrest; (d) government order or law; (e) actions, embargoes or blockades in effect on or after the date of this Agreement; (f) action by any governmental authority; (g) national or regional emergency; (h) strikes, labor stoppages or slowdowns or other industrial disturbances; and (i) shortage of adequate power or transportation facilities. 

The Impacted Party shall give Notice within 15 days of the Force Majeure Event to the other party, stating the period of time the occurrence is expected to continue. The Impacted Party shall use diligent efforts to end the failure or delay and ensure the effects of such Force Majeure Event are minimized. The Impacted Party shall resume the performance of its obligations as soon as reasonably practicable after the removal of the cause. In the event that the Impacted Party’s failure or delay remains uncured for a period of 15 days following Notice given by it, the other party may thereafter terminate this Agreement upon Notice.

Waiver of Liability & Consent of Engagement

By reserving and agreeing to the travel services and in consideration of travel to and participation in a confirmed itinerary, I hereby release, waive and discharge Connections Luxury Travel  from any and all actions, damages, claims or demands which I have or may incur by participating in the confirmed stated itinerary. I understand that my traveling is voluntary. 

I agree that this disclaimer includes the entire traveling party and that in the event of any disputes; they may only be litigated in the state of Illinois with a maximum penalty not to exceed the total earned by Connections Luxury Travel in the original transaction. I understand that I am responsible for any injuries to persons or property which may be incurred in connection with my travel and I further expressly agree that the foregoing acknowledgement and waiver of liability is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law. I have read this Travel Services Agreement Terms & Conditions and fully understand its terms. I acknowledge that I am signing this waiver freely and voluntarily with full knowledge of its significance.