Marine fares are used by many maritime companies and individuals working in the marine sector worldwide.   The one way flexible and refundable fares are offered to crew joining/leaving vessels and rigs.

Read on to find out the most frequently asked questions about marine and offshore fares

Am I eligible to travel on a marine/offshore fare?
We cover a cross section of marine related business including ship’s crew, offshore, yacht crew, engineers and surveyors throughout the UK and Worldwide.   Therefore, anyone who is travelling to work onboard a vessel/rig whether its at sea or in dry dock will be able to use benefits of travelling on a marine fare ticket.  Further details regarding eligibility can be found here 

We have direct access to over 140 marine and 70 offshore airline contracts which we have negotiated for our sole use.  Our experienced reservation team will provide a selection of flight quotations in order for you to pick which one suits your arrangement the best.  We are open 24/7.

How do airlines know who’s eligible to travel on a marine/offshore fare?
Our reservations team will need to know the name of the vessel/rig that you are working on for a marine fare to be quoted.  This information is added to the booking.  We always recommend that you travel with a letter on company headed paper, stating that you are employed to work onboard.  We offer a free service of creating your own bespoke company letter, please ask for more details.

Airline staff may ask for proof of entitlement to travel on a marine fare and this letter can be used as evidence.  If you are unable to produce it, on request, your airline may deny you boarding or ask you to purchase a new ticket.

Can I hold the flight and issue later when my dates are fixed?
Yes. We can hold your seats on flights for a limited time depending on the airline. Fares are subject to change until the moment they are purchased and will expire at the end of each day meaning the exchange rate differences can see fares rise or fall each day. We will endeavour to let you know if it looks like your seats are about to expire.

Can I book a flight departing the same day?
Yes, we understand that as the maritime sector is notorious for last minute bookings and changes, we can appreciate that the majority of flight requests will be travelling imminently.  Therefore, our team are on hand 24/7/365.

Can I change my flight?
Yes. If you are booked on a marine fare, then changes are permitted on 99% of flights. Changes are often permitted without charge but there may always be a fare difference between the old and new tickets. Some carriers impose change fees even on marine fares, but we will advise this on any email correspondence detailing flight itineraries so do check and ask if you’re not sure.

If you are booked on a standard ticket/published fare, then the majority will have a change fee should you wish to amend. Again, though you will be advised of this before booking.

Can I cancel my flight?
Yes. If you are booked on a marine fare, then the majority of airlines allow cancellations to be made with little to no penalty.  Some airlines also allow cancellations to be made on marine tickets after departure of the flight, whilst some will advise that no show = no refund. If in doubt, ask us when you book.

If you are on a standard ticket/published fare, then most of these are non-refundable or charge a variety of fees to refund your ticket.

Can I travel in premium cabins?
Many of our airline partners have marine fares for Premium economy and Business class cabins, just let us know when you’re booking that you’d like to explore those options and we’ll tailor it accordingly.

What’s my baggage allowance?
Most marine fares allow an upgraded baggage allowance. In economy this can be 40Kg or 2 x 23KG depending on the airline remember though, no one bag can weigh more than 32Kg.

Standard airline tickets/published fares normally limit you to one bag of 23Kg.  Premium and Business class will usually allow for 3 bags. As always, your flight information should have the allowance noted, any questions, just let us know.

Can you help, its 2am and I urgently need to change my flight?
We offer a continuous service, open 24/7/365 .  Our own reservation staff are available to make a new booking or change an existing reservation and can reach on res@marine.travel 

I won’t be working on a vessel this time, can I still have a quote?
Yes.  We have access to specially negotiated published fare just for the purpose of non-marine travel.  So, if you are going to a meeting or even an exhibition we can still offer you a great fare.

This fare type may involve restrictions and a lower baggage allowance than a marine fare but this will be explained to you at the time the quote is provided.

Are you able to assist with a hotel reservation?
Yes, we can.  In fact, we can book transfers, lounge pass, rail, low-cost airlines and car hire for UK and Worldwide destinations.

How can I pay you?
There are several ways to pay.  We can accept payment by credit card and will send a secure link via email for you to complete.  We are a PCI compliant company and do not store any payment details.  Therefore, you will receive a new link each time you make a booking with us. Payment can also be sent via BACS but please allow time extra time and any currency fluctuations must be taken into consideration.  We also offer the option of opening a credit account.  Please contact us for more details.

What else do I need?
Please be aware you are responsible for your own visas to travel to/from/through any countries on your itinerary.  Marine Travel cannot be held responsible for any missed flights or cancellations through lack of correct and valid travel documentation. If required, we can put you in contact with a visa specialist.

Most airlines require passport details before any tickets can be issued.  Unless otherwise requested, we will store this information on our system solely for the purpose of arranging travel.  To read our Privacy Policy click here

More and more airlines are now requiring contact details for the passenger.  If requested, we will need an email or a phone number to add to your booking.

How do I get in touch?
Our offices are manned 24/7/365, you can reach us via email at res@marine.travel or call us on +44(0)1227 470720, via Livechat or by completing the request a quote form