Gill Charlton: on the case

Travel expert Gill Charlton explains return flight options for trips lasting a whole year and advises on airport transfers in Dubai.

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Mexican stand-off

Alan Beare, London, writes

I have been comparing prices on the internet for a return ticket to Mexico departing in August this year and returning 11 months later. But all the airlines, including KLM, Air France and British Airways, will not allow me to choose a return date more than five months after my outbound flight date, even though it says that the ticket has a validity of one year from the date of the outbound flight.

	Getting a transfer from Dubai airport should not be too taxing

Changing the return flight date just before I travel out in August incurs a financial penalty of around £75, plus any different in fare class.We discovered this anomaly because my daughter has just had to pay this extra charge on a BMI ticket to Mexico that she purchased through Trailfinders.

Why can't I fix my return date for July 2009 when I purchase the ticket?

Gill Charlton replies

"The problem arises because airlines only ever load their schedules and availability on to the international booking systems 11 to 12 months in advance," says a Trailfinders spokeswoman. "Therefore no agent can book a return flight further in advance of this date.

"For example, agents currently have access to flight schedules up to the end of December. Because tickets to Mexico must be paid for in full and issued within days of booking, agents must insert a dummy return date so the ticket can be issued and the reservation confirmed."

Trailfinders says its consultants endeavour to find tickets with the lowest charges for making changes in circumstances like yours. The only alternative is to put off buying the ticket until a week before you leave, but it would probably cost a lot more than the amount you are being asked to pay to make a later change to the return leg of the flight.

Transfers in Dubai

Jakki Elvy, Kent, writes

We have booked an independent holiday to Dubai, flights and apartment only. We are four adults and a toddler and I would like to book transfers from the airport to our apartment in Jumeirah. Are taxis at the airport metered and safe or should I book a transfer? If so, could you recommend a company?

Gill Charlton replies

I spoke to the Dubai tourist office, which says that Dubai's airport taxis are metered and drivers do switch their meters on without being nagged by passengers. Most taxis are saloon-type cars, so the five of you would not be able to travel in one vehicle. However, I am assured that there are also some larger people-carrier-type vehicles on the taxi rank which should be suitable, as long as you don't have too much luggage.

However, if you are not that well-travelled it might be better to pay more and book a taxi, especially as many drivers speak little English and do not always know where they are going. Holiday Taxis (01444 257041, www.holidaytaxis.com) can pre-book a mini-van from the airport to Jumeirah for £105.60 return.

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