Booking Terms and Conditions

Contract with Brightsun Travel Europe Ltd

The following Terms and Conditions govern the use of the website Brightsun.ie and apply to customers booking through any channel operated by Brightsun Travel T/A Brightsun Travel Europe Ltd (referred to as "the Company"). Brightsun Travel Europe Ltd, registered at Block B, The Crescent Building, Northwood, Santry Dublin 9, D09 C6X8 Ireland, acts as an agent for procuring travel services from airlines, accommodation providers, tour operators, transfer arrangements, transport operators, and cruises operators.

Travel Arrangements

The Company arranges travel in the following capacities:

  1. As a Booking Agent
    • Your contract is with the supplier(s) for individual travel arrangements, such as airlines, accommodations, cruises, or transfers.
  2. As a Supplier or Agent of Pre-arranged Packages:
    • A "package" is defined as a pre-arranged combination of flights, accommodations, and/or transfers sold at an inclusive price. Packages must last at least 24 hours or include an overnight stay.

Booking Process

Any booking made through the Company's website, telesales, chat, instant messenger, or social media platforms constitutes an offer to purchase travel services. Acceptance of your booking is confirmed when the Company issues a confirmation invoice, either electronically or by post. Verbal confirmations or other forms of communication are not legally binding unless followed by a written confirmation invoice.

Age Requirement: At least one passenger must be aged 18 or over at the time of booking.

Payment and Contracts

  • Travel services are only confirmed upon receipt of a deposit or full payment by the prescribed deadline. If the deadline is missed, the Company reserves the right to cancel the booking unilaterally and apply any applicable cancellation charges as outlined in these Terms and Conditions. A confirmation invoice will be issued upon payment.
  • All contracts are governed by Irish law and subject to the jurisdiction of Irish courts.
  • The person making the booking assumes responsibility for the entire party and ensures payment of any outstanding balances.

Email

  • The email address that you provide with your booking will be used for all future communication with you, including any changes and additional information on your flights and/or hotel bookings. It is therefore your responsibility to ensure that you check your email on a regular basis, and also notify us should your email address change

Flights and Flight Routings

  • Flights on our programme are arranged with reputable airlines. Should delays or cancellations occur, the airline would normally provide refreshments, meals and if necessary accommodation. We do not provide such services at the point of departure or at the point of return to the UK. Any claim relating to such events must be made directly to the airline. A direct flight is a flight where there is no change of aircraft en route, but stops are possible, as the aircraft may need to refuel or allow other passengers to join or leave the aircraft. A non-stop flight travels from the origin to the destination without stopping. Where a flight is shown to travel via other destinations, at least one change of aircraft is necessary en route.
  • Due to unforeseen circumstances, airlines may find it necessary to alter the published routing. This may be a last minute change or can even occur during the flight to/from your destination.
  • Flight timings may also change. Should this occur, and if we are able, we will inform you as soon as we are made aware of any changes to the previously confirmed timings given to us by the airlines.

Pregnancy Note

Airline regulations state that women 28 weeks or more into pregnancy, at the time of return travel, must have medical certification of fitness to travel. Normally after 32 weeks permission to travel is refused however, airlines have different policies and we would need to check as to whether they will agree to carry you, prior to confirming your holiday. It is imperative that you notify us of your pregnancy at the time of booking or as at such time you become aware.

Conditions of Carriage

Brightsun accepts responsibility for the proper provision of elements of your holiday of which it is the operator. However, Brightsun is recognised as an organiser for travel and holidays only and, as such does not control or operate any airline, shipping company or rail company. When you travel by air, sea or rail, your journey may be subject to certain international Conventions such as the Warsaw Convention and Montreal Convention (international carriage by air), the Athens Convention (international carriage by sea) or COTIF (international carriage by rail), as such conventions are amended or re-enacted from time to time. You agree that the operating carrier or transport company's own "Conditions of Carriage" will apply to you on that journey. When arranging this transportation for you, we rely on the terms and conditions contained within these international conventions and those "Conditions of Carriage". You acknowledge that all of the terms and conditions contained in those "Conditions of Carriage" form part of your contract with us as well as the transport company and they are deemed to be included by reference into this contract. Timings of flights are subject to change. Any re-issue / re-validation / cancellation of ticket will incur an administrative fee. Confirmation of commencement of journey, and reconfirmation of onward your journey including departure and arrival airport terminals, and change(s) in departure and arrival timings is the responsibility of the traveller. Please remember that any passengers travelling to or via USA/CANADA : will require an ESTA at least 72 hours prior to travel, even for transit purposes.


Disclaimer: "Many Airlines are starting to restrict cabin (carry on) baggage on flights. The cabin baggage many be chargeable. We request passengers check with the airline if your booking includes cabin baggage.


Data Protection Policy

To ensure that your holiday runs smoothly we and your Travel Agent (if you use one) need to use information such as your name and address, special needs, dietary requirement, etc. We will apply appropriate security measures to protect this data. However, we must pass it to suppliers of your travel arrangements, including airlines, hotels and transport companies. We may also supply it to security or credit checking companies and to public authorities such as customs and immigration. If your holiday is outside the European Economic Area (EEA) controls on data protection in your destination may not be as strict as in the EEA. We will only pass data including sensitive information regarding disabilities or dietary and religious requirements to people responsible for your travel arrangements. If we cannot pass this information to the relevant suppliers in the EEA or elsewhere, we cannot provide your booking. When you make this booking you consent to this information being passed to all relevant persons. Information held by your Travel Agent is subject to that company's own data protection policy. We can supply a copy of your information held by us; there is a reasonable charge for providing this. We may use this information to contact you with details of our other products and services.

Partial Payments

Partial Payments are at the full discretion of the Company and in circumstance that partial payment plans are available, the following shall apply:

  • The confirmation invoice will detail payment schedules and potential cancellation fees will apply as per section “Cancellation and changes by you” below
  • Government taxes may fluctuate during the payment period. Customers will be notified of any additional balances owed.
  • Failure to make timely payments may result in booking cancellation with a refund to you less any applicable fees. A grace period of 7 days may be provided at the Company's discretion, during which you will be notified of the overdue payment and given an opportunity to resolve it.
  • Late payments may incur interest charges.

Debit/Credit Card Payments

  • A deposit or full payment is required at the time of booking.
  • If services are unavailable, a refund will be issued unless a suitable alternative is offered.
  • Payments can be made via Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, bank transfer, or in cash at Company offices.

Notes: Cash sent by post is not accepted, and the Company is not liable for such losses. Bank Transfers can take 3-5 days to clear and you are advised to allow such period for clearance and the Company is not liable for such losses.


Cancellations and Changes by You

If you, or a member of your party wishes to cancel or alter a booking, then written notification must be provided the Company. The date of cancellation will be the date we receive the written notification. Any cancelations/alterations may incur a charge (as detailed below) and is subject to our refund policy.
The charges below are in addition to the fees that are charged by the operators involved in the booking and any changes can only be made and accepted at the discretion of the operator and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the operator(s) which will be made available to you at the time of booking. We will endeavour to assist however, we cannot guarantee that such requests to change can or will be met.
These cancellation charges could be made up of individual operators but not limited to airlines, hotels,excursions and change of name:

  • Changes or cancellations by the client will incur supplier charges and Company administration fees. The Company administration fees are as follows:: 
    • More than 12 weeks before departure: €200 per person.
    • 12-8 weeks before departure: €250 per person.
    • 8-4 weeks before departure: €300 per person.
    • Within 4 weeks of departure: 100% non-refundable.
  • Non-refundable bookings, such as certain airline tickets and hotel accommodations, are subject to supplier policies.

Changes by the Company

We may amend these terms and conditions at any time without prior notice. In circumstances we do amend these terms and conditions, the amended terms will be effective when posted on this website and you are deemed to have accepted the relevant changes.
  • Travel Arrangements: Suppliers may alter schedules or descriptions. The Company will notify you of major changes (e.g., significant delays, changes in accommodation class) as soon as practicable. The Company is not responsible for any such changes and/or loss associated with any change.
  • Packages: If significant changes occur, you will be offered the option to:
    1. Accept the changes.
    2. Purchase an alternative arrangement, with price adjustments.
    3. Cancel the booking for a full refund (excluding cases of "force majeure" or "low bookings").

Refunds by the Company

  • Any refunds are subject to any non-refundable deposits, late penalties fee, late interest fee, charges and cancelation/alterations fees any other interest penalties that may be applicable.
  • The Company has discretion to offer you alternative to a cash refund in circumstances of cancellations made as result of global travel disruption (arising from Covid-19 outbreak or otherwise) such as voucher, which will permit you to travel at another date.
  • In circumstance where you do not show up to check-in or otherwise do not make yourself available as per the schedule/time to benefit of the product/service reserved through the Company, you will not be entitled to any refund from us.
  • Any refunds will be made within 28 days of approval by the Company in accordance with these terms and conditions.

Compensation for Major Changes:

  • Over 56 days before departure: Nil
  • 56-29 days: €25
  • 28-15 days: €40
  • Within 14 days: €50

Force Majeure

"Force majeure" includes events such as war, terrorism, industrial disputes, natural disasters, adverse weather, or any unforeseeable event beyond the Company’s control. In such cases, refunds or compensation may not apply.


Responsibilities of the Company

  • We accept no liability for any aspect of your travel arrangements and we cannot be held responsible for any disruption in your travel arrangements due to bad or unusual weather conditions.
  • For Individual Travel Arrangements: The Company acts solely as a booking agent and is not liable for issues arising from travel arrangements. The fact that the Company only acts as a booking agent, the Company has no liability whatsoever for any aspect of the arrangements and, in particular has no liability for any loss, damage, third party behaviour, personal injury, or death however incurred. Any claims for damages, for injury, illness or death arising from your flight or, stay in the accommodation, must be brought against the airline or the owner of the accommodation or other relevant person/body.
  • For Packages: The Company accepts liability for improper performance of package obligations, which may include significant delays, incorrect or substandard accommodations, or failure to provide agreed-upon services. However, the Company’s liability is limited to include the following:
    1. Issues caused by third parties (including third party behaviour).
    2. Issues (deficiency, personal injury, illness, death) caused by your own acts/omissions, by the acts/omissions of a third party (excluding the Company’s suppliers) or by circumstances which neither the Company nor its suppliers could have anticipated or avoided even exercising all due care.
    3. Any personal injury, death or otherwise suffered as the result of an activity which does not form part of the package you have booked with the Company.
    4. Circumstances beyond the Company’s control.
    5. Limitations under international conventions
      (e.g., Warsaw Convention as amended the Hague Protocol 1955, the Berne Convention 1962, the Athens Convention 1974 and the Paris Convention 1962 ).
      Limitations to a maximum of three times the cost of your Package (except in cases involving death, injury or illness in circumstance where the Company or, the operator(s) have caused such damage intentionally or negligently)

Your Responsibilities

  • Ensure all travel documents are accurate and notify the Company of discrepancies immediately.
  • Comply with passport, visa, and health requirements.
  • Familiarize yourself with airline rights under Regulation EC261/04 regarding cancellations or delays.
  • Familiarize yourself with any baggage limitations (weight, size, on board baggage limitations etc).
  • Familiarize yourself with check in/check out times to include any e-bookings/e-tickets.
  • Familiarize yourself with any government, local or other warnings prior to travelling.
  • Notify the Company (and/or the airline, hotel or other) of any disabilities or special requirements (including any pregnancy and any young children).
  • Inform the Company immediately of any failure to perform or improper performance by the operator in relation to any package holiday
  • Notify the Company immediately of any complaint, claim, injury, illness or otherwise. This is a pre-requisite for the payment of compensation, if any.

Complaints

If issues arise:

  1. Report them to the supplier (e.g., hotel, airline) immediately, providing relevant evidence such as booking confirmations, receipts, photographs, or other documentation to support your claim.
  2. If unresolved, contact the Company in writing at their registered address.
  3. Submit complaints to the European Commission’s Online Dispute Resolution platform if necessary.

Other Information

  • Third Party: These terms and conditions only apply to a person who is a party to them. Any other person who is not a party to these terms and conditions (third party) shall have no rights under these terms and conditions.
  • Assignment: You may not assign, convey, subcontract or delegate your rights, duties or obligations hereunder.
  • Severability: These terms and conditions shall be deemed severable.  In the event that any provision is determined to be unenforceable or invalid, such provision shall nonetheless be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, and such determination shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any other remaining provisions.
  • Entire Agreement:
  • Governing Law: This Agreement, these terms and conditions, all contracts and any such performance in relation thereto shall be governed by the laws of Ireland and subject to the jurisdiction of the Irish courts. You consent and submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts.

Additional Information

  • Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
  • Pricing Policy: Prices are subject to change before confirmation due to supplier adjustments.
  • Name Changes: Any changes must be communicated to the Company. Unapproved changes may result in service denial or cancellation fees.

By booking with Brightsun Travel Europe Ltd, you acknowledge and agree to these Terms and Conditions. For online bookings, acknowledgment is recorded through a checkbox during the booking process, and for offline bookings, acknowledgment is captured via a signed document.