Antarctica21 Contingency Plan

For Antarctica Air Cruises, Antarctica Express Air Cruises and Polar Circle Air Cruises operated by Antarctica21, a Contingency Plan is in place for those cases when weather conditions require that the day of operation of the flight to/from Antarctica is modified from the itinerary.

2024-25 & 2025-26 Seasons

ANTARCTICA21 has been organizing Antarctic air cruises since 2003. Over these years we have gained extensive experience in the delicate coordination of land, air and sea operations in the extreme Antarctic environment. While historically a majority of flights has operated on the scheduled day, in some instances weather conditions have required that adjustments to the departure time of Antarctic flights be made to avoid protracted delays. In the unlikely event that the flight to Antarctica cannot take place on the scheduled day due to unfavorable weather conditions, we will apply a Contingency Plan.

The Contingency Plan is included in the cost of your expedition. The primary goal of the plan is to provide an engaging and comfortable travel experience while we adapt to the weather. A change in the flight schedule can impact travel to Antarctica or return back to Punta Arenas, and the plan includes a range of activities determined by the circumstances. Additionally, the Contingency Plan offers you financial protection by providing a refund should weather conditions prevent us from reaching Antarctica.

Contingency Plan for Antarctica Express Air Cruises starting in Ushuaia

In the case of a delay on the return flight to Punta Arenas from Antarctica, passengers on board the ship will continue cruising to nearby places until the return flight to Punta Arenas is authorized. Full board and all excursions are included. No refund will be extended for any reason whatsoever.

Contingency Plan for Classic Antarctica Air Cruises, Polar Circle Air Cruises, Antarctica & South Georgia Air Cruises and Antarctica Express Air Cruises starting in Punta Arenas

In case the outbound flight to Antarctica is moved forward

In some cases it may be necessary to move forward the Antarctic flight to the afternoon or evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. This will result in early departure from Punta Arenas and early arrival in Antarctica.

In case the outbound flight to Antarctica is delayed

If the flight to Antarctica cannot take place in Day 2 according to the itinerary, every effort will be made to transport passengers to Antarctica on Day 3 and up until 2:00pm on Day 4 of the itinerary, taking into consideration the weather conditions, the safety of guests and the aircraft, and operational requirements in Antarctica. During this period of standby, guided tours to sites of historic and wildlife interest or other services are provided based on the circumstances. Meals as well as accommodation are included. If by 2:00pm of Day 4 of the itinerary Antarctica21 is not be able to transport passengers to Antarctica, the trip will be interrupted. Accommodation with breakfast will be provided, and no other services or meals will be included. Based on the original booking channel, Antarctica21 or, if applicable, the traveler’s booking agent, will refund to each passenger 100% the cruise fare paid for the air-cruise. Group airport transfers are provided on Day 5, and no other services or meals are included. Refunding, if applicable, will take place as soon as possible through the same channel used for booking and will release Antarctica21 from any further liability.

In case the return flight to Punta Arenas is moved forward

In case the return flight from Antarctica must be moved forward, passengers will disembark the ship and fly out of Antarctica up to 1 day earlier than indicated in the itinerary. On arrival, accommodation will be provided, and all other inclusions will remain per the original itinerary.

In case the return flight to Punta Arenas is delayed

In the case the return flight from Antarctica is delayed, passengers on board the ship will continue cruising to nearby places until the flight out of Antarctica is authorized. In the unlikely event that the delay exceeds 2 days, and the weather forecast or operational requirements indicate the impossibility to fly for several more days, for safety reasons the captain of the vessel may decide to sail back to South America. Full board and all excursions are included. Upon arrival, the trip will end at the airport. No refund will be extended for any reason whatsoever. Travelers are responsible for any expenses associated with the rescheduling of their airline tickets or onward travel plans.

Important Notice on Refunding

Refunding will take place as soon as possible and will release Antarctica21 from any further liability.

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