Booking Terms & Conditions

1. QUOTATIONS

 

1.1   All quotations are valid for 30 days from the date of issue, unless otherwise stated.

1.2   A quotation does not secure aircraft availability.

1.3   All quotations remain subject to:

  • Aircraft availability
  • Operational requirements
  • Increases in fuel costs, airport charges, or government levies

 

2. PROVISIONAL BOOKINGS

 

2.1   Should the Client (booking party) accept the quotation, a provisional booking may be made.

2.2   A provisional booking secures aircraft and pilot availability for the specific period.

2.3   The provisional booking must be confirmed:

  • No later than 45 days prior to the date of departure; and
  • By payment in accordance with the applicable payment terms.

2.4   Should the provisional booking not be confirmed within this timeframe:

  • The booking will be automatically released; and
  • The Client will be notified accordingly.

2.5   For provisional bookings made within 45 days of departure:

  • Full payment is required upon confirmation in order to secure the booking.
  • Desert Air may, at its discretion, allow a final extension up to 30 days prior to departure, where operationally feasible.

2.6   Should another booking request be received for the same aircraft and dates as the held provisional, the Client holding the provisional booking will be notified and required to either:

  • Confirm the booking by payment; or
  • Release the provisional booking.

 

3. BOOKING CONFIRMATION

 

3.1   A booking is considered confirmed only upon receipt of:

  • Written confirmation from the Client accompanied by;
  • Payment of the non-refundable 10% deposit (or full payment where applicable).

3.2   Bookings are allocated on a first-payment-received basis.

3.3   Once a booking is confirmed, Desert Air’s Payment Terms and Cancellation Policy will apply.

 

4. PAYMENT TERMS

 

4.1   A 10% deposit is required to confirm a booking.

4.2   The full balance is payable 45 days prior to the flight date.

4.3   Additional conditions:

  • Bank charges and transfer fees are for the Client’s account.
  • All invoices must be settled in Namibian Dollars (NAD).
  • Any exchange rate shortfalls remain the responsibility of the Client.
  • Interest of 2% per month will apply to overdue payments.

 

5. PRICING

 

5.1   All quoted rates include:

  • Aircraft and fuel
  • Aircrew fees
  • Passenger taxes
  • Landing fees at Namibian airports
  • Value Added Tax (VAT)
  • On-board water

5.2   The following are excluded unless otherwise stated:

  • Aircrew accommodation and meals
  • Passenger accommodation and road transfers
  • On-board catering
  • Any costs arising from diversions or operational changes

5.3   All rates are quoted as NETT rates. Agent commissions may be added at the Client’s discretion.

5.4   Pricing Adjustments and Fuel Levies

5.4.1   Quoted rates are based on fuel prices, airport charges, and operational costs applicable at the time of quotation.

5.4.2   Due to the unpredictable nature of the aviation industry, Desert Air reserves the right to apply reasonable and necessary fuel levies or pricing adjustments to both provisional and confirmed bookings in the event of material unforeseen increases in:

  • Fuel prices
  • Statutory fees

5.4.3   Any such adjustments will be communicated to the Client as soon as reasonably possible.

 

6. AIRCREW ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS

 

6.1   Where required, the Client must provide:

  • Single, non-sharing accommodation for aircrew
  • Full-board meals
  • Two soft drinks per meal

6.2   All arrangements must be supported by vouchers.

6.3   If suitable accommodation is not available, Desert Air reserves the right to arrange alternatives at the Client’s expense.

6.4   Should a crew member be unable to utilise overnight accommodation arranged by the Client for operational or unforeseen reasons, Desert Air shall not be liable for any refund or reimbursement relating to such accommodation.

 

7. CANCELLATION POLICY

 

7.1   All cancellations must be submitted in writing by the Client.

7.2   Cancellation fees:

Time Before FlightCancellation Fee
30 – 15 days25%
14 – 7 days50%
7 days or less100%
No-show100%

7.3   Credits or refunds, where applicable, remain at the sole discretion of Desert Air and may be subject to administrative fees.

 

8. FLIGHT SCHEDULE AND OPERATIONS

 

8.1   All flight times are approximate and subject to change due to:

  • Weather conditions
  • Air traffic control restrictions
  • Operational or safety requirements

8.2   Desert Air reserves the right to amend schedules, routes, or departure times as required.

8.3   Desert Air shall not be liable for delays beyond its control.

8.4   The aircraft and aircrew are scheduled in accordance with the anticipated operational requirements communicated during the booking process. Should operational requirements necessitate additional flights during this period, Passengers will be dropped off and collected as arranged without affecting the intended itinerary or cost.

 

9. AIRCRAFT SUBSTITUTION

 

9.1   Desert Air reserves the right to:

  • Substitute aircraft
  • Combine flights

9.2   Where necessary for operational or safety reasons.

9.3   Any substitute aircraft will be of an appropriate category and compliant with aviation regulations.

 

10. PILOT AUTHORITY

 

10.1   The Pilot in Command has full authority over the aircraft, Passengers, and cargo, and all operational decisions.

10.2   All Passengers must comply with crew instructions at all times.

10.3   Desert Air reserves the right to refuse carriage to any passenger whose behaviour may compromise safety.

 

11. LUGGAGE REGULATIONS

 

11.1   Luggage Allowance

11.1.1   The luggage allowance per Passenger is determined by:

  • Aircraft limitations
  • Flying distances
  • Combined Passenger body weight
  • The luggage allowance will be based on the longest leg of the itinerary.

11.1.2   Accurate Passenger body weights must be provided in advance by the Client to ensure that luggage weights are calculated accurately.

11.1.3   The allowance includes:

  • One small soft hand-luggage item
  • Cargo-hold luggage

11.1.4   The combined weight of all luggage may not exceed the confirmed allowance per Passenger.

11.2   Bag Requirements

11.2.1   Only soft duffel bags are permitted.

11.2.2   Bags must be fully flexible to fit into aircraft compartments.

11.2.3   No rigid structures are allowed, including but not limited to:

  • Frames
  • Hard bases
  • Wheels
  • Retractable handles
  • Tools

11.2.4   These requirements apply to all luggage, including hand luggage and camera equipment.

11.3   Maximum Bag Dimensions

11.3.1   Maximum dimensions per bag:

  • Length: 60 cm
  • Width: 30 cm
  • Height: 30 cm

11.4   Non-Conforming Luggage

11.4.1   If luggage exceeds the permitted weight or dimensions:

  • Passengers will be required to repack into a compliant soft duffel bag.
  • The Client (booking party) is expected to assist the Passenger in providing a suitable bag where possible and for the storage of excess luggage where applicable.

11.5   Weight Verification and Safety

11.5.1   Desert Air reserves the right to verify all Passenger and luggage weights prior to boarding.

11.5.2   If limits are exceeded:

  • The flight may be delayed.
  • Luggage may need to be reduced to comply with safety requirements.

11.5.3   The Pilot in Command has final authority on all weight and balance decisions.

11.5.4   Failure to comply with luggage requirements may result in delays or additional costs, which will be for the Client’s account.

 

12. ADDITIONAL CREW

 

12.1   Desert Air reserves the right to place an additional pilot or crew member on a flight where operationally appropriate, provided that:

  • Aircraft capacity allows; and
  • Weight and balance limitations are not affected.

12.2   This will be done:

  • At no additional cost to the Client; and
  • With prior notification to the Client or agent.

12.3   Any additional crew member will be fully qualified and will not impact the safety, comfort, or operational standards of the flight.

 

13. RUNWAY CONDITIONS AND ALTERNATE AIRFIELDS

 

13.1   Flights are subject to runway suitability.

13.2   If a runway is deemed unsafe, Desert Air may operate to an alternative airfield.

13.3   Any additional costs arising from such operational changes will be for the Client’s account.

 

14. DIVERSIONS

 

14.1   If a flight diverts due to operational or safety reasons, all associated costs will be for the Client’s account.

 

15. PASSENGER RESPONSIBILITIES

 

15.1   Passengers must:

  • Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
  • Follow all safety instructions.

15.2   Desert Air may refuse carriage to Passengers who are:

  • Intoxicated
  • Disruptive
  • Non-compliant

 

16. DANGEROUS GOODS

 

16.1   Passengers may not carry dangerous or hazardous items, including but not limited to:

  • Flammable substances
  • Explosives
  • Compressed gases
  • Firearms and ammunition (unless declared and approved in advance)

16.2   Desert Air reserves the right to refuse carriage of any item deemed unsafe.

 

17. FORCE MAJEURE

 

17.1   Desert Air shall not be liable for delays, cancellations, or failure to perform services due to events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to:

  • Weather conditions
  • Air traffic control restrictions
  • Mechanical issues affecting aircraft safety
  • Government actions or regulatory restrictions
  • Airport closures
  • Natural disasters
  • Political unrest
  • Health-related travel restrictions

 

18. INSURANCE

 

18.1   Desert Air maintains aviation insurance in accordance with applicable Namibian Aviation Regulations.

18.2   Such insurance covers passengers and third-party liability as required by law.

18.3   Passengers are responsible for arranging their own travel insurance, including cover for:

  • Medical emergencies
  • Trip cancellations
  • Delays
  • Loss of baggage
  • Missed connections

 

19. ROUTE CHANGES

 

19.1   Additional flights requested during travel must be paid in full before or on the final day of service.

19.2   If routes are reduced, the original quoted amount remains payable.

 

20. GOVERNING LAW

 

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of Namibia.