TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. Payment
1.1 The term ‘Client’ refers to any individual making a booking. In cases where there is a group of 2 passengers or more, this individual will automatically be allocated the status of ‘lead passenger’ and will be responsible for all persons travelling under the booking.
1.2 The client accepts these booking conditions on behalf of each member of the booking party. They will be the primary contact for all information and matters concerning the booking including payment.
1.3 Payment can be made in 2 set ways with GVA Transfers SARL:
Online – at the time of making the booking. If you are booking via email, please confirm all details are correct and call the office to finalise payment. Bookings are not confirmed until you make full payment. If booking an excursion with GVA Excursions payment must be made online or via the payment link sent to you before travel.
1.4 If no prepayment has been made for the booking, the booking is not confirmed and GVA Transfers reserves the right to cancel the booking at any point.
1.5 All bookings must be prepaid before travel. GVA Transfers reserves the right to request pre-payment for all transfers, refusal to do so will result in the cancellation of the un-confirmed booking.
1.6 GVA Transfers accepts no responsibility or liability for bookings cancelled last minute because of lack of pre-payment.
1.7 If there are any fare changes necessary after the booking has been made, GVA Transfers will produce written confirmation of these changes by email (if the client has provided an email address), or by telephone.
1.8 If the client does not want to accept the fare change, then GVA Transfers will cancel the booking and any monies paid by the client to GVA Transfers for the reservation will be refunded (depending on refund policy period).
1.9 It remains the responsibility of the client to check the booking confirmation E ticket of any errors when making a booking over the phone or via email, GVA Transfers is not responsible for any errors made via phone or email bookings.
1.10 Any bank or credit card charges incurred by the client when reserving with GVA Transfers are made at the clients cost. Charges vary from bank to bank and will also vary depending on currency. GVA Transfers accepts no liability for any charges incurred.
1.11 Receipts will be sent via email upon the client’s request.
1.12 Clients with previously arranged accounts with GVA Transfers may choose to be invoiced for the services provided. All invoices must be settled according to the terms stated on the invoice. Failure to do so may result in a surcharge.
2. Bookings and Service Conditions
2.1 The booking confirmation email is the clients e-ticket. This must be presented to the driver for both the outward and return trips in either electronic or paper from. Failure to produce an E ticket on request by a driver or member of staff may result in the client being unable to board the transfer.
2.2 Where clients choose to make a booking over the phone or via email the booking is subject to, and the client accepts, these Terms and Conditions.
2.4 Amendments and modifications to bookings must be made online or in writing via email to bookings@gvatransfers.com
Shared Excursion Modification Requests: 0-48 hours before travel:
No modifications can be made to a clients booking. Increases in passenger numbers are subject to availability and will require a new separate booking at the current price. Limited changes can be made to the booking on the same day, including moving a clients booking date, all changes will be subject to GVA Transfers discretions.
Any change of date with this amount of notice will follow our official cancellation policy.
Private Transfers and Excursion Modification Requests: 0-24 hours before travel: modifications can be made to a clients booking, increases in passenger numbers are subject to availability. No change can be made to the booking on the same day, including moving a client's transfer time or date, drop-off location for both arrival and departure transfers.
Any change of date with this amount of notice will follow our official cancellation policy. Amendments to Private transfers and Excursions can be made if we are given more than 24 hours notice in advance of your booking, however the amendments are made solely at GVA Transfers’s discretion and are only subject to availability and additional charges may apply where necessary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in case of availability, an additional fee of 10% of the service may be charged to same day changes.
All transfer types modification request: More than 72 hours (more than 3 days):
Address and time changes can be made subject to availability and/or additional charges, but cancellations and date changes are still subject to the GVA Transfers refund policy (see 3.1).
Credits – GVA Transfers cannot provide a credit for any booking. If clients wish to re-book at a later date, clients must still cancel their booking and re-book. If clients wish to change the date of their transfer GVA Transfers must receive more than 7 days notice, otherwise the standard cancellation policy applies.
2.5 Modifications made more than 7 days in advance of travel are free of charge (Subject to these changes not affecting the price of the transfer).
2.6 Certain changes to the booking may result in a change in the cost of the transfer, or the requested transfer no longer being available. In this instance if the client does not accept the new costs, or GVA Transfers can no longer assist in the delivery of the transfer, the standard refund policy applies.
2.7 It is the responsibility of the client to provide a mobile contact telephone number at the time of booking, and that this phone is switched on and working at the time of travel and during their stay in resort. GVA Transfers must be able to contact the client at all times. GVA Transfers is not responsible for any issues that occur in the delivery of the transfer service as a result of the client failing to do so.
2.8 It is the responsibility of the client that all the information on their GVA Transfers booking confirmation is correct. GVA Transfers accepts no responsibility for incorrect information given by a client that results in either a flight or transfer being missed. This applies to phone bookings, email booking and online bookings.
2.9 It is the client’s full responsibility to accurately state their flight arrival and departure times so that correct collection times can be given. (The GVA Transfers online booking system and operators schedule collection times in accordance to flight times not flight numbers.)
2.10 It is the responsibility of the client to supply a valid address (street name, and road number required) within the borders of the resort they have selected. Addresses outside the borders of the resort selected will not be serviced. Please be advised that the GVA Transfers online booking system may automatically confirm the booking, as it does not detect incorrect address detail, in this instance the booking can be cancelled at any point if the address is not within the resort, alternatively the booking will be subject to an extra charge.
2.11 When a client does not supply a full address or an incorrect address, the driver will attempt to locate the accommodation for a period not exceeding 20 minutes for private transfers, after this time the client’s will be dropped off at the resort’s tourist office (whether it is open or closed) Or if the transfer is a departure from resort the transfer will be forced to leave the resort without the client.
2.12 If no accommodation details are received or invalid accommodation details are received for the departure transfer GVA Transfers are unable to make contact with the client GVA Transfers will cancel the booking, with no refund to be issued.
2.13 All standard quotes given by GVA Transfers and Excursions are only valid for 24 hours, after this time a new quote will need to be acquired. All quotes are subject to change and final refusal by the GVA Transfers management team.
2.14 If the air-conditioning or Wi-Fi in any vehicles is not functioning on the day of travel GVA Excursions offer no refund or credit for the transfer or trip in question.
2.15 If the Aiguille du Midi Cable car is not open due to adverse weather or repairs, or the client wishes not to take the cable car for other reasons GVA Excursions will offer no refund for the tickets.
2.16 If there are any works or closures to any of the GVA excursions attractions, GVA Excursions are not liable for pre-booked tickets or changes to the itinerary in any of its tours. But are happy to provide a letter of insurance for the client should that be requested.
2.17 For tours taking place in open top/retractable roof vehicles, in the instance of bad weather the roof may be closed. In any instance the bus requires maintenance and is no longer available for the booked tour, customers will be moved to the standard vehicles for their tour and issued a partial refund for their tickets. If the client no longer wishes to travel a full refund can be requested and will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
2.18 Any client making a booking with GVA Transfers will automatically be entered into the GVA Transfers email database. The client accepts that (i) GVA transfers the data to other companies of the ALSA group (ALPYBUS, CHAMEXPRESS, ODIER); and (ii) GVA Transfers or other companies of the ALSA group may contact the client about promotions or offers.
3. Refunds
3.1 All refund requests or cancellations need to be stated in writing and sent via email to bookings@GVATransfers.com. The GVA Transfers refund policy is as follows:
- PRIVATE TRANSFERS:
Notice Period less than 2 days – 0% refund given.
Notice Period under 10 days – 50% refund given.
Notice Period more than 10 days – 100% refund given.
- EXCURSIONS AND TOURS:
Notice Period less than 2 days – 0% refund given.
Notice Period under 10 days – 50% refund given.
Notice period more than 10 days – 90% refund given.
3.2 To process a refund the client must supply GVA Transfers with the name and address of the account holder, as well as the accounts’ IBAN and the banks’ BIC or SWIFT code and address. All refunds will be issued up to 8 weeks from the date the refund was approved.
3.3 To process a refund for an Excursion or tour this can only be completed for payments made online. This can be done within 1 week of requesting the refund, if applicable notice is given of cancellation or changes. Please note for bookings made via hotels and partners of GVA Excursions the refund process can take 8 weeks.
3.4 In the event of a health crisis (similar to Covid-19 crisis of 2020) IF confinement measures are put in place to the final destination you are travelling to with GVA the following conditions will apply:
- PRIVATE TRANSFERS:
Notice Period 0-2 days: 0% refund given. Change the date of your Transfer free of charge.
Notice Period 3-7 days: Credit Voucher (for 100% if the purchased amount) issued for use for a new booking(s) up to 24 months.
Notice Period more than 7 days: 100% refund given.
- EXCURSIONS AND TOURS:
Notice Period 0-2 days: 0% refund given.
Notice Period 3-7 days: Credit Voucher issued for use up to 24 months.
Notice period more than 7 days: 90% refund given.
Depending on your origin, if Quarantine regulations are imposed for your destination, we apply our terms stated above (3 Refunds).
We really want to thank you for your patience. We know that the uncertainty created by the Coronavirus is taking a toll in everyone’s lives. And we are also aware that having to deal with travel changes is an added concern to our customers.
4. Luggage
4.1 All luggage must be clearly labelled with the client name and destination address. GVA Transfers does not take responsibility for customers taking incorrect luggage from the vehicle. All luggage must always be accompanied by a passenger GVA Transfers is unable to transfer luggage without the owner present.
4.2 GVA Transfers will take all reasonable care in loading and carriage of luggage; however we accept no responsibility for luggage / items lost or damaged in transit. Clients are advised to check the terms of their travel insurance policy.
4.3 Clients are limited to luggage allocation per vehicle. All luggage must be declared at the time of booking.
4.4 In the event of a client having excess luggage, GVA Transfers reserves the right to charge an excess baggage allowance, or refuse to transport the items or the clients. The fees for excess luggage are 20 Euro per item, or upgrade cost to larger vehicle.
4.5 GVA Transfers is able to offer free transport of wheelchairs provided they are folding, manual wheelchairs and that a note of this is made within the booking. Please note we are unable to assist in the movement of clients to and from the vehicle. If the Client requires assistance to access and depart the vehicle this must be provided by the Client. If no assistance is provided, GVA Transfers reserved the right to refuse the transport.
4.6 Any luggage or other miscellaneous items that are lost or thought to be left in an GVA Transfers will be returned to the client by post only, subject to a minimum charge of 30chf or subject to a quote for items exceeding this. Any lost property not claimed in 4 weeks will be disposed of.
4.7 For excursions and tours clients must specify if they will be carrying any luggage by contacting the GVA office via email before travel at bookings@gvatransfers.com. Luggage is not accounted for in these types of bookings and can be added as an extra charge.
5. Passengers
5.1 Both local and national laws regarding the use of child seats for infants and children vary from country to country. GVA Transfers will follow local legislation. The EU directive 2003/20/EC indicates that children must use an appropriate child seat until they reach 12 years of age or until they reach a height of 135 cm. It is illegal for babies and children to travel in the lap of an adult. GVA Transfers can provide appropriate child seats as long as they are specified at the time of booking.
Please note that all of our child seats are reversible, and we strongly recommend parents travelling with infants under a year to bring their own. GVA Transfers will provide baby seats based on the request on the reservation, and standard issue baby seats will be provided. Any client who requires non-standard equipment for the safe passage of a party member is advised to supply their own equipment.
5.2 Failure to request an appropriate child seat at the time of booking will mean that we are unable to provide the transfer as booked. In this circumstance, we will not be able to provide any refund for any of the persons in the booking, or offer an alternative transfer.
5.3 Babies and Children pay a full seat price. The seat will be allocated to the client on the basis of what they selected on the online booking form. In the case that there is any dispute over the suitability of the seat, GVA Transfers will not be held accountable for difference of opinion. To save this occurrence, parents are recommended to bring their own child seats if there is any confusion.
5.4 Parents are responsible for the correct fitting of child restraint seats in the vehicles.
5.5 GVA Transfers reserves the right (and delegates all employees the right) to refuse to carry any person who is thought to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs or whose behaviour is considered to pose a threat to the driver, the vehicle or the other passenger(s).
5.6 Parents, or minders (or friends over 18 years) of children and adolescents under the age of 18 years, are responsible for the conduct of these minors while in the GVA Transfers vehicles, and will be held responsible for any damage caused by the aforementioned minors.
5.7 Children under 16 years of age cannot travel alone. They must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
6. Conditions of Travel
6.1 Clients who soil the interior of a van due to excess alcohol consumption, or drugs, are liable to an on the spot fine of 150 €. This fine is payable immediately to the GVA Transfers driver. If the client refuses to pay, or has no money with which to pay, then the driver will action a police report.
6.2 Any damage caused to an GVA Transfers vehicle by a client must be paid for immediately. If payment cannot, or will not, be made then GVA Transfers will be forced to take legal action against the customer(s) in question.
6.3 Smoking and consumption of alcohol is forbidden in all GVA Transfers vehicles.
6.4 GVA Transfers does not allow pets to travel due to consideration to other passengers on-board and for the protection of the vehicles. It is possible to travel with pets in a private transfer and only if the pet is in its own spill proof carrier. Exceptions will be made for service dogs where the customer will need the relevant supporting documents and will need to notify GVA Transfers in advance of travel by contacting GVA transfers via emails at bookings@gvatransfers.com.
6.5 Clients must wear their seat belts at all times.
6.6 In cases of force majeure, GVA Transfers may be forced to explore other transport options for customers. This will only arise when there is a substantial risk to the customer and driver involved in attempting the journey, and this decision will rest solely with the management of GVA Transfers. Payment for any extra transport taken will be made by the customer, however GVA Transfers will provide documentation to aid the customer in claiming back any payments from their holiday insurance provider.
6.8 In the event that the GVA Transfers driver is unable to reach a customers requested drop off point or pick up point in the instance of bad weather, road conditions, or the transfer vehicle being too large to access certain properties, the customer must attempt to make their own way to a suitable, safe pickup location or may be required to make the rest of the journey on foot or via other transport means. GVA Transfers are not liable for any additional costs incurred in this instance. GVA Transfers recommend clients check their accommodation and resort information before travel and be aware of any potential access issues.
6.9 GVA Transfer will collect passengers from the Swiss side of the airport in Terminal 1 unless otherwise requested. Clients arriving on the French side of Geneva airport must inform GVA Transfers or for example arrival into Terminal 2 of Geneva airport or private plane Arrivals. GVA Transfers do not check flight arrival numbers so it is the client's responsibility to request a different pick up point if needed.
6.10 GVA Transfers reserves the right to modify the type of vehicle used for all transfers, vehicles may vary in order to accommodate any number of passengers from 2 to 50 this may include coaches and larger mini buses, as well as smaller vehicles.
6.11 Passenger Conduct. Clients must not act in an abusive or threatening manner to any staff member or other passengers, including airport staff, drivers, office staff or any member of the GVA Transfers business. Clients behaving in a threatening, angry or abusive manner will have their ticket cancelled on the spot and GVA Transfers will offer no refund for the original booked ticket and will not be liable for any further costs incurred by the client as a result of a cancelled ticket.
6.12 Any requests for stops on the transfer route must be specifically requested and agreed in advance of travel. GVA Transfer will always do their best to accommodate requests but cannot guarantee it on all transfers.
7. Conditions of Service
7.1 GVA Transfers schedules transfers to arrive at the airport not less than 1.5 hours before the flight departure time under normal conditions. If clients wish to arrive at the airport with more time, GVA Transfers must be notified at least 3 days before travel.
7.2 A client requesting to leave resort later than the recommended time does so entirely at their own risk and GVA Transfers will not be held accountable for a missed flight or additional costs as a result of this decision.
7.3 GVA Transfers reserves the right to change pick up times should this be necessary. GVA Transfers will attempt to keep the client informed of all changes, however these changes may be last minute in the case of unplanned events like inclement weather, police controls, traffic, etc
7.4 Any changes to your original estimated transfer time of over 2 hours will result in a 50% refund for the client. Any changes over 4 hours will result in a full refund. This does not apply to clients who missed their transfer due to flight delay, cancellation or errors made within their booking.
7.5 GVA Transfers will not incur any liability whatsoever in the event of any delay due to causes beyond its control (force majeure). The following clause outlines examples of these causes but are not limited to: -Accidents on route causing delays to the vehicle. -Exceptional or severe weather conditions. -Compliance with requests of the police. -Deaths and accidents on the road. – Vandalism and terrorism. -Traffic delays, road closures and diversions. -Industrial action by third parties. -Issues and delays caused by other customers. -The vehicle being held or delayed by a police officer or government official. – Other circumstances affecting passenger safety – Road closures due to local fiestas or other events. – Properties that are not accessible by the type of vehicle booked. – Acts of God, flood, earthquake, avalanche or any other natural disaster. – Epidemic or pandemic. – War, threat of war or similar. – Fire or explosion. – Terrorist attack or riots.
7.6 Cancelled Flights: In the event of a flight being cancelled or severely delayed, the client is deemed to have missed their booked transfer. If an alternative flight is arranged, then the client would need to make a new booking for a transfer at full cost, subject to availability of said transfer. With no refund for the original booked ticket
7.7 In the instance where no new transport can be provided by GVA Transfers, the client will be supplied with a statement stating that they were unable to travel on the original booking, this may be used to make a claim on their travel insurance. But no refund will be issued for the original ticket and GVA Transfers are not liable for any additional costs incurred.
7.8 Delayed Flights or luggage: In the event of a flight delay clients must inform GVA Transfers. This may result in a wait on arrival, or a transfer the following day, the sharing of a vehicle with other passengers in the instance that a private transfer was booked or it could mean there is no longer a transfer available for the client. Should the client not wish to wait for the next available seats, they will be free to arrange alternative transport but no refund for the original booking or compensation for additional costs incurred will be payable by GVA Transfers. 10% Extra service charge of the transfer cost may apply for any changes to your booking for travel within 24hrs.
7.9 Flight delays on Private Transfers: The GVA Transfers driver will wait for flight delays landing up to 1 hour after the original scheduled flight arrival time. However after 1 hour this could mean a wait on arrival or different type service being provided. 10% Extra service charge of the transfer cost may apply for any changes to your booking for travel within 24hrs.
7.10 GVA Transfers offer no guarantee that they can still supply the transfer requested whether informed in advance of a flight or luggage delay or not.
7.11 Flights landing early: GVA Transfers will endeavor to get the client to resort as soon as possible however if the clients flight lands early it may not be possible to bring forward the pick up time originally agreed.
7.12 It is the responsibility of the airline and not GVA Transfers to deliver any lost luggage to the customer. If the transfer is missed due to Airline luggage delay, no refund will be provided, and the standard terms of a delay (term 7.8) will be valid. Any claims will need to be taken up with the airline.
7.13 Transfer Time Changes and Delays – In the instance that a client's transfer time is altered either to or from resort or the vehicle is delayed, if the client does not wish to wait for the vehicle they will be free to arrange alternative transport but no refund for the original booking or compensation will be payable by GVA Transfers if the delay is within the normal wait times indicated in clause 7.3.
7.16 In the case that a customer is unable to take their transfer as a result of delayed, cancelled or missed flights and the customer incurs additional costs arranging alternative travel arrangements because of this, GVA Transfers will provide on request a written statement as to the reason these additional costs were incurred, but will not be liable for any of these additional costs nor will GVA Transfers provide any refund for the originally booked service.
7.17 GVA Transfers will not be responsible for arranging alternate travel for clients who miss their transfers on either arrival or departure transfers. Nor will GVA Transfers be liable for a refund of the original ticket or any new costs incurred.
7.18 Departure Transfers: In the situation that the client is not at the specified meeting point at the arranged time, the driver will wait for 15 minutes for the private transfer service. After this time the customer will be deemed a ‘no show’ and GVA Transfers will give no refund for the transfer and will not be liable for any later problems or costs that arise due to clients missing their transfer.
7.19 Diverted flights: If a client's flight is diverted to another airport, it will be their responsibility to make their way to Geneva Airport. GVA Transfers will not be liable to arrange or provide clients with transport to Geneva airport and the standard flight delay policy will apply in the case of missed transfers (please refer to clause 7.8)
8. Resort Specific Terms
8.1 Clients may request collection from the Welcome Centre in Avoriaz if arranged and agreed in advance. In the event that GVA Transfers cannot collect from the Welcome Centre, passengers will be required to make their own way down from Avoriaz.
8.2 In the instance that the road to Avoriaz is considered unsafe or overly congested GVA Transfers reserves the right to drop all the clients including private transfers, at the Prodains Lifts.
8.3 In the instance where a resort has pedestrianised areas or restricted parking areas, a new collection point will be arranged. GVA Transfers will not cover any additional cost incurred the customer may incur to reach these points.
8.4 On day trips and excursions, clients must arrive at the agreed pick up point at least 5 minutes prior to the bus departure time.
8.5 GVA Transfers are not obligated to wait for any clients who are late for their transfer, nor will the client be entitled to a refund for their booking should they miss their transfer. GVA Transfers will not be liable for any additional cost incurred by the client because they miss their transfer.
8.6 Shared Chamonix Day Trips – GVA Transfers endeavour to run the service to the agreed timetable, on occasion there can be delays in the service caused by traffic and other external factors, in this case any delay within 1 hour is considered normal.
8.7 Excursions and tours – Duration of tours can vary depending on weather and traffic conditions, tour duration is given as a guide.
9. General Terms
9.1 The client is strongly recommended to have holiday/travel insurance. In the case that previously mentioned reasons for transfer delays occur – causing missed flights and other such costly events – GVA Transfers will not be held liable for the cost of any of this. GVA Transfers will, however provide documentation to the customer that can be used as proof to their insurance provider in order to recoup any money lost.
9.2 In events beyond GVA Transfers’ control, due to unforeseen eventualities that would compromise GVA Transfers’ effectiveness and ability to provide the transfer, GVA Transfers reserves the right to combine private and shared transfers, outsource or subcontract transfers or cancel any transfers at short notice.
9.3 GVA Transfers reserves the right to outsource/subcontract bookings to other licensed transport companies, GVA Transfers does so with suppliers of transfer services using reasonable skill and care. GVA Transfers has no liability to the client for the actual provision of the transfer services. GVA Transfers are not responsible for any changes in fare with the new provider, when travelling with a Partner Company passengers may be subject to changes in terms, and other operating conditions.
9.4 In the instance of a client having connections to make (such as bus, train or other transportation) GVA Transfers bus will not be held liable for any costs incurred for any missed or lost connections resulting from a transfer delay or time change.
9.5 Timetables are indicative, and should not be used to calculate arrival times in resort or departure times from resort.
9.6 Any client making a booking with GVA Transfers will automatically be entered into the GVA Transfers email database and the client accepts that GVA Transfers may contact them about promotions or offers.
9.7 Nothing can affect the consumers’ statutory rights. GVA Transfers SARL terms and conditions are governed by Swiss Law. By accepting these terms and conditions, you are accepting the terms specific to the transfer type you are booking, which are detailed in the description of the transfer service, shown at the quote stage of the booking process.
9.8 Any issues relating to the service provided by GVA Transfers should be put in writing and emailed to bookings@gvatransfers.com. All feedback must be received in writing and no verbal statements can be accepted. GVA Transfers will endeavour to reply to all emails within seven days of their receipt.
10 BEFORE TRAVEL - it is your responsibility to ensure you are fit for travel. Before making any travel plans, please check entry and stay requirements determined by the relevant national authorities in your destination and transit countries.
As the well-being and safety of our passengers and drivers is our highest priority, we took several measures to help you safely travel by vehicle. Bring your own mask and wear it before, during and after getting on the vehicle.
We sincerely thank you for your understanding.