Ferry good scheme

AT A time when many airlines are withdrawing from such schemes, Irish Ferries says it has renewed its commitment to its frequent traveller programme.

Under the scheme, the ferry operator is offering a 20% pay-back to customers who take three return motorist trips in any 12-month period on Irish Ferries’ Ireland to Britain services.

Benefits gained under the scheme can then be set aside and used against future travel, with customers free to nominate up to six individuals to travel on their account. More information can be had at www.irishferries.com/frequent.

Meanwhile, the ferry company is also seeking business for the Rugby World Cup.

Fans travelling to support Ireland in their forthcoming World Cup game against France in Paris can get there for fares that are well over three times lower than air travel, according to figures released by the company.

Travelling by car, a group of four can sail from Ireland to France from €450 return, with cabin berths included. Paris is then almost five hours from Cherbourg.

Further information and bookings can be had on-line at www.irishferries.com or by calling 0818 300 400.

* THIS autumn, Stena Line is selling packages for the Alton Towers Scarefest (October 13 to November 4). Prices start from €70 per person per night staying at the Express by Holiday Inn in Stoke or from €91 per person per night staying at the Splash Landings Hotel in Alton Towers. Prices are based on two adults and two children sharing and a minimum stay of two nights (Friday and Saturday supplements apply).

Also included in the price are two-day passes to Alton Towers. Customers avail of Stena Line crossings by car from three Irish ports — Dun Laoghaire, Dublin and Rosslare.

Book through www.stenaline.ie/shortbreaks, 01 204 7733 or travel agents.

* BUDGET Travel has announced a discount of €30 per person on all online sun holiday bookings made for travel with the company over the next two months. Discounted destinations include the Costa del Sol, Majorca and Ibiza.

Further information is available on www.budgettravel.ie.

* AER ARANN has introduced online check-in on its Cork routes.

Travellers between Cork, Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Southampton, and Bristol can avail of the facility.

Online check-in opens 72 hours prior to departure and closes three hours before departure.

Customers using the service can assign their seat on board the aircraft and print their boarding card in advance, avoiding check-in queues at the airport.

The airline also points out that it does not charge for online check-in or baggage. Seating is also allocated free of charge. Some other airlines please take note!