Booking Flights and Choosing Airlines: how it works in Mauritius — first-hand

In case of overbooking, passengers holding tickets directly purchased from the operating airline (Emirates in this case) are typically prioritized for boarding. The risk of overbooking is generally low with major carriers like Emirates, but it's a factor to consider if there's a significant price difference. Customer support for some airlines, like Air Mauritius, may be less robust, potentially causing issues with refunds or rebookings if disruptions occur. For significant savings (e.g., 100,000 units), the risk might be worth considering, but for smaller differences (10-15 units), it may not be advisable. Always check the refund and support policies of the ticketing agent and airline.

Emirates, while sometimes slower with refunds (up to 30 days), offers direct payment options like office payment and bank transfers, and generally handles changes smoothly. OTAs like KupiBilet and Trip.com have shown mixed results: KupiBilet took 7 days for flight refunds and 30 for seat upgrades, while Trip.com managed to reschedule a non-refundable hotel booking. Direct booking with airlines is often recommended for smoother issue resolution. Russian Mir cards may not be accepted for direct purchases with some airlines like Emirates.

However, booking through a major carrier like Emirates often ensures the flight is valid, even if operated by a partner airline. It's advisable to check the flight status directly with the operating airline or the booking carrier. Final flight details are typically confirmed 48 hours before check-in. Seat selection might be limited on partner-operated segments, and booking directly with the operating airline or contacting the primary carrier for assistance may be options.

Key information points include: - Flights: From Uzbekistan via Dubai with Emirates. - Accommodation: RIU Palace, with good food and entertainment. - Transportation: Rental car available for ~$35/day, international driving permit accepted. - Activities: - Helicopter tour: ~$290 for 25 minutes, booked 3 weeks in advance via official email. - Le Morne mountain hike: Access restricted to guided tours ($20), due to a past incident. - Whale watching tour: "Privat" tour mentioned positively. - National Park visit: Tickets purchased on-site, no queues. - Visits to waterfalls and colored sands. - General impression: The island is beautiful, with a variety of activities leading to an active vacation rather than just beach relaxation.

It's crucial to verify flight details and rebooking options directly with the airline's official website or customer service. Aggregators may have different policies and response times, potentially leading to complications and unexpected charges. Checking the airline's portal for rebooking might offer a solution without extra fees.