Terms and Conditions - Ferry-only Booking
In addition to our Conditions of Carriage which are available on request or on our website (hereinafter the “ Website”), these booking terms and conditions (the “Booking Conditions”) apply to all ferry bookings with Brittany Ferries. Please read them carefully before making a booking.
By making a booking, you will be entering into a contract for ferry travel with BAI SA, which acts through its appointed sales agent BAI UK Limited, a company registered in England and Wales under company number 01080495, and whose registered office is at Millbay, Plymouth, PL1 3EW. We shall refer to BAI SA in these Booking Conditions as ‘Brittany Ferries’, “we”, “our”, or “us”; and we shall use “you” to mean the person making the booking and any person included in the booking and travelling on the ferry.
If you have booked a ferry ticket and accommodation (other than onboard accommodation) with us, these Booking Conditions will not apply. Please instead see our Terms and Conditions - Package Holiday.
These Booking Conditions and any dispute or claim in connection with your booking will be governed by the law of England. You and we both agree that the courts of England will have exclusive jurisdiction to resolve any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with these Booking Conditions and your booking.
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Bookings are valid for a maximum of 12 months from the original travel date. For return tickets, both the outward and return journeys must be completed within 12 months of the original outward departure date.
The lead name on the booking will be the person responsible for the booking (the “Lead Name”). The Lead Name must be at least 18 years old at the time of booking (except minors between 16 and 18 years old travelling unaccompanied). The Lead Name confirms that all passengers agree to be bound by these Booking Conditions and that the Lead Name has the authority to accept and does accept these Booking Conditions on behalf of all passengers.
The Lead Name shall be responsible for paying the deposit, and the full price, for making any amendment and cancellation requests, for paying any additional charges in relation to the booking and for all other matters concerning the booking.
At the time of booking, the following information will be required where applicable: vehicle registration number, passengers’ first names, surnames, dates of birth, gender and nationality. The Lead Name must ensure and hereby confirms that the details provided for all passengers to the booking are full and accurate. The Lead Name must also check all descriptions on the travel documentation received after booking and inform us immediately of any errors or instances where personal details do not correspond with those shown on the passports of those travelling under the booking.
We will not carry passengers under the age of 16 unless an adult of 18 years or over accompanies them. Children travelling with an adult other than their parents or legal guardians must have a letter of consent.
For overnight crossings, a cabin or reserved seat must be pre-booked whilst availability remains. Bookings without onboard accommodation may only be accepted on our French routes after all such accommodation has been reserved.
Vehicle and passenger space plus onboard accommodation are subject to allocations and therefore may not always be available with certain types of fares.
Motorised vehicles must arrive at the designated port of departure for both outbound and return sailings under their own power. Failure to do so will invalidate this transport contract and will be treated as a no-show.
All departure/arrival times are estimated and are local - please refer to your documents. Documents are only valid for the sailing dates/times indicated unless otherwise specified.
Luggage sizes in public areas on high-speed services are limited to 45cm (equivalent to hand luggage at airports), all other luggage will be stored remotely for the duration of the crossing.
Onboard facilities may vary depending on route, vessel, dates and time of travel.
Please note that smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is only permitted on designated outside decks with the exception of high-speed services which may be completely non-smoking (please check at time of booking).
To monitor customer service and for training purposes, we record telephone calls.
2. FARES
Fares are based on specific travel dates and times and may require you to return within a specified period.
We are committed to offering you the best available tariff at the time of your booking or amendment request. Fares are subject to change based on various factors including, but not limited to, travel dates, times, number of passengers, and current availability.
Please note that fares displayed online for new bookings may differ from those offered for amendments to existing bookings. This is due to real-time pricing structures and availability, which can vary between your original booking and the time of change. As such, amended bookings may be subject to fare differences and any applicable additional charges.
Fares are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change at any time before your booking is confirmed. We try hard to make sure that the advertised price is the most up-to-date price, but prices can change at short notice. We will confirm the actual price at the time of booking.
Our prices are given inclusive of VAT and include the price of transport, charges and all applicable taxes, fees, surcharges and duties known at the date of publication.
We reserve the right to make a surcharge after the date of booking but before the outward travel date if there is an increase in taxes, fees or charges (e.g. government action, fuel charges etc). No surcharges will be made within 20 days of the outward travel date. In case of an increase superior to 8%, you will be given the opportunity to accept the surcharge or to cancel with a full refund and without liability.
Fares are only valid for the sailing dates/times indicated. Open return tickets are not available.
If you vary sailing dates and times or misuse the terms of the ticket or any promotion, the difference between the cost of your original ticket and the appropriate current fare will be charged. Any additional charges are payable prior to boarding.
A service charge may apply for bookings made or amended through our Contact Centre.
Shipment of vehicles carrying goods which require customs documentation are subject to freight tariffs. For further information and rates, contact our Freight Sales Team on 0330 159 5001 . Please note that if you arrive at your designated port with a passenger booking, in circumstances where you should instead have made a freight booking, then this transport contract is invalid and will be treated as a no-show. Travel will only be permitted if it is possible to make (and you do make) a freight booking, and payment of any additional cost is made in full. In these circumstances, your carriage cannot be guaranteed, and we will have no liability to you when you are denied travel because you should have made a freight booking but failed to do so. For more details about making freight bookings, please visit our Freight website.
A booking made with a sidecar will be priced at the same tariff as a standard vehicle (H:1.83m max / L: 5m max).
The environmental contribution is a fixed amount that applies per crossing from the 1st January 2024 to contribute to the cost of compliance with the IMO 2020 Sulphur Directive and the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). The amounts are available on the following page www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/information/travel-advice/eu-ets. The contribution is a fixed amount to which discounts and promotional offers do not apply.
3. CONFIRMATION AND PAYMENT
Details of PAYMENT CONDITIONS
Payment for your booking can be made in pounds sterling using all standard payment methods. Please note that ‘cheques-vacances’ are only accepted for payments in Euros for bookings made via our French website or French contact centre. For further information please visit www.brittany-ferries.fr
Booking Option (not available online)
If you contact us by telephone, a booking option and price quote (where a booking reference has been given) may be held for 24 hours pending receipt of deposit/balance; after this point it will be cancelled if the deposit/balance is not paid. Booking options are not available within 5 days of the outward travel date.
Confirmed Booking
We require payment to secure a booking, the amount of which will either be a percentage of the full booking value (with the balance to be paid 60 days before travel) or the full booking value. This is dependent on the type of ticket purchased, which will be advised at the time of booking, and which is summarised in the table below:
In cases where the booking is made less than 60 days before the date of the outward journey, the full price will have to be paid at the time of booking for all ticket types.
From time to time there may be exceptions to the rules described above. If this is the case, we will advise you of such exceptions prior to booking and the relevant information will be printed on your invoice and booking confirmation document.
If payment is not received by the relevant time, we may cancel your booking. In this case, your travel documents will be invalidated, you will be treated as having cancelled your booking and you will only be entitled to a refund in accordance with the rules set out in the cancellation section below. We shall have no further liability to you in this regard.
Upon acceptance of your booking, we will issue a confirmation document by email, or if requested, by post. It is at this stage that a contract is formed between you (including all persons travelling and named in the booking confirmation) and us. By entering into the contract, you confirm that you are satisfied with the details of travel offered by us and that you have accepted these Booking Conditions.
We shall be under no obligation to issue a booking confirmation to you after you have placed a booking with us. We will not issue such a confirmation if we discover an error in the pricing of the ticket or if the ticket is no longer available. If, for any reason, we are not able to accept your booking, we will inform you of this and will not process your booking further. We will then arrange for you to be refunded any part of the ticket you have already paid, unless you decide to use it towards making a different booking.
4. AMENDMENTS BY YOU
We understand that your plans may change and so we provide you with a range of different ticket options so that you can choose the one which is most suitable for your needs.
If you wish to make a change to your booking after we have issued the booking confirmation, please ask the Lead Name to contact us.
Once a confirmation document is issued, the ticket type and the name of the Lead Passenger cannot be amended.
We do not have a legal obligation to make any changes to your booking, but we may, at our sole discretion, try to accommodate your request. If we agree to make a change, you agree to pay us an amendment fee in accordance with the terms set out below.
An extra £10/€10 service charge will apply if you choose to make the amendment through our Contact Centre, where the amendment could have been made on our website.
You will also be liable to pay for any increase in the ticket price caused by the amendment.
When travel dates are amended and the booking is subsequently cancelled, the cancellation fee will be based on the date of the amendment(s) and the date of the outward sailing at the time of the change(s). If, at any point, your booking is amended within the cancellation period (see Cancellations by you and refunds” section), no refund will be due.
The deposit is always non-refundable in case of amendment and/or cancellation.
Where an amendment fee is applicable, it is payable prior to making the change, and it is non-refundable.
All amendments are subject to availability and any applicable fare increases which may be caused by the amendment.
Special offers cannot be applied retrospectively to existing bookings.
Amendments are not permitted for no shows (after scheduled departure time) and cannot be made in a way which will alter the sequence of the ticket(s).
Any exceptions to these terms (e.g. special offers, mini cruises) will be advised to you, prior to accepting the booking.
5. CANCELLATIONS BY YOU AND REFUNDS
We know things don’t always go to plan, and there will be occasions when you may need to cancel your booking. We therefore offer a range of ticket types which have different cancellation rules so that you can choose the best option for your requirements.
The table below sets out the cancellation fees which will apply per person, together with the refund arrangements, depending on the type of ticket you have purchased. Unless a refund is stated to be made by way of vouchers, all refunds shall be made using the payment method used to make the booking.
Regardless of the ticket choice, we strongly recommend you take out a suitable travel insurance policy, at the time of booking, to cover unexpected eventualities.
Any variation to these standard cancellation terms will be advised at the time of booking.
All cancellations and refunds are subject to the following terms:
Vouchers
Any refund voucher issued to you will be valid for two years from its date of issue and cannot be converted into cash. The voucher, which is non-transferable, will be issued in the name of the Lead Name. Please see additional terms and conditions on the voucher itself.
Method and timing of cancellation and refund requests
If you would like to cancel your booking, please ask the Lead Name to contact us.
You must cancel your booking before the date of your outward journey. Failure to do so will be considered a no show and any refund amount will be forfeited.
When travel dates are amended and the booking is subsequently cancelled, the cancellation fee will be based on the date of the amendment(s) and the date of the outward sailing at the time of the change(s). If, at any point, your booking is amended within the cancellation period, no refund will be due.
Applications for any refunds must be made within 4 weeks of the return travel date.
Bookings which cannot be cancelled or where it is not possible to receive a refund
Promotional fares (Including Spanish mini cruises and 24-hour returns) are non-refundable. Amendment fees are non-refundable. Refunds are not applicable on:
- Unused legs of bookings, this includes, but is not limited to: partially used tickets, tickets that are not used in sequence
- Add-ons such as Wi-Fi, meals, cabin upgrades that were booked for the said unused legs
6. COOLING OFF PERIOD
We allow a 24-hour cooling off period in which you can decide that you no longer want to continue the booking. If you contact us to cancel your booking within 24 hours of your receipt of the booking confirmation, we will provide you with a full refund.
7. ADMINISTRATIVE OBLIGATIONS
You will receive information adapted to your nationality if you have indicated your nationality to our company.
Please check with the Consulate or Embassy of your destination country to find out what formalities need to be completed (identity document, visa, vaccination, etc.).
It is your responsibility to take the necessary steps, and to bear the corresponding costs of completion. A driver's license is not an identity document and will not be accepted for border crossings.
In accordance with the provisions of the Conditions of Carriage, we may refuse boarding to, and terminate the contract of carriage of, any person who is unable to produce the required documents.
If you are refused boarding by the British, French, Irish or Spanish immigration authorities, we will seek reimbursement of any costs charged to us by these authorities (fines and/or penalties and/or repatriation costs). This recourse action will be exercised in accordance with our Conditions of Carriage.
For your information - ETIAS :
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be introduced in 2026. If you are from a visa-exempt non-EU country, such as the UK, you will need to apply for ETIAS authorization to enter the EU for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period).
Once the ETIAS becomes mandatory, you will be responsible for submitting your application online at www.europa.eu/etias
8. SPECIAL OFFERS
Please note that Special offers’ conditions apply to return promotional fares. Full payment is required at the time of booking by credit or Euro debit card for all special offer fares. These fares are subject to restricted durations and are only valid providing both the outward and return journeys completed as specified on the documents. Where they are not the outward journey will be considered a 'single' journey and it will be repriced at the single tariff. Any additional payment will be collected from the credit/debit card used for the original payment, if the outward portion of any return itinerary is not used, we will cancel the return and no refunds will be paid.
Some of our special offers may be subject to certain conditions in order for you to benefit from them, such as age conditions or booking dates. For these offers, you will be asked to certify at the time of booking that you meet all the criteria to benefit from the offer. At check-in, you may be asked for any documents that will enable you to benefit from the offer. If you do not present the documents or if the documents do not comply with those required to obtain the promotion, we reserve the right to ask you to pay the additional cost corresponding to the fare without the discount.
Special offers cannot be applied retrospectively to existing bookings.
9. CHECK IN
All departure/arrival times are local – please refer to your travel documents for confirmation of the exact times.
The latest arrival time at the port for each journey will be shown on your travel documents. This may vary depending on whether you have any special requirements, or you are travelling as part of a group, or for other reasons. If you do not meet latest check in requirements, your space will not be guaranteed.
10. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Limited medical services may be available on board. Where they are, there may be a charge for their use.
It is your responsibility to ensure that, if you have a disability or reduced mobility, your needs are communicated to us at the time of booking (and at least 48 hours prior to travel). If you travel with a pre-diagnosed condition, then travel is entirely at your own risk. Please ensure that you obtain advice from your own doctor before travelling.
We are unable to transport anyone who is 32 weeks (or 28 weeks for a High-Speed Service) or more pregnant at the time of travel or travellers with pregnancy complications.
For information and advice on health matters while travelling abroad, visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-residents-visiting-the-eueea-and-switzerland-healthcare. We also recommend you visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice prior to travel.
It is important you ensure that, at the time of booking, you arrange and have in place adequate travel and health insurance. It is a condition of your booking that you have suitable insurance in place.
11. ANIMALS
11.1 General
Transporting small pets to or from the United Kingdom, France, Spain or Ireland is subject to a fee and must comply with the requirements of the countries concerned. It is the responsibility of the person accompanying the animal to find out about the regulations in force for the transport of animals and to comply with them.
Please seek advice from a veterinarian and keep yourself informed:
- United Kingdom: consult the guidelines on the website https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad
- France: consult the useful information concerning these formalities according to your destination on this website: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F21374#0
11.2 Quarantine
It is specified that if the transport of a pet causes a problem requiring the use of quarantine facilities at the destination, the owner or the person accompanying the animal will be entirely responsible for these expenses.
11.3 On board
All dogs on board must wear a muzzle, in public areas, at all times during the crossing, except for assistance dogs. This is to ensure the safety of your dog, crew and other passengers. Brittany Ferries does not accept any liability for incidents caused by your animal whilst on board. As a French ferry company, we adhere to strict safety rules to ensure the well-being of all passengers, crew, and animals.
Animals may only be brought into designated pet-friendly areas. They are not allowed in non-pet-friendly cabins.
In the event of non-compliance, pre-determined charges will apply, as detailed below.
Non-compliance with the obligation to muzzle your dog will incur a fine of €200 for the first offence. A repeated breach on any subsequent crossing will result in an increased fine of €400. Repeated violations may result in the passenger being refused on future travel.
Unauthorized use of a non-pet-friendly cabin will incur a deep cleaning charge of €193.68 (VAT included). In the event of a repeat offence, this charge will be increased to €387.36 (VAT included).
Pet Accommodation Options
Pet accommodation options vary depending on the ship and route. Available options may include:
- pet-friendly cabins (subject to availability),
- onboard kennels
- leaving the pet in the owner’s vehicle, entirely under the owner's responsibility.
If the dog remains in the vehicle during the crossing:
- It must be secured or in a suitable crate.
- Adequate ventilation must be maintained at all times.
The owner is solely responsible for the dog’s welfare. The company accepts no liability for any consequences arising from unsuitable conditions inside the vehicle.
11.4 Assistance dogs
If you are travelling with a registered assistance dog, it is essential that you notify us at the time of booking. The dog must comply with the guidelines for taking your pet abroad.
11.5 Emotional support animals
We allow emotional support animals on board, but they must adhere to the same rules as regular animals and will not have access to passenger areas (excluding pet-friendly cabins if booked).
12. CHANGES AND CANCELLATION BY US
The scheduled departure and arrival times advertised by us, the identity of the ships and the facilities and services available on the ships, are liable to change owing to operational, technical or scheduling reasons. We reserve the right to do so. They may also change due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, by which we mean a situation which is beyond our control and the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if we had taken reasonable measures to do so. By way of example, this may include strikes and other industrial disputes, port closures, search and rescue operations, medical emergencies, weather conditions which make it impossible to travel safely to the destination as agreed in the booking, other serious security problems such as terrorism, significant risks to human health such as the outbreak of a serious disease at the travel destination, natural disasters or Government regulations, orders or advice.
If we change or cancel your booking, you may be entitled to certain legal rights as described in the Conditions of Carriage. Other than as described in these sections, we shall not be liable to compensate you for any loss or costs you incur as a result of changes or cancellations made by us.
13. FORCE MAJEURE
Force majeure is unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which are pandemics, lockdown or travel restrictions, war or threat of war, riots, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, level of water, closure of ports, technical or engineering problems or other similar events beyond our control.
Except as set out in these Terms, we and the suppliers shall have no responsibility or liability to you for any failure to perform, or a delay in performing, any obligations owed to you which are caused by force majeure.
14. BRITTANY FERRIES CUSTOMER SERVICE
If you find cause for complaint whilst travelling with us, or in your dealings with our Company, please notify our staff, as we would wish to resolve the matter immediately.
If we are unable to do so, then please write to Customer Services, Brittany Ferries, Millbay, Plymouth, PL1 3EW within 30 days of the problem occurring, quoting your booking reference.
15. ABTA
As required by law, we provide full financial protection for our package holidays through a bond held with the Association of British Travel Agents ( ABTA), membership number Y6117. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA's Code of Conduct. We can also offer you an ABTA's scheme for the resolution of disputes which is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute.
If we can't resolve your complaint, go to www.abta.com to use ABTA's simple procedure. Further information on the Code and ABTA's assistance in resolving disputes can be found on www.abta.com.
16. DATA PROTECTION
BAI SA, whose trading name is Brittany Ferries, is the Data Controller responsible for processing your personal data in connection with our contract. We collect and process your personal data solely for the purposes of executing your contract, managing your booking, providing customer support, and complying with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Your personal data is processed based on contractual necessity, legal obligations, and our legitimate interests in providing efficient services. You have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) including the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict processing, object to processing, and data portability.
For comprehensive information about our data processing practices, your rights, retention periods, and how to exercise your rights, please refer to our Privacy Policy on the website.
