FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a Proper Valid I.D.?
General Questions
Registration, Reservation and Travel Questions
Catalina Island Residents and Frequent Commuters
What is a Proper Valid I.D.?
Q: What is proper Identification for presentation?
A: Proper valid identification would be a driver’s license including a photo, state or government-issued photo ID or a government-issued passport. If you are under the age of 18 and don’t have any of the above mentioned ID, an original or certified copy of a birth certificate is required. School IDs or children security IDs are not deemed government-issued photo IDs and will not be accepted. Your valid identification name must match your “Free Pass”.
Q: What happens if I forget to bring proper identification?
A: You no longer qualify for the Birthday Promotion.
General Questions
Q: When is the Birthday Promotion valid?
A: Valid for travel on your birthday through April 30, 2014. Subject to availability.
Q: When can I travel on this promotion?
A: You MUST depart or begin travel on your actual birth date. You may return anytime within 30 days after your departure date. Subject to availability.
Q: How do I qualify to travel free on my birthday?
A: You are required to pre-register on-line prior to your birth date at www.CatalinaExpress.com. Look on the Home Page for Birthday Promotion registration.
Q: Can I travel on a holiday?
A: Yes. Subject to availability.
Q: Where can I depart/return from?
A: ALL Catalina Express ports offering service (including Avalon and Two Harbors)
Q: Do I need to pay the taxes or are there any extra fees?
A: No, you travel FREE.
Q: Does this include seating in the Captains Lounge or Commodore Lounge?
A: The Birthday Promotion is for general seating. You may upgrade and pay for the Captain’s or Commodore Lounge seating.
Q: Can I travel just one-way?
A: The Birthday Promotion is for round trip transportation departing on your actual birth date. It is your decision to utilize the return ticket that must be used within 30 days of your departure. Not exchangeable for future travel.
Q: Can this be combined with any other offer or discount?
A: Others members in your party may use any valid discount or offer.
Registration, Reservation and Travel Questions
Q. Do you have to be a certain age to register on-line?
A: You must be 13 years or older to register online. If you are under the age of 13, an adult 18 or over must register for you.
Q: Once I have registered, will I receive a confirmation?
A: Yes, you will receive an e-mail registration confirmation within minutes. From this e-mail, you will be able to download and print your “Free Pass” to bring with you to the ticket window on your birthday. The “Free Pass” will be unique to you and include a promo code that will be needed when making your actual boat reservations.
Q: I registered, but I did not receive an e-mail confirmation?
A: Please check your junk and spam folders. Catalina Express emails can get caught in there from time to time. Please add Catalina Express to your Safe Sender's list to receive our emails. Find out how HERE.
Q: How do I make my actual boat reservations?
A: You have two options:
-
You may call the Catalina Express Contact Center at (310) 519-1212. Reservations are booked as full fare, a credit card is required and all standard policies apply. You will be asked to provide the promo code from your “Free Pass” that is unique to you. You will be instructed to bring your “Free Pass” and proper ID for presentation at the ticket window at the time of check-in. ID birth date must match depart date of travel to receive free travel. Your valid identification name must match your “Free Pass”.
-
You may book your reservation on-line at www.CatalinaExpress.com. You will be asked to provide the promo code from your “Free Pass” that is unique to you. You will be instructed to bring your “Free Pass” and proper ID for presentation at the ticket window at the time of check-in. ID birth date must match depart date of travel to receive free travel. Your valid identification name must match your “Free Pass”.
Q. Why would I be asked for my credit card if I travel free on my birthday?
A: This is standard reservation policy. This is necessary to secure your reservation..
Q: What if there are multiple people planning to travel free on their birthday?
A: Each individual would be required to make their own reservation providing their unique promo code from their “Free Pass”.
Q: What happens if I made reservations and I can’t go that day?
A: You no longer qualify for the Birthday Promotion. You will not be charged. However, if your reservation includes other people traveling with you, they will be held to the standard cancellation policy. Reservations not cancelled by 6:00pm the day before departure date will be charged.
Q: What happens if the boat is cancelled due to inclement weather?
A: Midweek Birthday travelers will receive a travel voucher for midweek travel (Monday through Thursday) at a later date.
Weekend Birthday travelers will receive a travel voucher to utilize at a later date. Valid until April 30, 2014.
Q: What if I want to change my departure time?
A: You may change your departure and return time (not date) prior to departure without penalty. Must begin travel on your actual birth date. Subject to availability. Standard policies apply.
Q: What happens if I miss the last boat returning to the mainland?
A: You will need to change your ticket. A $5.00 ticket change fee will be applied. Subject to availability and must be within the 30 days of departure date. Standard policies apply.
Q: Can I pick-up my Birthday promotion actual boat tickets prior to my birthday?
A: No, Birthday Promotion tickets can only be picked up on your actual birth date.
Q: What if I pre-purchased a package through a hotel that included boat transportation and now want to take advantage of the Birthday promotion?
A:
The pre-purchased hotel package is not refundable however, you will be provided with our birthday ribbon and list of birthday offers from the merchants on the island which you can take advantage of upon presentation of your ID.
Q: My Birthday is February 29 but 2014 is not a Leap Year. How do I take advantage of this Bday Promotion?
A:
Please contact us at contact@catalinaexpress.com and we will send you a complimentary pass valid for travel on March 1, 2014. Valid ID showing February 29 birthday isrequired at the ticket window at check in.
Catalina Island Residents and Frequent Commuters
Q: I live on Catalina Island, do I qualify to travel free on my birthday from Avalon?
A: YES! Must pre-register online. Subject to availability.
Q: Does the Birthday Promotion travel count towards the purchase of a Commuter Book?
A: No, It does not qualify.
