Hillary for moving on with friend Zardari

By: Special Correspondent | September 25, 2012 |

NEW YORK – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton held talks with President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday focusing on bilateral relations that appear to be moving forward.Hillary greeted Zardari as ‘my friend’ and introduced him to the new US ambassador to Pakistan, Richard Olson, whom she said she had just been sworn in so he could attend their talks. She thanked the president for Islamabad’s handling of several days of violent anti-US protests.Pakistan has been rocked by days of violent protests in its major cities as demonstrations have swept Muslim countries across the word over an anti-Islam film. Friday’s protests left 21 dead, and more than 200 injured as Pakistani police fought back to disperse crowds around US diplomatic missions.“We very much appreciate the strong response of your government,” she said, at the start of their 45-minute meeting held at a New York hotel on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, which begins today a week-long debate on issues of peace and security.Zardari said it had been “a difficult time for all of us” before reporters were ushered out of the room. A press release of the Pakistan Embassy said the president told the secretary of state: “We should build on the positive momentum”.Secretary Clinton reiterated US desire to continue working with the government and the people of Pakistan for further strengthening the bilateral relations and for the peace, stability and socio-economic development of the region, the press release said.President Zardari was assisted at the meeting by Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khan, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US Sherry Rehman, ANP leader Asfandyar Wali, MQM leader Farooq Sattar and the president’s adviser on human rights, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar. On the US side, Deputy Secretary of State Tom Nides, Ambassador Marc Grossman, Special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan, General Douglas Lute, State Department Spokesperson Victoria Nauland and other senior State Department officials attended this meeting.The press release said the two sides reviewed the recent positive developments in their bilateral relationship including the resumption of Nato supplies, the high-level contacts between the two sides, the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the upgradation of the Peshawar-Torkham road and the release of the US Coalition Support Funds (CSF) reimbursements.However, the president also took the opportunity to express the deep dismay of the people of Pakistan at the blasphemous video. He said, “One or two insane persons should not be allowed to endanger the world peace in the garb of freedom of expression.”According to the press release, they also discussed the situation in Afghanistan and how Pakistan and the US could cooperate in helping bring peace and stability in that country. President Zardari assured Secretary Clinton that Pakistan was prepared to do everything in its power to help an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led reconciliation process in Afghanistan. He also said that peace and stability in Pakistan was tied to peace and stability in Afghanistan. “No country has paid a higher price for the conflict in Afghanistan than Pakistan,” he said.President Zardari thanked Secretary Clinton for US assistance and stressed the need that rather than spreading itself too thin, the US should focus on large signature projects. The president also stressed the importance of granting Pakistani products, particularly textiles, greater access to the US market. “Pakistan would rather do trade than depend on aid,” the President told the Secretary Clinton.On cooperation in trade and economy, the President appreciated the recent announcement of multi-year Pakistan Private Initiative based on Public Private partnership with upto $80 million of US funding saying that such steps would encourage entrepreneurship for promising Pakistani companies.The president expressed the hope that substantial progress would be witnessed in the coming days in the bilateral investment treaty between the two countries. He also invited the US to become a partner in the Diamer Bhasha Dam project. He said that this will dispel the impression that the US only works to its own priorities in Pakistan.Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar insisted on Friday that ties between the United States and Pakistan were improving after hitting a low following the killing of Osama bin Laden in a Pakistani compound in May 2011, and a US airstrike in November which killed 24 Pakistani troops.“We have been through some of the most difficult times in our 60-year history,” Hina said before the talks, admitting “the last 18 months were very, very difficult.” But she said amid concerted efforts the two nations were doing “better than we could have expected to do in building the trust.”“We still have work to do to get our bilateral relationship to the point where we would like it to be,” Clinton acknowledged. “But we both recognize that we can achieve more when we work together on a focused agenda.”Earlier, President Zardari reached New York to attend the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The president will address the 193-member UNGA today (Tuesday). During his four-day visit, President Zardari will hold meetings with British Prime Minister David Cameron, Chinese Foreign Minister Yaung Gi Che and Nato Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.The president will also address a ceremony regarding polio eradication organised by the United Nations and the Bill Gates Foundation. The session will be presided over by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.Pakistan’s religious, political, social and common circles have expressed the hope that President Zardari will represent the real sentiments of Pakistanis and Muslims of the world against the sacrilegious film in his address to the UNGA. In this regard, all small and large religious parties of the country have urged President Zardari to adopt a bold stance. Source: http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/editors-picks/25-Sep-2012/hillary-for-moving-on-with-friend-zardari

Pak-US roadmap of cooperation set: Hina

By: Special Correspondent | September 23, 2012 |

WASHINGTON - The US and Pakistan have agreed on a roadmap to improve cooperation in areas such as security, non-proliferation, counterterrorism, energy and water, economic and trade as also defence consultation, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar has said.

Wrapping up her four-day visit to Washington during which she met Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and other senior administration officials, Hina Khar said her talks were ‘detailed and frank’ during which she also raised the controversial issue of drone strikes on Pakistani tribal areas. The agreement on the roadmap was reached during the foreign minister’s meeting with Secretary Clinton as violent anti-American demonstrations were taking place across Pakistan.

“We have agreed on a roadmap of cooperation to advance relations in a sustainable way and under this five working groups will meet in the next three months - these groups will cover all aspects of Pakistan-US relations,” Hina told Pakistani journalists at the Pakistan embassy on Friday evening.

On drone attacks, she said while Pakistan’s position remains that they are illegal and counterproductive, there was now a better realisation in the US about their negative fallout in Pakistan.

“We had a frank, candid, honest discussion on all issues including a long discussion on drones,” the foreign minister said. “I think that is what we have always said, we maintain our position on drones that they are counterproductive, illegal, and unlawful and we continue to engage with the United States.”

The foreign minister felt “there is a deeper understanding in the US as to what is the negative fallout of drone strikes in Pakistan.” The foreign minister also expressed satisfaction over her meeting with US National Security Advisor Tom Donilon as good.

The minister said that during her meetings with senior American officials including US Trade Representative Ron Kirk, she advocated Pakistan’s case for preferential market access in view of the multifaceted challenges facing the country. “I found understanding on the issue and I hope for progress on it.”

At a meeting with USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah, the minister expressed Pakistan’s interest in support for Bhasha Dam, since the project would greatly help her country in overcoming energy shortage.

During her visit, the foreign minister also met with Congressional leaders including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, members of the Senate Foreign Relations and Intelligence panels.

Hina Khar saw convergence of Pakistani and US interests on some major issues like the desire for peace and stability in Afghanistan. “It is important that the people of Pakistan and the United States should know that we have convergence of interests - the two sides have started building trust - both Pakistan and the United States want peace and stability in Afghanistan.”

The minister particularly noted Secretary Clinton’s announcement that the US will build Torkham-Peshawar road, saying it represents the first American step towards sharing the infrastructure load on account of NATO supplies traffic that passes through Pakistani territory to enter Afghanistan via border-crossings.

“By and large I remain satisfied with the visit – this is a good first step towards putting the bilateral relations back on track,” she remarked.

The minister praised Pakistan’s ambassador in Washington Sherry Rehman for her efforts and extensive diplomatic engagement with US officials and lawmakers towards improving the important bilateral relationship.

“In the last (several) difficult months, the US and Pakistani governments and Pakistan’s Parliament have shown that both view this relationship important - this reinforces the importance of the relationship.”

Concerning Afghan reconciliation, the minister said a trilateral mechanism is in place, which is working on the issue. In this respect, she referred to the recent safe passage working group meeting in Islamabad.

“The concept is there should be clarity in the reconciliation and what steps are needed to achieve the goal. Pakistan role is that of a facilitator – we have always said this should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-driven process.

“There should be no doubt that Pakistan will do whatever is within its capacity to be able to assist its Afghan brothers and sisters.”

Meanwhile, in a post-midnight vote, the US Senate rejected a proposal to suspend foreign aid to the governments of Pakistan, Egypt, and Libya on the ground that these countries were unreliable allies.

Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky forced a vote on his amendment to cut US aid to Pakistan, Libya and Egypt, but the Senate overwhelmingly defeated the measure by a vote of 81-10.

The conservative senator led a one-man campaign to keep the Senate from voting on a must-pass bill to fund the federal government unless Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid agreed to allow a vote on Paul’s amendment to cut off foreign aid to the three countries.

Paul said he did not expect the measure to pass, but he wanted senators to have to go back home and explain to their constituents why they voted for aid to countries where there are violent anti-American protests.

The senator’s amendment would have made any resumption of aid contingent on Pakistan to release Shakil Afridi, the detained doctor who helped the CIA idntify the late al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. The measure would have required Egypt and Libya to arrest the people responsible for the recent embassy and consulate attacks and turning them over to US authorities.

Some Republicans support a push to restrict foreign aid to countries with governments not deemed to be reliable allies. But many Republicans strongly objected to the Paul amendment as a ‘terrible idea’ that would damage US national security interests.

Most Democrats also rejected cuts to foreign aid, saying some of the countries that are undergoing political changes need US assistance now more than ever. Democratic Senator Max Baucus pleaded for Democrats and Republicans to work together on these sensitive foreign policy issues.

Baucus said, “It used to be not too many years ago that in foreign policy issues, because they are really non-partisan, we as a country worked together. We faced the country, the world, as one voice. So I strongly caution my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to not make this a partisan issue.”

The Senate’s rejection of the proposal to suspend aid comes as the US administration on Friday thanked Pakistan for protecting the US Embassy in Islamabad against protesters. Source: http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/editors-picks/23-Sep-2012/pak-us-roadmap-of-cooperation-set-hina

Pacific Angel Nepal helps over 4,000 Nepalis

Pacific Angel Nepal helps over 4,000 Nepalis

Despite the downpour of rain, over 300 Nepal Army, U.S. military and local community residents attended the closing ceremony of OPERATION PACIFIC ANGEL at Machhapuchhre Higher Secondary School in Kaski District, Pokhara yesterday. 

Officiating over the ceremony was Nepal Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Nepal Bhusan Chand, Western Division Commander Major General Victor, and on behalf of the Commander of the U.S. Pacific Air Forces, Major General Russell J. Handy, Director of Operations, Plans, Requirements and Programs, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. 

“We are honored to have worked alongside the Nepal Army through our Pacific Angel program, and deeply appreciate the hospitality our Nepali hosts have extended to us,” said Handy.  “Throughout this past week, we have been continually impressed with the professionalism of the Nepal Army, and applaud the Nepal Army and the Ministry of Home Affairs for their diligent efforts to improve the quality of life of Nepal’s citizens,” he added. 

From September 10-15, over 4,195 local area villagers were given free medical assistance in pediatrics, optometry, physio-therapy, public health infection control, food safety, women’s health and pre-post partum nutrition care.  Two babies were born – one at the medical site and one taken to a hospital in Pokhara due to complications.  Both babies and mothers are doing well.  Humanitarian assistance/disaster relief and first responder subject matter exchanges and simulated exercises between Nepal Army, local Pokhara police, and U.S. Air Force personnel were held at the Western Regional Nepal Army Headquarters. 

It took a combined team of over 200 Nepal Army, U.S. Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, and Mongolian Armed Forces members, along with the assistance from Gandaki Medical College, Teaching Hospital and Research Centre Private Limited (Charak Hospital), Himalaya Eye Hospital – Nau Danda Training Health Post, and Western Regional Health Directorate, and volunteers from the Junior Red Cross Of Shree Macchapuchhre Higher Secondary School, and the Dikhur Pokhari Youth Network to complete these projects.

Three construction and renovation projects were completed at Macchapucchre primary and secondary schools, and at the Macchhapuchhre district post.  A team of 80 Nepal Army and U.S. military designers, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, painters, and brick-layers enhanced and improved a school hostel, restroom facilities, water tank and pump systems, and school cafeteria.

Handy concluded, “These efforts are a visible expression of our combined commitment to peace and stability in this region with the desire to strengthen the relationship between our countries and our continuing resolve to ensure increased humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in this region.”

Since 2007, Pacific Angel events have been the cornerstone of U.S. Pacific Air Force’s engagement efforts to partner with host nation military personnel throughout the Asia-Pacific region to not only improve the lives of tens of thousands of people, but to also improve our integrated operations with like-minded military and civilian and engineering professionals.  This year, Pacific Angel has been conducted in Laos, Vietnam, and the Philippines. 

Find a photo from Pacific Angel Nepal here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pacificairforces/7979736286/in/photostream

You can also choose more photos via this link.

Source: US Embassy in Nepal

Indian Assistance of NRs. 37.76 million for the construction of school building in Achham District

Press Release

Indian Assistance of NRs. 37.76 million for the

construction of school building in Achham District

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 19^th September 2012 between the Embassy of India, Kathmandu, District Development Committee, Achham and Shree Mahendra Higher Secondary School for providing Indian grant assistance of NRs. 37.76 million for the construction of a double -storied school building under Nepal-India Economic Cooperation Programme. This is the first development project in the Achham District being undertaken with the Indian assistance under Small Development Projects. 

Established as a Primary School in 1960 and subsequently upgraded as Higher Secondary level in 2007, Shree Mahendra Higher Secondary School is situated at Bayalpata VDC in Achham District, Far Western Region of Nepal.  Its existing infrastructure is dilapidated and inadequate to meet the growing requirements of the students as well as faculty members. The new building will help in the development of better facilities for over 1300 students, about 50% of whom are girls. The upgraded facility would create improved environment for learning by the students and contribute towards the further development of the education sector in the District. In addition to this school, two ambulances have also been gifted to health care organisations in Achham District. 

The project will be implemented by the District Development Committee, Achham in accordance with the existing norms and regulations of the Government of Nepal. They will also be responsible for ensuring the quality of construction of the project and its timely completion. The MoU stipulates the constitution of an Oversight Committee, comprising of representatives of the DDC and other stakeholders with a view to ensuring the implementation of the project in a time bound manner. 

Recognizing the importance of accelerating growth in Nepal, India remains committed to rendering all possible assistance in that direction. The India – Nepal Economic Programme has an outlay of over NRs. 64 billion with more than 425 large and small development projects completed or currently being implemented in almost all the districts of Nepal. These development projects mainly in the sectors of education, health and infrastructure development have been undertaken in response to local needs, and in partnership with the Government of Nepal. 

Source: Indian Embassy 

NEPAL: A minor is tortured and illegally detained, alongside adults, and refused access to a lawyer

The Asian Human Rights Commission has received information that a fifteen-year-old domestic worker, Mr Rameshwor Chhaudari, was arrested by the police on 16 August under allegations of theft. He was brought before the Chief District Officer although Nepali law mandates that minors should be tried by a Juvenile bench. Since then, he has been held in the custody of the Hanumandhoka Metropolitan Police Station, with adult detainees, in clear violation of Nepal's juvenile justice national legislation. Fellow detainees had reported that he was being subjected to torture and his lawyer has been prevented from meeting him. The AHRC is concerned that the boy remains at risk of further torture and ill-treatment and unfair trial as long as he remains in the custody of Hanumandhoka Police Station alongside adult detainees, without access to a lawyer.

CASE NARRATIVE:

According to the information we have received from the Forum for Protection of People's Rights, Nepal, Rameshwor Chhaudari, 15, a permanent resident of Amab VDC ward No.3, Bara District has been working as a domestic worker in the house of an army officer in Kathmandu. The family for which he was working accused him of having stolen gold and other goods from them and he was arrested by the police on 16 August 2012. No arrest warrant was shown and was charged with committing a Public Offence. The Public Offence Act mandates Chief District Officers, non-independent government officials, to judge offences falling under its scope. They can order a two year jail sentence in proceedings which do not meet international standards of fair trial. In addition in this case, the accused is a juvenile and should as such be brought before a juvenile branch, as per section 55 of the Children's Act, 1992.

After the hearing before the CDO, the boy was sent to the custody of Hanumandhoka Metropolitan Police Range.

One week after Rameshwor Chhaudari was arrested the police arrested two of his relatives and another man in relation to the same case and they were also detained in Hanumandhoka Metropolitan Police Range. They witnessed and reported that Rameshwor Chhaudari was kept in the same cell as adults, in violation of the provisions of the Children' Act. The Supreme Court of Nepal has repeatedly interpreted the provisions of the Children's Act in the sense that it was illegal to keep children deprived of liberty together with adults in prison. Further, article 37 c of the Convention on the Rights of the Child also mandates the state party to keep children detainees separated from adults.

The eyewitnesses further shared that he was being tortured, submitted to random beating and falanga (beating of the soles of his feet) and was suffering from psychological trauma.

After being informed of Mr Chhaudhari's situation, a lawyer from PPR Nepal visited Hanumandhoka Metropolitan Police Range on several occasions and each time, under various excuses, the police refused to allow him to meet with the detainee. The lawyer first went to the police station on 7 September and demanded to see the victim. Nevertheless the Deputy Superintendent of Police Arun Kumar BC said that Mr Chhaudari was not present as he had been brought to his village to search the goods he was accused of having stolen. The lawyer came back to the police again on 9 September around 11.30 but again the DSP refused to allow him to meet the victim, stating that lawyers could not meet detainees during office time. Such a regulation does not exist and actually contravenes the provisions of Nepali law, as for instance the 2007 Interim Constitution in its article 24-2 guarantees the right to consult and to be defended by a legal practitioner. The next day, 10 September around 4.30 pm, the lawyer asked the highest ranking police officer in that police station Senior Superintendent of Police Jaya Bahadur Chand for permission to meet with the detainee. Again he was prohibited to meet with the detainee "during office hours". He therefore waited until 6pm, one hour after the end of office hours, but was still not allowed to meet with Mr Chhaudari and was told that the detainee had been brought to the District Attorney's Office. As of 18 September, the lawyer had still not been granted access to the detainee.

On 11 September, PPR Nepal filed a petition in the Kathmandu District Court asking for the mental and physical check-up and treatment of Mr. Chhaudari. The Court ordered the detainee's health check-up to be conducted by the Forensic Department of Tribhuwan University of Teaching Hospital. The medical report is yet to be released.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The conditions of detention of juveniles and the lack of appropriate investigation and fair trial have been repeatedly denounced by the national and international human rights community but the government has so far failed to address those concerns effectively. As early as 2005 the Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed its concern that "While welcoming the establishment of Juvenile Benches in all the district courts to deal with cases relating to children in conflict with the law, and that training programmes have been organized for law enforcement officials, including the Police Academy, the Committee remains of the view that the legislation and policies of the State party are not in conformity with international juvenile justice standards. The Committee reiterates its concern that the minimum age of criminal responsibility is set as young as 10, and that there is no official system of age verification in place. The Committee is also concerned about conditions of detention, and that persons under 18 are in most cases not separated from adults while in detention due to lack of juvenile detention facilities. The Committee is also alarmed that children are often brought to trial "without any proper investigation" and that a large proportion of juvenile cases are dealt by District Administration Offices which are quasi-judicial." The case of Mr Chhaudari exemplifies the concerns expressed by the Committed on the Rights of the Child, as it was dealt with the Chief District Officer-the head of the District Administration Office- in quasi-judicial proceedings who fail to meet the international standards of fair trial.

In 2011, following a Public Interest Litigation, the Supreme Court ruled the quasi-judicial powers held by the CDOs to be unconstitutional, as CDOs belonged to the executive power and could therefore not be considered an impartial authority. In a 2012 report on the state of fair trial in Nepal, Advocacy Forum, the NGO who had filed the petition found that: "The court ordered the government to redefine which cases should be given to executive officers and which cases should be heard by courts or specialised tribunals. To do so, it requires the government to form a committee to review comparative practice on the extent of judicial powers exercised by executive officers, and to recommend necessary changes within six months of its formation. As an interim measure while reforms are carried out, the court ordered that, within the next year, all CDOs must be shown to have a law degree or be given three months of legal training. As of May 2012, the government had not started to implement this judgement."

SUGGESTED ACTION:Please join us in writing to the authorities listing below, calling on them to ensure the protection of the rights of Mr Chhaudari.

Please be informed that the AHRC is writing a separate letter to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention calling for their intervention into this matter.

Source: AHRC

Which is the cheapest flight from Sydney Australia

Soot is probably the cheapest flight operator available for purchase. IT can offer a one way trip to Singapore for as low as $ 182.

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FlyScoot.com: We're gearing up for adventure 

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Got a question?

If you are confused, we have a problem. Take a look at the information below to clear any doubts you may have. 

1. Booking
2. Baggage 
3. Onboard the Flight
4. At the airport
5. Special Needs & Assistance 

1. Booking

1.1 I've already made a booking. Can I change my destination? 

Changes to destinations are not allowed. You will need to make a new booking, with the amount paid for the original booking being forfeited.

1.2 Can I change the time or date for my flight?

You can make changes online via the “Manage My Booking” tool on Flyscoot.com, or through our call centre. Standard fees and charges will apply.

For guests who have purchased ScootProtect, please contact our call centre to make any changes. Standard fees and charges will apply.

You may make changes to your booking up to forty-eight (48) hours prior to the scheduled departure of your flight, subject to the following conditions:

• If the new flight is booked into a lower fare class, the fare difference will not be refunded.
• If the new flight is booked into a higher fare class, the fare difference will have to be paid by the guest in order for the change to be processed.
• Changes to destinations are not allowed. You will need to make a new booking, with the amount paid for the original booking being forfeited.

1.3 How do I retrieve and view my booking?

You may use the “Manage My Booking” tool on Flyscoot.com to retrieve your booking. This widget is located on the right of each page, below the Flight Search widget. You'll need your booking reference number (PNR) and email address to retrieve your booking. Please use the email address entered when making the booking. 

1.4 What is the 12-hour grace period policy?

We understand that in a rush to book, you might make an error or two. To help you out, we're offering a 12-hour grace period where change fees will be waived. However, this will be subject to the following conditions:

• 
  
• If the new flight is booked into a lower fare class, the fare difference will not be refunded.
• If the new flight is booked into a higher fare class, the fare difference will have to be paid by the guest in order for the change to be processed.
• Changes to destinations are not allowed. You will need to make a new booking, with the amount paid for the original booking being forfeited.

1.5 I've already made a booking, but I now need to add a child to my booking. Can I do it? 

Unfortunately, you will not be able to, mainly because once a booking is made, we cannot add passengers to it. All new passengers will thus need to be booked separately. However, as stated in our Conditions of Carriage, no infant or child under the age of twelve (12) years on the date of travel may travel on any Scoot flight, or any flight with Scoot’s Airline Designator Code, without an Accompanying Guest*. So if you are planning to travel with at least one child or infant**, please make sure you book them as passengers on your initial booking. 

*An 'Accompanying Guest' refers to a paying passenger of at least sixteen (16) years of age, who, in our reasonable opinion, can travel independently and is able to and will provide the appropriate assistance and supervision as required for the guest they are accompanying.

**Please note that the infant ratio is restricted to one infant Guest per Accompanying Guest.

1.6 I'm not sure about my visa requirements for my travel. How can I find out if I need one? 

Whenever you travel with Scoot, you'll be responsible for ensuring you meet the visa requirements of the country(ies) you’re travelling to, and we strongly recommend that you seek guidance from the relevant consulates or embassies.  There is a handy information tool provided by Star Alliance, but please note that Scoot does not maintain this information, and we will not be responsible for any error. Hence, our recommendation would still be for you to contact the relevant consulate or embassy.

1.7 I’ve purchased connecting flights. Will I need to check-in again in Singapore? Will my check-in bags be checked through to my final destination or will I need to collect them and then re-check them at immigration?

Once you have disembarked from the first connecting flight, you will have to make your way to the landside immigration counter to re-check in for your on-going flight and get your boarding pass.  Your bags will not be checked through to your final destination. It is your responsibility to collect your check-in baggage from the designated belt, then exit as per normal and re-check them at the landside immigration counter. For this purpose, do ensure that you have a valid Singapore visa if you require one.

1.8 I need to claim an airport tax refund. How do I do it?

To claim a tax refund, you will need to send us a letter request, which must include:

• Booking reference number 
• Flight details, and specific flight sector refund is being requested for 
• Contact Number

Please send your request to the following address. Note that it must be postmarked within 90 days of your scheduled departure date. Please allow us to process it within 6-8 weeks from the time we have received your request*.

Scoot Customer Care
Changi Airport Post Office T1, P.O. Box 89
Singapore 918143
Attention: Tax Officer

*S$50 SGD processing fee per guest will apply. For the full list of fees applicable in all other cases, please clickhere.

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2. Baggage

2.1 If I am travelling with a companion, do we both need to purchase a checked baggage allowance?

Our checked baggage allowance is based on total weight, so if you are travelling with a companion and the total weight of all bags does not exceed your allowance, you may check all bags under the one guest.

2.2 If I am no longer flying with baggage, can I remove my allowance?

Once purchased, checked baggage fees are non-transferable and non-refundable. We recommend our guests to confirm their travel date prior making any purchase.

2.3 Can I take sporting equipment/ sport gears?

Yes, Sports equipment including musical instruments can be included as part of your pre-purchased baggage allowance. The carriage of sporting equipment, musical instruments, bulky items are strictly subjected to space availability. If you exceed your pre-purchased baggage allowance, excess baggage charges will be applied. For a full list of baggage fees, click here.

2.4 What is my baggage allowance when travelling on two different fare types?

Baggage allowances apply per sector. For guests who are travelling with checked baggage on a Fly fare in one direction and a FlyBag fare in the other, you will be required to purchase a checked baggage allowance for one sector only.

2.5 What's the minimum / maximum checked-in baggage allowance?

Minimum 15KG, maximum 40KG. However, your baggage allowance will depend on what type of fare you have purchased. The highest allowance will apply.

• Fly fare or Fly-Promo fares do not include a complimentary baggage allowance, but you may purchase a minimum 15KG allowance and up to 40KG for an additional fee.
• FlyBag and FlyBagEat fares include a complimentary baggage allowance of up to 15KG.
• ScootBiz fare includes a complimentary baggage allowance of up to 20KG.

2.6 What are the maximum dimensions of my checked baggage?

No individual piece of baggage must weigh more than 32KG (70 lbs) or exceed total linear dimensions (add together the depth, width and length) of 158cm

2.7 What happens if my carry-on baggage is too heavy or too large to take onboard?

If your carry-on baggage is greater than the cabin baggage allowance and you try to bring it onboard, you will be advised at the gate that the bag is too large for the cabin and it will need to be treated as checked baggage. Your bag will be tagged at the gate and checked into the aircraft hold. On arrival your bag will be available for collection at our Baggage Services counter. Additional charges will be payable on collection of your bag(s); these fees will be at the applicable airport rates.

2.8 Is there an additional baggage allowance when travelling with an infant?

"Specific infant equipment is carried free of charge on Scoot flights. All other infant baggage must be included as part of the parent's or guardian's baggage allowance. Specific infant equipment includes, but is not restricted to the following items:

• Pram/Stroller
• Portable Cot
• Car Seat
• Baby Capsule

2.9 What are the excess baggage charges?

Excess baggage fees are charged at check in and payment can be made by credit card and cash, subject to mode of payment at airport counter. We cannot guarantee that excess baggage will be carried, and uplift is at our sole discretion, subject to aircraft loads. Excess baggage is charged at $20SGD for every 1kg (or part thereof) over your baggage allowance for flights less than 5 hours, 25SGD for every 1kg for flights over 5 hours. Fees are payable in the local currency of your port of departure, and are subject to daily exchange rates.

2.10 How much carry-on baggage can I take?

Economy Fares

All guests (adult and child) occupying their own seat are permitted to take up to 7KG of cabin baggage onboard. Carry-on baggage/ Cabin Baggage may consist of one (1) small bag or briefcase that does not exceed dimensions of 54cm x 38cm x 23cm (total linear dimensions 115cm). In addition to the carry-on baggage allowance, one of the following personal items may be carried in the cabin:

• A laptop computer, handbag, pocketbook or purse (of reasonable size).
• A pair of crutches or prosthetic device – for use, provided that the guest is dependent on them for mobility.

ScootBiz

All guests are permitted to take up to 15KG of cabin baggage onboard. Carry-on baggage/ Cabin Baggage may consist of two (2) pieces (e.g. small bag or briefcase) that do not exceed dimensions of 54cm x 38cm x 23cm (total linear dimensions 115cm) per piece.  

2.11 What if my baggage is damaged during the flight? 

Should you need to make a claim for damaged baggage then this must be done in writing within 7 (seven) days upon completion of your journey with Scoot Pte Ltd.  If your claim relates to the delay of checked baggage, you must notify us in writing within 21 (twenty-one days) upon completion of your journey with Scoot Pte Ltd.  All claims for damaged or delayed baggage are to be addressed to:

Scoot Pte Ltd
c/o Charles Taylor Aviation
140 Cecil Street
#15-00 PIL Building
Singapore 069540
Fax: +65 6423 0150
Email: scootclaims@ctplc.com

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3. Onboard the Flight

3.1 Can I take my own food and drinks onboard? Do you offer any special meals?

We have great selections on offer from our onboard menu, including vegetarian and halal meals. If guests need special dietary due to health reason, we recommend that they bring their own food. However, for safety reasons hot drinks and liquids are not permitted.

Note: Please refer to Enhanced Security Procedures when travelling internationally, as Government requirements limit the amount of liquids, aerosols and/or gels a guest is permitted to take onboard in their carry-on baggage.

3.2 Can I use electronic devices onboard?

• Scoot guests can use their mobile phones and transmitting devices when boarding, and onboard the aircraft until the last aircraft door is closed for take-off.
• Guests boarding via the tarmac must turn off their phones and transmitting devices, as the aircraft may be refuelling.
• Mobile phones and transmitting devices with ""Flight Mode"" can be switched on during the flight while the seat belt indicator is switched off, provided the mode was activated before take-off.
• Upon landing guests can to turn on their mobile phones and transmitting devices provided they are within easy reach.
• Guests who are disembarking the aircraft via the tarmac must switch off their mobile phone or transmitting device before leaving the aircraft.

3.3 Can I smoke onboard a Scoot flight?

Scoot has a strict no-smoking policy onboard all of our flights. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the aircraft, including in the lavatories.

3.4 Can I purchase food and beverages onboard?

Yes. Our inflight meals can be purchased on flight and we serve a wide range of selection for our guests including vegetarian and halal meals. If guests need special dietary due to health reason, we recommend our guests to bring their own food. However, for safety reasons hot drinks and liquids are not permitted. 

Do note that hot meal choices are not currently available for on board purchase on our short haul flights. They may however, be pre-ordered together with your flight booking.

3.5 What are the conditions for 'Exit Row Seats'?

In order to sit in an Exit Row seat, you must satisfy the following general criteria applicable:

• Be 16 years or older
• Not have any permanent or temporary impairment or any condition that requires special assistance or be travelling with another party that has such an impairment or condition (e.g. deaf, hearing impaired, blind, vision impaired, any strength or mobility limitation, intellectual impairment or travelling with a service dog)
• Acknowledge the exit row briefing given by Cabin Crew once on board the aircraft
• Be willing to assist in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Not be seated with an infant
• Not require the use of an extension seat belt
• Not be elderly

It is also not recommended that a guest in their third trimester of pregnancy (that is, after 28  weeks) sits in an exit row. I

Passengers who do not meet the requirements above are obliged to ask to be re-seated.  The inability to fulfil the criteria may not be observable by the cabin crew so guests must take the initiative. The crew reserves the right to ask a guest to be change seats if they deem the guest to be unfit to act in the unlikely event of an emergency or unable to fulfil Scoot’s or general flight safety requirements.

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4. At the airport

4.1 What time does Scoot's check-in open/close?

Please note that Scoot's Check-in counter opens three (3) hours before the scheduled departure time of our flights, and closes one (1) hour prior to the scheduled departure time of our flights. As long as you are in the queue 1 hour before the departure time, you will be able to check-in. Apart from that, these times are non-negotiable.

Please be at the airport early to avoid missing your flight. We recommend that you be at the airport at least ninety (90) minutes before departure time. Please factor in all possible sources of delay (e.g. traffic congestion, etc.).

4.2 I was late for check-in and the counter was closed, what do I do?

If you fail to check-in on time, your fare will not be refunded. However, you may claim a tax refund.

4.3 I’m connecting to another Scoot flight in Singapore, what do I do?

If you have booked connecting flights, please note that you will have to collect your checked bags at the baggage belts, exit the transit area, clear Arrival Immigration and then re-check them at the check-in counter in Singapore for your connecting flight. It is your responsibility to ensure a valid visa for Singapore and for your destination.

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5. Special Needs & Assistance

5.1 What classifies a passenger as one with 'Reduced Mobility', 'Disability' or someone that requires 'Special Assistance'?

As defined by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, a passenger would be classified based on the passenger's mobility related to the aircraft cabin in an emergency and during flight. More specifically, a passenger would be classified as:

a. Ambulatory

If the passenger is able to board, deplane and move about the aircraft unassisted – even with walking aids such as crutches – and is able to take care of all his/her physical needs in-flight. The passenger can toilet, feed and medicate him or herself. They are able to self-lift and communicate (in such a way as to understand the safety instructions and emergency instructions of the crew). These passengers are able to evacuate from the aircraft unassisted in an emergency by use of escape slides or stairs. This group may include some persons who are blind, deaf/mute or intellectually handicapped.

b. Non-Ambulatory

A passenger who is not able to board, deplane or move about the aircraft unassisted. The passenger can toilet, feed and medicate themself. They are able to communicate in such a way as to understand the safety instructions and emergency instructions of the crew. These passengers are not able to evacuate from an aircraft unassisted in an emergency by use of escape slides or stairs. 

c. Dependant

A passenger who requires assistance to toilet, feed, receive medication and is unable to communicate with the crew with respect to safety instructions will require an escort/carer to travel with and assist them throughout the flight. Passengers who are both deaf and blind will be considered dependant.

5.2 How do I make a booking when I am travelling with my dog/cat?

Scoot currently does not accept any pets for international travel. To organise carriage of your pet on an international flight, please contact your local IATA International approved pet handling company.

5.3 What is the difference between an infant and a child?

Scoot follow the same age definitions, regardless of the origin and destination. These are as follows:

• Infant: Between 0 and 23 months (inclusive).
• Child: Between 2nd birthday and 11 years (inclusive).
•  Adult: 12 years and older.

Infants do not travel in their own seat, although an extra seat may be purchased for comfort. Infants must be carried on the lap of an adult. Infant fares are available at S$50 per guest sector, subject to infant limit availability. Child fares are the same as adult fares.

Note: Scoot does not currently accept children travelling alone to any other international destinations."

5.4 My child is less than two years old. Can they have their own seat?

Any child less than two years of age is classified as an infant and must be nursed in the arms of a parent or guardian. Any child who is two years or older is classified as a child and must occupy a seat, on their own ticket.

If you are travelling with an infant, you can purchase an extra seat for additional comfort, however your infant must be restrained on your lap during take-off, landing and turbulence.

Please be aware that bassinets and baby car seats cannot be taken onboard Scoot flights. Infant restraint belts are available on all aircraft and must be worn by infants on take-off, landing, during turbulence and whenever the seat belt sign is illuminated.                 

5.5 What are the minimum requirements for travelling whilst pregnant?

Medical clearance will be required when any of the following applies:

• Your pregnancy has involved complications.
• Multiple pregnancies before 32nd weeks.
• Otherwise normal, single pregnancy before 35th weeks.

All travel of the itinerary must be completed by the 32nd week for multiple pregnancy and by 35th week for normal pregnancy.                 

5.6 How do I make a booking for a baby that is not yet born?

You may purchase your adult fare online if you are certain the travel dates is on or after the baby is 8 days old to travel. Once your baby is born, please contact the Call Centre with your Booking Reference Number so we can add infant information to your travel plan. Infant fees apply.                 

5.7 How do I make a reservation if I have special needs or need assistance?

To ensure that we know what your exact requirements are, and so that we are able to accommodate your needs, guests requiring special assistance must call our Call Centre after first making a booking online.

Note: We cannot accept bookings for guests with special needs, or whom require assistance, if their reservation has not been made via the Guest Call Centre. Should you fail to advise us in advance of your special requirements we may respectfully reserve the right to decline your travel until you have someone available to accompany you.

5.8 Do I need medical clearance to fly?

Scoot requires medical clearance to travel before accepting guests with certain medical conditions.

5.9 What happens when something goes wrong?

We are an LCC. In order to offer low fares we must keep costs low. In return for this we expect our guests to exercise some responsibility for their own well being, such as taking out travel insurance. If we are at fault we will abide by the guest promise posted on our website, but most issues arise from things such as weather, air traffic congestion and the like. These are outside an airline's control.

Source: http://www.flyscoot.com/index.php/en/need-help/faqs.html

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