It really doesn’t matter now, because it won’t change anything about them not coming, unfortunately. It sucks that you’re left in a jam. I suggest focusing on quickly getting yourself a replacement sitter or some other form of care.
In the future, maybe stick with domestic sitters, unless you find ones from abroad who have a special need to be in your area. Ideally, they arrive the country well ahead of your sit.
I’ve never been asked for flight details but always let owners know when I have booked and let them know when I have arrived in the UK. I’m not just flying in for one particular sit so am usually in the country for days/weeks before any sit begins.
@mtbikelover as you are now looking for sitters, remove your dates for a minute or two then re-post them. Your listing will then become New and lose the Low Applications tag.
To be fair to the sitters, travel and immigration problems have escalated quickly in the US. I can’t fault them for deciding it’s not worth the stress. Even being in separate countries could be hard. I’m not sure plane tickets would have helped in this case. Anyway, sorry for your trouble, I hope you find wonderful new sitters a bit closer to home.
Yes usually book right away and tell ho times and flight info.