Tour operators and airlines have said that refunds may not be issued to holidaymakers who reside in areas of the UK where tightened coronavirus restrictions mean they’d be breaking the law if they went on holiday.
Some operators, including Jet2holidays and TUI, are waiving amendment fees for customers who want to change their holidays and some airlines have also introduced more flexible policies which permit customers to make amendments to their booking without charge, but are still refusing refunds.
A travel ban in currently in place for Wales, as they have entered a 17-day ‘fire-breaker’ lockdown which will last unto until 9 November. This new restriction will mean that meaning families won’t be able to travel over the half-term.
The Welsh government has said holidays are not one of the permitted reasons for people to travel outside their area, although Cardiff Airport remains open.
Jet2holidays said in a statement: “If a customer is directly impacted by restrictions caused by a local lockdown and is due to travel up to and including 30 November they can rebook their flight or holiday without having to pay an amendment fee.
“As always, we advise customers to make sure they purchase appropriate travel insurance before they travel.”
TUI is also waiving its amendment fees. A spokeswoman for TUI said: “We understand there is still a lot of uncertainty about travel plans this year so we’re being as flexible as we can.
“Any customers who cannot travel on their holiday as planned due to lockdown restrictions have the option to amend to any holiday currently on sale free of amendment fees.”
British Airways now offer vouchers for passengers who choose not to travel up to the date of departure, depending on when they booked, while easyJet is allowing free changes.
