Holidays

[Colr]

Looks like travel abroad is toast so it’s UK or nothing.

Cornwall/Deveon/Dorset will be heaving so will the lakes.

[HarpyHibby]

Has anyone had any success claiming on their insurance for cancelled holidays abroad?

I booked my flights and hotel direct for Tenerife and was due to fly out on the 19th June. I’ve claimed a refund through Ryanair but the hotel are playing hardball and have said they are only refunding guests booked up until 31st May in line with Spanish Gov advice.

Luckily, I have insurance but not looking forward to the hassle of claiming!

Sorry for the thread hijack!

[sleeping giant]

We've binned any thoughts of going on holiday anywhere this year and just spent the money on the garden.

[patch1875]

We have a house booked up north on October.

Just over 1k for the week noticed it’s £1300 same week next year.

[Glory Lurker]

We have a house booked up north on October.

Just over 1k for the week noticed it’s £1300 same week next year.

The prices all over Scotland will be crazy when we’re open again, and I don’t begrudge them a single penny.

[Peevemor]

Maybe we were lucky but when we were across last year we did a couple of Airbnb and they were excellent (accommodation, facilities & above all, value for money).

We also bought a 5 day family pass valid for all Historic Scotland's sites. It only cost £70 and, without even trying, we saved about £130-140 on the equivalent walk-up prices.

There are worse places than Scotland to go on holiday.

[Hibrandenburg]

North Sea, Baltic or the Alps for us this year. Will spend a week parked in granny's garden before heading north, south or west to one of the aforementioned destinations for a fortnight in the Caravan. We were planning on visiting Scotland but will postpone that until next year.

[Berwickhibby]

Just had my flights cancelled.... airline company will not refund cash...only credit voucher

[Pretty Boy]

We have access to a house on Islay as and when we want it. When it's safe to do so we will try and get across there. No way would I consider it in the next few weeks, from what I hear the locals wouldn't welcome it.

Our holiday was cancelled last week and a refund has been requested. Should have the money back within 14 days. We are going to put it towards a nice break next summer, we get married in April and have a couple of days away planned immediately after. Summer will be as a family and this year's cancellation should allow us to afford a little bit more.

[Sir David Gray]

Just had my flights cancelled.... airline company will not refund cash...only credit voucher

What's the airline? That's illegal.

[Berwickhibby]

What's the airline? That's illegal.

Iceland Air, had booked to go to Alberta Canada.... I have tried for cash but they sent me a credit voucher

[Santa Cruz]

Just had my flights cancelled.... airline company will not refund cash...only credit voucher

I wonder if there will have to be mandatory refunds for passengers who can't wear a medical face mask for a prolonged period if they have asthma etc.

[Colr]

Has anyone had any success claiming on their insurance for cancelled holidays abroad?

I booked my flights and hotel direct for Tenerife and was due to fly out on the 19th June. I’ve claimed a refund through Ryanair but the hotel are playing hardball and have said they are only refunding guests booked up until 31st May in line with Spanish Gov advice.

Luckily, I have insurance but not looking forward to the hassle of claiming!

Sorry for the thread hijack!

Still waiting to hear on the hotel in Stockholm I had to cancel in April. Claimed through Amex.

[Colr]

The prices all over Scotland will be crazy when we’re open again, and I don’t begrudge them a single penny.

I certainly fancy coming to Scotland in August. My and my boy usually do a road trip but I don’t think that will work so we’ll probably get a cottage as a base.

My main worry is if there is a second wave and they stop vehicles coming across the border again.

[Peevemor]

My sister-in-law lives on the Gulf of Morbihan and, assuming travel restrictions are lifted, we can use their house whenever we want in August while their away camping in the South of France.

It's only a couple of hours away but is a great spot and we'll be able to use the dosh saved on accommodation to treat ourselves.

Fingers crossed!

[Colr]

North Sea, Baltic or the Alps for us this year. Will spend a week parked in granny's garden before heading north, south or west to one of the aforementioned destinations for a fortnight in the Caravan. We were planning on visiting Scotland but will postpone that until next year.

I was just talking about how great it must be to live in Europe and be able to drive of get the train to so many countries. I’d love that!!

[Hibby Bairn]

Flight costs refunded via credit card claim.

[HappyAsHellas]

Love Holidays just emailed me saying our holiday comes up soon. We were booked for Rhodes on the 6th of June. As Greece isn't allowing international flights in till the 1st of July I really can't see the holiday going ahead. Seems like a pretty naff way of avoiding a payout.

[Hibrandenburg]

I was just talking about how great it must be to live in Europe and be able to drive of get the train to so many countries. I’d love that!!

Normally yes, but I'm not sure what the travel restrictions will be like come end of July this year, so we'replanning to stay in Germany. It is a big plus but the downside is when we want to visit Scotland and we normally end up flying which is no where near as comfortable as having your home from home with you.

[Sir David Gray]

Iceland Air, had booked to go to Alberta Canada.... I have tried for cash but they sent me a credit voucher

Legally the airline must offer a refund as one of their options if they're the ones to cancel a flight.

There's nothing to stop them offering a credit voucher as well and pleading with you to do that instead but they can't refuse to give you a full cash refund.

[JeMeSouviens]

We were supposed to be going up to a cottage in Plockton in a couple of weeks. Have just rescheduled for the beginning of October. The guy was really good about it and happy to refund if we couldn’t find another date.

[overdrive]

A consultant I work with has just booked to go to Cornwall at the end of June. I think she’s being overly optimistic even with that!

[danhibees1875]

I've had my hotels refunded but still waiting to get flights back for a couple of trips.

I don't think I'm all that fussed for a UK break though. I usually would be keen to head North or down to the lakes, but the thought of everywhere being heaving and expensive isn't overly appealing.

[HendoDelivered]

My holiday to Zante on the 18th June got cancelled today. Hoping Jet2 will give us a refund no probs.

[StevesFamau5]

My holiday to Zante on the 18th June got cancelled today. Hoping Jet2 will give us a refund no probs.Jet2 refunded me my full amount for flights to Malaga in June. They should sort you out as well. Look out for any emails etc.

The apartment I booked also refunded me for the stay. I am gutted but it's still better than being completely put of pocket.

Sent from my VOG-L09 using Tapatalk

[Jack]

My holiday to Zante on the 18th June got cancelled today. Hoping Jet2 will give us a refund no probs.

I was supposed to be going with Jet2 next week.

About 6 weeks ago my travel agent got in touch and I was given the choice of a refund or a small incentive to rebook another holiday.

[Bristolhibby]

Just had my flights cancelled.... airline company will not refund cash...only credit voucher

Get them to ****. They legally have to give you your money back.

If you booked on credit card, give them a call and get your money back through them.

J

[Ajo]

I’m meant to be going to Argentina in November for 3 weeks, not holding my breath that it’ll happen though 😞

[Sylar]

I've already had a trip to California cancelled since this pandemic, and I'm theoretically meant to be going in November/December, but I'm taking the decision myself to park that. Even IF things have opened up again, I really don't want to be Stateside with their medical system should another wave be ongoing or likely.

I've got a long weekend booked in Edinburgh at the end of August, which I'm hoping might still be OK, even if the activities we had planned may end up being quite different. I'd also really like a weekend in London, but I'm increasingly resigned to being confined to Scotland until next year!

[Bangkok Hibby]

What's the airline? That's illegal.

Emirates have a novel (pardon the pun) way of dealing with cancelled flights. My cancelled flight from March is held open for 2 years. I can fly as soon as Thailand opens it's borders for the same price I paid earlier, even if the price has shot up. Wouldn't suit everyone but as I'm a frequent flyer it's ideal.

[offshorehibby]

My holiday to Zante on the 18th June got cancelled today. Hoping Jet2 will give us a refund no probs.

I am still waiting on my refund for 1st of June flights but know they are on their way. The first email we received was giving you the option to amend your booking if you wanted or telling you to hang on for a refund if you preferred. Email 2 came a few days later advising 'We will automatically refund the total cost of your booking. This will be credited to the card you paid with within the next 28 days.'.

A 3rd email arrived a few days after that with documentation for our 3 return tickets.

[Colr]

One thing that maybe passes people in Scotland by but completely befuddles me is airlines stopping flights so certain holiday destinations (e.g. Corfu but lots of others as well) at the end of October.

That means they fly out at the start of the October mid term but don’t offer any return flights thus ruling these locations out for many.

Scottish mid-term is earlier but it seams incredibly stupid timetabling. Almost like they don’t know their own market!!

Is there a rational explanation?

[AugustaHibs]

Me and my partner are going away on 25th July for two weeks but due to being in NHS we can change up to 48 hours prior for no extra cost. Does anyone know where would be the place to go? Regarding least strict rules etc. We were thinking turkey but I’m struggling to find info on their Covid rules online? Thanks

[Sir David Gray]

Me and my partner are going away on 25th July for two weeks but due to being in NHS we can change up to 48 hours prior for no extra cost. Does anyone know where would be the place to go? Regarding least strict rules etc. We were thinking turkey but I’m struggling to find info on their Covid rules online? Thanks

Turkey rules;

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey/entry-requirements

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey

[HappyAsHellas]

Greece and the islands re open to direct flights from the UK on Wednesday. Some restrictions like wearing masks etc.

[AugustaHibs]

Greece and the islands re open to direct flights from the UK on Wednesday. Some restrictions like wearing masks etc.

wear masks at all times?

[Sir David Gray]

wear masks at all times?

Greece sounds like a hassle;

Entry to Greece
You must complete an online Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 48 hours before your arrival in Greece. The form is online, in English. Once you have completed the form, you will receive a QR code (which you can display either on your mobile phone, or on a printed piece of paper). You will need to show this code to the Greek authorities on your arrival in Greece.

When you arrive in Greece, the Greek authorities will scan the QR code generated when you completed the PLF form, and may direct you for health screening (including testing for coronavirus). The Greek authorities’ instructions will differ according to whether you arrive by land, sea or air. Check out the requirements that will apply to you on the PLF form page.

You must wear a face mask at all times when on an aeroplane or ferry travelling to or from Greece; and whilst at airports.

Greece’s borders with most neighbouring countries (Turkey, Albania and North Macedonia) are closed to passenger traffic. The border with Bulgaria is open.

Testing and quarantine
The Greek authorities may require you to undergo testing for coronavirus, as part of health screening after you arrive in Greece. Any passenger entering Greece is liable to be asked to undergo a test, but you are likely to be asked if you have arrived from a country outside of the EU (including the UK), either directly or via indirect flights.

If you are a British national who lives permanently within the EU, or have been in another EU country for some time before travelling on to Greece, you may be asked to prove that you have not recently travelled from the UK.

After testing, you will need to self-isolate at the address given on your PLF form, filled out prior to your arrival in Greece. You will be contacted by the Greek authorities with your test results, and given further instructions (e.g. whether you are free to leave your accommodation, or must self-isolate for a longer period). If your test result is negative, you will no longer need to self-isolate. If your test result is positive, the Greek authorities are likely to ask you to self-isolate in government-provided accommodation for 14 days.

You must comply with all instructions given by the Greek authorities. Failure to do so may result in you being refused permission to enter Greece and/or legal enforcement.

You should also be aware that if other passengers on your flight subsequently test positive, you may be subject to further quarantine/self isolation requirements. These will be mandatory and you should comply with the Greek Authorities’ requirements.

British nationals are not affected by the European Union’s measures to close EU borders to non-EU country nationals. If you’re a British national, you can still enter Greece, but you must comply with the Greek authorities’ requirements, including on testing and self-isolation.

[overdrive]

Booked a cottage just outside Windemere for the end of August for 4 nights. We were really struggling to find self catering availability in the UK.

We looked at going to various places in Northern Ireland and were about to book somewhere but then looked at the ferries... almost £400! Is that the normal going rate for the ferry??

[LancashireHibby]

Me and my partner are going away on 25th July for two weeks but due to being in NHS we can change up to 48 hours prior for no extra cost. Does anyone know where would be the place to go? Regarding least strict rules etc. We were thinking turkey but I’m struggling to find info on their Covid rules online? Thanks

We’re booked for Tenerife from 1st August. Temperature taken before the flight and mask to be worn on the plane but that’s no different to when I went in the Apple store last week. Hotel is encouraging masks in common areas (swimming pool/loungers and restaurants excepted) and masks are compulsory in shops (and you must have one with you at all times by the sounds of it, even if not necessarily wearing it). There was an article the other day in the Manchester Evening News elsewhere in Spain that reckoned things were “85% normal” so that’ll do for me.

[Future17]

We’re booked for Tenerife from 1st August. Temperature taken before the flight and mask to be worn on the plane but that’s no different to when I went in the Apple store last week. Hotel is encouraging masks in common areas (swimming pool/loungers and restaurants excepted) and masks are compulsory in shops (and you must have one with you at all times by the sounds of it, even if not necessarily wearing it). There was an article the other day in the Manchester Evening News elsewhere in Spain that reckoned things were “85% normal” so that’ll do for me.

Yeah, but was that normal for Manchester or actual normal? :wink:

[LancashireHibby]

Yeah, but was that normal for Manchester or actual normal? :wink:
A fair point. Though if normality means seeing someone out of his nut on spice crawling across Piccadilly Gardens at half 8 in a morning then I'll take it with both hands.

[sleeping giant]

Just had to sign a form for work stating that i am aware if i go abroad for holidays , I agree to comply with any quaratine rules upon my return.
If any employees have to quaratine after a holiday , they wont be paid.

[Colr]

Greece sounds like a hassle;

Entry to Greece
You must complete an online Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 48 hours before your arrival in Greece. The form is online, in English. Once you have completed the form, you will receive a QR code (which you can display either on your mobile phone, or on a printed piece of paper). You will need to show this code to the Greek authorities on your arrival in Greece.

When you arrive in Greece, the Greek authorities will scan the QR code generated when you completed the PLF form, and may direct you for health screening (including testing for coronavirus). The Greek authorities’ instructions will differ according to whether you arrive by land, sea or air. Check out the requirements that will apply to you on the PLF form page.

You must wear a face mask at all times when on an aeroplane or ferry travelling to or from Greece; and whilst at airports.

Greece’s borders with most neighbouring countries (Turkey, Albania and North Macedonia) are closed to passenger traffic. The border with Bulgaria is open.

Testing and quarantine
The Greek authorities may require you to undergo testing for coronavirus, as part of health screening after you arrive in Greece. Any passenger entering Greece is liable to be asked to undergo a test, but you are likely to be asked if you have arrived from a country outside of the EU (including the UK), either directly or via indirect flights.

If you are a British national who lives permanently within the EU, or have been in another EU country for some time before travelling on to Greece, you may be asked to prove that you have not recently travelled from the UK.

After testing, you will need to self-isolate at the address given on your PLF form, filled out prior to your arrival in Greece. You will be contacted by the Greek authorities with your test results, and given further instructions (e.g. whether you are free to leave your accommodation, or must self-isolate for a longer period). If your test result is negative, you will no longer need to self-isolate. If your test result is positive, the Greek authorities are likely to ask you to self-isolate in government-provided accommodation for 14 days.

You must comply with all instructions given by the Greek authorities. Failure to do so may result in you being refused permission to enter Greece and/or legal enforcement.

You should also be aware that if other passengers on your flight subsequently test positive, you may be subject to further quarantine/self isolation requirements. These will be mandatory and you should comply with the Greek Authorities’ requirements.

British nationals are not affected by the European Union’s measures to close EU borders to non-EU country nationals. If you’re a British national, you can still enter Greece, but you must comply with the Greek authorities’ requirements, including on testing and self-isolation.

Obviously, this doesn’t apply to Stanley Johnson.

[Sir David Gray]

Obviously, this doesn’t apply to Stanley Johnson.

He went via Bulgaria to avoid Greece's rules on arrivals from the UK.

[Sir David Gray]

Just had to sign a form for work stating that i am aware if i go abroad for holidays , I agree to comply with any quaratine rules upon my return.
If any employees have to quaratine after a holiday , they wont be paid.

What about if your holiday was booked pre-pandemic?

That seems extremely harsh considering you would potentially lose thousands of pounds if you cancel a holiday that was still going ahead.

[Future17]

A fair point. Though if normality means seeing someone out of his nut on spice crawling across Piccadilly Gardens at half 8 in a morning then I'll take it with both hands.

:greengrin

[CropleyWasGod]

Just had to sign a form for work stating that i am aware if i go abroad for holidays , I agree to comply with any quaratine rules upon my return.
If any employees have to quaratine after a holiday , they wont be paid.

I wonder if a doctor would sign a sick line for you in these circumstances.

[calumhibee1]

Looking into going to Nice in a few weeks. Looks like a fairly viable option.

[sleeping giant]

What about if your holiday was booked pre-pandemic?

That seems extremely harsh considering you would potentially lose thousands of pounds if you cancel a holiday that was still going ahead.

I wasn't really surprised and thought this would be commonplace.
It doesnt effect me this year anyway.

[Sir David Gray]

I wasn't really surprised and thought this would be commonplace.
It doesnt effect me this year anyway.

I'm due to go away at the end of September for a holiday that's been booked since January. If the flight's operating at the hotel's open then I'll be going otherwise I'm out of pocket. I'd be shocked if my work didn't take that into account.

Fair enough if you've booked a holiday in the last couple of months but I don't really know why anyone would do that if they have work commitments.

[Colr]

He went via Bulgaria to avoid Greece's rules on arrivals from the UK.

So indirectly from the UK. He was in breach of the guidelines.

[Berwickhibby]

Has anyone else had problems getting refunds from airlines, Icelandair cancelled flights for June and refuse to refund money only offering credit vouchers ...after many calls I am now taking them through the small claims court. I will never use them again:grr:

[Dalianwanda]

Has anyone else had problems getting refunds from airlines, Icelandair cancelled flights for June and refuse to refund money only offering credit vouchers ...after many calls I am now taking them through the small claims court. I will never use them again:grr:

Ive still nothing back from a flight to Spain & a flight to Edinburgh back in August....A good reminder to chase them again today!

[StevieC]

Has anyone else had problems getting refunds from airlines, Icelandair cancelled flights for June and refuse to refund money only offering credit vouchers ...after many calls I am now taking them through the small claims court. I will never use them again:grr:

Took about 3 months to get airline refunds, but got them now. Both tried to palm off with vouchers initially, and some small incentives to do this, but stuck to my guns for refunds and eventually got them.

Hotels also took a bit of chasing before eventually paying out.

[Hibrandenburg]

Has anyone else had problems getting refunds from airlines, Icelandair cancelled flights for June and refuse to refund money only offering credit vouchers ...after many calls I am now taking them through the small claims court. I will never use them again:grr:

Airlines are breathing out of their ***** at the moment. People paying them money for flights that might never take place is what's keeping many of them afloat. My airline has started flying again and with a few exceptions they're flying almost empty aircraft around the place. They need to do this to keep their crew qualified, if they don't then there will be no one to fly their aircraft when markets improve. It's akin to burning money.

[Berwickhibby]

Airlines are breathing out of their ***** at the moment. People paying them money for flights that might never take place is what's keeping many of them afloat. My airline has started flying again and with a few exceptions they're flying almost empty aircraft around the place. They need to do this to keep their crew qualified, if they don't then there will be no one to fly their aircraft when markets improve. It's akin to burning money.

Problem is, it's akin to burning MY money which I could really do with now as I my business has been unable to trade since March.

[Hibrandenburg]

Problem is, it's akin to burning MY money which I could really do with now as I my business has been unable to trade since March.

I'm by no means claiming what they're doing is correct. It's merely an explanation as to why they're trying to avoid refunding. Many of them, especially the smaller ones simply don't have any cash left. Good luck with your claim.

[HibbyDave]

Has anyone else had problems getting refunds from airlines, Icelandair cancelled flights for June and refuse to refund money only offering credit vouchers ...after many calls I am now taking them through the small claims court. I will never use them again:grr:

Hi Berwick, did you book using credit card? If so I think you can ask for a refund from the card provider under a clause about failure to deliver goods or services paid for.
Good luck getting it sorted.

[Berwickhibby]

Hi Berwick, did you book using credit card? If so I think you can ask for a refund from the card provider under a clause about failure to deliver goods or services paid for.
Good luck getting it sorted.

Thanks Dave, unfortunately I paid with a debit card so there is no right to charge back, I have spoken to my bank and apparently I am not alone. My only hope is through the small claims court and I started proceedings and a citation was served at their London office.

[Colr]

Airlines are breathing out of their ***** at the moment. People paying them money for flights that might never take place is what's keeping many of them afloat. My airline has started flying again and with a few exceptions they're flying almost empty aircraft around the place. They need to do this to keep their crew qualified, if they don't then there will be no one to fly their aircraft when markets improve. It's akin to burning money.

There was an article about this on Radio 4 this morning. Simon Calder was commenting I think. It was before 9:30 so probably the Today Programme. You might be able to get it on catch up.

[Future17]

Thanks Dave, unfortunately I paid with a debit card so there is no right to charge back, I have spoken to my bank and apparently I am not alone. My only hope is through the small claims court and I started proceedings and a citation was served at their London office.

Good luck. Raising the action should be enough to scare them into doing the right thing. If not, contact a few journos to see if they're interested in covering the story as the bad publicity puts pressure on in (sometimes) unexpected ways.

My one note of caution would be, if they do fight it, they'll probably try and get it transferred to a higher court. If they're successful in making that happen, my advice would be to drop it as, if you lose and expenses are awarded against you, it could be thousands.

[Hibrandenburg]

There was an article about this on Radio 4 this morning. Simon Calder was commenting I think. It was before 9:30 so probably the Today Programme. You might be able to get it on catch up.

Thanks, I'll have a look. :thumbsup:

[easty]

Has anyone else had problems getting refunds from airlines, Icelandair cancelled flights for June and refuse to refund money only offering credit vouchers ...after many calls I am now taking them through the small claims court. I will never use them again:grr:

I’m still waiting on a refund since March. From eDreans, first and last time I’ll be using them.

They said they’d refund in 90 days! I contacted Emirates who the flight was with and they said they’ve already refunded them, a while back. I can look online using my booking reference and see that my refund is “In progress”, but if I call them I get an automated message that asks for my booking ref and says it doesn’t recognise it. It’s an absolute shambles.

Currently going through section 75 chargeback with my credit card provider. Dunno how long it’ll take though.

[Berwickhibby]

I’m still waiting on a refund since March. From eDreans, first and last time I’ll be using them.

They said they’d refund in 90 days! I contacted Emirates who the flight was with and they said they’ve already refunded them, a while back. I can look online using my booking reference and see that my refund is “In progress”, but if I call them I get an automated message that asks for my booking ref and says it doesn’t recognise it. It’s an absolute shambles.

Currently going through section 75 chargeback with my credit card provider. Dunno how long it’ll take though.

Each credit card company do things at their own speed. I wish you luck