Top holiday advice as travel industry hit by shockwaves of virus
THOSE looking to travel before September – or any time this year – should know there are two major hurdles standing in your way, according to renowned travel journalist Eoghan Corry. Covid-19 has caused the travel industry to descend into a lawless Wild West where consumers have lost their rights, travel agents have been hung out to dry and the powers that be have retreated into the shadows. If you find yourself among the millions who have travel plans in place for the rest of the year, here’s what you should expect.
Aer Lingus v Ryanair
Ryanair are offering anyone whose flight has been cancelled a free change of date for flights to the same destination, within a certain timeframe. In some cases a refund was offered. Aer Lingus are offering a voucher for the amount you paid, plus 10%, to be used within the next five years.
Lawlessness
Legally if your flight is cancelled for whatever reason, you are entitled to either a refund or rerouting, but it appears the law doesn’t have much standing when the survival of the world’s airlines are at stake. Eoghan said: “The law is up for grabs these days and that likely won’t change. There’s been no attempt to enforce the refund law across Europe because every single airline put their hand up and said ‘it would kill us off’. “The number one thing you need to remember is if you cancel or pull out you lose all your money. It’s very simple. Do not cancel.” Will I keep paying my deposits?
“My advice is always don’t break the contract, if you break the contract the thousands you’ve already paid is gone. If you pay the rest, they are under obligation to fulfil their contract. “I understand circumstances have changed for some people, but if you break the contract you’ll lose the money that you’ve put down. “If your hotel breaks the contract by not being open, they’re still under obligation to either refund you or to look after you on another date.”
If you have travel insurance About 65% of travellers have some form of travel insurance and should get their money back. If you booked with a travel agent
People who have booked through a travel agent are entitled to their money back because the travel agent is bonded, and their money is protected if the business fails. The problem is the travel agent doesn’t actually have the money to give back to the customer.
You’ve taken the voucher, but the price of your new flight is far higher than the original flight
This is a very common complaint because a couple of things are happening here, explains Eoghan. Airlines are reducing the frequency of their flights for one, so there is less supply. While more and more people are rescheduling their flights for later in the year.