Don’t let new Covid rules spoil your festive plans
REQUESTS for help about new Covid restrictions and Christmas have been flooding in.
So let’s take a look at one of the areas affected – travel. You can find much more information in my guide to all things Omicron here: news.resolver.co.uk/the-omicronvariant-and-your-rights-travelshopping-and-latest-restrictions
Don’t forget that the rules vary depending on whether you live (or visit) in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
IF YOU’VE NOT BOOKED YET, PAY ON A CREDIT CARD
If you spend over £100 and buy direct from the provider of goods or services, then you might be able to claim a refund from the card provider if things go wrong.
There are, of course, catches, so check our guide news.resolver. co.uk/section-75-ofthe-consumer-creditact-all-you-need-toknow
TRAVEL OUT
Airlines and holiday firms have tightened the rules since the first lockdown, so don’t assume you’ll automatically get a refund. Some airlines are being aggressive about ‘chargeback’ too – so you may not be able to get cash back through your bank if you can’t travel.
Advance planning could save much heartache if the rules suddenly change. Make sure you read the cancellation T&CS on an airline or travel agent website before you book. If anything isn’t clear, contact the firm and ask them to confirm in writing what your rights are. Don’t assume you’ll get vouchers or be able to move the holiday forward without charge either.
If you’re travelling out of the UK, it’s essential to read the Gov.uk travel advice for the country you’re travelling to. This varies but it’s fair to assume you will need to provide proof of vaccination and usually a negative test (not an Nhs/free lateral flow test) taken a few days before travel.
TRAVEL IN
If you are abroad and the country you are in goes on to a ‘red list’ you may discover that quarantine hotels are back. In fact, many are already booked up, meaning people have to delay their flights.
The costs are just as high as before – see gov.uk/guidance/ booking-and-staying-in-aquarantine-hotel-when-youarrive-in-england
If you’re arriving from a non-red list country, and you are fully vaccinated, then you will need to take a PCR test (not a lateral flow) on arrival or in the first two days.
You must self-isolate on arrival until you get the results. You’ll also need to fill out the standard passenger location form. Watch out for fake ones – this is a free service so never pay for it – gov.uk/ provide-journey-contact-detailsbefore-travel-uk
If you are unvaccinated, then it’s two tests for you (day 2 and 8) and you’ll need to selfisolate for 10 days. You can book a PCR test at the airport but expect high demand and high prices. Alternatively, book online. Don’t just pick the first, go online and see what people are saying about delays, missing test results and poor service.
GETTING AROUND THE UK
Many people use public transport for Christmas visits but trains have been badly affected by financial losses since the pandemic– and there’s not much in the way of bargain tickets to be had.
Book now if you want the best deals – but check the cancellation rules if you can’t travel. You might want to see if you can transfer tickets to other people or move the travel dates forward, which broadens your options if you can’t travel. Expect to pay a moderate fee for this.
Think about what you are comfortable with when travelling. It’s going to be busy over Christmas so try to travel off peak, take disinfectant wipes and order your free lateral flow tests now if you’re worried about visiting more vulnerable relatives.
Resolver helps people make complaints and learn more about their rights every day. Find out more at resolver.co.uk