What you really need to know
THE DEFINITIVE Q&A
Q I’VE got a fully paid package holiday to the Med this summer. Is there any point hoping that I’ll go?
A YES, but patience is required and it depends whether you are going in July or August.
The likelihood is that only trips in August will take place. Operators are cancelling in July due to the Government’s ban on ‘non-essential’ overseas travel and controversial 14-day quarantine on returning.
Q WHY should this cause so many problems?
A THE travel advice against going abroad invalidates your insurance. Plus, quarantine makes moving about impossible for a fortnight on return (or else face a £1,000 fine).
Q WHY is insurance so important if I have health cover under the European Health Insurance Card? And I can work from home and selfisolate when I return.
A INSURANCE is key. It offers cover for repatriation in emergencies, and for travel costs if return flights are cancelled. Plus, not everyone is able to selfisolate for 14 days upon return.
Q WHY is there hope my package trip could take place?
A ALTHOUGH it appears obvious to many that the Government should give the thumbs up to international travel and abolish the incoming quarantine, no decision is due until Monday, June 29. Chances are the Government will change its mind then, especially as countries in Europe are safer than the UK.
Q WHY doesn’t the Government bring forward the decision? A THE travel industry and many scientists are dumbfounded that this isn’t happening. Q SO, IF I hang on in there, my package trip this summer could go ahead?
A YES, on June 29 quarantinefree ‘air corridors’ (also known as ‘travel corridors’ or ‘air bridges’) could be announced between key countries.
Quite possibly, the ban on ‘non-essential’ international travel will go, too. This late decision makes August packages likeliest, as most operators plan a month ahead and will have likely cancelled flights for July by June 29.
Q IF TRAVEL gets the go-ahead on June 29, would I be able to book a last-minute trip?
A YES, if you can book to visit a country welcoming us.
Q MY PACKAGE holiday is not fully paid and now the balance is required. Should I pay up?
A YES. In the case of cancellation, you would be entitled to a refund within 14 days under the Package Travel Regulations (2018).
Q WHY have I read reports of refunds being rejected?
A MANY travel firms have let down customers. Instead of paying up immediately, as they should by law, they have offered Credit Refund Notes (CRNs).
CRNs are recognised by industry body the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and promise credits for later holidays or a future refund (when finances pick up).
They are not officially recognised by the Governmentbacked Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) run by the Civil Aviation Authority. This makes their validity uncertain. Always demand a cash refund.
Q THIS does not sound very reassuring. Should I really pay the final balance?
A IT REQUIRES a leap of faith, but the answer is ‘yes’. Check the firm is Atol registered.
Q I DO not have a package. I booked a villa ages ago and need to decide on whether to buy flights. Should I?
A THIS depends on the country and also on the Government’s June 29 decision.
It’s possible you could lose cash spent on the villa if travel remains impossible. Your villa booking is not part of a package, so not covered by the Package Travel Regulations.
If travel is impossible, try asking the villa firm or owner if the booking can be deferred. It’s under no obligation to do so.
Q THAT’s a lot of ifs and buts. Can you be more definite?
A AFRAID not. This is down to government uncertainty. However, if you did buy flights and travel is still ‘off’ due to continuing FCO advice against non-essential travel, you would be due an airline refund within seven days under EU law.
Q I HAVE booked flights but not accommodation, what should I do?
A IF THE flights are cancelled — normally you get about four weeks’ notice — you will be due a refund within seven days. Hold off on accommodation until shortly before travel, when it looks certain to go ahead. By then, there could also be some great deals.
Q I HAVEN’T booked anything. Do you reckon a summer break is still possible?
A YES. You may be in the best position of all, as you can wait for the Government decision on June 29, then bag a last-minute bargain.