HOLIDAYS abroad are off the cards again, with the new UK lockdown starting from today.
The lockdown, which is expected to last until mid-February but could even extend to March, means flights and holidays are likely to be cancelled if travelling in the next month.
The holiday ban includes trips abroad as well as at home as non-essential travel is no longer allowed.
Here is the latest advice from airlines and tour operators regarding holiday and flight cancellations.
TUI
TUI has cancelled all holidays departing today until mid-February.
They said in a statement on their website: “As a result of the latest national lockdown measures announced on 4 January 2021 we’re cancelling all holidays in line with international travel restrictions.
“Customers due to travel from an English airport before mid-February will be contacted in departure date order to discuss their options, which will include amending to another holiday with an incentive, receiving an ATOL-protected refund credit note with incentive, or cancelling and receiving a full refund.”
Holidays from Scotland and Wales have been cancelled until January 31.
EasyJet
EasyJet is yet to announce which flights and holidays have been cancelled.
Regarding flights, a spokesperson explained: “We are contacting customers whose flights are cancelled with their options and all customers unable to travel as a result of the lockdown restrictions, whether their flights are cancelled or scheduled to operate, can transfer their flights to a later date for free, receive a voucher or a refund.”
EasyJet Holidays said: “Following the prime minister’s announcement, and the implications for international travel from the UK, we are reviewing all holiday bookings.
“We will be contacting customers whose holidays can no longer go ahead with the option of cancelling for easyJet Holidays credit which can be used to rebook an alternative holiday, or customers can choose a full refund back to their original payment method.
“We will also be in touch with customers with later departure dates to remind them of our easyJet Holidays protection promise which offers ultimate flexibility and reassurance.”
Ryanair
Ryanair is yet to update their flight cancellations regarding the UK lockdown, but are cancelling flights due to new EU government restrictions following the Brexit deal.
They said in a statement: “Ryanair is processing cancellations for all flights to/from the UK that have been banned by EU govts regulation.
“All affected customers will receive an email notification and they will be offered practical alternatives including a free move or refund if they so wish.
“A small number of flights will operate to/from the UK primarily to facilitate UK passengers stranded abroad and to support passengers who need to travel for essential reasons.
“For passengers (booked on these operating flights) who do not wish to travel prior to Jan 17th, Ryanair will facilitate a flight change, where no change fee will apply (any difference in fare will be charged), to any new date up to March 15th 2021.
“Any passenger whose flight has been cancelled can also move to these operating flights, subject to availability.”
