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No holiday refunds for locked down Brits
Tour operators and airlines say they won’t refund holidaymakers living in areas of the UK where tough new coronavirus restrictions mean they’d be breaking the law if they went on holiday.
But some operators, including Jet2holidays and TUI, are waiving amendment fees for customers who want to change their holidays.
Some airlines have also introduced more flexible policies which allow passengers to change their flights for free, but they aren’t offering refunds.
A travel ban applies to the whole of Wales, which has entered a 17-day ‘fire-breaker’ lockdown until 9 November, meaning families won’t be able to travel over the half-term.
The Welsh government has said holidays are not one of the permitted reasons for people to travel outside their area, although Cardiff Airport remains open.
Jet2holidays said in a statement: "If a customer is directly impacted by restrictions caused by a local lockdown and is due to travel up to and including 30 November they can rebook their flight or holiday without having to pay an amendment fee.
"As always, we advise customers to make sure they purchase appropriate travel insurance before they travel."
Across the rest of the UK there are no outright bans on travel, but people living in areas with Tier 3 restrictions – which will include Liverpool City Region and, from Friday, Greater Manchester and, from Saturday, South Yorkshire, have been advised by the government not to travel outside their area.
Additionally, people living in areas with Tier 2 restrictions have been told to travel only with members of their own household. People in Tier 1 must not travel in groups of more than six, including children.
TUI is waiving its amendment fees for any customers who want to change their holiday due to local restrictions. A spokeswoman said: "We understand there is still a lot of uncertainty about travel plans this year so we’re being as flexible as we can.
"Any customers who cannot travel on their holiday as planned due to lockdown restrictions have the option to amend to any holiday currently on sale free of amendment fees."
British Airways is offering vouchers for passengers who choose not to travel up to the date of departure, depending on when they booked, while easyJet is allowing free changes.
By Linsey McNeill, Editor (UK)
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Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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