Ryanair: There are 'no refunds for operating flights' says O'Leary
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Airlines have suffered a difficult year in the wake of Covid being named a global pandemic. However, hope is on the horizon that holidays will resume as soon as May 17.
Under Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s “roadmap” out of lockdown the global Travel Taskforce is to resume from April.
Meanwhile, a number of countries have already outlined plans for vaccine passports.
As a result airlines including easyJet have reported a “surge” in bookings.
Yet with uncertainty ahead, travellers may be hesitant to confirm plans for future travel.
What are the latest updates from TUI, British Airways (BA), easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2?
TUI
In line with the Prime Minister’s roadmap, TUI has cancelled all flights until May 17.
The airline says it will contact impacted customers directly.
In a statement on its website, TUI explained: “Please rest assured, if your holiday has been cancelled, we’ll be contacting you soon to discuss your options.
“If you booked online, your booking information in Manage My Booking will be updated as soon as possible, too.
“We’re working around the clock to do this and are getting in touch with customers in departure date order.
“All TUI holidays departing from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, including flight-only and accommodation-only bookings, due to depart on or before May 16 2021.”
Holidays, including flight-only bookings, due to depart on or before October 31, 2021, to Los Cabos, Mexico and Kvarner Bay, Croatia, are also cancelled.
Further updates are anticipated.
“If your holiday is not listed here, we’ll be in touch with you nearer the time if your holiday is cancelled,” added the airline.
“On April 12, we expect to know more about when international travel will be able to resume.”
British Airways
BA has continued to operate a “reduced” and “dynamic” schedule throughout the pandemic.
This means some flights could be subject to change at short notice.
However, the airline has recently suggested it could be set to introduce its own vaccine passport for travellers.
According to the BBC, BA has plans for an app-based travel pass open to passengers who have received both Covid jabs to show they are “safe” for travel.
The airline’s most recent update is regarding the new travel declaration forms introduced by the Government.
“From March 8 2021, you must complete the UK Government’s declaration form for international travel if you are travelling outside the UK from England,” stated the airline.
“Different rules apply for international travel from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.”
Passengers who no longer wish to travel are able to “change or cancel” using the airline’s “Book with Confidence” policy.
Passengers who have their flight cancelled by the airline will automatically be entitled to a refund.
On its website, BA states: “If your flight has been cancelled, we will contact you with your options. Alternatively, you can rebook or claim a voucher online.”
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easyJet
easyJet has continued to operate flights throughout the pandemic, though they are subject to changes.
Customers whose flight is cancelled or rescheduled will be contacted by their airline to discuss their opinion.
“If part/all of your trip is cancelled, you will be notified directly via email and informed of the options available to you,” the easyJet website detailed in its latest statement.
Customers who are impacted by local or national lockdowns may also change their travel plans as per the airline’s updated cancellation policy.
The airline explained: “Due to a number of countries across our network imposing national and regional lockdown restrictions, we appreciate the uncertainty this may be causing if you are due to fly with us and understand that you may wish to change your travel plans, so we are providing a number of flexible options.”
Ryanair
Ryanair continues to operate flights, however, the airline has reduced its schedule since January.
The decision came following a drop in passenger foot traffic.
While passengers who no longer wish to travel are not entitled to a refund, the airline has extended its “no flight change fee” for customers.
This means passengers can change the date and time of their journey twice without incurring a fee.
On its website, Ryanair explains: “We know your plans may change, so we’ve dropped our flight change fees for all new bookings made before 30 June 2021, for travel before 31 October 2021.
“You can now make up to two flight changes for travel by 31 October 2021. This gives you complete flexibility and peace of mind.
“Our Zero Change Fee promo is applicable for bookings made after 10 June 2020. Flight changes must take place at least 7 days before the original scheduled departure dates to avail of promo.”
Customers are, however, entitled to a full refund if the airline cancels their flight.
Jet2
Jet2 has cancelled all flights and holidays up to and including May 16 2021.
“If you’ve been affected by these programme changes, we’ll be automatically cancelling your booking with a full refund,” the airline states on its website.
“If you’re due to travel from 17 May 2021 onwards, we’ll provide an update closer to the time.”
Customers who booked via a third party, such as an online travel agent, must get in touch with them in order to claim their refund.
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