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."
What are the new lockdown rules?
From today, only essential travel will be allowed with Brits urged not to leave their house unless for reasons including food, medical care or work.
The government advice states: "You can only travel internationally – or within the UK – where you first have a legally permitted reason to leave home.
"In addition, you should consider the public health advice in the country you are visiting.
"UK residents currently abroad do not need to return home immediately. However, you should check with your airline or travel operator on arrangements for returning.
"Foreign nationals are subject to the ‘Stay at Home’ regulations. You should not travel abroad unless it is permitted. This means you must not go on holiday."
British Airways
British Airways is yet to announce which flights are cancelled.
A spokesperson told Sun Online Travel: "We are reviewing our flight schedule following the announcement of new national lockdown restrictions.
"Our focus is on keeping crucial air links open – transporting vital goods and ensuring people who are permitted to travel can continue to do so safely.
"As always, if a customer's flight is cancelled we offer a range of options including a full refund.
"We advise customers to check the latest UK Government travel advice at Gov.uk and their latest flight information at ba.com."
Jet2
Jet is yet to update their travel advice.
Thomas Cook
Thomas Cook’s CEO Alan French said in a statement that they will not be selling any holidays departing before February 15.
He added: "Following the announcement of the latest lockdown, we are calling our customers to offer refunds or move their holidays to a later date."
Here is everything to know about getting a refund if your holiday or flights are affected.
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