HOLIDAYS abroad are off the cards right now due to the current lockdown.
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 they involve travelling in the next few months.
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 Holidays has cancelled all trips up until March 24, while those with flights are being contacted.
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' Matt Callaghan said: "We know this news will be disappointing. But we want to give our customers as much flexibility and choice as possible so they can decide what is best for them."
Passengers can change their holiday dates for free or receive easyJet Holidays credit to their online account for a future holiday within the next 12 months.
Ryanair
Ryanair has said they will be flying a very limited schedule until March.
They previously said in a statement: "Ryanair will significantly cut its flight schedules from Thurs 21 Jan, which will result in few, if any, flights being operated to/from Ireland or the UK from the end of Jan until such time as these draconian travel restrictions are removed.
“All customers affected by these further flight cancellations and further travel restrictions will receive emails advising them of their entitlements of free moves and/or refunds later today.”
What are the new lockdown rules?
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 has not announced which flights are cancelled, but are getting in touch with anyone affected.
A spokesperson said: "We are reviewing our flight schedule following the announcement of new national lockdown restrictions.
"We are contacting customers whose flights are cancelled to offer 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
Jet2 has cancelled all of their flights and holidays up to March 25.
A spokesperson said: “Due to the ongoing uncertainty and travel restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, we have taken the decision to extend the suspension of flights and holidays up to and including 25th March 2021.
"Since the onset of the pandemic, we have always respected that customers should receive their money back if we have not provided their flight or holiday.
“For customers due to travel from 26th March onwards, we will provide further updates closer to the time as appropriate."
Virgin
Virgin Holidays have cancelled holidays until mid-February.
In a statement, they said: "In line with the new national lockdown restrictions we have reviewed the upcoming holiday schedule and will be cancelling all holidays up to and including 14 February 2021.
"To simplify the options and to provide immediate peace of mind for customers whose holidays will no longer be going ahead, we're automatically providing a digital voucher for the value of their trip, redeemable up until 30 September 2021, which they can use to rebook a holiday, departing any time before 31 December 2022."
Thomas Cook
Thomas Cook’s CEO Alan French said in a statement that it 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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