Travel
Martin Lewis issues new holiday warning as airlines give travel updates
The Money Saving Expert has issued an urgent warning
Martin Lewis has issued a warning to anybody planning on booking a summer holiday.
It comes after transport secretary Grant Shapps and Boris Johnson warned last week it is ‘too soon’ to start booking holidays domestically or internationally.
Appearing on his ITV show, the Martin Lewis Money Show, the finance expert dished out some important advice for those looking to book a holiday.
Speaking on the show, Martin said: “So it is up to you whether you book or not but we do not know what the future situation is going to be.
“I can’t tell you whether you will be able to get a refund on that holiday or not. Insurance certainly won’t cover it.
“It depends on the travel firm or company’s policy. Only book now if you could afford to lose the money.
“I would only book now if you have some travel guarantee that you will get the money back.
“But we will know at the time, it only crystalises if at that time you cannot get on holiday, then the process will come into play.
“But we do not know currently – was it May she was going away in, Angellica? – yes, May. We do not know if we will be able to go on holiday or blocked from travel.”
The Liverpool ECHO has reported the following latest updates from TUI, EasyJet, Ryanair and Jet2…
Call Me Fred / Unsplash
EasyJet
The company is planning to operate as many flights as possible at the moment. If your trip is cancelled you will be notified directly and informed of your options.
They said: “Due to a number of governments imposing travel entry bans on flights arriving from certain countries, or imposing travel restrictions on passengers who are non-residents or non-citizens of the respective countries, we appreciate the uncertainty this may be causing you and understand that you may wish to change your travel plans.”
TUI
Bosses are hopeful that holidaymakers will return for the summer season with plans to operate at 80% capacity this summer.
The travel agent confirmed they have 2.8 million bookings for later in the year. Adding that there will be ‘significant upside anticipated’ should restrictions lift by Easter.
Markus Winkler / Unsplash
Ryanair
The £0 flight change fee for all customers has been extended to March 31st 2021 plus two booking date moves until October 31st 2021.
A Ryanair’s Spokesperson said: “If your plans change, so can your booking. To provide as much flexibility and confidence as possible for Ryanair customers, we have extended our zero euro flight change fee for all bookings made in January, February and March.
“Mindful that Covid restrictions change regularly, Ryanair is now allowing up to two free flight date changes on all such bookings up until October 31 2021.
“Customers can now book flights to see family & friends this Easter or book a well-deserved Summer 2021 break with confidence knowing that if they need to postpone or change their travel dates, they can do so with a € zero change fee until the end of October 2021.”
Jet2
The holiday giant has suspended all flights until mid-April at the earliest following travel restrictions by the government.
Anyone with bookings before April 14th will automatically have their booking cancelled with a full refund issued.
Jet2 said in a statement today: “Due to the ongoing uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and government travel restrictions, we’ve taken the decision to extend the suspension of all flights up to and including April 14, 2021.
“Please note, our flights to Iceland are suspended up to and including April 26, 2021.”