THE ongoing coronavirus pandemic across the world has left travellers in limbo about their summer holiday plans.
With planes grounded and bans on travel to numerous countries in place, the prospect of holidays and upcoming travel appear in doubt.
Many travellers are worried about their summer holiday flights and if they will get their money back.
Travel experts have advised that it is too early yet for many holidaymakers to find out if their summer travels plans will go ahead.
Current guidance from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all foreign travel until April 16. Plans for travel or any further restrictions are likely to be published around this date.
But if you have an upcoming flight before then, airlines and travel agents are obliged to cancel flights and holidays.
:: If your flight or package holiday has already been cancelled, then you should be able to obtain a full refund or rebook for a future date.
:: If your flights have been cancelled, your airline should be in touch via email or text with what to do next.
:: The law says you are entitled to a full refund, so do not accept a voucher if you have any concerns.
:: The FCO has also said people may be able to claim from their travel insurer for consequential losses, such as hotel rooms or car hire.
:: If transport was booked separately, you will need to contact the relevant providers directly.
:: Travellers can also try their credit card provider.
But should people cancel their summer holiday plans?
Travel experts have suggested that holidaymakers should wait and see. Any deposits already paid may not be refunded or fees may be incurred.
It is unclear what way the virus will continue to spread across the globe, making it unclear to predict if summer travel will be allowed.
The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) have stated: "If you have concerns about your summer holiday, it is too early to say that your holiday can’t go ahead as planned.
"Therefore, customers with future departure dates will need to wait to find out whether the advice changes and their holiday can continue as planned.
"If you cancel early you may have to pay cancellation charges."
