Entitled to Deposit Refund?

CountDrakma

We are due to travel Greece on May 31st. As of today 16th March Jet2 flights are still flying to Greece. However, the current UK FO advisory for Greece states:
(quote) "the Greek Government has ordered the closure of all cafes, bars and restaurants, as well as shopping centres and malls, theatres and cinemas, children’s playgrounds, beauty salons, libraries, sports centres, museums and archaeological sites as well as beach clubs, ski centres and seasonal accommodation". 
I've already spoken to Jet2 who say if we cancel now we'll lose our deposit under their terms and conditions. I argue that as the usual holiday amenities/facilities are going to be out of action then that would be seriously detrimental to the purpose and enjoyment of a holiday therefore we should be entitled to cancel and receive a full refund deposit.
Any advice/thoughts?

Caz3121

things are changing on a daily basis, 31st May is still some time away - most airlines/operators are focussing on the next 72 hours/7 days
there is currently no FCO guidance against travel and although the closure info does not say how long, the same link shows " All schools, nurseries and universities are currently closed for two weeks until 25 March. The Government has also banned all large events and conferences for 4 weeks until 5 April" there is nothing to indicate that things will still be closed in 10 weeks time....nobody knows at this time.
For refund you can hope that there are cancellations (I have a European flight mid April...if I want to do something now I am limited to a date change/voucher as per the airline policy...if the flight gets cancelled I will be able to claim refund so I am holding off doing anything till nearer the time)

bradders1983

Yes. Pay the balance. 

CountDrakma

Thanks both. Gonna mull it over and decide Thursday. Deposit was £120. Balance of 2 grand due Sunday. On balance think I’d rather initially forfeit the deposit rather than let them have another couple of thousand sitting in their bank while we sit wondering what’s going on. And god knows how long they’d take to process a full holiday refund anyway.

CountDrakma

UK Govt FO advice now reads "The Greek government has announced that from 16 March, all people arriving in Greece from abroad are required to go into 14 days’ self-isolation. They have also imposed a ban on all Cruise ships and sailboats landing in Greek ports". As of 8.30pm Jet2 still hadn't updated their Covid19 FAQ page. Surely they still don't expect people to proceed with their bookings/travel  to Greece?? 

Aylesbury_Duck

In your shoes I'd forfeit the deposit and then the whole matter is settled.  It might not be the best financial outcome but it's probably the least stressful.

CountDrakma

Thanks Aylesbury-Duck. Yep I agree. Gonna cancel and deal with the deposit refund issue later 👍

bradders1983

You wont get a refund if you break the terms. Pay the balance and then wait for them to cancel it.   As it stands your holiday is still on.

If you ignore this, I look forward to the thread in a few weeks where you are bemoaning the fact they arent returning your deposit.

CountDrakma

Thanks. This seems to be your stock and sarky answer. And nope, I won’t “bemoan” anything about losing £120 quid against letting someone else have two grand of my money for a product they can’t be assured of providing. I’m confident of my insurance anyway. 

But next time you wanna buy say a car, please feel free to let me have two grand of your hard earned. Can’t say you’ll get the car mind, and if I can’t get you it you may have to wait a long while before you get your two grand back 😉