Travel Republic - change of terms

Travelling2020

We have a holiday booked for this summer and Travel Republic have sent the message below. We are worried that if we could accept they could simply say our flights are cancelled and make us pay more or leave us stranded abroad. Any advice on what we can do please?
Keep your holiday as it is and continue to travel as planned

• It is common for airline and hotel suppliers to amend their schedules or inform us of changes, but rest assured if your holiday is impacted by any changes then we will work with you to find a suitable alternative.

• When going on holiday you agree to the Customer Covid-19 waiver as detailed below;

• I acknowledge that, owing to the Coronavirus outbreak, Travel Republic has made me aware that the products, services and facilities included in my booking may be subject to short notice change, closure, intermittent availability and additional measures (including cleaning, enhanced health screening procedures and social distancing). I confirm that I accept any changes to my booking arising from the same, and release Travel Republic, its suppliers, agents and group companies from any liability to me or anyone travelling on the booking in respect of such changes.

bagand96

I'd be equally sceptical as that seems to give them a very wide scope to change anything they want without recourse.  I'm not sure if that's what they aimed for, or whether it's just very poorly worded.

CKhalvashi

I'm not sure the meaning TR have in mind is actually what that implies, but would be equally worried.

If you're ok with not going, I would say that it constitutes a major change and therefore you are entitled to a full refund within 14 days under the EU Package Travel Directive.

If you do want to go, I'd get TR to confirm in writing exactly what this covers, because I'd assume they mean it to be regarding restaurants, beaches etc, however as you correctly state, this could cause problems with flights. Under normal circumstances, if the return flight doesn't go ahead, they would be liable for re-booking at no expense to you, and I'm not sure that even if you sign this, they can legally wriggle out of it, in the UK under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations.

Travelling2020

Thanks. I’ve messaged them
to say we want to go ahead, but need more information on the terms. It’s a very shady way for a company to operate and I’m surprised it hasn’t had more adverse coverage. 

CKhalvashi

Travelling2020 said:

Thanks. I’ve messaged them
to say we want to go ahead, but need more information on the terms. It’s a very shady way for a company to operate and I’m surprised it hasn’t had more adverse coverage. 

Honestly, I think they mean for a common sense approach to be taken and it's simply (very) badly worded.

Also note that they can't sign your rights away under the Package Travel Directive (which is EU law). It may be worth a read (it'll be on europa.eu or gov.uk).