Flights to Portugal in the next 2 weeks

philipsaver1982

Hi have flights booked to Faro for the family - we cannot afford to quarantine for 2 weeks on our return, and the FCO still advise against all but essential travel.  Yet Easyjet wont refund the flights - as it is still running.

They have also moved the return flight time by 4.5 hours.

We don't wish to go because my wife is just recovering from being ill with post Covid symptoms for the past 3 months.  Going on holiday doesn't feel right - and to be honest, I don't think she is fit enough.

I've tried to talk to Easyjet - and was on hold for 2 hours yesterday with no one picking up.  any advice from anyone?

[Deleted User]

See if your insurance covers FCO travel advice.

Caz3121

philipsaver1982 said:

They have also moved the return flight time by 4.5 hours.

We don't wish to go because my wife is just recovering from being ill with post Covid symptoms for the past 3 months.  Going on holiday doesn't feel right - and to be honest, I don't think she is fit enough.

I've tried to talk to Easyjet - and was on hold for 2 hours yesterday with no one picking up.  any advice from anyone?

Easyjet class a significant change (allowing cancellation) as 5 hours
travel insurance if covered for FCO or possibly claim through them on medical reasons if doctor certifies she is not fit to travel - although you may want to check if the policy requires you to notify of medical changes
You could hold off in case of airline cancelling or look to pay to change the dates of your flights

mattyprice4004

If EasyJet cancel you’ll get a refund, but regardless of reason you’re choosing not to travel - so you’ll be bound by EasyJet’s terms. 

phillw

philipsaver1982 said:

and the FCO still advise against all but essential travel. 

Where in portugal?
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-countries-and-territories-exempt-from-advice-against-all-but-essential-international-travel

he FCO updated its global advisory against ‘all but essential’ travel, exempting destinations that no longer pose an unacceptably high risk for British travellers.

Exempt countries and territories list

Countries and territories exempt from advice against ‘all but essential’ international travel:

......

Portugal (only The Azores and Madeira)

......

FCO still recommends against travelling to mainland Portugal, so if it's to the mainland then you may be able to get a refund if the T&C allow it. If you book a holiday as a package then it's clear cut, but for a flight only booking then they don't know whether your flight was for essential travel when you booked it & so you take that risk if the T&C don't allow for refunds.

In any case they might wait until closer to the flight time, in case the FCO advice changes.

sheramber

Insurance claim if covered for FCO advice not to travel.
Insurance claim in medical grounds  if doctor will certify and you notified your insurance company that your wife was unwell in the medical section.
No claim on insurance for disinclination to travel
 What about your accommodation? Has it been cancelled? 

philipsaver1982

yes - insurance will cover it - I just don't understand why when the FCO say don't go, the airlines aren't forced to refund.  Thanks all.

bagand96

philipsaver1982 said:

yes - insurance will cover it - I just don't understand why when the FCO say don't go, the airlines aren't forced to refund.  Thanks all.

Because it would likely bankrupt an industry that is already fighting for survival.

If you take C-19 out of the picture for a moment, in normal times airlines are not liable for Government entry requirements, or Government travel advice. Key word there being advice - it is only that.  There will be people that choose to travel because it is unavoidable.  If Government's really wanted to force flights to stop they do have the powers, but none of them have taken that choice - it has been demand led.

It's an insurance issue, C-19 or otherwise.

mattyprice4004

philipsaver1982 said:

yes - insurance will cover it - I just don't understand why when the FCO say don't go, the airlines aren't forced to refund.  Thanks all.

Because the airline didn't make the decision to ban travel, so it's not their loss to bear. 
At the end of the day they're still offering the service, you just can't use it. That shouldn't be a cost they have to bear.