Portugal quarantine in Scotland, unable to get refund

kaggi

We booked flights and accommodation last October for a trip to Portugal and were due to fly out this Friday.  As Scotland has reinstated quarantine for Portugal we can’t go as we can’t quarantine for 2 weeks when we return.  However, as it isn’t a UK wide quarantine if we don’t go it is classed as a disinclination to travel so can’t get a refund for flights and our insurance won’t cover anything.  Is there anything at all we can do, or do we have no recourse? 

[Deleted User]

If the flights are going ahead but you don't want to go, then there's nothing you can do.

kaggi

Thanks, that’s what I was afraid of.  Seems very unfair that I’m following the guidelines in Scotland and I’m being penalised.  

bradders1983

By the same token why should Ryanair also be penalised.

Shame your insurance wont cover you.

kaggi

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bradders1983 said:

By the same token why should Ryanair also be penalised.

Shame your insurance wont cover you.

It’s not Ryanair but I take your point

sheramber

Unfortunately , there is no restriction on you travelling  and flight and accommodation are available.  
You could ask if you can change your dates due to the imposition of quarantine on return but that would be a goodwill  gesture by the providers.
Sorry, there is nothing else.

eskbanker

kaggi said:

However, as it isn’t a UK wide quarantine if we don’t go it is classed as a disinclination to travel so can’t get a refund for flights

It wouldn't make any difference if it was a UK-wide quarantine, by the way....

silvercar

How near to the Scottish-English border are you? If you are near and could find somewhere to stay in England for 14 days, you could carry on with your life as normal.

kaggi

eskbanker said:

kaggi said:

However, as it isn’t a UK wide quarantine if we don’t go it is classed as a disinclination to travel so can’t get a refund for flights

It wouldn't make any difference if it was a UK-wide quarantine, by the way....

Yes it would if it was against FCO advice.  I would be able to cancel my flights for a refund or credit note as oppose to now when I can only change the dates for an additional fee. 

bradders1983

Would you? Which airline?

Caz3121

kaggi said:

Yes it would if it was against FCO advice.  I would be able to cancel my flights for a refund or credit note as oppose to now when I can only change the dates for an additional fee. 

has this been booked as a package holiday? if flight only, I am not aware of any airlines offering refunds if the flight is still operating. Yes if they cancelled the flights, but no requirement for airlines to cancel the flights based on FCO advice....some have, many have not.  Your travel insurance may have helped if Portugal was taken off the exception list