Airline changed covid testing policy after I booked

yve2020

I booked two return flights from London to sydney back in July. At the time of booking there wasn’t  any covid testing rules in place. The airline (etihad)  have now introduced a new policy making it mandatory for everyone to have a covid test 92 hours before flying. For me it is almost impossible for me to have this test due to many obstacles and I would never have booked knowing this. The tickets  are only refundable for the taxes so  I stand to lose almost £1200 on two tickets and only receive £328 refund (tickets were  £1500 the pair). How do I stand on this - it’s been almost impossible to talk to last minute.com and they don’t have any answers and impossible To talk to anyone in etihad. I feel I should be awarded full refund due to the enforced changed policy. Any advice or anyone experienced similar? Thx 

bradders1983

Well when is the flight? You do realise Australia is not letting any foreigners in at the moment? Are you an Australian citizen yourself?

[Deleted User]

yve2020 said:

How do I stand on this  

In a queue for a Covid test.

yve2020

Yes I am - 

bradders1983

If you have a disability which stops you having a test (no idea what disabilities would prevent this, but I am not getting into that argument), then speak to your travel insurance.

silvercar

You have a choice, get the test done or don't travel.  The fact you wouldn't have booked is almost irrelevant. We are in a pandemic situation, rules change and you either comply or you miss out.

yve2020

A pandemic...where?????

The_Fat_Controller

"Almost Impossible" is not impossible, work out a way to get the test.

[Deleted User]

Not wishing to add to the woes...don't you have to book and pay for a test if you need a certificate for flying?   (things change so quickly I know).   People who aren't having symptoms are not 'supposed' to ask for NHS tests and some airlines were not accepting negative phone confirmations!    Maybe you can enquire about that?   Perhaps you could pay for a home kit?  

Westin

Booking this in July you must have realised that the situation with the pandemic was fluid and events constantly changing.  This including new rules, protocols and procedures being introduced at short notice.  This is now life.

Also amazed that you decided, despite world events, to book a restrictive flight ticket with a shonky online agent.  That's going to come back and haunt you if you now wish to make changes. Hope the saving was worth it.

Soot2006

[quote]For me it is almost impossible for me to have this test due to many obstacles and I would never have booked knowing this. [/quote]

It's really quite straightforward to get the pre-flight test. It's not the same as the NHS test as you need the pre-flight certificate with the date and time on it, and there's loads of places doing it. Seems to cost between £90-150 depending on whom you ask, but I know several people who've had to do it in recent weeks in order to fly out to relatives abroad.