Am I entitled to a refund

Loubai

Hello

Just looking for some advice. We are due to go to Dubai at the beginning of March (should have gone last March but moved it back a year) with things as they are and restrictions due to go on until the end of March I'm not sure we'll get away. I just wondered if I'd be entitled to a refund? When I spoke to my travel agent she said they may only issue credit note or let me move it on, but I'd more than likely have to pay more money towards it. We've paid out a lot and I want the money back if we can't go - just wasn't sure if thats possible. Thanks Louise 

Caz3121

Is this a package with an ATOL certificate? have the flights or accommodation been cancelled at this point?
It is worth reading the main MSE article - https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/02/coronavirus-travel-help-and-your-rights/

Loubai

Yes it's ATOL protected and I booked as a package. No nothing cancelled as of yet. If we're still in lockdown then we won't be able to go even if flights are still going. Don't want to move the holiday on again as this could happen again! 

Loubai

Would like the money back if we can't go but they only mentioned a credit note which I don't want. 

mattyprice4004

It all depends on the rules at the time - right now we don't know what's going on next week, let alone March.
What kind of insurance cover do you have, just in case the worst does happen?

Loubai

Yes I spoke with my insurance and they said because it was booked before covid was around I'd be covered. Surely the travel company should refund my money though? We're keeping an eye on the situation as they've mentioned extending it until the end of March. If they do that we can't go. 

Torry_Quine

The legislation, presuming this is England, allows the lockdown to continue until end of March but it's by no means decided yet.

Hasbeen

Loubai said:

Yes I spoke with my insurance and they said because it was booked before covid was around I'd be covered. Surely the travel company should refund my money though? We're keeping an eye on the situation as they've mentioned extending it until the end of March. If they do that we can't go. 

So if the flights fly and the hotel is open? And they have been paid, the travel agent takes a complete loss and refunds you?

Is that not what your insurance is for?

Voyager2002

Tourism in Dubai continues as usual, so long as the Covid test given when you arrive returns a negative result. So the issue you face is finding a legal and safe way to get from your home to the airport.

CKhalvashi

Voyager2002 said:

Tourism in Dubai continues as usual, so long as the Covid test given when you arrive returns a negative result. So the issue you face is finding a legal and safe way to get from your home to the airport.

Which sadly won't be legal if there is no legal reason to leave home.

I have a legal reason for some international travel at the moment (being for work), to places that most people don't want to go in January. OP going on holiday to Dubai won't count as a legal reason.

Loubai

We are going for a holiday so if lockdown was to continue (or be moved to tier 4) we wouldn't legally be able to travel. I just asked the question as a lot of people who have booked through say Tui etc have just been refunded so not sure why I may just be given a credit note. Given the current situation if I move the holiday along 11 months the same could happen again. I'll just keep an eye on things. Hopefully by mid Feb I should know more.