Lastminute.com Dubai query

domainexpansion

Hi all. Newbie here. Apologies if this has already been asked on this sub. I have been browsing around but couldn’t find anything similar. I just need some advice and clarification on what options are available to me.

I am due to go Dubai in May and have booked a package (hotel and flights) through Lastminute.com

As you are aware there is a lot of uncertainty at the moment with the Middle East and with flights being cancelled. I have contacted Lastminute to see if I can get a refund or change my package to a different date due to this but they are really not helping.

The UK government travel advice page advises against all but essential travel to Dubai currently. But Lastminute are saying only if my flight is cancelled, then they can do something. They are not confirming whether I am entitled to a full refund or voucher or date change in the event that the flight is cancelled.

They have also mentioned that if I wish to voluntary cancel the trip, they will charge a hefty amount (obviously I do not wish to do this)

Right now I have no confirmation of whether my flight is cancelled as we are still around 6-7 weeks away.

I am unsure what to do now or how to escalate further. Even if my flights are still running, am I expected to go with safety concerns? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Woodstok2000

You can always try and escalate, but legally you don't have any recourse at this stage so will be reliant on Lastminute.com.com goodwill.

You need to wait. If the FCDO advice is to still not travel in May, the holiday will be cancelled and youll get refunded.

If FCDO are not advising against travel, and flights are active, youll be expected to take the holiday.

One thing to check is did you actually book a full package holiday, or did you book separate flights and accommodation in a single transaction. That's an important distinction which could well affect your rights if the flights are not going ahead.

user1977

Realistically I don't think there's much you can do other than wait and see what happens, or cancel with the usual costs.

Smith2001uk

My mother is also in this predicament, and has been told by carrier they are not looking at cancelling flights and rebooking/refunds until its 2 weeks before the flight so she has to wait till then and hope the FCDO advice stays the same.

Westin

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81936761#Comment_81936761

I agree. If you are looking for a free cancellation then it is a waiting game I'm afraid.

domainexpansion

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81936760#Comment_81936760

Hey, thanks for your quick response. So right now FCDO is saying only travel to Dubai if it’s essential. Emirates are still flying there (day flights only) which is what my flight is in May. I don’t see how Lastminute will cancel the trip if the flight is still running even if FCDO advise against travelling.

Yep it is a flight and hotel package as described on the ATOL cert.

domainexpansion

Yup sounds like a waiting game. Was hoping if anyone else dealt with Lastminute recently in relation to this (had their flight cancelled and got a refund for the full package)

domainexpansion

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81936831#Comment_81936831

is she flying with emirates? I don’t see Lastminute cancelling the package if the flight is still running even + FCDO advise against travel

elsien

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81936861#Comment_81936861

In those circumstances if you took your travel insurance out prior to the foreign office advice your insurance may cover you even if the flight still goes. They would however expect you to try and get your money back from lastminute first. Check your insurance terms and conditions.

Woodstok2000

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81936871#Comment_81936871

If FCDO advice is still against 'all but essential travel', the travel agents will generally allow you to amend or cancel your booking for a refund, as this constitutes "unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances" under the package holiday regulations

Grumpy_chap

Virtually the same question is asked here

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6660048/application-of-packaged-travel-regulations

FCDO advice applies for now. It may change before your proposed travel. If it doesn't change, your Operator will cancel or change the holiday much nearer the time. All you can do for now is to wait.