Cancel or not?

danco

My doctor has indicated that I should not take a planned trip (see the Lyon airport thread) because the extremely and unusually high temperatures are likely to make my (declared pre-existing) health issues worse.

But I suppose that the travel insurers are likely to regard that as unwillingness to travel, and so not covered, as I am not actually ill at the moment.

I'm thoroughly confused as to whether it will be better just to bear the loss if I cancel, or whether to go on the river cruise and just not take the excursions if it feels too hot.

I would welcome other people's views, though ultimately I'm the only person who can decide.

danco

Does anyone have experience of Lyon airport recently? I haven't been to Europe in several years, so have never been through the current border control procedure.

I've booked a river cruise starting at Lyon next Monday. But it's going to be VERY hot (39 degrees) and I'm elderly, though all my medical conditions (blood pressure, heart, etc) are controlled by pills and have never caused me any problems. But I'm seriously considering cancelling the trip even though there would not be any refund. It feels quite dangerous.

I think the boat will be fine, and I don't actually have to take any excursions even though they are part of the point of going. But getting through the airport and onto our bus at the hottest part of the day does worry me.

luci

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6672577/lyon-airport

But I'm seriously considering cancelling the trip even though there would not be any refund. It feels quite dangerous.

Why do you this it would be dangerous?

danco

That amount of heat is dangerous for anyone, especially at my age. I certainly would not want to be exposed to it for any length of time. An hour would probably be fine, but even that is something of a worry.

If I could get a refund I would certainly cancel as it wouldn't be enjoyable enough. But as there is no refund, there's a case for saying I should go and just concentrate on the pleasant parts. I have very mixed feelings, which is why I have posted.

But Lyon airport itself is one of my major worries.

NoodleDoodleMan

Can I suggest you contact your travel provider and ask for special assistance on arrival at the airport and to the transfer coach etc. ?

A perfectly reasonable request considering your medical profile.

Woodstok2000

Lyon airport isn't too bad - it's well designed, spacious and not particularly busy most of the time. They do have air con, but as with most of France it's not turned up very high. It certainly won't be 39 degrees inside the terminal.

The last couple of times I've been there haven't been any queues for arrivals, but I haven't gone through the airport since the new checks were introduced.

If you are concerned, book assistance for your arrival so you can have a wheelchair to sit in if there are delays .

soolin

Also travel prepared , I have a friend with multiple health needs - she carries a small but powerful hand held battery fan, always has a small bottle of water and a neck fan.

Unless your doctor confirms it is unsafe for you to travel I wouldn't be panicking, just be prepared and make the best of your trip. Forecasts can be wrong anyway and 39% with adequate preparation is perfectly doable.

danco

Many thanks. I had already booked assistance, but it is useful to have confirmation of its value. Same applies to fan and water.

And very helpful to have a comment about the airport.

I expect I am worrying too much, partly because I am currently with a friend who always looks at the worst possibility, and partly because the heat will certainly make some planned things uncomfortable.

Indout96

What exactly are you worried about at the airport ? If its just the new procedures then its nowhere near as bad as the media make out and is mainly at large holiday hub airports. In the last couple of months we have been through :

Catania Airport in Sicily which was literally 15 mins both coming in and going out

Beauvais airport Paris - 10 mins coming in and one queue going out which took around 40 mins but that was for all planes leaving French airspace.

The media love to show massive queues at places like Malaga to stir up panic

Enjoy your holiday

danco

Thanks for indicating that the new procedure isn't as bad as the media make out.

Basically I'm worried about excessive hear in general, shouldn't be too bad as the airport has proper air-conditioning.

But the general temperature (according to Weatherwatch in the Guardian) is going to be about 10 degrees above average, which is not going to be enjoyable generally

QrizB

Will your doctor put their recommendation not to travel into writing?

Does your insurance cover you for cancellation costs if you are advised not to travel on medical grounds?

Conversely, if you decide to travel despite medical advice not to, will your insurance pay out if you need to claim while on the trip?