What's happened TO MY HOLIDAY?

In these uncertain times, trips have been cancelled with no guarantees of future travel. Here’s what you should know

- LAURA MILLAR

Refund rights

Q If my flight or holiday has been cancelled by the airline/tour operator, can I get a refund?

A Yes, you’re legally entitled to be refunded within seven days for airlines, and two weeks for holiday/ package companies. However, with such large numbers of people trying to claim theirs, backlogs are inevitable. As a result, travel association ABTA is calling on the Government to make temporary changes to existing package travel regulations, with the time limit for companies to issue refunds to be extended to four months. And the airlines’ trade body, Airlines UK, is seeking the right to give vouchers instead of refunds. However, ‘Currently you still have the right to a cash refund,’ says specialist lawyer Victoria Myers, of Graham Coffey & Co (gcoffey.co.uk). ‘Airlines cannot force you to accept a voucher.’

Is it safe?

Q What happens if my flight hasn’t been cancelled, but FCO advice is not to travel?