THOUSANDS of TUI customers face having their travel plans interrupted after the tour operator announced it will only fly holidaymakers to destinations that don’t have quarantine measures in place
The update means existing bookings are at risk of being cancelled if “air bridges” aren’t set up in time, while those who’ve yet to book their next getaway will also have fewer destinations to choose from.
TUI will now only fly customers to quarantine-free destinations
Holidaymakers will only be able to fly with TUI to destinations that have an “air bridge” with the UK.
An “air bridge” allows tourists to travel between two countries without needing to quarantine – it’s been described as a “travel corridor”.
The UK is currently looking at setting up this travel pact with countries including France, Spain, Greece and Portugal.
The Times has also reported that the government is in talks with overseas territories including Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands and Gibraltar.
At the moment, travellers face 14 day quarantine checks and £1,000 fines if they break the rules when they return from abroad.
TUI has been emailing customers to confirm its plans to only travel to quarantine-free destinations – it has also updated its website.
The email, seen by HOAR, reads: “We promise we’ll only take you on quarantine-free holidays.
“This means we won’t travel to places where we know that you’ll need to self-isolate when you arrive or when you return home. ”
TUI has currently cancelled all holidays until July 10, despite previously vowing to restart trips on July 1.
Marella Cruises are also on hold until July 30.
A spokesperson for the company said at the time: “We are constantly monitoring the situation and will start taking people on holiday again as soon as we are able to do so.
“At this point in time, nobody can accurately predict when that will be, so for the time being we will keep a close eye on our programme and continue to amend and adapt timings in line with the latest global travel advice.”
TUI first paused all hotel stays and package holidays in March, stating they would be no longer available until “further notice”.
Currently, the UK Foreign Office is still advising against all but essential international travel.
What happens if my TUI holiday has been cancelled?
At the moment, the latest advice from TUI states that the UK tour operator will be contacting customers if their holiday can’t go ahead.
We’ve asked the tour operator for more information about what is means for customers with a trip booked, and if an “air bridge” isn’t agreed in time for their trip, and we’ll update this article when we know more.
If your holiday has already been cancelled, TUI customers can apply for a cash refund – we’ve got a full guide on how to do this here.
Alternatively, you can choose to accept a credit note, TUI is also offering an additional 20 per cent if you booked a package deal.
They explained: “We understand that you may not be ready to book again just yet, so the refund credit gives you the flexibility to book your travel in future.
“Plus, if your original booking was for a package holiday, you’ll get a separate booking incentive up to 20 per cent.
“For example, if you paid £2,000 for your holiday booking you now have £2,400 to spend.”
The firm apologised to customers for not processing refunds quick enough after it was forced to cancel 900,000 holidays due to coronavirus.
TUI has revealed a 10-point guidance plan for when Brits do eventually return to resorts for the holiday season.
The tour operator has already announced it will reduce hotel buffets with mask-wearing staff and strict restaurant capacity instead.
Mini bars and room service may be a thing of the past as well as hotels ramp up their efforts to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
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