Which? response to extension of UK's travel quarantine list

Rory Boland, Which? Travel Editor, said:

“It’s understandable that the government wants to restrict travel to these countries at this time, but the burden of this decision disproportionally falls on holidaymakers – thousands of whom are likely to be left significantly out of pocket because their airline will refuse to refund them.

“Unlike tour operators, airlines now routinely ignore FCO travel warnings and refuse refunds because, they argue, the flight is still operating. Some major airlines, like Ryanair, won’t even allow customers to rebook without charging a hefty fee.

“The government wants us to act responsibly and not travel to countries with an FCO warning, but it needs to make it clear to airlines that they too need to act responsibly and not ignore government travel advice in an effort to pocket customer cash.”

Notes to editors:

1) France being added to the quarantine list and what it means for holiday refunds and cancellations: https://www.which.co.uk/news/2020/08/france-quarantine-and-your-holiday-refunds-and-cancellations-qa/

2) Which?'s 10 point plan for government to support the travel industry through the coronavirus outbreak: https://www.which.co.uk/policy/travel/5747/trustintravel