Travel

Travel abroad from the UK has partially opened up again, after being essentially banned for over 100 days. During that time millions of people have been owed refunds for holidays they couldn't go on. Today MoneySavingExpert.com reveals the results of its latest survey, with 77,000 responses, showing a stark divide in the way different firms treat their customers.

Holidaymakers have been given the green light to start travelling to some overseas destinations from Saturday, while the quarantine requirement for travellers returning to England will also be lifted next week, as restrictions put in place due to the coronavirus pandemic are gradually lifted.

UK holiday accommodation provider Sykes Cottages has reversed its policy on coronavirus cancellations and will now offer customers full cash refunds, after a wave of complaints from customers and intervention from the competition watchdog.

Virgin Atlantic Reward+ credit card customers are being paid rebates of £40 each – equivalent to 25% of their annual fee – due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Only a minority of airlines have been giving customers refunds for cancellations within acceptable timeframes, according to a review from the aviation regulator – and it's warned it'll take enforcement action if some fail to start paying up more promptly.

Transport for London (TfL) customers who applied online for season ticket refunds during the coronavirus pandemic and had already had a partial payment have now been sent additional rebates of about £70 on average. It should be paid automatically, but it's worth checking that it's come through if you're owed – and some may need to log in to their account to get the refund paid as cash.

Airport parking website Holiday Extras has reversed its decision to issue vouchers rather than refunds to those who were forced to cancel their bookings as a result of travel disruption caused by coronavirus. It now says anyone with a 'flexible' booking – plus some with 'non-flexible' bookings – CAN cancel and opt for a refund if they want one, minus a cancellation fee. 

Passport renewals are taking much longer than normal – and in some cases more than two months – as the Passport Office battles to clear a backlog, MSE can reveal. And while the Foreign Office still currently advises against all non-essential travel, some fear if that changes they could lose summer holidays worth £1,000s, as they won't be able to travel without a valid passport or get their money back.

Airlines don't have to compensate travellers whose flights are delayed by "unruly behaviour" by other passengers, according to a new ruling from a European court on a case which involved a passenger biting and assaulting others on board. 

UK holiday provider Hoseasons and its sister firm Cottages.com have changed their coronavirus cancellation policy and given the competition watchdog a formal commitment that they will offer refunds, after a huge backlash from customers.