Apparently Simon Calder has just been on the TV encouraging people to book their foreign holidays. Saying (in terms) don't worry, it will all be fine and if there's a problem you can cancel and get your money back in 2 weeks.
How fucking irresponsible when this goes dead against current government advice.
The reality is who knows what/whether restrictions are going to be lifted and it is very far from "it will all be fine". And so much for the law about giving money back - it took me 6 months and threats of legal action to get my £2,500 back off Sovereign after THEY cancelled my holiday last year.
Where is the government advice saying not to book holidays?
It is currently illegal to travel abroad for leisure reasons, it is absolutely NOT illegal to book a foreign holiday.
Just like it isn't illegal to book a gig ticket even though those types of events aren't permitted yet and are also subject to the unknown.
Had he been telling people to go to the airport and jump on a flight then yes that would be wholly irresponsible, but he wasn't.
I saw the clip (Calder really divides the industry)....he was probably being a bit OTT on his confidence of things being ok but the sentiment of his message was correct; if you book a package holiday through a reputable agency/tour operator then there are, ultimately, 2 eventualities.....it goes ahead and you have your holiday, or it gets cancelled by the operator and you can claim a full refund.
His comment about a refund within 14 days was unnecessary....technically yes as that's what the law states if you are cancelled by the operator, but in reality it can be longer than that as you've experienced yourself. Things are a bit better on that front this year, and the main players like Jet2/TUI are relatively quick with the refunds. Some are still slow though.
I must point out though that he didn't say the customer can cancel and get a refund, it would have to be cancelled by the operator for a refund entitlement.
International leisure travel will restart at some point, be that in May, July, October or 2022.
Many people are looking forward to its resumption when permitted by the Government.
Just like people are looking forward to having a pint down their local, or going to watch a film at the cinema when things like that are again permitted by the Government.
If people want to take a punt on a responsibly booked package holiday, gig, event, whatever this summer then good for them and crack on.
