Many flights could be cancelled in November - here's what to do if you've booked

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The prime minister’s announcement of a second national lockdown this weekend brings with it severely limited travel possibilities.

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From 5 November, overnight stays and holidays away from people’s homes will not be allowed, and that includes holidays in the UK and abroad – unless it is for work.

Hotels, hostels and other accommodation will only open for those who have to travel for work purposes and for a limited number of other exemptions.

It’s a drastic change from the more lenient rules of travel that proceed the second lockdown, and with many people already having trips to countries on the travel exemptions list booked, will the big travel operators be offering refunds?

Here is everything you need to know.

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Ryanair

Ryanair customers will not be refunded for flights in November, according to boss Michael O'Leary, who told the BBC's Today programme if a flight was operating, passengers would not get their money back but they could change to a later flight without paying a fee.

The Dublin-based budget airline said it “expects to record higher losses” in the second half of the year, despite having a lower cost base and a stronger balance sheet.

Coronavirus lockdowns led to 99 per cent of the carrier’s fleet grounded for almost four months between mid-March and the end of June.

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Of course, Ryanair’s stance on refunds could change, so to stay up to date on the latest announcements, head to the airline’s website.

Easyjet

(Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

The airline's chief executive Johan Lundgren has said the easyJet will continue to operate its “planned schedule” until Thursday, and will be “reviewing its flying programme over the lockdown period.

“It is likely that much of the UK touching schedule will be cancelled during lockdown with our planned flying set to resume in early December,” he added.

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“We will advise customers who are booked to travel over the next month of their options with a view to assisting customers to return to the country in the coming days."

Again, to stay abreast of the latest developments, head to easyJet's website.

Jet2

Jet2 announced in a statement on social media that following the UK government’s announcement, it would be working “to obtain much-needed clarity about what it means for those wishing to holiday overseas.”

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"We are planning to operate as normal between now and Wednesday 4 November, so customers wanting to get away from the cold and gloom can still book and travel as normal,” it said.

"If flights or holidays are affected by any changes, we will contact customers to advise them of their options,” they added, and current bookings can be amended to a later date for free.

You can find all the latest info on Jet2 on its website.

British Airways

(Photo: Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images)

British Airways have released a statement on social media, assuring customers that it will contact them if flights are cancelled.

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"We understand that the UK Government announcement of a new national lockdown for England may have caused uncertainty around your travel plans for November,” said the airline.

"Please do ensure that your contact details are up to date within 'Manage My Booking'. Our contact centres are receiving a large volume of calls at the moment, so please bear with us.”

More information is available on British Airways’ website.

TUI

“Holidays from airports in England from 5 November to 2 December 2020 are unable to go ahead,” Tui has said.

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"We'll update anyone affected as soon as possible. If your holiday is cancelled, your options will include rebooking with an incentive, requesting an ATOL-protected refund credit note, or receiving a full cash refund."

Passengers due to travel from Scotland or Wales will be updated “as soon as we know more”.

Visit TUI’s website for the latest travel advice.

A version of this article originally appeared on our sister title, the Yorkshire Evening Post

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