Lockdown Lockdown: What You Need to Know About the New Quarantine Measures and Your Summer Holiday

Strategic Insights -

Millions of families are eager to take a break from lockdown but are struggling to understand the rules. The government plans to introduce a 14-day quarantine for travellers returning to the UK but has not provided clear details on when it will be implemented. Meanwhile, many travel companies and airlines are offering flexible booking policies, but consumers are facing refund rage as they wait for their money back for cancelled trips and flights.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK government plans to introduce a 14-day quarantine for travellers returning to the UK, but has not given clear details on when it will be implemented.
  • The Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel abroad, making it unlikely that most holidays will be able to take place this summer.
  • Many travel companies and airlines are offering flexible booking policies, such as the option to change travel dates or receive a refund credit note.
  • Consumers are entitled to a full refund if the holiday company or airline cancels the trip, but may be able to negotiate a payment plan if they have not paid in full.
  • Travel insurance policies may not cover the cost of cancelled trips if the provider offers a refund or credit note.
  • Train tickets may not provide an exception to the current travel ban, and passengers should check with their train operator for the latest information.
  • When the travel ban is lifted, passengers should follow thorough hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly, using contactless payments, and avoiding contact with people who appear unwell.

Statistics:

  • 14 days: The proposed quarantine period for travellers returning to the UK.
  • 14 days: The standard cooling-off period for cancelling travel insurance policies.
  • £100: The threshold for claiming under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 when paying by credit card.

Sources:

  • "Travellers to UK face uniform 14-day quarantine amid growing chaos" by Vicki Dawson, interview with Ashlee Robinson, associate at DAS Law (no date).
  • "Coronavirus: Travel insurance and refunds explained" by Nisha Kappor, Which? (no date).
  • "FCO advises against all non-essential international travel" (no date).
  • Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) guidelines for managing future departures (no date).
  • Consumer Credit Act 1974, section 75 (available from [www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1974/39/schedule](http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1974/39/schedule)).