UK airlines offer travel updates on flights and refunds ahead of summer

Many UK airlines are resuming a limited flight schedule from next month after grinding their fleet to a halt amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

EasyJet, Jet 2, Ryanair and British Airways are among the airlines to issue recent statements regarding updates on flights and refunds.

The UK government currently advises against all non-essential flight travel, but this is reportedly set to be addressed and altered over the coming weeks.

It looks to offer a fresh hope for holidaymakers ahead of the summer season.

Here is everything you need to know about flights running this year and current refund situations.

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EasyJet

EasyJet has confirmed it will be resuming limited flights from 15th June.

This is set to start with domestic routes only, followed by half of its 1,022 fleet flying overseas from July, and then by August, 75% of routes will be operating, but only with around 30% its normal flying capacity between July – September.

EasyJet passengers looking for a refund have been offered three alternative options – a cash refund, a free flight change or a voucher and goodwill credit.

Cash refunds could take between 28 – 90 days to be processed at present.

The airline has waived the flight date change fee, so you can transfer for FREE onto any other easyJet flight within Europe up until May 2021.

For a voucher and credit, you will receive the voucher of the full cost of the flight, with goodwill options including a £50 easyJet Holidays voucher, or a £5 easyJet flight voucher.

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Jet 2

Jet2 has announced a postponement to the launch of their flights.

The airline is set to resume from 15th July 15 to around 40 European destinations including Spain, Portugal and Greece.

Regarding refunds, Jet2 is allowing passengers to either move their flight booking to another date without charge, or to use a credit note within six months.

Passengers wishing for a refund will have to contact Jet2 directly.

If you’re looking for more information, it’s advised to visit the Jet 2 website here.

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Ryanair

Ryanair has confirmed it will be resuming flights abroad from 1st July.

It’s believed that 1,000 daily flights to popular destinations including Spain, Greece and Portugal will be the target and Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary declared on Good Morning Britain that thousands of families had already booked a trip abroad in July and August.

Due to “an unprecedented record backlog of cancellations”, Ryanair passengers looking for refunds have been told they can be expected to wait 10 – 12 weeks.

Many passengers are instead being offered credit notes instead of refunds, which will convert back to a refund if not used within 12 months.

In an email to customers, the airline explains: “Please note that if you do not use the voucher before the expiry date you will receive a full cash refund. In the event you use the voucher in part, you will also receive the option of voucher for the balance or a cash refund after the expiry date.”

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British Airways

British Airways has announced that it hopes to resume flights from 1st July, starting with just eight routes from London Heathrow Airport.

International flights will resume to 29 destinations within North America, Asia and Africa later in July.

There has been no indication of when flight travel from Manchester Airport is set to resume.

British Airways customers with affected flights are entitled to a cash refund by calling its customer service, but due to high demand, it may be difficult to get through. Alternatively, passengers can claim a voucher to use for a flight booking before the end of April 2022 by filling in an online form.

The airline is also offering Avios points as an option for cancelled flights.

You can find out more information regarding refunds via the British Airways website here.