COVID-19 Charter for holidaymakers launched

17 May 2021 04:46 PM

Charter provides clear information for passengers outlining their rights and responsibilities when travelling this summer.

• Passenger COVID-19 Charter published as people allowed to begin travelling again internationally for leisure
• charter details how holidaymakers can travel safely, including information on passenger rights and responsibilities, what to do if things go wrong and how to stay safe abroad
• Aviation Minister reminds public that travel will be different this summer, and to expect longer checks at the borders to protect public health

The government yesterday (17 May 2021) published the Passenger COVID-19 Charter, providing a clear and accessible source of information for passengers outlining their rights and responsibilities when travelling this summer.

As first set out by the Global Travel Taskforce, the charter will guide passengers on what to do if their travel plans change, including:

• what they are entitled to through their passenger rights
• expectations of the providers they are booking trips with
• their own responsibilities to ensure a smooth journey

Aviation Minister Robert Courts yesterday said:

If you are heading aboard this summer, you need to be aware that travel will be different and prepare accordingly.

That’s why we have developed the Passenger COVID-19 Charter, to simply set out the steps passengers should consider taking as we start to holiday once again with greater confidence.

Some examples of the information the charter will provide customers includes:

• if your flight, ferry, cruise or package holiday has been cancelled, you have the legal right to a full refund
• you may not be entitled to a refund if any changes in restrictions or travel advice affect your travel plans but do not result in the provider cancelling the booking, but you should contact your provider to discuss amending travel dates or destinations as soon as possible – travel providers should provide clear terms and conditions when booking
• travel providers should share their standards and policy on keeping consumers safe – you must be prepared to have the right certifications, vaccines or exemptions for your destination
• where appropriate, assistance should always be available according to your needs, and airports, ports and train terminals should give clear information about the processes for assistance with travel
• your provider should make reasonable efforts to inform you where restrictions or changes will affect your plans
• any personal and health information should only be shared or processed in line with specified purposes

Travelling abroad this year will be different as a result of the pandemic, with longer queues expected at borders and strict testing requirements.

Passengers arriving from all destinations will still need to provide a passenger locator form and show proof of a negative pre-departure test to maintain our robust measures at the border.

Click here for the full press release