NEW holiday advice has been issued for Brits heading to a number of winter sun hotspots.
The UK Foreign Office has updated the travel advice for destinations such as Egypt and Morocco.
3
Updated on September 29, more than 17 countries have a new warning in place following Israel’s bombing of Lebanon.
The current travel advice states: “Ongoing hostilities between Israel and Lebanon could escalate quickly and pose risks for the wider region.
“Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast.”
Lebanon currently borders Syria and Israel, although is also near to Cyprus and Egypt.
Read more on travel advice
Along with Egypt and Morocco, the travel advice is also in place for the UAE, where Brits often visit to holiday in Dubai.
Other destinations include Tunisia, Jordan, Oman and Qatar.
Both Egypt and Morocco are popular destinations with Brits seeking some warmer weather in winter.
Egypt’s Hurghada often has affordable deals in November and December as well as temperatures over 25C.
Morocco is also one of the cheapest places in Africa to visit, while Dubai is one of the hotter destinations to visit to escape the UK’s cold.
The Foreign Office does not currently advise against travel to these countries, apart from a few small areas including the borders.
Brits should still check the travel advice before they visit any of the countries with the warning in place.
If the advice updates to advising against all travel, tour operators will issue full refunds for anyone with holidays booked.
If you cancel a trip yourself without a travel warning in place, you are unlikely to get any money back.
Here’s everything you need to know about travelling to Cyprus as well, regarding the Israel-Lebanon conflict.
Airlines have already been forced to divert their routes to avoid flying over the Middle East.
Both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are now flying over Egypt to avoid flying over Israel.
This means flights to Asia and Australia are now taking longer.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
And Qantas has been forced to suspend its Perth-London direct route – one of the longest in the world – due to the situation in the Middle Wast.
Passengers now have to change at Changi Airport in Singapore.
3