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Many families are at risk of losing thousands of pounds for flights and vacations after the devastating wildfires raging on the Greek island of Rhodes.
Some airlines have canceled travel to the region, but many continue to operate normally, even though fires have already forced thousands of holidaymakers to evacuate their accommodations.
There are calls for some parts of Greece to be added to a ‘red list’ by the government, meaning Britons are advised to avoid all but essential travel.
Without this change, with many airlines still operating flights and holidays to Rhodes and other affected areas, it could be very difficult for travelers to claim refunds during their trip.
A “Red List” designation refers to advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO) on whether it is safe to travel to a particular destination.
If a country falls into this highest category, the FCDO advises against non-essential travel to the area and often there are no direct flights between the UK and the listed countries.
Countries that currently have this designation include Russia, Ukraine, Sudan, Iran and Belarus, and the FCDO warns that those who choose to travel to these locations may not be covered by travel insurance and the consular support the UK government can provide is limited.
The FCDO typically puts countries on this list if they have “threats other than terrorism, such as coups, civil wars, epidemics or natural disasters”, or if British citizens are in “extreme and imminent danger” from terrorist threats.
All countries were on this list at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and only essential travel was recommended.
According to the latest FCDO adviceWildfires are currently affecting many areas, including Rhodes, so travelers are advised to ‘check with your travel agent or hotel before travelling’.
“Extreme temperatures are affecting many parts of Greece, causing numerous wildfires,” the official advisory said.
“If you are a British citizen affected by bushfires, please follow the instructions of emergency services. In case of immediate danger, dial 112 for the Greek emergency services.”
On Tuesday morning, Housing Secretary Michael Gove said he planned to spend his vacation on the Greek island of Evia, arguing the area was safe for vacationers despite fire concerns.
“I’m looking forward to going,” he said. times radio. “Greece is a wonderful country, a great place to spend your holidays and we need to help the Greek government to deal with the situation in Rhodes.
“We would like to express our deepest sympathies to those affected, but our advice is clear. Follow the advice of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and you will be safe.”
Putting previously safe countries on a “red list” and advising them not to travel at all would force travel agencies to offer alternative vacations or issue full refunds.
Travel insurance companies and travel agencies are often reluctant to reimburse for vacations unless there is an official recommendation for travel.
This means that many people planning to travel to wildfire-affected areas will struggle to get reimbursed through their insurance or provider unless their trip or accommodation is cancelled.
Jet2, Tui, Thomas Cook and EasyJet have canceled part or all of their air tickets or package travel to Rhodes and surrounding areas, offering full refunds to many travelers.
However, many airlines, including Ryanair and British Airways, are still operating flights, while others are only offering customers a change of departure date rather than a refund.
Your entitlement to a refund depends on whether the airline or travel agent has canceled your trip and whether you booked a package trip or planned the trip yourself.
“In the event of a vacation cancellation, ABTA members will discuss options such as proposing alternative vacations and reimbursement of package travel costs,” the travel association ABTA said.
“If you booked your vacation arrangements separately and your flight was cancelled, you should be entitled to a refund for your flight. Then you should check the other terms of your booking, such as accommodation and transportation. You may also want to check your travel insurance policy.”
If you have travel insurance, you should check with your insurance company to see if you are entitled to a claim if you choose not to travel.
Downing Street said the recommendation is still under review but has no plans at this time to change the designation of Rhodes.
Several MPs have called on the government to officially advise Britons not to travel to the region so that holidaymakers can claim reimbursement.
Alicia Kearns, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said: I “Airlines should make the responsible decision to cancel flights,” he said.
“Airlines have the full power to decide to cancel flights, just like Tui and Jet2.
Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokeswoman Layla Moran said it was “amazing” that the recommendations had not changed.
“The inaction of Conservative ministers has left many families unable to file insurance claims and having to pay penalties for forgoing flights to the islands,” she said.
“The government urgently needs to take stock of the situation and help holidaymakers affected by these dire circumstances.”