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Am I able to get back to the UK? Posting for traffic

77 replies

foodster · 20/12/2020 19:48

Hi,

posting for traffic on AIBU.

I'm abroad in Germany at the moment with my 4 month old visiting family.

I'm due to fly back on Tuesday.

We've just read the announcement that Germany and other EU countries will ban all flights from the UK from midnight due to this new coronavirus variant.

Different news outlets report different things, some say it's only flights from the UK that are banned and others say that it's also flights to the UK.

I can't get through to Lufthansa - does anyone have more information about this?

Thanks x

OP posts:
AdoraBell · 20/12/2020 21:21

Hope you can get back foodster

Didiusfalco · 20/12/2020 21:27

Oh god op. Poor you. I think I’d be tempted to stay in Germany for a bit if possible.

Justiceisblind · 20/12/2020 21:31

Sorry op I am only seeing stuff saying there is no general repatriation plan (yet)
Let us know how you get on.

foodster · 20/12/2020 21:32

@Justiceisblind

It's Lufthansa. I thought the same, but the links other posters are posting here say otherwise. Will contact the embassy tomorrow.

OP posts:
caringcarer · 20/12/2020 21:33

Raab did advise on TV for all non essential travel out of UK to stop. I hope you get home for Xmas but if not at least you will have somewhere to stay in Germany.

Changethetoner · 20/12/2020 21:37

If you're dual nationality, and currently in one of your nations, I'm not sure you will be eligible for repatriation. It might depend on which passport you used to enter Germany.

0gfhty · 20/12/2020 21:42

If you are near an airport in Poland you could return from there. Or a connecting flight via poland

0gfhty · 20/12/2020 21:45

I'm pretty sure Poland hasn't stopped flights to the UK, so depending on where you are in Germany...

notimagain · 20/12/2020 21:50

Sorry op I am only seeing stuff saying there is no general repatriation plan (yet)

I would not be holding my breath expecting a repatriation plan any time soon, (if at all)..we're dealing with UK Gov here, and amongst other things they will be mindful that there's a lot of public sentiment (see other threads here tonight) that people who dared to travel abroad should be punished.

I guess you might just see a piecemeal attempt by some airlines (if they are allowed) to get some people back to the UK - there are a few widebody aircraft sitting around at the moment in the UK and elsewhere that might come in useful...but I'd hate to hazard a guess as to if or when that could happen.

Yeahnahmum · 20/12/2020 21:53

Unbelievable that people (even two weeks ago) thought "now this seems like a great moment to take my baby for a little trip abroad whilst the pandemic is spinning out of proportions"

No highhorse. This is just incredibly ignorant

Get booked on a flight right now . Today. Get out of there.

Justiceisblind · 20/12/2020 21:53

Don’t go to Poland. You are a citizen where you are....

Madwomanuptheroad29 · 20/12/2020 21:56

I think the issue is that if there is a travel ban from the UK to Germany, there simply will be no planes going from Germany to the UK because it would not be economically viable.
Re repatriation , if you are in a country of which you have nationality, you would not be likely to be considered for repatriation.
I would caution against traveling to Poland or wherever and risking to get stuck there, especially with a young baby.
You are better of somewhere where you have a backup.
Have you got health insurance? With Brexit that could become an issue.

oblada · 20/12/2020 21:56

People who dared to travel?? Do you mean people with family abroad? So a British sentiment against what then... immigrants? People with foreign roots? Incredible ignorance on this thread and not from those who 'dared' to travel... if I had a 4 months old and my family in Germany I would have travelled too. I have a 5 months old and family in France and would have gone to France (flights permitting) but my 5m old needs special care making travel tricky atm and indeed we just only sorted her passport anyway.

turnthebiglightoff · 20/12/2020 21:58

@Leaannb you're part of a big problem yourself my dear if you own "lots" of property in the uk. Wind your neck in and pipe down.

OhLittleBoreOfWhabylon · 20/12/2020 21:58

@foodster

"You broke the law of humanity"

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Dramatic much?

Ignore that poster Foodster. She's never happier than when pissing on someone from a great height

Good luck Flowers

foodster · 20/12/2020 22:07

I received an email from Lufthansa, my flight on the 22nd has been cancelled, but I have been rebooked on a flight on the 23rd

😊👍

OP posts:
TheABC · 20/12/2020 22:08

Is there any way you can stay put with your family until flights start again? If Lufthansa is not flying, it might be the safest course if action.

maddy68 · 20/12/2020 22:11

You can always get back I was in a third world country when the UK went into lockdown with literally no flights leaving. The government put on repatriation flights for us It's not that severe this time you'll be able to get back fine stop worrying and enjoy your Christmas

OhYouBadBadKitten · 20/12/2020 22:21

Good stuff foodster.

Justiceisblind · 20/12/2020 22:22

Good

MooseBreath · 20/12/2020 22:33

Glad you were put on an alternate flight.

I just got back from Canada (I am Canadian) where I had been for a month with DH and our 6-month-old DS. I have three grandparents who are quite ill (not with Covid), so if they were to meet their great-grandchild, it was time-sensitive. We flew on compassionate grounds permitted by the Canadian government.

Sometimes international travel is necessary. OP was perfectly within her rights to go to Germany with her infant. Seriously, some people on here seriously lack compassion.

notimagain · 20/12/2020 22:34

That's welcome news foodster..hope you get back OK.

FromEden · 20/12/2020 22:34

I really want to hug my 93 yo Nan with esophageal cancer right now too. Alas, here I sit over 3000 miles away while my elderly mom tries to take care of her. It would be extremely selfish to put those wants over the world's needs

Good for you but you're not going to be getting an award or a sainthood for your selflessness. And denying yourself the opportunity to provide some comfort to your mother and grandmother isnt saving the world either.

FraughtwithGin · 20/12/2020 22:38

Lufthansa will look after you. Brilliant airline.

0gfhty · 20/12/2020 23:12

That flight may become cancelled too. I wouldn't rely on an airline to look after your best interests in these situations. Things get cancelled, changed endlessly when this happens. Just get a connecting flight via a nearby country (Poland or wherever but Poland has numerous flights daily to the UK compared to other neighbors with Germany) without travel restrictions to the UK within the next 24 hours so as not to become caught up in a travel ban from that country. It seems doubtful you would be repatriated by the UK government if you have a German passport. In my experience you would be better off dealing with this yourself and not relying on airlines and government, the UK foreign office has a terrible reputation now too