Covid & Ryanair flight changes

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DB & DSIL were due to visit us in the UK from Europe this weekend but DB tested positive for Covid and DSIL is not leaving him so they have to postpone their trip.

Has anyone had any experience with changing their flights due to Covid recently? I spoke to customer service this morning and they said it's not a health emergency therefore won't qualify for refund. Fair enough as they are not after one but they were really hoping to get Ryanair credits and move the flights to a later date without charges.

As it stands, booking a brand new set of flights in a couple of weeks time will be cheaper than paying the fee to move their existing booking. Am I missing something here? I mean I am sure the advisor was right, I am not questioning that but it just blows my mind that you can't move your booking without spending an absolute fortune when it's due to health reasons and because you have to self isolate.

I am afraid that is how low cost airlines operate.

Can they claim on their insurance policy? Most now have a covid cancellation clause.

Ryanair definitely exclude covid as a reason to cancel or reschedule. Travel insurance clAim is the only option.

But they should refund any taxes on unused tickets.

Most of the full service airlines no longer allow free changes in these circumstances as well. Hopefully the travel insurance will cover it.

But they should refund any taxes on unused tickets.

It's £13 per person. The admin charge is £17. So they might get £9 back.

No you’re not missing something, it was the same for us when I looked to change my Christmas 2021 flights to September this year. The fees are something like £60 per person per journey so for a return trip at least £240 on top of the cost of the new flights, baggage, seat reservations etc. It’s nearly always cheaper to just rebook.

Thanks everyone.

Suppose it would have been useful to take out a travel insurance, huh! They had one through their bank, covering house, belongings travel etc but the terms changed post Brexit (not sure on the details) and they just haven't sorted out a new one yet. Lesson learnt there I guess.

Funny how I'm always labelled a "worrier" in the family but in fact, I think I'm just careful and sensible (ok, admittedly with a hint of pessimism ha!) - but I did mention the insurance to them and I was met with an "oh it's gonna be fine!" "There's never been an issue" so I am just going to have this as my ultimate I told you so moment!

Not any use to you, but Easyjet have been brilliant. I have flights that I have now moved 3 times due to covid issues. You just pay the extra if the new flights are more expensive, my last change cost me £5.

I've just booked my summer holiday flights with easyjet and the terms are still the same, free changes to flights. You don't even have to prove you have a covid issue.

@Frenchfancy

Not any use to you, but Easyjet have been brilliant. I have flights that I have now moved 3 times due to covid issues. You just pay the extra if the new flights are more expensive, my last change cost me £5.

I've just booked my summer holiday flights with easyjet and the terms are still the same, free changes to flights. You don't even have to prove you have a covid issue.

Thank you, that's really good to know as we fly fairly frequently due to the family being scattered around Europe.

I used to fly easyJet & BA when I lived in London but it's an absolute mission to get to airports that they cover now that we have moved. It's frustrating how convenient Ryanair is, literally a 20 minute drive, zero traffic, cheap parking...I always shop around but we always get roped in

I don't remember airlines giving refunds if you cancelled due to illness pre-Covid, or for his/her travel companion not wanting to travel alone. That was one of the reasons for travel insurance.

Carriers always had to offer refunds/changes or credit notes if they cancelled, which they had to if Covid regulations prevented them transporting people.

I was surprised, but pleased, when many carriers allowed changes, refunds or credit notes for people who tested positive even if the transport was allowed to go. I think cruise lines still are and are testing on embarkation.

@amicissimma

I don't remember airlines giving refunds if you cancelled due to illness pre-Covid, or for his/her travel companion not wanting to travel alone. That was one of the reasons for travel insurance.

Carriers always had to offer refunds/changes or credit notes if they cancelled, which they had to if Covid regulations prevented them transporting people.

I was surprised, but pleased, when many carriers allowed changes, refunds or credit notes for people who tested positive even if the transport was allowed to go. I think cruise lines still are and are testing on embarkation.

I am not sure if it's airline specific but Ryanair offers credit vouchers in case of serious illness / medical emergency.
DB was unable to come on holiday with us 4 years ago as he had to be rushed into surgery a week before with a burst appendix and both him and DSIL (as his companion) had their money refunded in form of credit vouchers so they didn't lose the money and managed to use it towards another trip later on that year.
So I know it does happen, was just hoping it may be the case with Covid & self isolation.

Hope your DB is Ok. You know what you get with Ryanair so their response is not a surprise.