Not able to fly due to pregnancy - refunds likely?

[Sheera1]

Hi,

I booked flights to Spain about a year ago before I was pregnant (and we were not trying). I am due to fly in a few weeks when I will be 32 then 33 weeks pregnant. Ryanair out and EasyJet back.

I don't want to fly, but because my pregnancy will be classed as complicated I will be able to get my consultant or GP to say I am not able to fly.

Does anyone know if I get my flight money back or is it a case of boo hoo and travel insurance claim with excess? X

Not sure about direct with the airlines but you should be ok with your insurance, I think most travel insurers have a clause to allow a claim for ‘complications of pregnancy’ which it sounds like you can prove via your consultant. Check your policy, there’s usually a clause specifically about pregnancy.

Checked and travel insurance covers it but there is an excess. Before I claim I guess I was wondering if there was any chance getting it all back from the airlines? Would it not be discriminatory to not refund me? Or hanging my hopes on a star 😁

Check about cancelling based of coronavirus alone, as Spain is on a list for quarantine upon return they may refund you for that alone, or at least let you move them 🤷‍♀️

I booked flights to Crete then the week after it was added to the quarentine list. I called Easyjet and they issued me a voucher no problem. I'd get in touch with the airlines and ask if you can have a voucher due to the quarentine issue and if they won't then go through the insurance maybe?

Easyjet will give a voucher but tbh I need the cash and I can't see myself flying in the next year with a newborn.

It wouldn’t be discriminatory- the airline is happy for you to fly and it’s not their fault that you can’t. If you have insurance that covers not being able to fly due to pregnancy then that’s great, but you’ll have to pay the excess. It would be the same as if say you broke your leg- obviously wouldn’t be anyone’s fault- but airline wouldn’t just refund you.

I had this MASSIVE problem not long ago. Booked last year, fell pregnant in Dec and have only just received my refund. Some small print in my insurance said that pregnancy wasn't included even though i got the very best insurance i could (and obviously didn't know i was going to have a baby at the time) anyway, because the insurance claim company treated me so unfairly i complained and get my money back.

I would make a claim, even though with Covid-19 the airlines may be refunding anyway?

@Sheera1

Easyjet will give a voucher but tbh I need the cash and I can't see myself flying in the next year with a newborn.

The voucher lasts for quite a while and you could also offer it to friends if they are booking flights then they could give you the cash and use the voucher.

Also as the voucher is for a year the baby wouldn't be a newborn - could be up to 9 months old which is safe to fly with?

They won't refund on the basis of your pregnancy but its fair for them to offer a voucher.

Thanks all. Will go through insurance. Even though FCO guidance to Spain is essential travel only and quarantine on return neither airline are cancelling their flights just now. I just can't see me using the voucher and the cash back let's me stay off work a little longer. I don't see covid going anywhere next year so plan to stay local.