Originally Posted by
GBOAC
Is not being able to travel due to government and other travel restrictions actually voluntary (for the individual impatcted)?
Not really in that sense. However, there are two issues here, preserving the value of your booking so you are not out of pocket, and preserving a right to rebook whilst continuing to benefit from a special promotional fare.
Fortunately during the current situation BA (and other airlines) have provided for vouchers which allow the value to be preserved. However, I am not aware of any airline which allows preservation of a special fare in the case where a flight hasn't been cancelled?