TSE

Russia appears to be playing down the new strain at the moment according to the Moscow Times

Sam Lewis

The LHR-IST flight departed this morning on time

flyingcrazy

Seems like the US and Russia are NOT going to be blockading the UK.

Waggy

Male is still flying - annoyingly since I can't go on my flight tomorrow since I'm in Tier 4!!

flyingcrazy

But it is for work! no?

And Russia has banned UK flights for a week. Eurgh.

Waggy

I'm not sure how you turn up for a flight to MLE with your family from Tier 4 and with a straight face say its a business trip but I'm sure plenty of people are or lie about where they have just travelled from to the airport - I toyed with the idea for a short moment since we are all in need of a break but then decided to postpone the trip until next Xmas as the right thing to do. Still haven't cancelled my flight and will wait for last minute to do that in case the situation changes.

As I have said elsewhere, it is a shame (but I guess understandable) that airlines will not give refunds to those of us in Tier 4 who are forbidden by law to leave our homes (except for limited reasons) where they haven't cancelled flights - perhaps the CMA investigation into this from the last lockdown will lead to retrospective refunds - I've lodged a complaint as recommended via BA website so if I do take the voucher tomorrow I should be able to benefit from any decision down the line.

I assume chances of flights to Doha or Male from UK being cancelled tomorrow is slim to zero now ?

flyingcrazy

You can get an FTV though, no?

Also regards business, plenty people will go for business I am sure, obviously not as many as tourists but real estate, government affairs, accountants, hotel managers etc, probably be surprised how much it could add up.

For example with me I am booked for PUJ, but it actually is a business trip. DR is the only place where larimar is mined. Maybe Maldives has an equivalent. Mexico certainly has a lot of mining.

Waggy

yes can get a FTV - it will be for almost �6k though so I'd prefer the cash!!

KSVVZ2015

I think you are very much in the minority. For curiosity, I tracked the MLE flights last night from the government announcement until yesterday afternoon. Very few cancellations. Between two 777 services, at 4:30pm Saturday there were a total of five F/J seats across the two 777 flights. It appeared that there were probably seven F/J seats in the end.

Tonight looks quite booked as well.

I looked at MLE specifically given the demographics are likely to be heavily Tier 4 (sure a few Tier 2 and a few connectors).

At the end of the day - most people are going to realize (1) 90+% chance there is no check at all and (2) if there is, the worst that is likely going to happen is a 200 GBP FPN (annoying but frankly, if you can afford Christmas week int he Maldives, probably quite affordable - I've had bigger bar tabs there). I don't think we've heard a single experience of someone being threatened with arrest trying to board a flight that wasn't essential during the November lockdown or Tier 4. Maybe that will change. Until then, I imagine many will continue their holidays.

chriswiles

My worry is the fact we discuss this and potential ways to get around these restrictions....to go on holiday. No wonder the UK is in such a mess and can't get over constant lockdowns. People just think 'rules are there to be circumvented' and discuss ways around them, not realising everyone else is doing the same.

We'll be in another national lockdown soon, with no travel, nothing, probably as soon as this coming weekend.

KSVVZ2015

I think you are very much in the minority. For curiosity, I tracked the MLE flights last night from the government announcement until yesterday afternoon. Very few cancellations. Between two 777 services, at 4:30pm Saturday there were a total of five F/J seats across the two 777 flights. It appeared that there were probably seven F/J seats in the end.

Tonight looks quite booked as well.

I looked at MLE specifically given the demographics are likely to be heavily Tier 4 (sure a few Tier 2 and a few connectors).

At the end of the day - most people are going to realize (1) 90+% chance there is no check at all and (2) if there is, the worst that is likely going to happen is a 200 GBP FPN (annoying but frankly, if you can afford Christmas week int he Maldives, probably quite affordable - I've had bigger bar tabs there). I don't think we've heard a single experience of someone being threatened with arrest trying to board a flight that wasn't essential during the November lockdown or Tier 4. Maybe that will change. Until then, I imagine many will continue their holidays.

Waggy

I guess that may be true - but if you do get stopped beyond the fine you may be too late to cancel the flight/accomodation and if you do go you run the risk that your insurance will not cover you for the trip

eugegall

With the greatest respect. Almost every single heavily populated country in the world is in the same boat as us so let's not single out and belittle the UK and specifically their people for something that is happening everywhere.

Misco60

My partner's employer has told its staff that wilfully disobeying the new covid regulations will be treated as misconduct, and going on holiday as gross misconduct that could lead to dismissal. More firms should do that.

Confus

On a practical note, BA has enacted Defcon 3. Meaning those travelling before 31 Dec between the UK and Europe(exc Domestic), India, Canada, KSA, Chile, Kuwait, HK, Israel and Argentina can rebook free of charge even if a flight has not been cancelled. The intention is to allow those who want to get home to do so, while freeing up space from those who don’t.