So, here is a story of two trips that I have coming along. One in June with United and the other in July with British Airways. At the moment I am facing challenges with both, which many other passengers are facing. Let’s talk about them in order:

JUNE

Ticket: Upgraded with UA PlusPoints and flying London to Norfolk, VA.

Booked: Pre-COVID

Challenge: The Presidential Decree means that I will no longer be admitted to the US, as I have been in the UK in the 14 days before travel. Chance of this being lifted and being able to travel – about 0% I fear. There are no suggestions that the US President is considering allowing people back in the US.

Options: I’ve been hanging on hoping that United might make flight changes allowing me to cancel and secure a full refund. With a week until travel, this looks unlikely. I’ve checked with United and my option is a future flight credit, valid to March 29 2022. No change fee but I have to pay any fare increase. Or lose the tickets. Not much of a choice here really.

I am still waiting for a refund on a ticket from 5 weeks ago which was able to be refunded due to a greater than 6 hour schedule change.

JULY

Ticket: Mixed First and Premium Economy ticket with BA from London to New York, JFK.

Booked: Pre-COVID

Challenge: Well one of the original flights is cancelled, but if I accept an alternative flight then British Airways won’t offer a refund later on, even if the Presidents Ban is still in place. This creates a huge dilemma – I want to confirm the new flight but I don’t want to lose the chance of a refund.

Option: Cancel now, and lose a great fare. Confirm a new flight, but lose the right to a refund. Wait until nearer the date and if the Ban is lifted, actually travel.

I’ll probably leave it as it without a confirmed return as it lets me get back the cash.

 

Are you facing dilemmas over what to do with your unusable tickets?