Euro summer dreams still alive for hopeful jetsetters
As some travellers are forced to change their overseas plans at the last minute, travel agents are urging those with future bookings to hold their nerve.
When Debbie Baker and Diane Couch booked their flights in October, travelling to Egypt and Jordan was shaping up as the trip of a lifetime.
A full tour was planned taking in all the sights including ancient ruins, pyramids and desert vistas.
But when the US and Israel began trading strikes with Iran, closing airspace over much of the region, the duo from NSW’s Port Stephens had to come up with another plan.
Yet to receive a refund on their original Qatar Airways flights but with leave from work already locked in, the pair decided to venture to Vietnam with less than a week’s notice.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“It was quite a nerve-racking time when we made the decision,” Ms Couch told AAP.
“We just decided we’ll book our flights, we’ll get there and we’ll do it ourselves,” Ms Baker said.
Both said it was nearly impossible to speak to anyone from Qatar Airways about the status of their previous flight and the likelihood of getting a refund.
While conflict might have thrown a spanner in the works for Ms Baker and Ms Couch, travel agents are urging those with bookings further down the line to not change their plans just yet.
A European summer jaunt is a rite of passage for many Aussies but with many flights transiting through the Middle East, the trips are looking less certain.
But a spokeswoman for Flight Centre said people with flights already booked for peak season of May to October should not cancel now because they might be left in the lurch.
“Do not panic cancel - airline policies do not extend that far into the future so there won’t be any refund available,” the spokeswoman told AAP.
Meanwhile, for those still waiting to book their European adventures, a little creativity while flight shopping may be all that’s needed.
“Flights via Asia are filling fast ... get in fast before those seats are taken,” the Flight Centre spokeswoman said.
For seasoned travellers Ms Baker and Ms Couch, trips to Egypt and Europe remain on their horizons, but not for a little while.
“We’re thinking about just staying away from anywhere that goes through that part of the world ... things would have to really calm down a lot,” Ms Couch said.
