This is what you need to know if you are planning to cancel your holiday in Turkey
Ditching your travel plans could leave you seriously out of pocket, despite battles that left 161 dead
HOLIDAYMAKERS are getting nervous about travelling to Turkey, after an attempted military coup left 161 dead.
But if you choose to cancel your holiday because of your fears, be warned – you could be left seriously out of pocket.
British Airways have cancelled all flights scheduled for today, and Thomas Cook are offering free cancellations or amendments to anyone due to travel this weekend.
But the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) have warned that it's unlikely you'll get you money back if your departure date is later than that.
A spokeswoman said: "At the moment the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice is that it is safe to travel. This means that if you cancel your holiday, you will be subject to the usual terms and conditions."
That could mean you lose as much as 100 per cent of the holiday cost, depending on the policy of the company you booked with.
Even if you have holiday insurance, or paid by credit card, you would not be entitled to a refund as long as the FCO advice stays the same.
So, if you are planning to travel later in the summer, it might pay to wait and see what happens over the coming week or so.
Earlier ABTA released a statement reassuring tourists that the unrest is having little affect on the coastal regions, the most popular holiday spots for the 2.5 million Brits who visit every year.
It read: “The vast majority of British travellers to Turkey will fly directly to the beach resorts on Turkey's south coast which are hundreds of miles away from Istanbul and the capital Ankara.
“ABTA estimates there are currently 50,000 people on holiday with its Members in Turkey. There is no indication that guests in the coastal resorts are affected.”
Earlier today, Thomas Cook became the first operator to offer refunds or amendments to those customers who were due to fly out soon
A statement read:."There has been no change to Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice regarding travel to Turkey.
"However, we are offering free amendments and cancellations for all customers due to fly to Turkey on Saturday 16 July and Sunday 17 July.
"We are monitoring the situation closely and will update when we have further information.
"Any customers with any concerns about their holiday should contact us on 01733 224536, lines open at 8am."
BA offered refunds or rebooking to passengers booked on today's cancelled flights.
A British Airways spokeswoman said: "In light of the events unfolding in Turkey, all flights to and from the country have been cancelled today (July 16).
"We are keeping flights to Turkey under review. The safety and security of our customers and colleagues remains our top priority at all times. For the latest flight details please refer to ba.com."
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