Barcelona attack travel advice: How yesterday’s terror attack could affect your holiday
Holidaymakers who want to change flights or cancel hotel bookings are unlikely to get a refund
THOUSANDS of Brits are due to fly out to Spain this weekend for their summer holiday, but many will now be worrying whether they can or should still make the trip after the country suffered two terror attacks overnight.
Terrorists launched two attacks on the busy tourist strip Las Ramblas in Barcelona and the resort of Cambrils near Salou, leaving 14 dead.
The Foreign Office has warned any Brits caught up in the attacks to follow the advice of the local security authorities and check the news before travelling as local transport, particularly the metro, has been affected.
The Spanish authorities have also set up a helpline (0034 93 214 21 24) for anyone who needs to seek information related to the incidents.
Some holidaymakers already out in Barcelona and Cambrils will undoubtedly be looking to return to the UK after the attacks, but their options will be limited.
August is the busiest month for tourism in Spain and most flights flying out of the region will be fully booked – especially this close to the weekend.
Those booked to fly out to the area this weekend will also be short on options if they are looking to cancel or postpone their trip.
A terror attack on a holiday destination does not mean customers can get a refund on booked flights, or even reschedule without being charged.
In most cases, Brits looking to leave Spain early would have to buy a new plane ticket, at what is likely to be a very high price.
However, some airlines like British Airways are allowing customers to reschedule.
TRAIL OF BLOODSHED Chilling Barcelona attack video shows horrific trail of destruction across Las Ramblas
A spokesperson for BA told The Independent: “Customers due to travel to or from Barcelona in the coming days are being offered a range of options if they wish to bring forward or postpone their journey, and we encourage anyone with concerns about their booking to contact us or their travel agent to discuss their travel plans.”
EasyJet have also offered any passenger travelling to or from Barcelona in the next 48 hours the option of changing their flight without the usual fee.
The attacks have had no effect on Barcelona airport or Reus airport near Salou though, with flights continuing as usual – although Barcelona airport is already suffering from long queues thanks to strikes by staff.
Anyone looking to change their hotel or holiday let bookings are unlikely to secure much of a refund either.
The only time that hotels are required to give a refund is if the Foreign Office changes its travel advice for a region and turns it into a no-go area, which they are extremely unlikely to do in this case.
HOW ARE HOLIDAYMAKERS AFFECTED
Flights in and out of Barcelona and Reus airport have been unaffected.
Some public transport including the Barcelona Metro has reported some delays and cancellations.
Airlines are not obliged to either change or cancel flights but some companies like BA and EasyJet are relaxing their rules for tourists currently in the areas affected or heading there this weekend.
Hotels or holiday lettings are extremely unlikely to offer refunds to any holidaymakers who want to cancel bookings.
Most travel insurance policies do not cover any terror incidents.
If the hotel is a large chain, it could be worth asking to change your stay to another location but they are under no obligation to grant this.
Most travel insurance does not cover terror attacks, so holidaymakers will also be unable to claim a refund through their policy either.
While holidaymakers may have some concerns about visiting either area so soon after the attack, it already business as usual for locals.
Despite the attacks - cafe and shop owners on Las Ramblas have already reopened their doors in a show of defiance against terrorists.