Issue 68: Sunday, 8 March 2020
Aircraft travel seems ok
If you decide to go ahead you need to be fit and healthy. From what we know the virus is at its most vicious in the company of older people, diabetics and anyone with respiratory problems. Aircraft travel does not seem to pose a large problem, particularly now that flights are probably not going to be crowded. If someone is sneezing nearby a mask is a must – but it would seem it is not an essential otherwise.
Don’t shake hands
Don’t shake hands – it is an automatic instinct but not a great idea in the circumstances. And stay away from large gatherings, for instance a walking tour, and wash your hands as often as possible. Try not to touch door handles, banisters, use a paper towel when you need to open a toilet door. Cruising is fun as we all know, but don’t forget you could face two weeks in quarantine if the virus breaks out onboard.
Check your insurance policy
The decision to cancel will almost certainly cost you money. As I said last week, most travel insurance companies make it very clear that they do not cover events like the outbreak of an infectious disease. According to market leader Cover-More: “We will not pay for claims caused by or arising from an Epidemic, Pandemic or outbreak of an infectious disease or any derivative or mutation of such viruses, or the threat or perceived threat of any of these.” There is however a Cancel-For-Any-Reason option available on some products.
Cancellation can really cost
The fabulous deal you got with the airline might really backfire when you cancel. Airlines like Emirates offer tiers of economy and business fares. If you buy an economy saver deal to Europe and business in saver on the way back you will be charged hundreds of dollars if you cancel. Adelaide to London on the saver fare will cost you $500 – on the flex fare $200. The refund fee for the business saver fare is $600. So you can lose big bucks.
Cruise lines have a sliding scale
Cruise lines will also take a slice of your deposit however if you make another booking say 12 months ahead they might agree to transfer the amount as on-board credit on the next cruise. The closer you get to the cruise date, the more you will pay. If you have a look at your booking it is usually made very clear in the conditions. Again as I have said before, it is moments like this that you need a professional AFTA agent to act on your behalf.
Tour companies can fold
Horrible thought I know but tour companies, even airlines can go bust during testing times like this. Ask your AFTA agent about SAFI Insurance (Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance) coverage. Flybe, the UK-based regional airline has already gone into administration, compromising thousands of travellers’ journeys and jeopardising 2,000 jobs. The experts seem to think this could be the first of many….so beware.
New deals everyday
For those of you still keen to travel there are plenty of deals in the marketplace – and they will increase daily. Silversea Cruises has temporarily eased its new booking and cancellation policies. Spend Easter at a TFE Hotel and save up to 25% plus extras such as breakfast in the morning, late check-out so you can sleep in a little longer or a bottle of wine to celebrate a long weekend. Details here
Singapore stop for $1
For a limited time Premium carrier Singapore Airlines is offering unmissable fares and special perks across our network. Add more to your holiday abroad with a $1* Singapore Stopover Holiday and a $40* Transit Voucher to spend at participating outlets during your transit at Changi Airport. Secure these special perks and your unmissable fare when you book by 18 March 2020. Details here
$31 Jetstar flights
Jetstar has released a one million seats sale from $31. Now we all know this carrier is notorious for add ons – but it still seems a good deal and perhaps you should Go See Australia. Examples include Melbourne (Avalon) to Adelaide. The sale ends at 11.59pm AEDT Tuesday 10 March 2020, unless sold out prior. Travel dates are: 29 Apr – 24 Jun, 13 Jul – 16 Sep and 16 Oct – 16 Dec 2020. Have a look here
Finally, the old and the new
Finally a bit of nostalgia for cruise addicts like myself. Eighty years on, Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 took centre stage in Sydney Harbour on Thursday as she moored at almost the same spot as her magnificent predecessor Queen Mary. The original Queen Mary, painted in her wartime grey, moored in Sydney Harbour’s Athol Bay while in Australia on troopship duty taking Australian forces to the Middle East, early in World War Two.
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