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Not now Yes please
Travel News & Advice Rail and coach refunds for travellers hit by Christmas Covid U-turn Passengers were urged to book tickets well in advice for five-day travel window
Simon Calder Travel Correspondent
Monday 21 December 2020 07:48 GMT
Going nowhere: travellers in Scotland, Wales and TIer 4 in England have been told to stay at home (Network Rail Scotland) Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference. Close Read more Travellers left with rail and coach tickets they are unable to use after the government’s Christmas U-turn have been promised refunds.
But airline passengers may be left out of pocket.
On 24 November the British public were told they would be able to make long-distance journeys within the UK without restriction for the purposes of Christmas get-togethers between 23 and 27 December.
They were urged to book trips well in advance, because of the need to ensure social distancing on board.
Following the abrupt cancellation of the five-day “Christmas easing” by the prime minister at the weekend, passengers faced the possibility that they might not get cash refunds for now-worthless tickets – receiving only vouchers.
But the taxpayer will now bear the cost of refunding journeys starting in England.
The transport secretary, Grant Shapps , said: “It is imperative that we all follow the new measures and play our part in tackling this virus, protecting others and safeguarding our NHS.
“If you booked a coach or rail journey between 23 and 27 December, you are entitled to a cash refund.
This ensures no one is left out of pocket for doing the right thing – staying home in tier 4, and elsewhere staying local and only meeting your Christmas bubble on Christmas Day.”
Refunds will be made through individual operators.
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