Euro summer dreams still alive for hopeful jetsetters
Traveling to Egypt and Jordan was turning out to be the trip of a lifetime when Debbie Baker and Diane Couch booked flights in October.
A full tour was planned, covering all the attractions including ancient ruins, pyramids and desert landscapes.
But when the US and Israel began exchanging attacks with Iran and closed airspace over much of the region, the Port Stephens duo in NSW had to come up with another plan.
Having yet to receive a refund for their original Qatar Airways flight but with work time off already locked in, the duo decided to head to Vietnam with less than a week’s notice.
“It was a pretty frustrating time when we made this decision,” Ms Couch told AAP.
“We decided to book our flights, go out there and 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 flights and the possibility of receiving a refund.
While the conflict has dealt a blow to Ms Baker and Ms Couch’s business, travel agents are urging those with further bookings not to change their plans just yet.
A summer trip to Europe is a rite of passage for many Australians, but with many flights passing through the Middle East, trips are looking less certain.
However, a spokesperson from Flight Center said that people who have booked flights for the peak season months of May to October should not cancel as they may be in a difficult situation.
“Don’t panic, don’t cancel; airline policies do not extend into the future so no refunds will be given,” the spokesman told AAP.
Meanwhile, for those still waiting to book their European adventures, a little creativity when flight shopping could be in order.
“Flights via Asia are filling up fast… fly quickly before seats fill up,” a Flight Center spokesperson said.
For seasoned travelers Ms. Baker and Ms. Couch, trips to Egypt and Europe remain on the horizon, but not for a short time.
“We’re looking to stay away from anything that goes through this part of the world… things really need to calm down,” Ms Couch said.
