With so many airlines and holiday firms struggling to refund flights, Jet2holidays was setting the standard for what vacations during Covid-19 should look like.
Now that we’ve all lived through an apocalypse, we can look back on it and appreciate many things in a new light. We all hug our families more, appreciate home time, and cherish the little things that make life tolerable. There should be no denying that the pandemic had an influence on everyone’s life, everywhere, all around the planet.
One area that was hardest hit was the flight, tourism, and holiday industry. We even felt the rumbles of change here in the Lilly Likes offices, where less visitors came to us for good value deals all over Europe. You all still wanted to try this staycation lark though, so we managed. Other firms were not so lucky. While Virgin Atlantic filed for bankruptcy and Flybe went into administration, Jet2holidays set themselves apart as a forerunner in setting new standards of airline protocols during a pandemic situation.
That’s right. While millions of us were trapped in our respective countries, thousands more were trapped abroad as flights shut down. Jet2holidays Holidays were one of the companies involved in getting everyone home in time for Christmas… or in time for a vaccine, in this case.
We Flew to Portugal with Jet2holidays Holidays During the Pandemic
We caught up with some of the people who used Jet2holidays services when the world was still healing from the pandemic blows dealt. Before we pass judgment, let’s remember that flights were still legally allowed on and off throughout the apocalypse. Let’s also recall that some of us have family abroad that we didn’t get to visit for almost two years and not be mean about it. We mean you Susan. We mean you.
Two of the members of the Lilly Likes squad went to visit Portugal at the tail end of the pandemic when things had started to quieten on the eastern front. After careful consideration of many European destinations, Portugal was found to be safe enough for a trip. Let’s face it, we all needed to blow away some cobwebs when the world got back on its feet. None of us had a real holiday for about 18 months there and, while we love the idea of a staycation, the prices are abominable. There is a reason the staycation didn’t stick back in the 90s when we all bought caravans… The price of staying.
From all accounts, flying to anywhere during the pandemic was a real trial. We are talking Hunger Games style tribulations just to hop on a plane for 20 minutes or more. We used to take flying for granted so badly. Now we realise that it’s tricky, and frustrating, and we get put off travelling because we are overwhelmed by the paperwork.
None of this is true when you fly with Jet2holidays. This is a company who had the whole pandemic to sort out how to make things work smoothly and facilitate their customer’s needs. What they have created is a smooth, seamless flight (and holiday) experience from start to finish. All you really need to worry about is that documentation, and that’s on UK gov, not UK airlines.
Our Experience of Flying with Jet2holidays During Covid was Simple
We’re not just saying it either, we know flying with Jet2holidays during covid-19 was simple from experience. As the virus has progressed, in fact, their attention to the detail of catching flights successfully has been exemplary.
Our team members flew out from Manchester airport all the way to Portugal. The airport was busier than normal rather than quieter. This is because there are new measures in the airport and on each flight which provide guidance on how things should be cleaned and how much space there should be between passengers, flights, etc. So, point number one would be to arrive at the airport in plenty of time.
We advise everyone to print off their documents instead of having them paperless. Paperless is better for the environment, but we have seen too many passengers scrolling through phones with dodgy internet or not enough memory to load the QR codes. Take our advice and print your documentation instead. Jet2holidays perform checks at the boarding lounge and when you go through security, the airport will check for documentation, too.
When they boarded, the Lilly Likes team were given the full treatment of attentive cabin staff. Masks are typically worn on most flights now, so that was to be expected. The wearing of masks is down to the government regulations in both the country you are flying from and the country you are flying to. Since planes are nice and cool, wearing a mask on board isn’t troublesome. They still serve food and drinks so removing your mask is acceptable.
When we arrived in Portugal, we stayed at the Clube Praia Da Oura and had a great time. The rep called us, instead of just popping in, and booked an appointment to see us. While we were away, we had to fill in the Passenger Locator Form for returning to the UK. We had to do a pre-departure test and a day 2 test on return.
All-in-all it was a satisfying experience and great to get away. As long as you check what you need to fill out and have your paperwork handy, you don’t experience any massive delays or issues. Jet2holidays have gone out of their way to make flying something we can all do without hassle, no matter what the government are doing at the time.
Let’s talk about what they are doing to make it all go so smoothly.
How Jet2holidays Helps Smooth out the Flight Experience?
Jet2holidays have been along for the ride from the start. As soon as the government decided things would close, they started paying attention to how they could meet and satisfy consumer needs, even in a regularly shifting world. To anticipate and meet these needs, they set up a whole new page on their website which they call the Covid-19 Hub.
Using the Covid-19 Hub
To use the hub, all you do is go to the webpage and have a browse through. It can tell you immediately which countries are green list, which are amber, and which are red. This system is updated on the day-to-day, to make sure you are always abreast of your holiday’s situation.
The Hub has spent the last few months listing the summer travel requirements for 2021 but is now updating to the next few seasons. It looks like Covid-19 is going to be with us for a while, so regulations are still subject to change. If this threatens your holiday, you can safely head to Jet2holidays site and check out what you need to do.
They have a good list of information here that you need to fly. Latest updates at the time of writing are from the 4th of October. When you have both vaccines, you will no longer need a passenger locator form upon return to the UK. However, you may still need one for the country that you are travelling to. See that? We had no idea the rules were changing. This is why we need Covid-19 Hubs.
Which? Recommended Flights
Not only do you have access to all the information you need to fly in one place, when you do book, you will be flying with a Which? Award winning service. They are known for producing great value for money flights and holiday deals, and for offering a safe, healthy service in which cleaning is a priority.
That feeling when you win Tour Operator of the Year at the #TravelIndustryAwards🎉 #FridayFeeling https://t.co/515LE057Br
— Jet2tweets (@jet2tweets) October 1, 2021
5* Travel Insurance
If you want to fly but you are still scared of cancellations – nobody blames you. It’s been hellish. However, if you opt for the 5* travel insurance offered by Jet2holidays, your flights, hotel, and all your other bits can be fully refunded, moved around to accommodate you, or reimbursed completely if the rules change between booking and departure.
An Excellent Refund Policy
Which brings us to the last point we want to make in support of Jet2holidays flights to Portugal in 2021. Jet2holidays promise to refund your full amount if your flight is cancelled by them due to covid, or due to the UK gov changing its mind. They give you the choice of either cancelling completely for a full refund, moving your flight to a new date for admin-fee-free, or getting a credit note that you can redeem against future flights. Conditions do apply to all of this, and you can find those conditions here.
If you want to, you can amend your own flights for free, if the UK gov advises against all but essential travel. There are other scenarios in which you can amend for free, too. If your household has a positive covid-19 test, if you are told to self-isolate, or if you have been placed under local lockdown are all covered.
Lilly Likes and Jet2holidays
Do we approve of all of this? Hell yes. We need more accountability in airlines and holiday providers. If they agree to give you a holiday, they shouldn’t be allowed to take your money and run if it all goes badly. In a world of scam artists and ill-preparedness, Jet2holidays are providing a breath of fresh air in the skies above Britain. Next time you book, book Jet2holidays. It might just save your holiday.
