Europe to America flight ban, expert comment

Salman Haqqi, personal finance expert at money.co.uk, said: “Today’s ban on flights from Europe to America means any UK residents who have a flight booked via a European destination should get a refund directly from their airline. Passengers may be able to get a refund from their hotel, but it’ll likely depend on the policies of the particular accommodation provider.

“In the first instance, those travelling via Europe to America should immediately contact the airline and their accommodation provider. Most insurances should also cover this but passengers will need to check their insurance policies.

“Any British passengers already in the USA should speak to their airline to see if they can be moved onto a direct flight to the UK. Airlines have a duty of care to return passengers to the UK, but it may cost!”

“Also, the US government won’t allow entry to any foreign nationals who have visited China within 14 days of travelling to the USA. While the travel suspension doesn’t apply to the UK, if you have been to a Schengen area* country in the 14 days prior to your arrival in the US, it could affect your travel plans.

“Those countries in the Schengen area include: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

*The Schengen Area comprises 26 European states that have officially abolished all passports and all other types of border control at their mutual borders.