Jet2 wins two awards for handling of Covid pandemic and holiday cancellations

On Monday, November 2, the Leeds-based company was named a World Travel Leader for its positive response to the pandemic at the annual World Travel Leaders Awards as part of London Travel Week 2020.

According to the judges, this was driven by Jet2holidays’ “positive approach to refunds and cancellations.”

The airline and package holiday company was then presented another award by the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) on Thursday, November 6.

It was rewarded with ‘Best Large Tour Operator’ at a virtual event.

The award recognised "individuals and companies who have responded well to the pandemic."

The award was given at a virtual event held by the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA), to recognise

SPAA president Joanne Dooey said: "We recognised Jet2's excellent communication throughout the past six months, which has greatly helped members.

"Whether switching destinations, adding capacity to destinations with a travel corridor, or helping with amendments and refunds, this company was the easiest to deal with.”

In addition, Jet2 received praise in the Daily Telegraph on Saturday, October 31.

In an article headlined ‘In praise of Jet2 and other travel companies having a good pandemic’, the newspaper’s consumer correspondent wrote: “Top of the list are, indeed, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, which have kept up contact with customers and given refunds without a fuss.

"Jet2 was voted best short-haul airline by readers in the Telegraph Travel Awards last year, and customer service is clearly a priority.”

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “During a time where there has been so much uncertainty, we have continued to put our customer-first strategy ahead of everything else.

"Put simply, this approach is the right thing to do, and we know that customers and independent travel agents will remember how we treated them during the pandemic.

"We would like to thank everyone who has given us such positive feedback and we can assure them that we will continue to do the right thing by them.”

-> Can I go on holiday during lockdown? Rules for travel within UK and abroad as England introduces national coronavirus restrictions

Can I go on holiday during lockdown?

Government guidance advises people not to travel unless it is for essential reasons during the national lock down.

The new measures will remain in place until 2 December and will be eased on a regional basis according to the latest Covid data at that time.

Under the new rules, there will be strict limitations on social gatherings, people are being asked to stay at home, except for specific purposes, and certain businesses and venues will be forced to close.

Overnight stays and holidays away from your primary residence are not allowed.

This includes holidays abroad, as well as in the UK, and also means people cannot stay in a second home if they have one, or with anyone they do not live with, or are in a support bubble with.

British nationals who are currently abroad do not need to return home immediately, but are advised to check with their airline or travel operator regarding arrangements for returning.

There are a limited number of exceptions to the rules on travel, including:

- travelling to work where this cannot be done from home

- travelling to education and for caring responsibilities

- hospital GP and other medical appointments or visits where you have had an accident or are concerned about your health

- visiting venues that are open, including essential retail

- exercise, if you need to make a short journey to do so

If none of these exemptions apply, you cannot travel overseas or within the UK.

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