What would YOU do?

I have never advance checked an airline or holiday. I would not know how. Maybe it would be best to learn.

Thanks Eloethan

Happy for my son etc but feel so bad for all the job losses and cancelled holidays. Heartbreaking.

I think it's perfectly natural for a concerned relative to want to help in this situation and, provided the people involved are asked if they need that help, I can't see why it should be implied that it is interfering.

I'm glad everything has turned out all right for your family fairydoll.

It's a real shame about Monarch.

looks as if my holiday might not go ahead later in the year.
So upset for the company and all those employees who are now out of work. There are few jobs in the industry.

From news reports there is to be a larger repatriation of persons awaiting return to the UK than ever witnessed before.
Knowing all is not lost should be of comfort and although of concern it appears there will be refunds to those who were due to go on holiday.

Umm.. Mawbrown - have you read the thread? I heard from my son this morning that they have booked an alternative flight with Easyjet. I did not 'do' anything!

I would leave it to them, they are grown up people and anyway, as I understand it, contingency plans are in place to bring Monarch passengers home.
Tempting as a Mum to want to “sort it” for them, but I would resist that temptation.

Yes, travel insurance, but that only applies to reimbursements. Doesn't guarantee you a flight. Monarch flights along with most UK airline 'flight only' bookings was not ATOL protected, although the small part of their business related to package holidays was.

No travel insurance?

On the news it also said the CAA has plans to bring everybody back at approximately the time of their expected return- so wait for news!

I'm sure the CAA will bring everyone back, but when you are travelling with young children I think it's peace,of mind to know when and, more importantly, where your rescue flight lands.

This will be the biggest peacetime repatriation in peacetime history so unprecedented and untried.

So, so sad for all those who will lose their holidays and for those, too, who have lost their jobs.

I must be naive, as I don't check out the financial status of my airline before I book a holiday. In fact I've just had to look at the confirmation for our next trip, in November, to make sure it wasn't Ryanair or Monarch. It's Easyjet, so hurrah for that (I think).

The CAA are bringing everyone back and have told travellers there's no need to panic or to book new flights. But if it makes you feel happier that they've done so, it's probably for the best.

Harrigran. I totally agree with you and I certainly wouldn't have flown with them. My primary concern was for my grandson. It could be a logistical nightmare getting 110,000 people back on chartered aircraft.
At the moment, the whys and wherefores aren't important.

I understand your worry, Fairydoll.

Your DS flew to Spain with an airline that has had problems for some time, he must be well aware that this could happen. He has had his holiday, there are several hundred thousand with bookings that will have to be rearranged if they are to get their holiday.

Holiday insurance should cover any extra costs? Or Credit card company?

I hope so, he's only3!

I'm sure your son will look after your GS and fetch him home too ?

Correction - may not know details of rescue flights until 48 hours before they are due to return

They have booked an alternative flight, thank goodness.
It wasn't son and partner I was concerned about - it was DGS. Government wants CAA to charter 30 aircraft but as this situation is unprecedented and passengers may not know details of the rescue flights until a couple of days before it's worrying. At least they have a guaranteed flight now.

I've just heard an official on Radio 4 - she said everyone will be brought home and was adamant that no-one will be stranded.

Whether your son will eventually have to pay for this is another matter. Also, if he paid by credit card that should give him some financial protection.

Not to worry. They'll get home somehow, eventually!

Just heard the news. Wish I had booked those flights last night! Texted son this morning but he just said understands and will keep checking. As its unprecedented, I think it will be chaotic. Told him some Easyjet flights available.

Latest news says ALL folks abroad will be brought home by rescue flights automatically, so I think your son is right they will get a flight ok ATOL or not

I think it's good of you fairydoll to want to help. As you have been having text conversations could you not just suggest getting tickets for them? I wouldn't want to get them without asking, but surely they would appreciate your help? It's an awful situation to be in and not conducive to a happy, relaxing holiday.