From sudden lockdowns to flight cancellations, no travel is risk-free during COVID times. Here are recommendations on what to do if things don’t go according to plan on your holiday.

CANCELLED FLIGHTS DUE TO INCREASING INFECTION NUMBERS AT YOUR TRAVEL DESTINATION
Given the fluidity of the current COVID situation, flexible itineraries are key for those considering travel during this period. “Don’t get yourself tied to any bookings (air or accommodation) that cannot be amended or cancelled in these current times. Flexible booking policies are key,” advised Ms Lina Ang, managing director of APAC at travel digital marketing platform Sojern. She said this in an interview with Channel NewsAsia.

CONTRACTING COVID-19 WHILE ON HOLIDAY
Regardless of which VTL country/region you are in, if you happen to contract COVID-19 at your travel destination, you should immediately isolate yourself from others. You should also check on your destination’s self-isolation rules so that you would know how to respond . Some countries will allow you to quarantine yourself in your hotel, while others will require you to stay in a government-chosen hotel. Do note that only some countries will foot the bill when visitors are required to quarantine at a government-mandated facility, however generally many countries won’t.

So, if you have to undergo self isolation, odds are that this cost will fall on you. Plan ahead so you can access your money and know what your travel insurance covers. Having pandemic travel insurance that includes COVID-19 medical and quarantine expenses coverage can take care of this extra cost, and keep you from having to fork out potentially thousands of extra dollars.

If you did not know, AA Singapore provides travel insurance coverage plans as well – you may wish to check out AA’s Travel insurance plans at https://aas-insurance.com.sg/product-travel-insurance/

Once you’re diagnosed, contact your insurer immediately. See a doctor to get written proof that you’ve caught COVID-19, and have a treatment plan (medication, quarantine, hospitalisation, etc) mapped out. Have everything documented and notarised, if necessary.
Call the airline about re-scheduling flights; though most airlines have done away with change fees, it will also depend on the type of ticket you’ve purchased.

SUDDEN LOCKDOWNS
Always be prepared for sudden lockdowns or increased restrictions due to surging COVID-19 cases and new variants. One such example was when Denmark imposed a lockdown in December 2021 to curb the spread of the omicron variant. The Netherlands followed suit soon after.

Be ready to stay indoors at your holiday destination and have a plan B itinerary in place — such as substituting indoor attractions with hikes in national parks and taking walking trails.