Hello all, my flight and hotel to and from London for May 1 to May 9, 2020, was officially canceled. Virgin Atlantic is giving the option of rebooking up to and including April 30, 2021. Any thoughts/opinions about booking London for October 2020? I'm in my 60's and will be taking my 2 nieces in their 20's. Have you read whether London might be somewhat back to normal in October 2020? I live in Southern California (Long Beach) and I've been working from home for the past 6 weeks. There's mention that we might be working remotely through the end of May. There is some concern that masks and social distancing could be in place through the summer here in the Los Angeles area. So, wondering what London's foreseeable future looks like in October 2020 and whether it is advisable to book vacation for October 2020.

Thank you, take care, and stay safe and healthy ~

No one can honestly tell you what a particular city or country will be like 6 months from now. If you believe Drs. Fauci and Birx and experts at the CDC and the WHO, there will likely be a re-surge in virus cases this fall, but they can't predict where or exactly when.

Absolutely no need to decide yet -- wait until at least August to see what's what. Your biggest problem in postponing til next year is if Virgin Atlantic will still exist. They are in the worst condition of all the major airlines and may not survive. Branson is frantically trying to find a white knight. I would NOT take a voucher but get a full refund now. If VS (Virgin Atlantic) survives you can re-book any time.

I have tentative bookings in the UK for early Sept (not yet flights tough) but fully expect to have to cancel until several months later. I was going to an early July event which has been re-scheduled to early September but my guess it will end up being cancelled this year altogether so may try to squeeze in a late winter visit and another trip to the event next July.

For those of us Americans living in the UK, I don’t anticipate returning home to visit relatives any time this year either. When this is all over the airline industry may look very different.

No one can answer this question with any degree of certainty, but FWIW (and it's not worth much), I live in Europe and have zero hope of being able to travel anywhere on this continent, or the UK, this coming fall or winter. And, as mentioned, Virgin Atlantic may well go under. I'd get my money back if you can.

The thing is most already booked and paid for airfare is not being fully refunded unless a flexible ticket was bought. They are trying to keep as much money as they can.

I think if you don't mind and you play it smart, booking for October might be ok. Make sure anything you do book for it is refundable. Then if you have to cancel again it's just the airfare you have to deal with. This is what I am doing for a flight I have to Barcelona in September. I just hope places still offer refundable things as they are losing so much money.

We are trying to get our refund, it is a game at this point. If I try and buy flights on our day with VA it shows no flights available but if I go to my booking it shows on time. Delta owns 49% of VA. 51% is Branson. The EU airlines are now trying to reverse the refund policy to vouchers. We have a AF flight also. I don't see fall travel to UK. I don't think the borders will be open. We are headed for a relapse opening everything so soon in the US. Just my opinion but look at the order for the meat packing plants to go back to work. If I was the UK or EU I would tell Americans to stay out.

to clarify Virgin Atlantic is 'VS' . . . VA is Virgin Australia.

Citing Covid-19 concerns, our September and October London flights were canceled yesterday by Air New Zealand.

Tom, good deal, so getting a refund? Did you get refunds on lodging?

We have a voucher for Eurostar with a very short window. Did anyone get a refund on travel insurance? Happy to say we did. Most have the covid19 restriction so didn't think it was worth trying for any refunds so cancelled. I read where breakfast buffets will be grab and go bags. All is changing.

The UK is in pretty bad shape, COVID wise. I wouldn't book anything.

Everyone's tolerance is different. Personally I would hate to have a trip 'hanging over my head' knowing it may or may not happen. I believe this fall is too soon for things to be back to 'normal' enough to make it a carefree trip. Even if I could pull it off, the worries, extra precautions, media influence would make it not pleasant. A trip to Europe is too expensive I'd want to wait until I felt more certain it would be enjoyable.

Thank you Janisj .... that has given me a lot to think of and does appear to be the more likely solution at this time. I can always book later if there's a positive turn in the coming months. I appreciate you and your comments. Best of health, and great PEACE to you ~

Sorry to hear that, maitatom, but not surprised. So we can now both drink to our Trip-to-Portugal-that-didn't happen!

Truthfully, I'm envious that you got a cancellation so early! I've got tickets on La Compagnie and while I am anticipating that our fall trip will be canceled (I'm getting SO burned out on cancellations), I'd rather it done early and quickly, and not dragged out.

Our flight was for Friday night and can you believe they finally text us Friday night? They offered an upgrade to rebook buuuut it would be at the airport if any available seats were left. We asked for a refund and they said ok but will be months. We just don't see going anywhere this year. Fl numbers are up and our beaches and intercoastal were packed yesterday. They had boats tied together and a band playing on the steamer party ship. Publix was filled with tourist buying beer which our dumb arse county said you can now consume on the beach. Open the bars if that is the case and get them back to work. I expect the churches to be packed today. We expect huge crowds on Wed for the first manned flight. I am staying home and watching from my front yard.

<<Unless there is a second wave, I would expect things to be fine by October. But no one knows how long they will keep restrictions up.>>

And I would fully expect there to be a second wave by October, precisely because many restrictions are not being kept up. That, and it will coincide with the beginning of the regular flu season.

Ditto.

We might be able to travel once there is a vaccine, AND that depends on how it is distributed world wide.

I too had thought of a quick week in London in October after cancelling my April trip...but now with a 14 day self isolation for anyone entering the country that seems unrealistic...unless of course that changes! As a side note, we had placed a large deposit for our flat with One Fine Stay for our April trip and they gave us a full refund. I had only asked to defer the deposit as I head to London at least once a year, but I was impressed that they fully refunded...I will support them again.

Just my opinion, but I can’t see the 14 day quarantine lasting much beyond the first three week review. We may know more in a few minutes after the Transport Secretary leads today’s 17:00 Covid briefing.