Portimao 29-31 May 2021. RTTL Extravaganza

[Bigyin]

Out of curiosity i logged in today to see if there was any mention on the NL website and no surprise, nada. I also checked my booking and found i had accommodation for , i assume 2 people as it was double the other days, booked for June the 1st. That was news to me as i am flying home that day . I have asked them to remove it and also if they could update me if it was actually going ahead as Portugal is currently the only EU country on the UK Gov Red travel list

Not holding breath

[Bigyin]

Got a reply back from NL today

“At this current moment the event is due to run but we will have to assess the situation once the UK government make clear announcements”

[Dodgy69]

Got a reply back from NL today

“At this current moment the event is due to run but we will have to assess the situation once the UK government make clear announcements”

They don't do those.

[weeksy]

Got a reply back from NL today

“At this current moment the event is due to run but we will have to assess the situation once the UK government make clear announcements”

The problem now is that the government are not due to make an announcement until AFTER the final payment is due. OK, so it's possible with the recent move to Tier 4, that MAY change and things may come early, but you know what, i doubt it.

If Portugal moves of the Red list in the next 2-3 weeks, then maybe... but if not, then it's still looking increasingly unlikely. The biggest stumbling block being the CV19 testing stuff along with the potential isolation associated. Don't forget, they could enforce isolation in Portgual, which makes it a deal breaker, but that then surely closes it from NLs perspective too. I was reading there's an enforced test package which is One before flying and then 1 after 2-3 days which comes in at £210 each... Along with £80 each before leaving the UK, that's putting us £700 in the hole... Now, could we afford that, arguably... but whether we want to lump an extra £700 into the trip, I don't really know yet.

I have to admit, i'm a LOT less concerned about the infection/virus in the context of contracting it currently than i was and if things continue as they are, it won't be CV19 threat stopping me going. However the associated parts of it like the Hotel isolation, the CV testing, being stuck in country and mandatory isolation on return, could be the things that stop us. I know it's only money.. but we do have to weigh up how realistic it is at times.

Due to the flights only opening up (theoretically) 8 days before we fly, i cannot see any way it will go from closed to 'open without restrictions' in that short a space of time.

[Bigyin]

This morning i got another email from the flight provider telling me the flight has been changed. Still going on the same days, just different times but with a choice to accept or ask for a full refund by clicking on a choice of links. It appears i can claim the refund right up till a few days before the flight leaves so i'll sit on the email for a few weeks to see what pans out

[weeksy]

who's yours with Yin ?

[Bigyin]

who's yours with Yin ?

Ryanair mate and yes I was surprised to be offered a full refund or a free rescheduling

[Noggin]

who's yours with Yin ?

Ryanair mate and yes I was surprised to be offered a full refund or a free rescheduling

EasyJet have been doing the same for winter bookings. Mine and my nephews flights had to be changed twice before I gave up (well, they cancelled the last flights and I've given up trying to get him here this 'season'). They've said I'll get a full refund - haven't seen it yet but I'm told by others they have been pretty good

[Yorick]

Lots of folk here can't fly home. Their flights keep getting cancelled. Our pals can't fly home till May 15th.
It's hardly devastating as the weather is lovely, but they have things to do in the UK

[weeksy]

Lots of folk here can't fly home. Their flights keep getting cancelled. Our pals can't fly home till May 15th.
It's hardly devastating as the weather is lovely, but they have things to do in the UK

That's a concern in some ways if we're in POrtimao and the rules/flights change and suddenly it's a No...

I'm massively torn on what to do i must say.... massively.

[Dodgy69]

When do we pay the balance.?

[Yorick]

When do we pay the balance.?

Send it to me by PayPal

[Dodgy69]

Think it was april sometime. I'd imagine NL will be in touch with us before this date. Possibly maybe.

[Bigyin]

Think it was april sometime. I'd imagine NL will be in touch with us before this date. Possibly maybe.

8th of April mate

In addition been in touch with NL again over the extra accommodation i hadnt asked for and dropped in the question about private covid testing and 10 day quarantine taking the cost of the event from 800 quid to almost 3000 quid which is a deal breaker. I have tentatively asked if things dont go ahead can deposits be carried over to next year and also mentioned i was part of a large group of at least 15

I got an instant reply which wasnt a no, more of a "we are hoping the govt will give more clear directions during march" but they seem open to discussion about possible alternative arrangements if the govt dont pull the quarantine hotels by then

Nothing definite but at least looks like they understand the problems and are open to dialogue

[Dodgy69]

Yep, just checked, 41 days until balance. So, we'll need to know one way or the other before this date ideally. Don't seem right paying in full, then getting refunds or credits, or maybe they will delay balance date.

[Dodgy69]

Nice one Rob, suppose we wait.

[Yorick]

Think it was april sometime. I'd imagine NL will be in touch with us before this date. Possibly maybe.

8th of April mate

In addition been in touch with NL again over the extra accommodation i hadnt asked for and dropped in the question about private covid testing and 10 day quarantine taking the cost of the event from 800 quid to almost 3000 quid which is a deal breaker. I have tentatively asked if things dont go ahead can deposits be carried over to next year and also mentioned i was part of a large group of at least 15

I got an instant reply which wasnt a no, more of a "we are hoping the govt will give more clear directions during march" but they seem open to discussion about possible alternative arrangements if the govt dont pull the quarantine hotels by then

Nothing definite but at least looks like they understand the problems and are open to dialogue

Just because they (will/might) tell us something, doesn't mean that it will be legally binding. I'm not saying they're gonna rip us off, but they'll be sure to do what's best for them rather than the customer. IYSWIM ?

[Dodgy69]

Yep and we can't be left hanging on until almost departure day. I for one will need some definite notice of go ahead, and that, they may not be able to give.

[Dodgy69]

This morning i got another email from the flight provider telling me the flight has been changed. Still going on the same days, just different times but with a choice to accept or ask for a full refund by clicking on a choice of links. It appears i can claim the refund right up till a few days before the flight leaves so i'll sit on the email for a few weeks to see what pans out

My out going flight has just been changed. Full refund offered, Ryanair.

[weeksy]

Well just so you know fellas, if you take it, I won't feel offended. I completely understand the world we're in and if everyone who can, gets their money out until 22, I totally get it.