What happens to your plans if your destination is in a state of lock down? Germany is considering a similar move, and the Netherlands is in a partial lock down with restaurants and bars closing early. Should you stop booking? Is it possible to change your flight? Will you get a refund?
Austria is going to impose a nationwide lockdown and Germany is likely to follow, as Europe is at the epicenter of the swine flu. The situation is difficult for travelers. Even though tourists are not allowed in Austria, flights are allowed in even though borders are open.
If you've planned a European trip this winter and are having second thoughts as cases rise and travel advisories mount, here's what you need to know.
Hotels and other non-essential businesses are closed in Austria.
Hotels are closed to people not currently staying there during Austria's nationwide lockdown. The tourist board says that many establishments are accommodating cancellation conditions in light of the current situation.
What happens if I'm denied entry to a country?
If you're not able to check-in because of the lockdown, you shouldn't lose out on any fees or penalties. The tourist board warns that there are no nationwide regulations and each establishment decides its own terms, but free cancellation is not uncommon. Ask your hosts what the T&Cs are.
The borders are open in Europe and flights are landing in destinations that have been tightened.
It depends on your airline's policy. If your flight is canceled, you will be able to get a refund if the airlines can rebook you, but not EU-based flights. There have been no major disruptions to flight schedules in Europe. Not even in Austria, where flights have been landing even though borders are still open, because airlines have not been forced to stop operations. Travel is still possible according to the Austria Health Ministry.
If you feel uneasy about flying there, you can check your airline's cancellation and change of flight policies to see what options are available to you.
Most airlines give customers a 24 hour grace period after purchase in which to cancel their flight without penalty, but only when the flight isn't scheduled to leave within the next seven days. You can usually expect to pay for the change if you rebook flights with a different carrier.
It's called "Lonesome Planet."
This book has more than 300 suggestions for destinations across Europe and the best time of the year to visit them.
Where to go in Europe.
