While the UK is still grappling with the impact of a third national lockdown, millions of people across the nation are dreaming of a day when holidays are allowed to resume and people can flock to faraway destinations to bask in the summer sun.

Normality has been a distant memory since the first COVID-19 related lockdown was imposed nearly 11 months ago.

Millions of 2020 summer holiday plans were scuppered by travel bans and flight cancellations.

It is therefore understandable why so many are clinging on to the hope the summer of 2021 could prove a more enjoyable one on the holiday front – but they may have to wait a while longer.

easyJet, one of the most popular airlines in the UK, has issued an update for everyone with a holiday booked or anyone considering booking a holiday in 2021.

As things stand, UK and Irish nationals and UK residents returning to England from 33 "red list" countries (hotspots with Covid-19 variants in circulation), are required to quarantine in hotels for 11 nights.

Some of these countries include popular holiday destinations, such as Portugal, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

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Those returning from a non-"red list" country must instead quarantine for 10 days at home and complete two Covid-19 tests on the second and eighth day after arriving.

With the rules around travelling constantly changing as a result of new COVID measures being introduced, easyJet has launched a 'protection promise' allowing customers to amend their booking if their plans are altered.

There are different rules depending on whether you've booked a flight, or a holiday with easyJet:

Flight protection promise

This scheme will allow customers to get a refund guarantee for flights if they are cancelled by easyJet.

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If a customer changes their mind and no longer wishes to travel, they can transfer their flight up to 14 days before their scheduled departure. They will not be charged a fee, and will only have to pay the difference if their new flight is more expensive than their original.

If a customer's destination is added to the red list of quarantine countries, they can transfer their flight for free – as long as it's done within a week of the announcement.

If their flight is impacted by a lockdown travel ban, customers can opt for either a refund, or a free transfer to a later date.

Holiday protection promise

Customers with an easyJet holiday booked can cancel up to 28 days before their departure date, without paying a fee. Their deposit will become credit to spend in the future.

Customers can also make fee-free changes to their booking online up to 28 days before departure.

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