Coronavirus Statement
Updated as of 27 March 2020
Coronavirus and travel – what does it mean for me?
The health and safety of our clients is our number one priority, and we understand COVID-19 is causing great concern with unprecedented action to respond, which is heavily affecting travel.
Phil Hoffmann Travel is closely monitoring the situation to ensure we can provide you with the latest travel information and options, with the very best service and advice.
Whilst we are not medical experts, we live and breathe travel. That’s why booking through us gives you peace of mind and 24/7 support.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
What restrictions are in place?
Sunday 22nd March, the South Australian Premier announced that the State Government is taking unprecedented action in response to the coronavirus pandemic requiring all people entering South Australia to isolate for 14-days from their arrival.
This will apply immediately to South Australians, other Australians and other travellers, and will be supported by border control from Tuesday 24 March at 4 pm. This follows similar restrictions put in place by other states and territories.
This is in addition to advice Wednesday 18 March, the Federal Government has advised all Australians regardless of destination, age or health not to travel overseas at this time.
The Government’s advice, “do not travel”, is now at the highest advice level (level 4 of 4). Both the Department of Foreign Affairs and Smartraveller websites confirm that the Level 4 advice applies to all international destinations, and also urges anyone currently overseas to return as soon as possible by commercial means.
According to Smartraveller.gov.au: “As more countries close their borders or introduce travel restrictions, overseas travel is becoming more complex and difficult. You may not be able to return to Australia when you had planned to. Consider whether you have access to health care and support systems if you get sick while overseas. If you decide to return to Australia, do so as soon as possible. Commercial options may become less available.”
This continues to be monitored and updated. For the latest advice please visit:
The Centre for Disease Control (CDC)
Phil Hoffmann Travel clients will contact all clients with departures in March and April, working in date of departure order, and we appreciate your patience as we work as hard and as quickly as possible to offer the service and support you deserve at this time.
If your flight has not been cancelled, and your travel date is post 30th April, our recommendation is to hold and wait for the situation to unfold in this ever-changing environment. At this point, normal cancellation fees would apply, so by waiting, either the situation will strengthen where travel is opened up and your holiday will continue, or the date of advice to defer will extend, where you will receive all options to minimise any loss.
I’m thinking about booking a holiday - what assurances can you offer?
Whilst restrictions are in place for travel now as advised, there are plenty of opportunities to secure amazing deals for the future, certainly towards the end of this year and 2021.
And with Phil Hoffmann Travel, you can book with confidence. We have options to give you flexibility and peace of mind.
Our trusted and experienced team will guide you through all the options, in our open and transparent way, using reliable and up-to-date information sources. This ensures you can make an informed choice that works best for you.
As always, we are available 24/7 for assistance and support. If required, we will sort it out, anywhere, anytime.
What about suppliers – what are the airlines, cruise lines and land operators doing?
Airlines and operators have responded by ceasing flights and cancelling land arrangements during this time, with some international airlines scheduled to resume operations from 1 May 20, others in June. Regarding our local carriers, Qantas has cancelled international flights until at least the end of May, and domestic flights have been reduced. Virgin will cease operating international flights until 14 June, with domestic capacity halved.
All airlines and land operators continue to offer revised cancellation conditions, deferment policies, reduced deposit requirements or future travel credits to provide options and minimise loss. In most cases, these policies are for travel departure until June and will be reviewed as required.
Your experienced travel consultant can advise you of these changes to ensure you can make an informed decision.
What happens if my trip is cancelled by the supplier?
If you have booked a holiday, and a travel restriction is implemented by World Health Organisation (WHO), Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) for the time you are travelling, we will work with the airlines and operators to ensure the best outcome possible.
Should the airlines and/or suppliers cancel your arrangements, we will work through your options with you. In most cases, you will receive a future travel credit in many cases including an incentive, or refund options.
Alternative options will also be presented – such as postponing your trip or changing destinations should you wish.
What happens if I choose to cancel my trip?
If you choose to cancel your trip, where no official travel restriction is in place from WHO, DFAT and the CDC for the time or destination of your travel, and the supplier (airlines, cruise lines and land operators) has not made any changes, normal cancellation fees will apply.
Many suppliers are offering flexible conditions to give passengers options and minimise any loss. Many have also introduced further cancellation protection which can be purchased at the time of booking to avoid losses.
What is Phil Hoffmann Travel’s response to COVID-19?
In response to rapidly changing conditions and government advice, it has been necessary for Phil Hoffmann Travel to implement new policies and procedures and make operational changes to protect the health and safety of our staff, community and our business.
Due to further government-imposed restrictions and recommendations, we will no longer be allowing public-facing contact in any offices. This will be in place until restrictions are lifted. As a result, we will also be making changes to our office hours.
Our (temporary) revised office hours are:
Monday to Friday 9am - 5:30pm
Client contact will be by email or phone.
We encourage you to contact your consultant or the office via phone or email to discuss your travel arrangements.
Why book through Phil Hoffmann Travel (PHT)?
Phil Hoffmann Travel has been a leader in the travel industry for almost 30 years and has successfully navigated through challenges of all natures, including world events. We are proud to have the most experienced and passionate team in the industry, committed to guiding you through this situation with experience and service to give you the confidence in your decisions moving forward.
Phil Hoffmann Travel is a member of Helloworld and ATAS, a national accreditation scheme, endorsing travel agents who have met strict financial and customer service criteria. providing you with peace of mind when planning and purchasing your travel arrangements.
As your chosen travel agency, we wish to assure you that we are here to support and assist you 24/7 in any way we can.
We look forward to looking after you.