Corona: A plane ticket is not a guarantee of a vacation

Christine Albert studied German linguistics and literature as well as Scandinavian studies at the Albert Ludwigs University in Freiburg. She is currently doing a traineeship at Hubert Burda Media and is writing, among other things, for

More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.

To Turkey in September? To Asia in November? There are plenty of flights to beautiful destinations online - but they are no guarantee that the ticket buyer will actually be able to fly.

Numerous flights to various destinations around the world can be found on Internet portals in the coming months. But in view of the corona risks, individual travelers should remind themselves: "Just because I have a plane ticket doesn't mean that I can also get to the country," warns Sabine Blanke from the European Consumer Center Germany in Kehl.

Often a prerequisite: negative Covid-19 test

"It may be that I have a valid ticket and the flight takes place, but the airline won't take me," explains the lawyer. "Then I'll be left with the costs." This can be the case if a passenger is not even allowed to enter the country of destination because he does not meet the entry requirements - for example, a necessary visa is missing. However, it is also conceivable, for example, that a negative Covid-19 test must be presented. If you cannot show this at check-in, you stay at home.

Inform before booking

"It is the passenger's responsibility to find out about the entry requirements of the destination country," emphasizes Blanke. Simply book a flight with the confidence that everything will fit: That would be reckless. It is best for holidaymakers to inquire at the Federal Foreign Office or the diplomatic mission in the destination country, for example the local German embassy.

The situation is different, however, if the airline cancels a flight of its own accord, for example because of an entry ban for all citizens of a certain country: "Then I am entitled to the reimbursement of the ticket price," explains Blanke.

Information in Corona times more important than ever

The coronavirus has spread worldwide. There is still a high risk of infection in many places. But even in supposedly safe travel destinations, there are always minor outbreaks. Therefore, travel arrangements can change at short notice.

Therefore, the following applies: weigh up all eventualities in advance. The better you are prepared, the less it is possible for you to be surprised by suddenly changed specifications. Pay attention to information from the Federal Foreign Office. Do the experts advise against vacationing in your destination country? Is there maybe even a travel warning? And what does that mean anyway? Is the chosen holiday destination a risk area?

You can find answers to these questions and other useful tips in our article "Corona: Travel advice or risk area?" (approx / dpa)

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