Alteration request declined after flight cancellation

[Callum52]

I have a reservation in Krakow on 13th May but due to the UK travel ban my flights have now been cancelled. I understand I am not eligible for full refund due to the extenuating circumstances policy. I have requested to change the reservation date to later in the year when I am able to travel, however my host has rejected the alteration request (the host was aware that my flights have been cancelled). I have contacted the host explaining the situation again and asked for a reason for rejecting my request but I haven't heard anything back. 

Is there anything I can do in this situation? 

[Alexandra316]

@Callum52 The host isn't required to accept your alteration request: you can ask, but they can say no. You could ask if maybe they would consider refunding if they are able to rebook the dates.  However, if the host didn't agree to this previously, you don't have any further recourse. 

[Callum52]

@Alexandra316 thanks for your reply. I understand the host doesn't have to accept but given the circumstances I didn't think my request was at all un-reasonable. I don't want a refund, I just want a holiday. 

[Alexandra316]

@Callum52 And the host probably just wants to adhere to the contract that you agreed to when you booked. It would be nice of them to allow the change, yes, I totally agree, but they are not obliged to do so. They are potentially losing income by allowing you to change your dates. That's why I suggested a compromise where you get a refund if they get those dates rebooked, and they may be more open to that approach. 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Callum52 Is the host legally allowed to host you? It may take a bit of research but if they are not then you have a strong claim to be repaid. You could look into the EC rules whereby Government restrictions are, in some part, covered by the policy. If it is illegal to travel on May 13th then again the EC policy could apply.

Failing all the above then its your travel insurance I am afraid.

[Callum52]

@Mike-And-Jane0 Thanks for the reply. I don’t think they’re legally allowed to host me as it stands but who knows what the rules will be in 2 months. 

[Nathalie-Et-Gilles0]

@Callum52 

The month of May is far.

As it is the European Union, today French citizens are free to travel to Poland but there is a 10 days quarantaine except if they enter in Poland with a negative covid test.

It can change following the situation.
What about brexiting UK?

@Mike-And-Jane0 

Right now, hosts in Poland can welcome travellers.
It maybe different in may but right now the host don't have to cancel the reservation and he can welcome @Callum52.

It may is can be different.

@Callum52 

How long is your trip there?

Maybe there'll be some flights in May?

Maybe you can travel by car or bus but it is a long travel from UK. Obviously, it is longer trip than a flight.

[Anonymous]

@Callum52 I don't know where in England you planned to fly from, but there are still currently direct flights scheduled from several UK cities to Krakow on 13 May. Whether you'll be subject to quarantine restrictions is impossible to know this far in advance, but that's a risk we accept when booking a holiday during a pandemic.