Remember holidays?

The thrill of booking your hotel, the excitement of packing the sunscreen… the 4am wake-up call before you head to the airport?

It all seems like a distant memory these days, but Aer Lingus is doing its best to put planning a break abroad back on the agenda… even if you have to look forward to it for eight or ten months.

The airline today launched its summer 2021 schedule, offering a range of fare options and new ways to keep bookings flexible should travel plans change depending on Covid-19 travel restrictions.

“There are free unlimited changes on all routes and all fare types,” said Chief Commercial Officer, Dave Shepherd.

“There is the option of a full cash refund on our Advantage/Flex fares. And from today, our Smart / Plus fares include a new feature so that customers can avail of a voucher up to 14 days before travel to any destination or within 14 days if a country’s travel guidance changes from just €25.”

Terms and conditions apply, of course, but if you’re optimistic about getting that holiday next year, it’s a reassuring gesture. Requests for vouchers and refunds can be made up until 14 days pre-departure

“With flights up to August 2021 available for sale, you can start planning a reunion with friends in the Algarve, a sunny beach break with family in Malaga, or a romantic adventure in a European city and have something great to look forward to next year with Aer Lingus. For those looking to travel across the Atlantic in 2021, we have 12 direct North American routes to choose from including New York, Florida, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, and Toronto.”

Direct flights to Europe start at €25.99 and US and Canada at €159, so getting a head start on that summer 2021 getaway might not be the stuff of dreams after all.