Red Funnel, which from Saturday will operate between Tier 3 and Tier 4 areas, is warning passengers that there may well be changes to both the car ferry and Red Jet timetables in response to the Government’s latest announcement.
In a statement issued tonight, just hours after it was announced the Isle of Wight would be plunged into Tier 3 from 00:01 on Boxing Day, the cross-Solent operator has said that whilst it is not making any immediate changes, the timetables of both the vehicle ferry service and hi-speed Red Jet service will be reviewed and amendments may be announced next week.
It’s said that Red Funnel will strive to give customers as much notice as possible of any changes.
A spokesperson has said:
“Following today’s government announcement, Red Funnel’s ferry service will operate between Tiers 3 and 4 once Southampton and the Isle of Wight move into their new Tiers, effective 00:01 on 26 December. Southampton, presently in Tier 2, will be escalated to Tier 4, while the Isle of Wight, currently in Tier 1, will be escalated to Tier 3.
“We will continue to do all we can to support the government’s advice and wish to strongly emphasise the message that people MUST refer to the local restriction tier guide before planning travel to the Isle of Wight. In particular, we stress that between now and when the new Tier changes come into place on 26 December, residents of areas currently classed as Tier 3 or Tier 4, should NOT travel to the Isle of Wight for leisure trips or non-essential reasons at this time. Similarly, Islanders should also avoid travel to Tier 3 and Tier 4.
“From 26 December, our understanding is that this guidance will change, so that everyone travelling between the Island and Southampton should only travel for essential reasons as permitted by the government.
“We continue to see large numbers of cancellations and postponed booking requests from customers over the holiday period. Customers who need to make changes can amend their booking to a new date with no added administration or penalty fees, although a difference in base fare cost may apply. Customers are also able to place their booking ‘on hold’ and take until 31 March 2021 to decide when they wish to travel and make a booking for any time in 2021. The easiest way to make changes to future bookings is to make a request through Red
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“We urge anyone looking to travel to or from the Island to ensure they are keeping up to date with the latest government guidance, referring to the local restriction tier guide. This is especially important as guidance continues to evolve at short notice. Customers are specifically urged to check the guidance right up until the date of their travel to ensure that travel is permissible, as well as to take note of any rules that would apply to their visit.
“We continue to see large numbers of cancellations and postponed booking requests from customers over the holiday period. Customers who need to make changes can amend their booking to a new date with no added administration or penalty fees, although a difference in base fare cost may apply. Customers are also able to place their booking ‘on hold’ and take until 31 March 2021 to decide when they wish to travel and make a booking for any time in 2021. The easiest way to make changes to future bookings is to make a request through Red Funnel’s online “Amendment /Cancellation Form” at https://www.redfunnel.co.uk/en/isle- of-wight-ferry/faqs/covid/standard-bookings/. Any customers who do not wish to rebook or receive a credit can also learn more on this page and consider their options.”
