mad_manx

Yes. But that could be a number in the UK of a close friend or family . Just get them to send it to you ASAP But if you want to do it yourself just get a UK sim. Even a PAYG sim works well for texts.

I've had the same issue with banks that need codes sent to mobile by SMS for verification etc. Bought a dual sim phone and now have a 3 Sim inside in addition to my manx telecom SIM. I think there is some issue with the SMS transfer to Manx numbers. They come through fine to UK numbers even if they are roaming here..

As far as I am aware so far you were not entitled to get permission to travel back if you went across after the lockdown.was imposed. With the rule change you can do that .

Regarding restrictions what's happening at the supermarkets here. Are they still following the social distancing rules and are there queues in front of them. Had to queue in the rain for around an hour at tesco the last time :-(

Might sound daft but couldn't the engines be detained ?

So how did the seized aircraft get released without payment ?

Looks like you have given a clue

There is/ was a free service at Gatwick called Gatwick connect which you could use irrespective of the airline you were flying on ( as long as that airline was covered) The reason for using this is because many airlines do not accept check in bags too early ( I think at Gatwick easyjet only accepts bags 2.5hrs before the flight ) So if you arrive in another flight to gatwick very early on you end up stuck landside at the airport and unable to check in your bags . This can be done for flights from outside the EU as well So what you do is after collecting your bags you need to go to the Gatwick connect desk ( if from outside the CTA you would have cleared immigration by this point ). They will register your bags and walk with you through the customs and provided you clear customs they will take the bags off you and give you a receipt for that . Once you reach landside you can clear security again and enter the terminal with your hand luggage . Obviously this is not an issue if you can get your bags checked in all the way to the IOM ( not easy to get most airlines to do that ) Another option if you have a long layover at Gatwick is to book a day use room at one of the gatwick hotels . Just put the check in and check out dates on the same day and you then see the option of day use rooms.

What you probably used was the worldwide by easyjet service. http://www.easyjet.com/en/help/extra-services/worldwide

That's another reason why I prefer a refund instead of a change of flight. i know many who have opted to change their flights to later on in the year. We do not know when we can travel .If Easyjet is operating that flight that day ( could be for key workers / those with special permission) and if you are not eligible then you lose your money. As far as I know as per EU rules if the flight is operating the airline is covered (it's up to you to check if you are allowed / eligible to travel ) The other option is to change the flights to a later date by paying a change fee.

I do not trust airline vouchers and managed to get a refund through my credit card. While Easyjet is in a decent financial position compared to other airlines you never know the future. Vouchers are not worth anything if the airline goes into administration.

Did you check in ..I got the cancellation email only after I checked in .

Yes..The contention ratio is quite high and the broadband speeds do suffer at peak times. Those with fibre seem to be doing okay..

Good news for those wanting to return.

Manx Expat does make a fair point though. People who test positive are allowed to self isolate at home while those with a travel history have to stay at the comis . It should be the other way around in my opinion. And how do key workers get to self isolate at home. The obvious answer will be that they are under contract . The same thing could be done to people who want to return in my opinion..Get them to give a written declaration that they will abide by the rules and with severe penalties it they break it . Far more easier and with less expense than what is happening at the comis .