The public bench is an important institution in the U.K., ranking up there with the pub and a cup of tea. Whatever your problem is, one of those three will be the go to solution for most Brits. Some people become so attached to a favourite bench that when they die, they’ll have a metal plaque with their name screwed on it. Sometimes with a witty message.

I rather like this bench. Feel free to take a seat. It’s big enough for two. But no talking, please. The bench is a place for quiet reflection. If you want to natter, then you should have gone for a brew. If you wanted to engage in rancorous debate, you should have gone to the pub. 

I had a little sit down to ponder the future of travel. Specifically, my travel in the near future. I haven’t been as clever as I’d have liked to have been. I took all the precautions I thought prudent. But it turns out that the travel industry is a veritable minefield of regulation and loophole in equal measure.

Our flights to the USA in June are not, as I had assumed, ATOL protected. It turns out that flight only deals through an agent, despite them having an ATOL certificate, are often not protected. No matter. There’s always Section 75 chargebacks to fall back on. Except, it doesn’t apply to tickets bought through an agent.

How about travel insurance? Well, if your policy has Scheduled Airline Failure cover, then that’s fine. But most, like mine, doesn’t. I’ve learned a lot in the last couple of days. They are lessons I’ll apply to future travel. I’ll pay a bit more to book directly with the airline in future.

Still, all is not lost. Not yet. Both airline (British Airways) and the (reasonably reputable) travel agent I used are still in business. At the time of writing. With a little luck, it’ll work out. I feel it’s highly unlikely we’ll be able to travel in June. But maybe later in the year.  Or early next year. And whatever happens, if we get through the next year or two with our health and jobs intact, we’ll be happy with that.

Well. That’s what’s been on my mind. You’ve been quiet. Penny for your thoughts…

Edit: Maybe I am as smart as I thought. My insurance policy does cover against the transport provider/booking agent going bust. The bench is all yours, I’m off for a pint…