British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are refusing to refund Tier 4 customers for trips they can no longer take. 

Thousands of customers have been trying to get their money back from the airlines after the Tier 4 announcement on Saturday.

But they have been told they need to either book a new flight or apply for a voucher.

Elsewhere, easyJet and TUI, confirmed they will offer refunds to travellers who can no longer fly.

On Saturday, Boris Johnson announced millions of people across London and parts of the south east of England would be entering tougher Tier 4 coronavirus restrictions.

Households in those areas have been told to avoid travel and to stay at home.

Government guidelines state “you must not leave your home to travel unless for work, education or other legally permitted reasons”.

Households also can’t take holidays or stay overnight away their main residence, unless permitted by law. 

But despite the new restrictions banning travel, both BA and Virgin Atlantic say they won’t be refunding customers unless their flights have been cancelled.

BA is instead offering travellers the option to rearrange their flights, or to accept a voucher for the value of their trip.

Virgin Atlantic, meanwhile, is letting customers rearrange their flights for an alternative date up until December 2022. 

Customers were quick to blast the decision. 

One person wrote on Twitter: "Utterly ridiculous that despite Tier 4 restrictions banning me from flying today, BA will not refund payment and Avios as it’s within 24 hours because of the flight that is still going as it’s a regional lockdown.

"I don’t want a voucher, I want a refund. Disgrace!"

Another said: "Why are you not willing to offer a refund to those now not allowed to fly due to Tier 4 restrictions.

"Every other organisation are offering customers refunds but the best BA can do is offer a voucher."

A Virgin Atlantic customer, meanwhile, said: "Hi, with the news Tier 4 restrictions. What is going to happen to the flights in the next week?"

Virgin responded: "We’re aware of the latest guidance issued by the UK government regarding Tier 4 restrictions with an advisory against non-essential travel.

"If we need to cancel a customer’s flight, we’ll be in touch and they will have the option to rebook or request a refund."

A British Airways spokesperson said: “Customers who are unable to travel, or choose not to, can continue to change their flights or request a voucher for future use as part of our Book with Confidence policy.

“As always, if a customer's flight is cancelled they are entitled to a full refund or a voucher, and we always contact any customers whose flights may be affected to discuss their options.”

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: "We understand the difficulties that Covid-19 and Tier 4 restrictions pose to some of our customers. 

"Where a customer is unable to travel for any reason, we offer as much choice and flexibility as possible to help them change or amend their plans, with a name change and two date change fees waived for a new travel date up until 31 December 2022."