Updated: September 27th, 2021
The situation is changing by the hour, and while there will be worldwide social and economic fallout from this pandemic, the impacts on the travel industry are far-reaching.
If you’re looking for information and updates on the virus itself, please check out the dedicated COVID-19 page. Meanwhile, this guide will be kept updated with the various rules and waivers across hotels and airlines, along with assorted travel advisories.
In this post:
Airline Cancellation Policies
The various change and waiver policies for the individual airlines have shifted rapidly over the past two months, as COVID-19 has gone from a regional outbreak to a global pandemic.
The situation continues to be highly fluid, and for travel in the next week or two we would recommend waiting to cancel any flights until ~48 hours prior to departure. The waiver policies have been changing nearly daily, so a change that might have a penalty today may not tomorrow.
Whenever possible, try to change your flights or request a refund online, or via a Twitter DM. Systems are overloaded, so hold times are outrageous, though you may get through more quickly by calling international numbers, or outside of peak hours.
- See this post for tips on how to cancel flights during the coronavirus pandemic
- If you don’t want to deal with canceling a flight and the associated hassle yourself, PointsPros is available to help
- If you are due a refund from a previously canceled flight (or hope you might be), our friends at Cranky Concierge have a new refund hunter service
Here is the current list of airline cancellation policies as of March 15, 2024:
Airline | General Policy | Further Details |
|---|---|---|
Aer Lingus | MY FLIGHT HAS BEEN CANCELLED: If your flight has been cancelled we will contact you directly. Visit the Manage Trip section to make sure your contact details are up to date. We have a number of options available to you. Please do not travel to the airport. If you have booked via Aer Lingus you can: 1. Apply for a voucher by filling in your details on the voucher request form. We’ll send you a voucher for the full value of your flight – fare, taxes & charges, and ancillary purchases. Terms and conditions apply. See more details and FAQs on the voucher request page. 2. Change either the date or destination of your journey online and we will waive the itinerary change fees that would normally be associated with doing so. Please note that if you change your travel plans to flights that are more expensive than your original booking, the difference in price will still be charged. Name change and other fees may also still be applicable. To change your booking, simply go to the Manage Trip section on aerlingus.com and make the change prior to your original flight scheduled departure time. 3. Contact our call centre to discuss alternative flights on 01 761 7835 (IRL) 0333 006 6920 (UK) 1-(800)-585-0672 (North America) 4. Apply for a full refund using this form I WANT TO CHANGE MY FLIGHT: We know that there continues to be a lot of uncertainty about travel and we understand your concerns. We’re offering the following option if you have booked via Aer Lingus: Change your flight without a fee You can change the date of your trip using the Manage Trip section. We’ve waived our itinerary change fees on any changes made before 31 December 2021, regardless of your fare type, but please note that a fare difference may apply. Name change and other fees may also still be applicable. If your booking was made with a travel agent, please contact the agent directly to make changes to your booking. Find out more details about our other flexibility options available per fare type here. | Aer Lingus COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-474-7424 |
Aeromexico | If you booked your flight from July 1, 2020 to January 10, 2021 and your ticket number begins with 139 (also applies to codeshare flights), you will be able to take advantage of the current waiver policy. This applies to our Classic Fare, AM Plus, Flexible Fare, Comfort, and Clase Premier. Our Basic Fare is not included. VOLUNTARY CHANGES: If you voluntarily want to make a change to your itinerary, we have three options available for you: 1. Use your complimentary change to rebook your flight with your new route/date, free of charge. If there is a fare difference, you must cover the cost. 2. You can request a refund as an electronic voucher (EMD) for 115% of the value of your ticket before tax. 3. Request a refund which you will receive within 12 months of your request in the form of your original payment. This is applicable as of July 1, 2021. INVOLUNTARY CHANGES: If your flight was canceled due to COVID-19 or government travel restrictions, here are the options available to you (including Basic Fare reservations): 1. Rebook your flight with your new route/date, free of charge. Fare difference will not be charged under certain circumstances. 2. If your new flight departs within 14 days of your original itinerary, you will not be charged the fare difference under certain circumstances. 3. Request a refund which you will receive within 12 months of your request. You can also request a refund as an electronic voucher (EMD) for 115% of the value of your ticket before tax. | |
Air Canada | AEROPLAN AWARD TICKETS: Aeroplan flight rewards booked through May 31, 2021 can be changed or cancelled free of charge. If you’d like to cancel any flight reward, the fastest way to do so is right here at aircanada.com. I WANT TO CHANGE/CANCEL MY UPCOMING BOOKING: You can make a change without a change fee or cancel your existing booking and rebook later if your original travel is between March 1, 2020 and May 31, 2022. Make sure to contact your original booking source: -Travel agent or online travel agency, for example, Expedia or Priceline: Contact them directly. – Aeroplan – Air Canada for Business – Air Canada Vacations – Air Canada (including aircanada.com, the Air Canada app, and our contact centres), or Kayak, Google Flights, and Skyscanner: Simply go to My bookings. You may also have the option to covert your ticket to an Air Canada Travel Voucher or to Aeroplan points with an additional 65% bonus. | |
Air France / KLM | FLYING BLUE AWARD TICKETS: You can rebook your reward ticket or Promo reward ticket without having to pay the change fee under the following circumstances: 1. if your reward flight has been cancelled by the airline, or 2. If the travel date of your reward flight or Promo reward flight is on or before 31 December 2021, and 3. Your request for change is made before departure of the first flight. A fare difference may still apply. Original ticket conditions apply for rebooking other reward tickets and Promo reward tickets. If you want to rebook your reward flight or Promo reward flight, you can change travel date, destination or both: 1. Change of travel date: for flights booked on Air France, KLM and partner airlines you can rebook in the same booking class. If we are unable to do so, we will issue a new ticket upon your request. The number of Miles and airport taxes required may be different for this new reward ticket. 2. Change of destination: you can use the full value of your original tickets for new tickets with Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines or Virgin Atlantic. PAID/REVENUE TICKETS: See site for specifics. | Air France COVID-19 Policy Flying Blue COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-237-2747 (Air France) 1-800-375-8723 (Flying Blue) |
Alaska Airlines | MY FLIGHT WAS CHANGED/CANCELLED: If your flight is affected by a schedule change or cancellation, we will move you to the next available flight. If your new flight works for you, great! We’ll see you onboard. If your new flight schedule was changed by more than one hour, you have some options: 1. Move to a different flight that better suits your schedule – up to a day earlier or later. 2. Cancel your trip and receive a credit for future travel. 3. Cancel your trip and receive a refund* to your original form of payment. *Please note: To qualify for a refund to your original form of payment, you must have an active reservation on the impacted flight. If you voluntarily canceled your trip and received a future travel credit before the flight cancellation, you are not eligible for a refund. I WANT TO CHANGE/CANCEL MY FLIGHT: For tickets purchased February 27, 2020 to April 30, 2021 with original travel dates between February 27, 2020 to March 31, 2022, the new travel dates must be within one year from the original travel date. Exception Policy: – Tickets must be changed or canceled prior to the departure of your original flight. – If you purchased your tickets through a third party, such as Expedia, another travel agency, or another airline, contact them directly for assistance. – If you purchase a Saver fare between February 27, 2020 and April 30, 2021, you may: Cancel your trip without a fee and deposit the funds into My Account wallet or receive a credit certificate for future travel. – If you purchase a nonrefundable First Class, main, or award ticket between February 27, 2020 and April 30, 2021, you may: 1. Change your trip without a fee. A fare difference may apply to your new itinerary. 2. Cancel your trip without a fee and deposit the funds into My Account wallet or receive a credit certificate for future travel. – This waiver is valid only for tickets issued by Alaska Airlines, which you can identify by a 13-digit ticket number that begins with Alaska Airlines code “027”. – This waiver does not apply to same day confirmed changes – Tickets issued by other airlines with a different carrier code (ticket numbers that don’t begin with “027”) are subject to the waiver policy of the other airline. | Alaska Airlines COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-252-7522 |
Alitalia | MILLEMIGLIA AWARD TICKETS: WHO HAVE HAD THEIR FLIGHT CANCELLED: Passengers who have applied for a MilleMiglia award ticket for flights that are canceled, they can ask, of their choice: 1. To change the booking (rebooking or rerouting, that is, changing the itinerary from the departure airport to the original arrival airport), without integrating miles, to travel, where possible, within seven days before or after the date of the canceled flight. The change of booking must be made by the expected departure date of the canceled flight or the flight already offered by Alitalia as an alternative flight. 2. The change of booking and/or itinerary, including beyond the seven days before or after the cancelled flight, with payment of the possible integration of any difference in miles, to travel within one year of the date of the canceled flight. 3. Reimbursement of airport miles and fees. To change your travel reservation or request a refund of your ticket, you can contact MilleMiglia Customer Service via the dedicated numbers found here. IF YOU NO LONGER WANT TO FLY AS INDICATED IN THE TICKET: Passengers who have a MilleMiglia award ticket requested by 30 June 2021 for flights until 31 December 2021 can request, prior to the flight departure date: 1. To change the booking or the schedule, with payment of the possible integration of the difference in miles, to travel within one year of the date of the original flight. 2. Reimbursement of miles and airport taxes. To change your travel reservation or request a refund of your ticket, you can contact MilleMiglia Customer Service via the dedicated numbers found here. PAID/REVENUE TICKETS: See site for specifics. | Alitalia COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-223-5730 |
American Airlines | AADVANTAGE AWARD TICKETS: As of November 11, 2020, American AAdvantage eliminated all change and redeposit fees for mileage awards. PAID/REVENUE TICKETS: Domestic, Short-Haul International Flights: We eliminated all change fees for First, Business, Premium Economy and Main Cabin tickets for all domestic and short-haul international flying for tickets issued on or after August 31, 2020. Long-Haul International Flights: We also eliminated change fees for First, Business, Premium Economy and Main Cabin tickets for all long-haul international flights originating in North or South America for tickets issued on or after November 19, 2020. Flexibility for Existing Tickets: Change fees are waived for tickets bought on or before September 30, 2020, for travel March 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021. This offer includes Basic Economy fares and AAdvantage® award tickets. Keep in mind: -You may owe any difference in ticket price when you rebook your trip. -You’re allowed to change your origin and destination cities as part of this offer. -All travel for your new trip must be completed by March 31, 2022. Plus, if you have a ticket that is expiring between March 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021, the value of your unused ticket can be used for travel through March 31, 2022.* *Change fees apply if your original ticketed travel was before March 1, 2020, Basic Economy tickets with travel before March 1, 2020 are non-changeable. | American Airlines COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-433-75300 |
ANA | ANA will temporarily suspend select international flights until the end of June 2021, see site for specifics. TICKET REFUNDS: Customers with applicable tickets may request a refund. (Cancellation fees will not apply): 1. Ticket numbers whose number starts with 205. 2. Tickets issued by May 12, 2021. 3. Tickets with travel dates from February 26, 2020 to September 30, 2021. CHANGE TRAVEL DATES: Customers with applicable tickets may request a change in travel dates, but travel must be completed on/before December 23, 2021: 1. Ticket numbers whose number starts with 205. 2. Tickets issued by May 12, 2021. 3. Tickets with travel dates from February 26, 2020 to September 30, 2021. 4. The new travel dates must be within the ticket validity date. | |
Avianca | See site for specifics. | Avianca COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-284-2622 |
British Airways | CHANGE BOOKING: If you would like to change your booking you can choose from one of the following options. If you booked via a travel agent, please contact them directly to discuss further arrangements for your booking. CHANGE TRAVEL DATES: For bookings made from 3 March 2020 onwards for journeys that are due to have been completed by 30 April 2022, and for bookings made prior to 3 March 2020 for journeys due to have started by 28 February 2021, go to Manage My Booking to change your dates. We’ve waived our change booking fee so you will not be charged, although you will need to pay any difference in fare. CHANGE TRAVEL DATES AND DESTINATION: For bookings made prior to 3 March 2020 for journeys due to have started by 28 February 2021 or for bookings made from 3 March 2020 onwards, for travel completed by 30 April 2022, please complete the online voucher form to change both your destination and dates. We will cancel your booking on your behalf and email you a voucher to the value of your booking, valid until 30 April 2023. Vouchers can be used as payment, or part payment, for a future booking. Your new trip booked using a voucher must be fully completed by 30 April 2023 (departure and return). You will receive your voucher by email within seven days of your application. IMPORTANT: Please do not amend or cancel your booking in Manage My Booking – we will do this on your behalf. CANCEL BOOKING: If you booked via a travel agent, please contact them directly to discuss cancelling your booking. You can claim a voucher to the value of your booking, valid for travel until 30 April 2023, if: 1. You booked prior to 3 March 2020 for travel due to have started by 28 February 2021. 2. You booked from 3 March 2020 onwards for travel due to be completed by 30 April 2022. Vouchers can be used as payment, or part payment, for a future booking. Your new trip booked with your voucher must be fully completed by 30 April 2023 (departure and return). You will receive your voucher by email within seven days of your application. IMPORTANT: Please do not amend your booking in Manage My Booking yourself – we will do this on your behalf. IS YOUR FLIGHT CANCELLED?: If your flight has been cancelled you may be able to claim a refund. Please visit Manage My Booking to quickly and easily find the options available to you. If you booked through a travel agent or a tour operator, please contact them directly to discuss your options. If you need further assistance please contact us, we are here to help. Executive Club Members whose flights have been cancelled can now choose Avios instead of a voucher or refund. Taking Avios as an alternative to the cash element paid for your ticket means you’ll receive a 100% bonus compared to Avios purchased at the standard rate. You can contact us to claim Avios or click on the link below. | British Airways COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-247-9297 (British Airways), 1-800-452-1201 (Executive Club) |
Cathay Pacific | ASIA MILES AWARD TICKET: No waiver policy is in-place for tickets issued after March 23, 2020 (original ticket issue date) with an original travel date after March 31, 2021. TICKET REFUNDS: If your ticket was issued on or before March 23, 2020, for travel from June 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021, you are eligible for a refund. TICKET CHANGES: If your ticket was issued on or before March 23, 2020, for travel until March 31, 2021, you can change your booking unlimited times with no rebooking or rerouting fees. We’ve also extended the final travel date to March 31, 2022, so you can travel when it suits you best. We’re giving you the flexibility to make free and unlimited changes to all new tickets issued between March 9, 2020 and June 30, 2021. The ticket must be changed by December 31, 2021 and travel must be completed before June 30, 2022. TRAVEL CREDIT: If you don’t know when you’ll be able to fly, you can easily swap your ticket for Cathay Credits. Equal the value of your original ticket(s), Cathay Credits can be used to book a new trip when it best suits you. Cathay Credits are available for passengers whose travel has been affected, as well as those who wish to change their travel plans. Please see the table to determine if your booking is eligible for a travel credit: Click here | Cathay Pacific COVID-19 Policy Asia Miles COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-233-2742 (Cathay Pacific), 1-866-892-2598 (Asia Miles) |
Croatia Airlines | TICKET CHANGES: – Unlimited number of rebookings without a rebooking fee will be permitted. – Changes are possible for new dates within validity of the ticket. If the original booking class is not available on the new flight, the fare difference will be charged. – Date change must be completed before the beginning of the originally booked journey. – Origin and destination cannot be changed. – Only valid on tickets issued up to August 31, 2021 for flights up to October 30, 2021. TRAVEL VOUCHER: – Voucher needs to be issued before the flight in the original ticket. – Voucher can be transferred to another passenger. Name change is charged 40 EUR (international flights)/100 HRK (domestic flights). – Voucher is valid for two years from the date of issue and needs to be used for booking in that period. – Voucher request can be found here. – Only valid on tickets issued up to August 31, 2021 for flights up to October 30, 2021. CANCELLED FLIGHTS: Full or partial refunds of tickets will be provided in case of cancelled flights. Due to the current situation, the processing of the request takes longer than usual. We kindly ask for your patience. | Croatia Airlines COVID-19 Policy PHONE: +385-1-66-76-555 (No US number) or e-mail at [email protected] |
Delta Air Lines | SKYMILES AWARD TICKETS: Cancellation/redeposit fees no longer apply for itineraries originating in North America. However, itineraries originating outside of North America will have a fee of $150/person, unless the tickets were booked from an account with Delta or Platinum Medallion status. TRIPS ORIGINATING IN NORTH AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN: There are no change fees for tickets originating in North America to anywhere in the world and from the Caribbean to the United States or Mexico. However, Basic Economy tickets purchased after April 30, 2021 are final, meaning these tickets are not changeable or refundable. TRIPS ORIGINATING OUTSIDE OF NORTH AMERICA: We have waived change fees for Main Cabin, Delta Comfort+, First Class, Delta Premium Select, and Delta One tickets** purchased on or after May 1, 2021. BASIC ECONOMY TICKETS: Tickets purchased directly from Delta, including Basic Economy fares, are included in our 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation policy. This means you have up to 24 hours after booking to cancel your ticket for any reason and receive a full refund with no change or cancellation fees. If you booked your Basic Economy ticket on or before April 30, 2021, you may be eligible to change or cancel your ticket after expiration of the Risk-Free Cancellation window. For customers who purchased a Basic Economy ticket under our COVID-19 travel waivers on or before April 30, 2021, you may make changes* or may cancel your ticket and receive an eCredit. | Delta Air Lines COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-221-1212 |
El Al | TICKET CHANGES/CANCELLATIONS: Passengers who purchased or will purchase a flight ticket until December 31, 2021, can change or freeze (i.e. make the change in the future) the ticket free of charge (paying price differences only) for departures until June 30, 2022. Additionally, there is now an option to cancel the ticket you purchased and receive a full credit voucher and save the cancellation fee (not including Lite fares). More information can be found here. To change or freeze a ticket, you can contact the service center via chat on WhatsApp here. CANCELLED FLIGHTS: In exchange for the ticket for canceled flights or future flights (subject to the regulations), we offer two possible alternatives: 1. Credit Voucher: You can enjoy a flexible credit with EL AL for any destination, for any flight, until the credit is fully utilized. The credit can be transferred to and/or used for any other passenger of your choice and will be valid for flights or accompanying flight products purchased until June 30, 2022 for departures until May 31, 2023 (vouchers issued before March 10, 2021, are valid according to the date stated on them). The credit voucher will be used as a type of credit card when purchasing through the website, customer service center or travel agents. You are able to combine several means of payment in one purchase – a voucher, a credit card and points. In addition, if you have not used the credit, you can re-convert its original value into a refund starting 21 days before the voucher expires. 2. Refund (subject to the terms of the ticket paid): You will receive a full refund for the ticket and related accompanying products you purchased but not enjoy a monetary bonus. If there are points associated with the ticket they will be transferred to the frequent flyer account. The company started gradually to handle refunds for canceled flight tickets. We are doing our best to process the refund requests. Finalizing your request is done according to the law. | El Al COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-223-6700 |
Emirates | You have two options if your travel plans have been affected by COVID‑19. You can keep your ticket and fly with us within 36 months from the date of your original booking. You can also request a refund. These options apply if you booked your ticket before April 1, 2021 for travel on or before December 31, 2021. All tickets issued from April 1, 2021 will be automatically valid for travel for 24 months. Within that time, you have the flexibility to change the dates and ask for a refund at no extra charge. You can make the changes online through Manage A Booking or call your travel agent. KEEP YOUR TICKET: For tickets issued on or before September 30, 2020, with a travel date on/before December 31, 2021: You can keep the ticket you’ve already booked and use it later. We’ve extended its validity for 36 months from the date of your original booking. Your ticket will be accepted for any flight to the same destination or within the same region* in any booking class with no extra fees during this period. For tickets issued on or after October 1, 2020 with a travel date on/before December 31, 2021: You can keep the ticket you’ve already booked and use it later. We’ve extended its validity for 36 months from the date of your original booking. Your ticket will be accepted for any flight to the same destination or within the same region* in the same booking class with no extra fees during this period. CHANGE DESTINATION: If you booked your ticket on or after April 1, 2021: You can change it for another destination in the same region and in the same travel class for no extra charge. If the itinerary on your original ticket did not include Dubai, then you are only able to change your flight for a similar itinerary that does not include Dubai. For tickets issued on or before September 30, 2020, with a travel date on/before December 31, 2021: The fare you paid will be accepted for any flight to the same destination or within the same region in any booking class. For example, if your original booking was for London, you can rebook it for Amsterdam for no extra charge. If the itinerary on your original ticket did not include Dubai, then you are only able to change your flight for a similar route itinerary that does not include Dubai. For ticket issued on or after October 1, 2020, with a travel date on/before December 31, 2021: The fare you paid will be accepted for any flight to the same destination or within the same region in the same booking class. For example, if your original booking was for London in Economy Class, you can rebook it for Amsterdam in Economy Class in the same booking class for no extra charge. If the itinerary on your original ticket did not include Dubai, then you are only able to change your flight for a similar itinerary that does not include Dubai. The Emirates regions are: – Africa – Australasia – Europe – The Far East – The Gulf, Middle East and Iran – Indian Ocean Islands – North America – South America – West Asia | Emirates COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-777-3999 |
Etihad Airways | TRAVEL VOUCHER: Cancel your flight and use the value towards your next break. We’ll reward you with up to US $400 and up to 5,000 Etihad Guest Miles. We’ll add your credit to a Travel Bank account to pay for flights or extras at any time within two years. You can request the travel voucher here. KEEP YOUR TICKET: If your flight has been cancelled, you can simply keep your ticket open until you’re ready to travel again. You don’t need to call us or do anything until you’re ready to rebook. We’ll keep your ticket open until October 31, 2021, and if you haven’t used your open ticket within 12 months of your first cancelled flight, you will be entitled to a refund. To request a refund, please call us. TICKET CHANGES: Rebook your trip and travel to any destination on our network. It’s free to change your trip, and there’s no fare difference if you rebook in the same fare class and travel within the same zone. You must book before October 31, 2021, please call us. TICKET REFUND: You are entitled to a refund if: 1. Any Etihad Airways flight on your ticket has been cancelled and you purchased your ticket directly with Etihad Airways or a travel agency in Australia, Canada or the USA, or your ticket originates in the European Union (including Switzerland and the UK). 2. Your ticket has an original travel date on or after 1 October 2020 and a flight on your booking has been cancelled. 3. You have received a positive COVID-19 PCR test result (you must present your test result in line with country regulations). You can request a refund between 96 and 24 hours before your flight departure time. 4. Travel is restricted by government regulations and you are unable to travel. You can request a refund a maximum of 14 days before your flight departure. Request a refund here. | Etihad Airways COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-877-690-0767 |
EVA Air | See site for specifics. | EVA Air COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-695-1188 |
Fiji Airways | Fiji Airways will be suspending all flights until the end of May 2021. If you purchased a ticket on a Fiji Airways flight which was scheduled to depart on or after March 19, 2020 and your flight was cancelled, Fiji Airways will hold 100% of the value of your ticket in credit for future travel. You may use this travel credit to book a flight on a future date, anywhere on the Fiji Airways network, for travel any time up to December 31, 2022. We will not charge you a change fee, however fare differences may apply. If you do not wish to accept the travel credit, then we will provide you with a full refund of the price you paid for the ticket(s). | Fiji Airways COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-227-4446 |
Frontier Airlines | See site for specifics. | Frontier Airlines COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-801-401-9000 |
Hawaiian Airlines | In September 2020, we eliminated change fees on our Main Cabin and Premium Cabin fares (including award flights) to provide greater flexibility for our guests. Although Main Cabin Basic tickets are not included in our refreshed policy, under our COVID-19 travel waivers, we are able to make changes on tickets purchased before March 1, 2020 and through April 30, 2021. Tickets purchased on or after May 1, 2021 will follow our current fare rules and conditions. WAIVER POLICIES: Tickets (including award flights) purchased between January 1 and April 30, 2021 : No change fees for any changes made before the ticket expires. Any ticket purchased on or after Jan. 1, 2021 is valid for up to one year from the original date of purchase. Please note that a fare difference may apply for each change that is made. Tickets (including award flights) purchased between March 1 and December 31, 2020: No change fees for any changes made before the ticket expires. Tickets under this waiver are valid for up to two years from the original date of purchase. Please note that a fare difference may apply for each change that is made. Tickets (including award flights) purchased before March 1, 2020 with travel dates between March 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021: No change fees for rebooked travel that begins on or before May 31, 2022. Please note that a fare difference may apply for each change that is made. | Hawaiian Airlines COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-367-5320 |
Iberia | Customers affected by any of the following circumstances less than 15 days before departure can change the date of their flight free of charge or get a refund in the form of a voucher to swap for tickets and services in the Booking Management section of our website: 1. New entry restrictions have been established at your destination. 2. You are affected by the sudden introduction of compulsory lockdown or quarantine measures at your destination that cannot be avoided by testing negative for COVID-19 just before travelling. 3. You are suddenly subject to lockdown or quarantine measures in your place of origin (lockdown imposed for your region, province, town or hospital zone; a household member tests positive for COVID-19, etc.). 4. You yourselves test positive for COVID-19 All you need to do is request it on our website [in Manage Your Booking] before check-in closes for the flight you are not going to be able to take. Alternatively, you can contact Customer Services to explain the reason why you can’t travel. TRAVEL VOUCHERS: Vouchers provide maximum flexibility because there are no date restrictions and they can be used for one or more flights until the balance has been used up. You can request your voucher from Booking Management. TRAVEL CHANGES: Changes are also permitted with the following exceptions: not valid for flights from December 4 to 9, 2020 from December 19, 2020 to January 10, 2021; and from March 24 to April 10, 2021. To make these changes, please contact your travel agency or submit your request through Booking Management. The above change and voucher refund options do not affect any other refund alternatives that apply to situations where you are unable to travel due to force majeure. In these cases, all requests must be submitted through our usual customer service channels. | Iberia COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-772-4642 |
Icelandair | CHANGE TICKET: If you have an existing booking made with Icelandair, you have the option to change your booking without a change fee. Fare difference may apply. You can request a change here. CANCEL TICKET: If you have an existing booking made with Icelandair, you have the option to cancel your booking and receive a Travel Credit Voucher, valid for 3 years. You can cancel and apply for a travel voucher here. if you booked through a third-party or travel agent, you must contact them directly. | icelandair COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-223-5500 |
JetBlue | We’re waiving change/cancel fees for customers with existing bookings made through June 7, 2021. If you choose to rebook, you can do so on any flight through the end of our schedule. Fare difference may apply. For voluntary cancellations, funds will be issued as a JetBlue Travel Bank Credit. JetBlue Vacations bookings will be issued as JetBlue Vacations Credit. Travel credits can be used for future travel to any JetBlue destination and for any traveler. FLIGHT CANCELLED: If your flight is cancelled by JetBlue and you had a confirmed reservation at the time of cancellation, the following options are available: 1. Travel on the next available JetBlue flight at no additional charge. 2. Receive a JetBlue Travel Bank Credit, valid toward future air travel on JetBlue. 3. Receive a refund to the original form of payment if your flight cannot be rebooked within 2 hours (120 minutes). Additionally, flights cancelled within 4 hours of scheduled departure are eligible for compensation under our Customer Bill of Rights. FLIGHT CHANGED BY jETBLUE: If your flight is changed by JetBlue, the following options are available based on the extent of the change: If your flight was changed by 60 minutes or less: Any additional voluntary changes you wish to make will be subject to applicable fees* and any increases in airfare. *Flights qualifying for our current fee waivers may be changed/cancelled without fee. If your flight was changed between 61 and 119 minutes: 1. You may travel on another JetBlue flight on the same day, the day prior, or the day after your original flight at no additional charge. 2. Cancel and receive a JetBlue Travel Bank Credit, valid toward future air travel on JetBlue. If your flight was changed by 2 hours or more (120 minutes): 1. You may travel on another JetBlue flight within 7 days before or after your original flight at no additional charge. 2. Cancel and receive a JetBlue Travel Bank Credit, valid toward future air travel on JetBlue. 3. Cancel and receive a refund to the original form of payment. If your flight was changed from nonstop to a connecting/stopover flight: 1. You may travel on another JetBlue flight within 7 days before or after your original flight at no additional charge. 2. Cancel and receive a JetBlue Travel Bank Credit, valid toward future air travel on JetBlue. 3. Cancel and receive a refund to the original form of payment. | JetBlue COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-538-2583 |
La Compagnie | La Compagnie has cancelled all flights until May 31, 2021. If your flight has been cancelled by La Compagnie in light of the Covid-19 situation, you have been notified directly via the contact details provided in your booking. If your reservation was made through a travel agency, we invite you to contact them. Any passenger with a valid booking for a flight date before May 31, 2021 can: 1. Reschedule the flight, free of charge, to a later date. 2. Get a voucher of the value of the flight, plus 15%, for future use (valid for 18 months on any routes). Any passenger with a valid booking for a flight date between June 1 and 30, 2021 can: 1. Reschedule the flight, free of charge, to a later date | La Compagnie COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-218-8187 |
LOT Polish Airlines | If you have a ticket for any cancelled flight scheduled between March 15, 2020 and May 31, 2021 you can take advantage of one of the following options to change your reservation: TRAVEL VOUCHER: Do you need more time to plan a new trip with LOT? You can contact us within up to a year of purchasing the original ticket and get a voucher. The value of the original ticket recorded on the voucher can be used for any flight from the LOT offer. The voucher will be valid for two years (24 months) after receipt. During this time, you can exchange the voucher for a new flight, which is scheduled within the next 12 months. Would you like to give the voucher to a relative or a friend? Not only the passenger can use the voucher for any flight, but also the person to whom it will be given. If the price of the new ticket for which you will exchange the voucher is lower, the difference is refunded as a new voucher, which is valid for 24 months from the date of issue. A voucher issued for a cancelled flight is refundable in full of the unused amount. You have the right to refund the voucher from the moment it is issued. After the expiry date, a refund of the unused voucher will be made after the passenger confirms the contact details and the form of payment in which the refund should be made. You can use the Ticket Change form – you will receive a confirmation of the exchange of your ticket for a voucher by e-mail. If you purchased your ticket through a travel agency, you can also exchange your ticket for a voucher through your travel agent. DATE CHANGES: If you don’t have any plans for your next trip yet, take your time. You can choose a new travel date for any date before December 31, 2021. If your trip takes place between March 15, 2020 and March 31, 2021, you can change your ticket free of charge within one year from purchase. You can choose a new travel date within one year from the original travel for any date before December 31, 2021 (the entire trip). Only one free-of-charge change is possible. If your trip begins on / after April 1, 2021 ticket can be changed without any additional cost within +/- 30 days since the original travel date. You do not pay the fare difference. If there are no flights available in schedule within +/- 30 days, they are counted from the first available scheduled flight. Only one free-of-charge change is possible. If you choose a date over 30 days and the originally purchased fare is not available, you will have to pay the difference according to the currently available fare. The new dates must be within one year from the original date of travel, but before December 31, 2021 (the entire trip). For tickets booked before December 31, 2020, in case of rebooking you will receive from us additional code entitling you to a 30% discount on your next LOT trip. The discounts apply to fare value, does not apply to fees and taxes. The promotional code will be valid for one year (12 months) after receipt. The code can be used to book any flights offered on the LOT route network, in all travel classes. You can use the Ticket Change form – you will receive a confirmation of change of your ticket reservation plus the code for a 30% discount by e-mail. If you purchased your ticket through a travel agency, you can also change your departure date via the same route. ROUTE CHANGES: You can exchange your ticket with the cancelled flight for a completely different route. Take your time before you plan your next flight – in the event of a cancelled flight, you can change the route of your travel within one year from the ticket issue date. For tickets issued before December 31, 2020 you will receive a discount of 200 PLN from the tariff difference value. Route change is possible in case of international flights. You can use the Ticket Change form – you will receive a confirmation of change the route of your journey by e-mail. If you purchased your ticket through a travel agency, you can also change the route through your travel agency. TICKET REFUND: If none of the above options is satisfactory for you, you can apply for a refund of your ticket. Any refunds may be granted only in accordance with the applicable fare conditions of the original ticket. In case of cancelled flight full refund of unused ticket is possible. You can return your ticket yourself by completing the Ticket Refund form. Due to the very high number of applications, the deadline for processing requests for refund has been significantly extended. Applications are handled in the order they are received and our consultants are working constantly to reduce the waiting time. | LOT Polish Airlines COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-212-789-0970 |
Lufthansa Group Airlines (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Air Dolomiti) | MILES & MORE AWARD TICKETS: No waiver policy in-place for award tickets issued by Miles & More. TICKET CHANGES: If one or more flights of your trip are cancelled, you have the following options: 1. If possible, we will rebook you once free of charge to an alternative flight to the same destination and in the same travel class. The rebooking must be made within the period of ticket validity (usually one year from the original departure date). To do so, please contact our Service Center or your travel agency as soon as possible. 2. All tickets issued before or on July 31, 2021, with a travel date between February 1, 2020 and August 31, 2021, can in addition be exchanged once to a new travel, including changes to your travel class, departure or destination airport *. New travel must start latest by July 31, 2022. The ticket will be recalculated and additional payment may be required if the new fare is higher. To do so, please contact our Service Center or your travel agency by August 31, 2021 and have your ticket number ready. If your flight is not cancelled but you would like to change your travel plans, you have the following options: 1. You may generally change your travel date once without a change fee. An additional payment may be required if the fare for the new flight is higher. The rebooking must be made prior to the original scheduled travel date. Please go to My Bookings to change your travel online or contact your travel agency. 2. All tickets issued before or on July 31, 2021, with a travel date between February 1, 2020 and August 31, 2021, can be exchanged once to a new travel, including changes to your travel class, departure or destination airport *. New travel must start latest by July 31, 2022. The ticket will be recalculated and additional payment may be required if the new fare is higher. To do so, please contact our Service Center or your travel agency by August 31, 2021 and have your ticket number ready. TRAVEL VOUCHER: Has your flight been cancelled or do you wish to travel at a later date? Tickets with travel starting within the European Union*, Switzerland, Great Britain or the USA that have been booked up to and including May 15, 2020, can be converted into a Flight Value Voucher. Click here to request the travel voucher. TICKET REFUND: Your itinerary contains one or more cancelled flights: – If you hold a ticket for a flight cancelled by Lufthansa and have not yet submitted it for refund, you can submit it here or to your travel agency. – If you have already submitted your refund request by phone or email, please do not re-submit your refund request as this can result in a delay in processing. – If your ticket is completely unused, the ticket price including all taxes and fees will be refunded to the original means of payment. – If you have used one or more flights from your ticket, the unused portion of the fare value, taxes and fees will be calculated for refund. Your itinerary contains no cancelled flights: Refunds are possible according to your fare conditions. The restrictions regarding refundability of the purchased fare apply. Depending on fare conditions and used flights, the refund value of fare, taxes and fees will be calculated and refunded to the original means of payment. Please go to My Bookings to cancel your trip and request a refund, or contact your travel agency. | Lufthansa Group Airlines COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-645-3880 (Lufthansa), 1-800-581-6400 (Miles & More) |
Malaysia Airlines | Due to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysia Airlines is extending its open ticket flexibility on all types of tickets issued on or before June 30, 2020 for travels between January 1, 2020 and March 27, 2021. Rebooking must be made by June 30, 2021 for travel to be completed by December 31, 2021. With the open ticket flexibility, passengers are entitled to unlimited date change and the flexibility to change their destination. However, a fare difference may apply if your new travel date’s fare is higher than the original ticket fare purchased. Fares will be reassessed at the time of your rebooking. In addition to the above, passengers who have experienced flight cancellations between January 1, 2020 and October 30, 2021 are eligible for one free change with no fare difference (subject to conditions) and change/ service fees waived. The ticket will be valid for rebooking by June 30, 2021 and for travel on or before December 31. 2021. | Malaysia Airlines COVID-19 Policy PHONE: +60-3-7843-3000 (No US number) or via the Contact Us page on their website |
Porter Airlines | Porter Airlines has suspended all flights until July 20. TICKET CHANGES: Flight change fee waiver applies to any Porter flight booking made before July 20, 2021, for travel within the next 12 months. Unlimited number of changes are permitted, applicable for all fares, including Basic. Fee waiver applies to changes made at least 24 hours before departure of your original flight. Fare differences and applicable taxes apply, subject to availability. Changes can be made online, by contacting your travel agent or by contacting the Porter Call Centre at 1-888-619-8622. TICKET CANCELLATIONS: Flight cancellation fee waiver applies to any Porter flight booking made before July 20, 2021. Flight cancellation fee waiver applies to cancellations made at least one hour before departure of your original flight. Cancellations to flights booked directly through Porter can be made online. If you’ve booked directly with Porter and you cancel, a credit will be issued; it must be used within 12 months of the original booking date. Travel credit is combinable, fully transferable and can be used multiple times until the full value of the credit has been used. To cancel a flight booked through a travel agent, please contact your travel agent to learn about available cancellation options. | Porter Airlines COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-888-619-8622 |
Qantas | QANTAS FREQUENT FLYER AWARD TICKETS: Changes on or before February 28, 2022: If you’re due to travel on a Classic Flight Reward booking (using Qantas Points) that was made before July 31, 2021 and wish to change your date of travel, you can do so by February 28, 2022 and we’ll waive the change fee. If you’re due to travel on a Classic Flight Reward booking (using Qantas Points) and wish to cancel your trip, you can do so by February 28, 2022 and we’ll waive the cancellation fee on bookings made up to July 31, 2021. The total Qantas Points used and any taxes, fees and carrier charges paid will be refunded. The points fee waiver applies to itineraries that consist only of Classic Flight Rewards. If you combine a Classic Flight Reward with a non-Classic Flight Reward fare, this fee waiver won’t apply. Changes after February 28, 2022: If you’re due to travel on a Classic Flight Reward booking (using Qantas Points) you may also change your plans, or cancel your booking, Our standard fare rules apply, so you may be charged a change or cancellation fee. If you cancel your booking, the total Qantas Points used and any taxes, fees and carrier charges paid will be refunded, less any cancellation fees. If your flight has been changed or cancelled by us, you won’t incur any fees. Visit Flexible Classic Flight Rewards for more information. TICKET CHANGES: Bookings on or before February 28, 2021: If you’re due to travel on a Qantas flight and wish to change your plans, you can cancel your booking and retain the full value as a Flight Credit. Request your Flight Credit before your scheduled date of departure. Then book and travel by December 31, 2023. When you’re ready to rebook, you’ll need to cover any fare increase in your new booking, if applicable. Plus, your Flight Credit can be used for multiple future bookings. Just book your Qantas flights and ensure all travel is completed before December 31, 2023. If you don’t use the full value of your Flight Credit in one transaction, we’ll issue you a new Flight Credit with the same expiry date. Find out more information on the terms and conditions that apply when using your Flight Credits. Bookings from 1 March 2021: If your plans have changed or you no longer wish to travel, visit Manage Booking to change your travel dates, or cancel your flight and request a Flight Credit to use the value towards a future flight of equal or higher value than your original booking. Your Flight Credit is valid for booking and travel within 12 months from your original booking date. Our standard fare rules apply, so you may be charged a change or cancellation fee. Visit Fly Flexible to see if you’re eligible for unlimited fee-free date changes. You’ll also need to cover any fare increase in your new booking, if applicable. To check your fare conditions for change and cancellation information, enter your last name and booking reference at Manage booking, then move down to the flight section. | Qantas COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-227-4500 |
Qatar Airways | We understand your need to feel safe, so that you can travel confidently during these times. That is why we are extending the validity of our guaranteed flexibility policy, applicable to tickets issued up to June 30, 2021 for travel up to May 31, 2022. There are four options to choose from: 1. Hold onto your ticket: Keep your ticket and use it when you are ready with our extended ticket validity, now valid for 2 years from the date of ticket issuance for greater flexibility. You can manage your booking here. 2. Unlimited changes: You can change your travel date and destination within the same booking class, as often as you need with no fees. (Fare difference will apply). You can manage your booking here. 3. Travel voucher (10% more value): For bookings made on qatarairways.com or on our app, you can also exchange the unutilized value of your ticket for a travel voucher with 10% more value. You can request your voucher here. 4. Ticket refunds: You also have the option to refund the unutilized value of your ticket to the original form of payment with no penalties or refund fees. You can request your refund here. | Qatar Airways COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-877-777-2827 |
Singapore Airlines | If you have a Singapore Airlines ticket issued between March 5, 2020 and June 30, 2021 (both dates inclusive), you can enjoy the flexibility to change your travel plans with complimentary rebooking. With complimentary rebookings, you can make unlimited changes to your booking before June 30, 2021, and one additional change after June 30, 2021. All change fees will be waived if your ticket is eligible for complimentary rebooking. All you have to do is pay the fare difference, if any. However, do note that all cancellations are subject to your ticket’s fare conditions. Any booking change you make must be before your original travel date or within a year of your ticket’s date of issue, whichever is earlier. For example, if your ticket was issued on 5 February 2021, you must make your changes before 5 February 2022. You can find your ticket’s date of issue in the e-ticket pdf attached to your booking confirmation email. | Singapore Airlines COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-742-3333 (Singapore Air), 1-312-843-5333 (KrisFlyer) |
South African Airways | South African Airways has suspended all domestic and regional flights until June 30, 2021, and all international flights until October 30, 2021. See site for specifics. | South African Airways COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-722-9675 |
Southwest | Southwest is unique in the airline industry because we do not charge fees to change or cancel flights. Nonrefundable tickets (Wanna Get Away fares) not flown on the travel date, but canceled in accordance with Southwest’s No Show policy, can be applied to future travel. Refundable tickets (Anytime and Business Select® fares) not flown on the travel date can also be applied to future travel. | Southwest COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-435-9792 |
Spirit | See site for specifics. | Spirit COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-801-401-2222 |
TAP Air Portugal | TAP MILES&GO AWARD TICKETS: For miles tickets purchased under the TAP Miles&Go Program, you may also change your reservation without paying the associated change fee. If refund is requested, all the miles will be refunded to the Client’s account and all the amounts paid in cash will be refunded by voucher, without charging the cancellation fee. PAID/REVENUE TICKETS: For tickets issued between January 20 and May 31, 2021, with an original travel date until December 31, 2021 also have access to more flexibility and can take advantage of a free change. If your flight is canceled, you can choose to reschedule it or request a refund to the original form of payment or by voucher. As of September 1, 2020, if you opt for a voucher refund, you will get an additional 10% of the initial amount. | TAP Air Portugal COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-903-7914 |
THAI | If you have a THAI ticket (ticket number starting with 217) originally issued on/before June 30, 2021 for travel on THAI and/or THAI Smile flights (excluding Group tickets), and you were due to travel up to September 30, 2021, you have the following two options available to you: 1. Extend the validity of the fully-unused ticket until December 31, 2022. When you are ready to rebook, please contact your travel agent if your original booking was made through one or contact your local THAI office if you booked directly with THAI. 2. If you are holding a Thai Airways fully unused ticket or you have applied for a refund, you can request a travel voucher of which the value is equivalent to the value of the current ticket. THAI will send you the THAI Travel Voucher of which the validity date is until December 2022. Please note that if you booked your original ticket through a travel agent in Europe, Australia or New Zealand, you must contact your travel agent for assistance with travel vouchers. | THAI COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-767-3598 |
Turkish Airlines | Our Flexible Travel application offers options: Purchase your tickets by December 31, 2021 (inclusive) and benefit from unlimited change rights until March 31, 2022 (inclusive). This applies to tickets that were made since March 21, 2020. | Turkish Airlines COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-874-8875 |
United Airlines | Customers with Basic Economy fare tickets issued between March 3, 2020, and April 30, 2021, or standard fare tickets issued between March 3, 2020, and May 31, 2021, will be permitted to change without paying a change fee. If the new flight is priced higher, the customer may change for no change fee but must pay the fare difference. If the new flight is priced lower, the customer may change without paying a change fee, and standard fare tickets may be given residual value in the form of a future flight credit. If you purchased your ticket from a third-party agency, please check with the issuing agency for the rules of your ticket. Contract fares such as special bulk fares sold by travel agencies (e.g., opaque) may not be eligible for free changes. Any changes or cancellations must occur prior to ticketed travel da | United Airlines COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-864-8331 |
Vietnam Airlines | Policy varies by route, please check the website. | Vietnam Airlines COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-866-677-8909 |
Virgin Atlantic | For all flights and holidays up to April 30, 2022, you can change your dates as often as you like*. You can even choose a different destination or make one name change** (if you’d like someone else to benefit from your ticket). You’ll just need to make sure you travel by April 30, 2023, and make any changes before your original departure date (three weeks before your Virgin Holiday). This policy applies to bookings made, on or after March 3, 2021. If you booked before this and would like to make a change, check out our earlier policies. Do bear in mind that any new travel arrangements are subject to availability, and there may be a fare difference to pay if you change your dates and the new fare is higher. There may be other charges to pay under our standard terms and conditions. If your flights are cancelled please refer to our flight disruptions page for more information. | Virgin Atlantic COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-862-8621 |
WestJet | CHANGE/CANCEL POLICY FOR FLIGHTS BOOKED BETWEEN MARCH 3, 2020 AND MAY 31, 2021: All flights booked between March 3, 2020 and May 31, 2021 will be allowed a $0 one-time fee waiver for changes or cancellations. Change or cancellation must be requested more than 24 hours from departure. Value of cancelled flights will be returned as a Travel Bank credit, valid for 24 months from the date your flight was cancelled. If you change your flight, the difference in fare applies. If the new fare is less, the difference will be returned as a Travel Bank credit. For changes or cancellations within 24 hours of travel, standard change and cancel fee rules apply. CHANGE/CANCEL POLICY FOR FLIGHTS BOOKED BEFORE MARCH 3, 2020: $0 one-time fee waiver for changes or cancellations. Change or cancellation must be requested at least 2 hours prior to departure. Value of cancelled flights will be returned as a credit to your Travel Bank, valid for 24 months from the date your flight was cancelled. If you change your flight, the difference in fare applies. If the new fare is less, the difference will be returned as a Travel Bank credit. For changes or cancellations within 2 hours of travel, standard change and cancel fee rules apply. | WestJet COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-888-937-8538 |
Airline responses to Coronavirus
As the outbreak spreads, airlines have seen both organic drops in demand and government-imposed restrictions on the routes they can operate. Here are a handful of updates, but you can find all the most recent news on this page:
- American Airlines has cut 75% of international routes and accelerated retirement of old airframes
- Austrian Airlines has suspended operations
- Delta Air Lines has grounded planes, and reduced capacity by 40%
- La Compagnie has suspended operations
- Norwegian has grounded planes and laid off employees
- SAS Scandinavian Airlines has suspended operations
- United Airlines has shared they are in a dire situation
Hotel Cancellation Policies
In general hotel bookings are more flexible than airline tickets, so unless you’ve booked a pre-paid reservation, you can typically cancel as little as 24 hours before arrival. The specifics will depend on the exact rate you booked, but there are also some blanket waivers due to coronavirus:
Here is the current list of hotel cancellation policies as of March 15, 2024:
Hotel Brand | Waiver Policy | Further Details |
|---|---|---|
Accor | Booked a non-flexible rate directly with Accor and need to cancel? FOR HOTELS WORLDWIDE (EXCEPT IN BRAZIL): Guest who planned to stay in one of our hotels prior to and inclusive of June 30, 2021 may modify their reservation for a later date without any modification fees subject to availability and applicable rates and conditions) or request a credit voucher for the full amount of the original booking value for use at a future date, (all at once or over several occasions), at the same hotel within 18 months of the voucher issue date. If the booked hotel is closed at the date of your stay, or if the hotel is not allowed to accommodate the guest based on official orders, you can cancel your reservation free of charge and receive a full refund. FOR HOTELS IN BRAZIL: Guest who planned to stay in one of our hotels prior to and inclusive of December 31, 2021 may modify their reservation for a later date without any modification fees subject to availability and applicable rates and conditions) or request a credit voucher for the full amount of the original booking value for use at a future date, (all at once or over several occasions), at the same hotel within 18 months of the voucher issue date. If the booked hotel is closed at the date of your stay, or if the hotel is not allowed to accommodate the guest based on official orders, you can cancel your reservation free of charge and receive a full refund. | Accor COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-844-382-2267 |
Airbnb | None at this time. | Airbnb COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-855-424-7262 |
Best Western | None at this time. | Best Western COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-780-7234 |
Choice Hotels | None at this time. | Choice Hotels COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-888-770-6800 |
Four Seasons | For guests with existing individual reservations for any future arrival date, including pre-paid reservations, full changes or cancellations are permitted at no charge up to 24 hours prior to arrival, as long as the change or cancellation is made by June 30, 2021*. Some exclusions may apply during holiday periods, and to certain promotional rates. Please note that changes to an existing reservation will be subject to availability and any rate differences. | Four Seasons COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-819-5053 |
Hilton | None at this time. | Hilton COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-888-446-6677 |
Hotels.com | None at this time. | Hotels.com COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-807-6641 |
Hyatt | Reservations booked prior to July 1, 2020: With some very limited exceptions, reservations booked before July 1, 2020 can be cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival. This includes Advance Purchase Rate reservations. Reservations made after April 1, 2020 at select Destination by Hyatt properties or under the Special Event Rates and after June 3, 2020 at Hyatt Residence Club properties are excluded from this and subject to the cancellation, deposit and/or refund policy disclosed at the time of reservation. Please visit the Change and Cancellation Fee Waiver Exceptions for a list of excluded Destination by Hyatt and Hyatt Residence Club properties. World of Hyatt members: Subject to certain restrictions, reservations confirmed or changed by an Explorist, Globalist or Lifetime Globalist can be canceled up to 24 hours before the hotel or resort check-in time when the hotel’s or resort’s cancellation period is not more than 48 hours prior to check-in. This cancellation benefit does not apply: (i) to reservations at Hyatt Residence Club or Miraval resorts; (ii) where the rate is pre-paid and/or non-refundable; (iii) when the hotel’s or resort’s cancellation period is more than 48 hours; or (iv) for reservations booked at corporate negotiated or group contract rates. | Hyatt COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-888-344-9288 |
IHG | None at this time. | IHG COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-877-424-2449 |
Marriott | In general, for guests with existing reservations made before July 6, 2020, for any future arrival date, the policies that were in place at the time of reservation, or as previously communicated, will continue to be honored. For guests with reservations made on or after July 6, 2020, for arrival dates through August 31, 2021, we will allow the reservation to be changed or cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled arrival date. Reservations with pre-paid rates and other limited exclusions* will be subject to the rate offer rules communicated at the time of reservation. Please note that changes to the reservation will be subject to availability and any rate differences. | Marriott COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-535-4028 |
MGM Resorts | None at this time. | MGM Resorts COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-866-761-7111 |
Radisson Hotels | None at this time. | Radisson Hotels COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-800-333-3333 |
Walt Disney Resorts | None at this time. | Walt Disney Resorts COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-407-939-4357 |
Wyndham | For direct bookings made before June 6, 2020, for stays after June 30, 2020, all of our properties are required to accommodate non-cancellable rate reservation changes if the request is received at least 48 hours prior to arrival and the same number of room nights or more are booked for a future stay. Guests who are prohibited from traveling to their booked hotel under applicable law will have their cancellation or change penalties waived on direct bookings. | Wyndham COVID-19 Policy PHONE: 1-866-996-7937 |
Loyalty Program Status Questions and Extensions
Many frequent travelers have expressed concern about their elite status for the 2021 qualification year. With a shortened business travel season due to the coronavirus outbreak, some people have already missed out on a month or two of scheduled travel, and that is likely to expand as the virus spreads.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but there are bigger things to worry about right now, and as the knock on effects of the pandemic hit airlines particularly hard, it is more than possible that many of these companies won’t exist at the end of 2021, or be in a position to offer status extensions of any sort. Those that survive, however, will likely be courting travelers in the coming months or years, though it may take some time for programs to figure out how best to do that. As Ben noted a few weeks ago:
In many cases I can’t help but feel like loyalty program executives have completely forgotten that they can also use their frequent flyer programs to fill seats on planes.
So we’ll add to this list as programs announce what they are doing in terms of status and benefits, but the current situation is as follows:
Airline loyalty programs
- Aer Lingus AerClub has given a status extension of 12 months to those with membership anniversary dates between July 2, 2020 and July 31, 2021
- Air Canada Aeroplan Altitude status will be extended through December 31, 2021; if you achieve Altitude status this year you will be able to gift that status to a friend or loved one as well
- Air France/KLM Flying Blue has given status extensions of 12 months to those with membership qualification periods ending between March 2020 and February 2021
- Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan has given a one year status extension to all members
- American Airlines AAdvantage status will be extended through January 31, 2022
- British Airways has given a one year status extension to all members
- Cathay Pacific Asia Miles has given a one year status extension to all members
- Delta Air Lines has given a one year status extension to all members
- El Al Matmid has given a status extension until the end of 2022
- Emirates Skywards has given status extensions of 12 months to those with tier status review dates between September 2020 and August 2021
- Finnair Plus has given a six-month status extension to all members
- jetBlue TrueBlue current Mosaic status will be extended through December 31, 2021
- Miles & More status will be extended through February 28, 2022 if you do not renew your status in 2019 or 2020
- Qantas Frequent Flyer is providing a 12-month status extension to eligible members who reside in Australia or New Zealand provided that before the end of their current membership year (must be between March 31 and December 31, 2021), they make at least one new eligible booking for travel before the end of 2021
- Qatar Privilege Club has given a one year status extension to all members
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer has given a one year status extension to all members with memberships expiring from March 2020 through to February 2021
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Companion Pass holders who earned Companion Pass benefits through December 31, 2020 will have their benefits extended through December 31, 2021; A-List and A-List Preferred members who earned status through December 31, 2020 will have their status extended through December 31, 2020
- United Airlines MileagePlus has given a one year status extension to all members
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club has given a status extension of 12 months
Hotel loyalty programs
- Accor Live Limitless status will be extended through December 31, 2021
- Best Western is extending elite status through January 31, 2022
- Hilton has given a one year status extension to all members
- IHG Rewards Club has given a one year status extension to all members
- Marriott Bonvoy has given a one year status extension to all members
- Radisson Rewards status will be extended through February 28, 2022
- World of Hyatt has given a one year status extension to all members
- Wyndham Rewards status will be extended through December 31, 2021
Travel Insurance Policies
Many of the credit cards in the US that offer travel coverage allow you to cancel if you or a family member become ill or are quarantined, but they don’t have clear language on what happens if you are scheduled to visit a place where a quorum of other people are ill.
Similarly, some of the disaster and medical evacuation plans out there won’t transport you if you are the one with an infectious disease.
If you purchased a separate policy for travel booked prior to the widespread outbreak, you are likely to be covered for cancelations and expenses related to the coronavirus.
If you bought travel insurance after the outbreak spread, however, there is an implication that you understood the risk of a “known or forseen event”, and you may not be covered.
So read up on all the fine print, and make sure you understand your options.
The Latest Travel Advisories
Here’s a high-level overview of worldwide travel restrictions (not Residence or Passport specific).
The U.S. / European travel ban
The ban applies to countries in the Schengen Area, which are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Effective March 16th, the restriction will apply to foreign nationals departing from the United Kingdom and Ireland as well.
Is it safe to travel to X?
This is a much more difficult question than it was in March, when our answer was unequivocally “No.”. COVID-19 is now a global pandemic, and it is reasonable to assume that all countries potentially have this coronavirus within their borders.
However, at this point the much greater concern is where you are traveling from. With the lack of contact tracing protocol in the United States, most countries with robust public health infrastructure are implementing significant entry restrictions against U.S. residents. On the flip side, the handful of countries still allowing U.S. residents without restriction are often those without the resources or political will to properly respond to a pandemic. Although there are exceptions for essential travel, but we would suggest considering the intent of these policies and the impact on global spread when determining whether or not to travel somewhere.
Given that governments worldwide are recommending (or enforcing) quarantines and social distancing, you should realistically try to stay home and limit interaction with outsiders as much as possible. That’s hard for us to say as people who love aviation, and run two travel-focused companies, but the sooner we get through this, the sooner we can start to recover.
United States To Require COVID Testing
- This will apply to all international travelers two years or older arriving into the US by air, including citizens and foreigners; foreign travel includes travel from anywhere that isn’t a state, territory, or possession of the United States
- Viral testing will be required, and either a nucleic acid amplification test or rapid antigen test is acceptable
- The testing must be done within three calendar days of the journey to the United States departing (if you are connecting, the test needs to be performed within three calendar days of that first flight, as long as you have no layover of more than 24 hours)
- As an alternative, passengers can show written or electronic documentation of recovery from COVID-19 after previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in the form of a positive viral test result and a letter from a licensed health care provider or public health official stating the passenger has been cleared to travel
- Airlines must confirm the negative test results for passengers at the time of check-in
- Exceptions to this rule apply for airline crews; furthermore, if the CDC determines that a foreign country lacks sufficient testing capabilities, further exceptions can be made, but no such list has been published yet
Airline Screening Procedures
We’ve seen airlines significantly improve cleaning procedures and require passengers and employees to wear masks. Beyond that, though, we haven’t seen particularly widespread new airline screening procedures.
Typically airline screening procedures are dictated by requirements either at the origin or destination of a flight. For example, on flights to Canada passengers’ temperatures have to be taken, while other countries may require proof of negative coronavirus tests for entry.
Which airlines are blocking seats or reducing capacity?
At this point, most airlines have stopped blocking seats due to Coronavirus concerns. Airline executives have made the (valid) point that blocking middle seats doesn’t do as much to reduce spread as requiring face coverings and other measures.
However, the practical effect of blocking middle seats is to reduce the number of passengers by 1/3, which does help to reduce exposure by limiting crowding in the airport, at the gate, and in-flight. Exposure to fewer people means fewer chances to spread or catch the virus, so we would recommend choosing a carrier that is underselling flights if at all possible:
Airline face mask policies
If you are outside your home and unable to maintain physical distancing (such as in an airport or on an airplane) face coverings are the best way to help reduce the number of virus particles floating around in the air.
Wearing one is responsible, yes, even if you think you are “healthy” given the long incubation period of this virus, and refusing to do so “on principle” only serves to identify you as the same kind of selfish individual who plays media in crowded spaces without headphones or has shouting conference calls on speakerphone in airline lounges. It’s rude, and frankly unacceptable in the public sphere.
Additionally, refusing to follow flight attendant instructions (including to wear a face covering) can result in being banned from an airline for life. Don’t let that happen to you. There are lots of great options for face coverings these days, including options that don’t hook onto your ears and can be more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time. Besides, covering your nose and mouth in public is a small concession to make to allow travel and society in general to resume.
We’ll do our best to update this page as things change — please let us know in the comments if there is anything we missed!
So your Delta safety video post
You’re saying the mask mandate would be lifted in September
Why right before flu season
I hope they extend it
Thanks for this very useful article!
We were supposed to start a one-year-long world trip in April that obviously didn't happen.
As we had two weddings to come back to Europe to, we booked several flights in advance.
One was booked through Expedia and was supposed to take us to South Africa with Ethiopian Airlines - still haven't heard back from them.
Lufthansa gave us "flight credits" but failed to give...
Thanks for this very useful article!
We were supposed to start a one-year-long world trip in April that obviously didn't happen.
As we had two weddings to come back to Europe to, we booked several flights in advance.
One was booked through Expedia and was supposed to take us to South Africa with Ethiopian Airlines - still haven't heard back from them.
Lufthansa gave us "flight credits" but failed to give us an update which made us miss the deadline for a rebooking.
Skytours gave us a voucher that we can use until the end of 2022.
In total, we probably lost about 6000 € in flights only :-(
But hey, we did a road trip through Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Greece this summer, which was great.
And now, we managed to get to Costa Rica to still get a bit of "world trip-feeling".
It was a bit of an administrative struggle to get in but it all worked out and I must say we feel very safe because of these strict measures.
Hi .. Thank you for your efforts .. But i have suggestion regarding this post .
I see that you didn't update the restriction and boarders opening updates .. specially the announcements issued by the official government of certain countries , for example that Georgia announced few days back regarding opening the boarders to the tourists starting 1 July . and Turkey announce that it will be open for medication tourist starting from 1...
Hi .. Thank you for your efforts .. But i have suggestion regarding this post .
I see that you didn't update the restriction and boarders opening updates .. specially the announcements issued by the official government of certain countries , for example that Georgia announced few days back regarding opening the boarders to the tourists starting 1 July . and Turkey announce that it will be open for medication tourist starting from 1 June or some time in June .
i believe the update is necessary for this post other wise its only historical information not reflecting the currant status .
Thank you
Hi,
Anyone has much luck with lifemiles via [email protected] or their call centers? I called up the (800) 284-2622 (option 2 - for English) and (option 3 - for lifemiles) and got no options for an English speaking lifemiles redemption changes. I had emailed them a couple weeks ago via their site and [email protected], and received a response that all COVID-19 related changes have to be called in. With the call center being "closed", how...
Hi,
Anyone has much luck with lifemiles via [email protected] or their call centers? I called up the (800) 284-2622 (option 2 - for English) and (option 3 - for lifemiles) and got no options for an English speaking lifemiles redemption changes. I had emailed them a couple weeks ago via their site and [email protected], and received a response that all COVID-19 related changes have to be called in. With the call center being "closed", how do one even make any changes?
Any help is much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
This overview is one of the most helpful travel websites out there currently, many thanks!
I had an international flight with Turkish airline schedule for April that was cancelled by the airline. They offered a full refund and I got a confirmation that it will be refunded to my credit card account with which I bought the tickets. However, they neglected to tell me in the first place that there will be a delay. I didn't see the money so I called back to ask, and just now learned that...
I had an international flight with Turkish airline schedule for April that was cancelled by the airline. They offered a full refund and I got a confirmation that it will be refunded to my credit card account with which I bought the tickets. However, they neglected to tell me in the first place that there will be a delay. I didn't see the money so I called back to ask, and just now learned that they will deposit the refund * two months after the emergency situation is over *.
Good to know... poor service not letting me know in the first place.
I don't appreciate how out of date some of the info here is given it was updated 'today'. In regards to the airline status extension, Qantas & Virgin Australia should be there. United and Singapore Airlines have also announced status extension programs to all members
Single data point:
LH SFO-FRA-RUH and return flights for 4/9 were canceled since Saudi Arabia is completely closed to air traffic.
Had prepared myself for pushback from LH over a refund, and while I was given a hard sell to take a voucher, the refund is on its way (presumably, still no email confirmation of it).
I see all airlines listed EXCEPT Allegiant. We are supposed to be on a plant 4-4-2020 to head to a cruise that was canceled by the president in March. I have called the airline and they refuse to give me a refund. this trip was for my twin seniors spring break. I did not want to cancel at all but the cruise was canceled and therefore, the hotel and flights need to be canceled. The...
I see all airlines listed EXCEPT Allegiant. We are supposed to be on a plant 4-4-2020 to head to a cruise that was canceled by the president in March. I have called the airline and they refuse to give me a refund. this trip was for my twin seniors spring break. I did not want to cancel at all but the cruise was canceled and therefore, the hotel and flights need to be canceled. The hotel was not a problem at all, they were great and completely understood. The airline is being less than stellar. I will not be able to use an FCV as my twins will be going to different universities and their breaks do not line up.
Please help
Shelly
Wow, Ryanair - usually not the most customer-friendly carrier - expedited refunding my easter flight with just a three clicks. Credit where credit is due.
BTW, the German cabinett is pushing the EU-Commission very hard to implement a "Voucher Only" process of refunding flights affected by the corona pandemic. So if you are after getting money back, you may want to speed up your efforts.
Stay healthy and positive everyone!
Per the Alaska fine print, waiver for award flights is only applicable to those ticketed by Alaska itself, exclusive of its partners' flights.
"This waiver is valid only for tickets issued by Alaska Airlines, which you can identify by a 13-digit ticket number that begins with Alaska Airlines code "027".
Tickets issued by other airlines with a different carrier code (ticket numbers that don’t begin with “027”) are subject to the waiver policy of...
Per the Alaska fine print, waiver for award flights is only applicable to those ticketed by Alaska itself, exclusive of its partners' flights.
"This waiver is valid only for tickets issued by Alaska Airlines, which you can identify by a 13-digit ticket number that begins with Alaska Airlines code "027".
Tickets issued by other airlines with a different carrier code (ticket numbers that don’t begin with “027”) are subject to the waiver policy of the other airline."
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/advisories/travel-advisories?int=AS_FLIGHTDEALS_-prodID:Awareness
you are missing the policy for Copa Airlines:
https://www.copaair.com/en/web/ca/coronavirus-updates
I am getting very disappointed with travel situations where you are supposed to get a credit for future travel.
I thought my reservation for travel is for day and time certain, and if the company can't provide that day and time certain, a credit is really not acceptible.
How is best way to deal with this, currently I am asking my credit card company to dispute the fees.
I have a cruise booked April 19....
I am getting very disappointed with travel situations where you are supposed to get a credit for future travel.
I thought my reservation for travel is for day and time certain, and if the company can't provide that day and time certain, a credit is really not acceptible.
How is best way to deal with this, currently I am asking my credit card company to dispute the fees.
I have a cruise booked April 19. the cruise line cancelled all cruises up through april 11. But have no clue as to what happens after the 11th.
Living in a state with lock down, and in a situation of being of an age with certain health problems I don't find that a cruise ship can adhere to mandatory separation especially for meals, and shows. let alone all else going on on board.
So is a refund something that should happen?
So if I have a Lufthansa ticket for a cancelled flight next week, I don't need to do anything to receive credit? Will that just happen automatically? Just look out for an e-mail.
I had to call them for a change pre-COVID, and that was emotional enough. These are difficult times and 30 minutes of hold to talk to an angry fraulein might just push me over the edge.
Also, who is re-booking these flights? We can have no idea when things will go back to normal.
Has anyone else figured out how to call in to Avianca LifeMiles service center to have a Star Alliance award ticket canceled and the miles redeposited? When I call the 800 number there isn't even an option to talk to someone live! You just sort of wind up cycling through menus without being able to reach anyone....would hate to lose the 100K miles I used for the ticket (and the partner airline cancelled the flight...
Has anyone else figured out how to call in to Avianca LifeMiles service center to have a Star Alliance award ticket canceled and the miles redeposited? When I call the 800 number there isn't even an option to talk to someone live! You just sort of wind up cycling through menus without being able to reach anyone....would hate to lose the 100K miles I used for the ticket (and the partner airline cancelled the flight to boot)....of course, that problem does seem small compared to extended quarantines, mass sickness/death, losing one's job and a 30% plunge in net worth....all things many, if not most of us are facing now....
@Nicholas - how long did it take for LifeMiles to get back to you after you e-mailed them at [email protected]?
FYI on AA—they are charging redeposit fees for award tickets with travel in April. Booked two tickets early Feb for mid April travel. Tried to cancel and said it would be $150 to redeposit (for each account) or I can use miles for another ticket by Feb 2021. For now will just wait it out and see if they cancel flight
No mention about traveling to the Caribbean (specifically Turks & Caicos) ?? Is this a safe area?
Thanks for all your work Tiffany.
@ Charlie7927 -- We would recommend that you stay home at this time; less concern about where you're thinking of going, and more where you're coming from.
Singapore bans all transfers in Changi from 23 March 11.59pm.
While there's no official policy as such, Booking.com now has a link under the cancel button where you can request that the property provides a full refund on any non-refundable bookings. I've had success on 3 bookings, failure on 2. Better than nothing.
Can you please add Free Night Certificate expiration extension? I think Marriott and Hilton are offering that, but not IHG and Hyatt. I suspect Hyatt eventually will because it is consumer friendly.
This is great, but a few inaccuracies
1) The UK does not have any travel restrictions. The US, however has imposed travel restrictions on Foreign Nationals that have been in the UK in the previous 14 days. This should be listed under the US, not the UK.
2) Canada states Borders closed to non-residents, effective March 16. However there is an exception for US Residents. Land Borders are restricted to essential travel only. It does...
This is great, but a few inaccuracies
1) The UK does not have any travel restrictions. The US, however has imposed travel restrictions on Foreign Nationals that have been in the UK in the previous 14 days. This should be listed under the US, not the UK.
2) Canada states Borders closed to non-residents, effective March 16. However there is an exception for US Residents. Land Borders are restricted to essential travel only. It does not appear that this restriction applies to Air Travel.
3) Similar to Canada, Mexico has new Land Border restrictions that also limit non-essential travel. Again, I do not think that these apply to air travel at this time.
I didn't see Qatar Air.
And tell your friends at the little airline that thinks they invented First Class : get rid of the front line idiots in the Phoenix Call center that don't know their job
Thanks for putting this together. Unfortunately, your note regarding award tickets on United is not accurate based on my experience as a Million Mile Flyer:
"Award tickets for travel through April 30, 2020 are not being charged redeposit fees (based on our experience so far after calling in)."
I've spoken with two agents and both say they are not permitted to make exceptions to the policy. United is charging $75/ticket redeposit fees even though...
Thanks for putting this together. Unfortunately, your note regarding award tickets on United is not accurate based on my experience as a Million Mile Flyer:
"Award tickets for travel through April 30, 2020 are not being charged redeposit fees (based on our experience so far after calling in)."
I've spoken with two agents and both say they are not permitted to make exceptions to the policy. United is charging $75/ticket redeposit fees even though they messaged "no change fees" and nothing regarding penalties on award tickets to encourage people to book flights.
What about countries like Ethiopia, Djibouti, Mauritania and eritrea don't they count for anything given they aren't on the list!
In terms of the travel vouchers (specifically for KLM-Air France), would it be a voucher with a dollar value or basically a voucher that gets you an economy ticket of the same type that you originally booked. I ask because I got a very decent fare for two round trips to Canada from Europe and it would be sad if in the end, I would still need to pay the difference (even if the fare...
In terms of the travel vouchers (specifically for KLM-Air France), would it be a voucher with a dollar value or basically a voucher that gets you an economy ticket of the same type that you originally booked. I ask because I got a very decent fare for two round trips to Canada from Europe and it would be sad if in the end, I would still need to pay the difference (even if the fare class remained the same). As in, I spent 500$ on a round trip but I don't know what date to change it to since I'm not sure when the travel ban will be lifted so I request a voucher. Once I realize when I can travel, I go back to book a ticket, however there are no tickets for that value. Anyone can provide insight? Thank you.
You’re missing a couple airlines under the status extension, virgin Australia are giving people status credits (varying based on level of status) and extending status 12 months. And Qantas is also extending everyone’s status by 12 months
Just to add a bit of additional detail to the entry for Jordan (above, in the list of countries):
"As of March 17, 2020, the Government of Jordan will suspend all flights to and from Jordan. U.S. citizen tourists should contact their airlines to change their flights accordingly. Land and sea borders are closed to passenger traffic. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice."
...Just to add a bit of additional detail to the entry for Jordan (above, in the list of countries):
"As of March 17, 2020, the Government of Jordan will suspend all flights to and from Jordan. U.S. citizen tourists should contact their airlines to change their flights accordingly. Land and sea borders are closed to passenger traffic. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice."
From: https://jo.usembassy.gov/health-alert-government-of-jordan-suspends-flights-as-of-march-17-march-14-2020/
Tiffany: What happens with paid seat upgrades on Alaska? Do they also get rolled into the change/cancel policies or are we SOL?
Can you put a little note in the title which tells us that you’ve just copied a post from a few days ago so we don’t have to click it and check.
We have flights booked on LaCompagnie and have been offered the option of postponing the flights or getting a refund. I'm concerned that since the airline only travels between the US and France, that they might have to declare bankruptcy. Given that there is no way to know what the situation will be a month or two from now, we're leaning towards requesting a refund. We paid around $2500 for two round trip tickets, a...
We have flights booked on LaCompagnie and have been offered the option of postponing the flights or getting a refund. I'm concerned that since the airline only travels between the US and France, that they might have to declare bankruptcy. Given that there is no way to know what the situation will be a month or two from now, we're leaning towards requesting a refund. We paid around $2500 for two round trip tickets, a great price, but not useful if the airline goes out of business. But we probably would have to pay significantly more than that if we end up re-booking the flights for late May or early June. Any advice?
@ Peacenrespect -- This pandemic is not political. Try showing some respect.
@ Tiffany -- Where's Korean on yout list?
If anyone has the uncapped free night award from IHG left to use, try emailing corporate. I still had one due to expire on March 26, 2020 and got the current one deleted and a new one reissued with a one year extension. And it looks like the uncapped portion also transferred over.
Thailand
In addition to the information above, arrivals are now required to present a valid medical certificate ( no older than 72 hours) as well as details of a travel insurance policy covering medical/hospital treatment.
if you're updating the country list, Sri Lanka is essentially closed. No arrivals allowed from March 19 for at least two weeks. Departures are allowed but I think flights are drying up as you would expect. I got out on 3/18. I believe my original departing flight for 3/22 to DOH has been canceled. Country is currently under a curfew since 6PM on 3/20 until 6AM on 3/23. All national parks have been closed since 3/15 for at least 2 weeks. Schools also closed.
@Thomas M.
I managed to get the miles redeposited on a Star Alliance partner award (ANA flight, still hasn't been cancelled).
I forwarded the booking confirmation to [email protected] and requested a cancellation and miles redeposit without penalty as instructed by the call-center.
I think hotels.com implemented a new policy. I was recently able to cancel my non-refundable booking for a full refund. https://www.hotels.com/page/coronavirus-booking-information/
Note that Aer Lingus information is outdated. Aer Lingus now offers rebooking without fees or flight vouchers for total flight costs +10%.
Japan has updated its restrictions. Effective March 21 Visitors/Travelers (Including Japanese) arriving in Japan from following countries/regions will be asked to first stay at designated facilities for 14 days, and to avoid using any public transportation.
Member state of Schengen Agreement(*), Ireland, Andorra, Iran, United Kingdom, Egypt, Cyprus, Croatia, San Marino, Vatican, Bulgaria, Monaco, Romania
(*) Iceland, Italy, Estonia, Austria, Netherlands, Greece, Swiss, Sweden, Spain, Slovak, Slovenia, Czech, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Hungary, Finland, France, Belgium,...
Japan has updated its restrictions. Effective March 21 Visitors/Travelers (Including Japanese) arriving in Japan from following countries/regions will be asked to first stay at designated facilities for 14 days, and to avoid using any public transportation.
Member state of Schengen Agreement(*), Ireland, Andorra, Iran, United Kingdom, Egypt, Cyprus, Croatia, San Marino, Vatican, Bulgaria, Monaco, Romania
(*) Iceland, Italy, Estonia, Austria, Netherlands, Greece, Swiss, Sweden, Spain, Slovak, Slovenia, Czech, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Hungary, Finland, France, Belgium, Poland, Portuguese, Malta, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg
Southwest is refusing to give back money
In travel funds accounts. They are not
Extending any fund deadline dates. They will keep our $308. It is OUR money. If you cancel an upcoming flight, that money will go to travel funds and THEY will KEEP
it too. At this time with the Coronavirus
Threat, their policy must change!
Hello!
Does anyone know anything about Avianca‘s policy for reward tickets on partner airlines (Swiss)?
Here is the latest policy for Aegean:
https://en.about.aegeanair.com/media-center/press-releases/2020/aegean-to-offer-greater-flexibility/
Seems to me that the windows of opportunity to change most airline travel bookings are far too short, unless there will be rolling deadlines, which no airline, travel provider or hotel group has indicated.
The notion that you may be able to confidently re-book by, say, April 1, or May 1, or whatever, is fanciful and totally unrealistic. This thing is gonna be with us for at least the next 6 months, probably longer.
Seems to me that the windows of opportunity to change most airline travel bookings are far too short, unless there will be rolling deadlines, which no airline, travel provider or hotel group has indicated.
The notion that you may be able to confidently re-book by, say, April 1, or May 1, or whatever, is fanciful and totally unrealistic. This thing is gonna be with us for at least the next 6 months, probably longer.
In some cases the original reason for travel may have passed (family event, business conference, using annual leave, etc, etc.) and nothing less than a full refund, or fee-free redeposit of miles will do. Credits for later use may not cut it. I get it that every airline needs to hold on to every penny they can, but the flying public is not their piggy-bank. So, get with the program guys, and do the right thing! Your meanness will not be forgotten.
@Tiffany Thank you for all the information. For Canada, beginning March 18, 2020 the Government of Canada will, for air travel specifically: Bar foreign nationals from all countries except the United States from entering Canada.
It was announced Yesterday afternoon https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/16/prime-minister-announces-new-actions-under-canadas-covid-19-response
Sudan has closed all airports and borders. I know this isn't a country most people visit, but it is relevant to some.
Thank you, Tiffany. This is an amazing resource -- better than something I would expect from a major newspaper! Y'all have done a great job during such a crazy time. This is but one of the reasons why OMAAT is the single best travel site on the web.
Thanks Tiffany! BTW, you may want to check the travel advisory for Chile. Since March 18 the country is shutting down it’s borders (land, sea and air) to foreigners for 15 days.
(https://www.gob.cl/noticias/chile-ingresa-fase-4-por-coronavirus-y-presidente-anuncia-cierre-de-fronteras-y-asegura-cadena-de-abastecimiento/) I couldn’t find a link in english, sorry.
@Tiffany great bit of work thanks, VS made some sizeable changes to their policies last night and published here;
https://flywith.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/news/coronavirus/cancelled-flight.html
Great, great work. Thank you.
Has anyone worked out applicable fees for a Qantas refund cancellation. I'm hesitant to cancel for voucher as they state it has to be used prior to 7 November and I suspect there may be some price goughing closer to the 7 Nov expiration date.
Tiffany, if my flight has been cancelled or substantially delayed, can I just get a refund through my credit card company? That would be much better for me than a voucher. Do you know if the major credit card companies, like American Express, allow this?
I don’t understand why you claim travel to China isn’t possible at this time. It definitely is, if you’re willing to either 14-day quarantine at a gov. hotel, or do a full day of testing to be cleared to enter. This is the current policy for Beijing. I also would say that China may be the safest place to be right now, with very very little growth in cases. They have it under control.
What should I do about my Delta ticket that was meant for attending a convention in April. The convention cancelled. Changing my flight won't work in this case.
Thanks Tiffany - a friend is stuck in Peru and she had been told about the mandatory quarantine but it's good to have the link to an official source!
Very, very impressive work, Tiffany. This must have taken forever to compile.
Thanks all -- I had lots of help in putting the charts together (obviously not many new travel bookings right now, and we have smart people that we want to keep working). We'll do what we can to keep everything updated as frequently as possible, and really appreciate the notes here when things change.
BTW - Well done! Clearly this was a lot of work - will be super useful to us all.
I'm quite confused by the China entry. It says "you can't realistically travel to China at this time." I was looking at this this afternoon, and what I read is that if you travel to Sichuan, Shanghai, Guangdong, or Beijing from the USA, you must quarantine for 14 days, while other parts of the country allow free transit.
It would be great if you published an article on what hotels in Shanghai and Beijing are...
I'm quite confused by the China entry. It says "you can't realistically travel to China at this time." I was looking at this this afternoon, and what I read is that if you travel to Sichuan, Shanghai, Guangdong, or Beijing from the USA, you must quarantine for 14 days, while other parts of the country allow free transit.
It would be great if you published an article on what hotels in Shanghai and Beijing are available to stay at for self-quarantine, particularly among Western hotels that offer loyalty programs. If you want to pay me, I'll write this article -- I have many contacts in the country -- and potentially another article about the experience of bringing my family back to China to wait out the epidemic. Many parts of China are probably among the safest places in the world to wait this out for now, owing to the careful surveillance and automated tracking/contact trackings via location-based miniapps built into WeChat. America should be embarrassed that months after China and others started sounding the alarm, even well-connected health care consumers in the US cannot easily get a test for COVID-19.
Super helpful! Thank you so much Tiffany!
@Tiffany or anyone,
Know if foreign national can fly into DEN via NRT as long as they have not been to China, Europe, etc in the last 14 days? I have a friend flying into DEN and want to double check to make sure he can gain entry into the US.
Thank you for this information - very useful! One request, can you add JAPAN AIRLINES on this list?
still, you can see Finnair is doing a great job, of the list of program waivers, Finnair Plus is offering the most straightforward and easy solution, a stark contrast against United's "lol get rekt" attitude.
Also, Finnair has allowed me to change flights with no cost whatsoever, which is way better than a lot of US and European airlines that charge exorbitant fare differences. Kudos to AY!
Today I canceled two British Airways avios bookings for AA flights for travel in March, first I tried changing them but the website tried to charge me the change fee (I think it was $55/person). Then I canceled them and I was not refunded the taxes. No big deal because it's not a lot of money but I thought they were waiving these fees.
Thanks Tiffany, super useful. I got an email alert from PlanMorTrips about cheap corona fare from NYC-LHR for $119 this week and was about to pull it, but checked your site and decided to stay home. Deal is still valid for anyone else thinking about it. I might book it for next month though assuming this all settles and I can cancel for free. https://planmoretrips.com/corona-virus-flight-deal-alerts/
This must have taken a lot of time to pull together. Thank you so much!
@Tiffany - with regards to KLM - are they allowing you to simply change the dates of an award booking? I booked a promo award and would rather just move the dates as I’m sure the amount of miles necessary is now much greater.
Can you please add TAP Air Portugal's policy to the list?
Qantas have just announced further cuts....copy and paste of their press announcement....
As a result of significant falls in travel demand due to Coronavirus, and new government restrictions across multiple jurisdictions in recent days, Qantas and Jetstar will make further and much larger cuts to domestic and international flying schedules.
To be phased in from the end of March 2020 onwards:
Total Group International capacity will be cut by around 90 per...
Qantas have just announced further cuts....copy and paste of their press announcement....
As a result of significant falls in travel demand due to Coronavirus, and new government restrictions across multiple jurisdictions in recent days, Qantas and Jetstar will make further and much larger cuts to domestic and international flying schedules.
To be phased in from the end of March 2020 onwards:
Total Group International capacity will be cut by around 90 per cent until at least the end of May 2020. This is up from a 23 per cent reduction for the fourth quarter of FY20 announced last week and largely reflects the demand impact of severe quarantine requirements on people’s ability to travel overseas.
Total Group Domestic capacity will be cut by around 60 per cent until at least the end of May 2020. This is a major increase from the 5 per cent reduction for the fourth quarter of FY20 and reflects a rapid decline in forward travel demand due to government containment measures, corporate travel bans and a general pullback from everyday activities across the community.
This represents the grounding of around 150 aircraft, including almost all of the Group’s wide-body fleet.
Previously announced cuts in place from end-May through to mid-September remain in place and are likely to be increased, depending on demand.
@ Tiffany - Figured, thanks. I'm EXP (thanks Hyatt credit card), so maybe they will give me a little more flexibility. For now, not cancelling any trips until 48 hour mark, so can hope there is some sort of policy change (although, that would likely require a ban on non-essential domestic travel).
Also just an idea: it would be awesome if this post was regularly updated and was pinned to the top of the OMaaT home page for the time being.
Thank you again for putting this together
@ Jack -- We're on it (or something similar), just some technical challenges :)
RE: Emirates. I'm confused by those affected by travel restrictions - "Travel Vouchers for ticketed value. -Refund of unutilised tickets" Does this mean we have a choice of voucher or refund? The wait time is crazy long so was trying to be prepared with specific facts before getting through to someone. Thanks.
Hey Tiffany. Any news on if you book through a 3rd party like hotels.com?
I cancelled a prepaid Westin stay today online 36hrs before check in and they refunded me nothing. Tried to call westin and they said had to speak to Hotels.com. Tried to call them and the lines are totally jammed so cancelled online rather than no- show. Is there a way of getting the Bonvoy policy of refund more than 24hrs out??
@ Charlie -- Right now hotels.com doesn't seem to have a blanket policy, but that is who you need to work with. I'd email or chat versus calling!
Tiffany, this is great. I have an honest question I think I know the answer to, but has not been covered. Will the "one time change with no fee" most airlines are currently providing operate as a travel credit for only that passenger (as southwest credits do), or is there some possibility of being able to use those funds for other passengers and/or consolidate multiple funds for a single trip?
I am going to have...
Tiffany, this is great. I have an honest question I think I know the answer to, but has not been covered. Will the "one time change with no fee" most airlines are currently providing operate as a travel credit for only that passenger (as southwest credits do), or is there some possibility of being able to use those funds for other passengers and/or consolidate multiple funds for a single trip?
I am going to have to cancel about 6 paid flights on AA over the next two months, 4 for pleasure and 2 for work. One of those is F tickets for the whole family to Hawaii, and the work trips are not going to get "rescheduled." If I am left with 6 credits that can only be used to rebook 6 separate trips, that's no good as some of the original trips will never happen. If I am left with a credit of the amount paid for 6 my flights that I can use for any number of trips before 12/31, but only for myself, that is slightly better but still not ideal. But if I am just left with what amounts to a voucher that I can use for myself or anyone else, and can effectively use total the amount paid for all 6 flights to book tickets for the whole family on a trip we wouldn't have otherwise gone on, then I may have a sliver of hope of actually using the funds.
@ Hepworth -- Honestly, I think anything is probably possible at this point, but under current policies that's not really a thing, unfortunately.
Three very important locations are not shown. Timor Leste, Pitcairn Island, and South Georgia. Who cares about Italy or Ireland?
Thanks for the great airline and country lists!
FYI - re the country table, both Ireland (Republic of), and Latvia are part of the European Union
Great list. If you want to add LATAM's policy, it's here: https://www.latam.com/en_us/experience/coronavirus/
Appreciate the effort. But you should focus on facts not opinion.
"Going somewhere is effectively the same as going anywhere". This is patently untrue in terms of everything from infection rates to treatment cost to mortality rates.
>You realistically can't travel to Japan at this time.
This is wrong at 2020/3/17 7am Japan time.
Unless you are from China, Korea, Iran, North Italy, San Marino, you CAN enter Japan.
@Tiffany. Thank you, great summary.
Only Hungary is missing from the list despite it being a full EU member :-((((
Its borders will be closed to non-Hungarian citizens as of midnight tonight.
This just shows that Southwest has the best policies. If all airlines adopt Southwest style policies, then they won't be so overwhelmed because all the change/cancel few free process would be baked in online.
Airlines should really think about if all the change fees they got was worth the headaches they have right now.