Airlines relax cancellation policies

YOU booked a flight in advance and are wondering if now is the right time to travel as the spread of coronavirus intensifies. Do you risk exposure by travelling? What happens if your flight is cancelled? Can you reschedule or apply for a refund?

These airlines have updated their cancellation policies.

Qantas/Jetstar

Qantas and Jetstar are waiving change fees for new international bookings made until the end of March if customers change their travel plans. This applies to travel commencing up to June 30, 2020, and is limited to one free change per customer. Customers will need to pay any fare difference.

United

United has announced it will charge no fees for changes to new bookings, stating on its website: “We know people are taking a second look at their travel plans right now, and we want you to have flexibility when planning your next trip – that’s why when you book a flight with us between March 3 and March 31, 2020, you can change it for free over the next 12 months.”

Qatar

Qatar Airways has launched a new policy allowing passengers who have booked or will book flights for travel up to June 30 to change their travel plans free of charge by altering the dates of their booking or exchanging their ticket for a travel voucher valid for one year. Both changes apply up to three days prior to departure.

Emirates

Emirates has introduced a waiver policy for all flight bookings issued from March 7 until March 31, giving customers across its network the choice of changing their travel dates (within 11 months) without change and reissuance fees. The new policy covers all existing destinations across the Emirates network. For more information, visit escape.com.au.

Picture: iStock UNCERTAIN TIMES: As international efforts to contain coronavirus intensify, holidaymakers have been left to make the decision on whether or not it’s the right time to travel.