Master List Of All Major International Airline Coronavirus Change And Cancellation Policies
- Olam Limo and Car Service
- Mar 29, 2020
- 29 min read
by Dia Adam, Forbes Staff
“What should I do about my trip?” It’s a question we are hearing often. In the short term, the State Department has answered the question for you: stay home.
For travel into the summer and beyond, the answers aren’t crystal clear. The best you can do is be sure you’re making decisions based on the best available information.
At this point, airlines are asking you to delay contacting them to change your flights unless you are flying in the next 72 hours. If you can’t get through via phone, try the airline’s social media channels. Many rebookings or refunds can be processed over Twitter, Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp.
Keep in mind that if your flight departing from, arriving into or transiting the United States is cancelled by the airline, according to the US Department of Transportation you will be eligible for a cash refund, full stop.
The European Union has a similar rule, commonly known as Rule 261, that provides for refunds for any flights that arrive into, travel through or depart Europe. On March 18, 2020 the European Union issued a clarification to Rule 261 reiterating that cancelled flights are eligible for refund to the original form of payment.
If your flight isn’t in the next three days, it’s in your best interest to wait as you’ll have a better set of options available to you if your flight is actually cancelled vs. you initiating the change. There’s no harm at this point in holding on to your ticket until a week or less before your departure date as chances are high your flight will have significant changes if it is not cancelled entirely.
It’s in the airline’s best interest to offer you “free changes” or a voucher as it prevents you from asking for a cash refund if/when the fight is cancelled. Some airlines, notably British Airways, have been accused of actively hiding the steps you can use to get a cash refund. Know your rights and don’t settle for a voucher.
If you are expecting to fly internationally for business or leisure in March or April, we can safely tell you it’s not gonna happen. The focus of international flights at this point is repatriation. By the day more and more countries are closing borders entirely to non-citizens. Domestic service is being cut to bare-bones levels in March and April, with substantial cuts continuing through July.
Flights are being cancelled by the thousands and the airlines are scrambling to keep up with the situation just as we all are. We can expect the massive service reductions to continue.
Many countries, including Australia, Canada, and numerous European, South and Central American, Asian and Middle Eastern countries, have cancelled all flights except for their own citizens returning home. Entire airports, such as Paris Orly, are closing, and this will continue as well. This list continues to grow by the day. Things are fluid to say the least, but this list will be updated as the situation changes.
If you are trying to get home to the US from abroad, your best source of information is the US Embassy in the country where you are currently located. Follow the State Department on Twitter @TravelGov to see where and when repatriation flights are taking place.
This list will be updated as soon as possible after we find out about a policy change.
This list is long and we are continually adding to it. The fastest way to find your airline is to press Control + F (Windows) or Command + F (Mac) on your keyboard to bring up a search menu. Type in the name of the airline you are looking for.
For information about hotel policies check out our master list of hotel cancellation updates. Online Travel Agencies (OTA) updated policies are tracked in this post. Loyalty program updates are here. For more cancellation information about Sporting events, concerts, and other public gatherings check out our master list of event cancellations.
U.S. Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines has announced a 70% cut to their schedule in April and May. Cancelled flights are eligible for full refund. Alaska is allowing no-fee changes and cancellations to the following:
Tickets purchased on or before February 26, 2020 for travel through May 31, 2020 have two levels of waivers:
If you purchased a Saver fare for travel through May 31, 2020, you may cancel your trip without a fee and receive credit for future travel through February 28, 2021 .
If you purchased a nonrefundable First Class, main or award ticket for travel through May 31, 2020, you may Change your trip without a fee. New travel must be completed by February 28, 2021. A fare difference may apply to your new itinerary. You can also cancel your trip without a fee and receive a credit for future travel.
New tickets purchased between February 27, 2020 and March 31, 2020: Non-refundable first class, main cabin and award tickets may be changed for no fee, with new travel completed by February 28, 2021, or cancelled with travel funds placed into your Alaska Account or a credit card certificate via email. Fare difference applies.
Alaska Airlines Award Ticket Policy
Alaska normally charges $125 to change or cancel a ticket booked with Mileage Plan miles. Under its coronavirus fee waiver, you can change or cancel your ticket for free if you booked before February 26 for travel through March 31, or if you booked a ticket between February 27 and March 31 for travel anytime in the next year. You’ll need to pay for any difference in the mileage cost. Note that if you cancel, any cash you paid for taxes and fees as part of your award ticket may be returned in the form of Alaska Airlines credit rather than refunded to your credit card.
American Airlines
American Airlines has announced 75% cuts in international capacity until at least May 6. In addition, domestic capacity is planned to be reduced in April and May by 70 to 80%. Cancelled flights are eligible for refund. We are also seeing reports that American is offering a bonus for those customers who choose fight credit as opposed to a cash refund.
American Airlines is allowing customers who bought tickets before March 1, 2020 with scheduled travel until May 31 to rebook without a change fee. Tickets need to be changed and travel must start before December 31, 2020. You’ll have to pay for any fare difference.
Cash tickets booked between March 1 and April 15, 2020 for any date can also be changed fee-free.
American is also allowing changes and refunds for tickets to:
Europe, including the United Kingdom: tickets purchased on March 11 or earlier for travel through May 31, 2020.
Italy or South Korea purchased on or before February 24, 2020
Hong Kong purchased on or before January 28, 2020
China bought on or before January 24, 2020
American Airlines Award Ticket Policy
American normally allows you to change your travel dates for free on award tickets (except for Web Special fares) as long as you keep the same origin and destination. With its current coronavirus waiver (valid for tickets booked before March 1 for travel through April 30, or for any tickets booked in through April 15), you should also be able to change your origin and destination without a fee; if your new trip requires more miles, you’ll need to pay the difference.
We are hearing from multiple readers that American is waiving change and cancel fees for reward tickets with the same parameters as cash tickets, but other readers are being told the standard policy of $150 for the first ticket and $25 for each additional ticket on the same PNR. We will update as American clarifies its policy.
Delta Air Lines
Delta has announced a 80% cut in flights over the next few months. Cancelled flights are eligible for refund.
Tickets for travel until May 31, 2020 can be changed without a service fee. Tickets must be re-issued and travel must begin by December 31, 2020. Fare difference will apply if your new departure date is after June 1, 2020.
Tickets purchased between March 1 and April 15, 2020 for travel until February 25, 2021 are also eligible for fee-free changes.
If you are traveling soon and can’t reach a Delta specialist, Delta has announced that all changes will be processed and applicable credits will be issued, even if you do not reach customer service before your flight.
Delta Air Lines Award Ticket Policy
Delta usually charges $150 to change or cancel an award ticket. However, award flights that qualify for a change fee waiver will have mile redeposit fees waived.
Frontier Airlines
Tickets may only may be modified or refunded for flight credit one time. Fare differences will apply. Frontier’s flight credits are only valid for 90 days from the cancellation date. For changed flights, travel must be completed by November 9, 2020.
Between ticket for travel between May 1 and May 30, customers may make a one time date change, provided they make the change before March 31. Tickets changed after April 1 will incur standard fees.
Flights booked between March 10 and 31, 2020 for travel through November 9 may be changed. Frontier has an existing policy that tickets can changed more than 60 days before departure without a rebooking fee.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines has announced almost an entire suspension of flights from the mainland through the end of April. Cancelled flights will be refunded.
If you were unable to contact the airline to cancel or rebook your trip before your flight departure time, your ticket number automatically becomes credit for future travel if you do not take your scheduled flight.
Tickets purchased between March and May 2020: No change fees for any changes made within one year of the original ticket purchase date.
Tickets purchased before March 1, 2020 with travel dates between March and May 2020: No change fees for rebooked travel that begins on or before Dec. 31, 2020. Tickets must be changed no later than Dec. 31, 2020 or one year from the original ticket purchase date (whichever is earlier).
Hawaiian Airlines has additional waivers for flights to Europe, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and China.
Europe (Schengen): Your ticket that was purchased on or before March 11, 2020 for travel between March 13 and May 31, 2020 will have no change fee. New flights must commence by December 31, 2020
New Zealand and Australia: Hawaiian Airlines has widespread cancellations to New Zealand and Australia. Cancelled flights will be refunded. If your flight has not been cancelled, your ticket that was purchased on or before March 13, 2020 for travel between March 13 and June 30, 2020 will have no change fee. New flights must commence by December 31, 2020
Japan: Flights booked for new travel on or before June 30, 2020 will have no change fee and no fare difference. Flights booked for new travel on or after June 30, 2020 will have no change fee but will be charged fare difference. Tickets must have been issued by March 6, 2020 and must be rebooked by April 12, 2020 to qualify.
South Korea: Flights rebooked for new travel on or before October 31, 2020 will have no change fee and no fare difference. Flights booked for new travel on or after October 31, 2020 will have no change fee but will be charged fare difference. Tickets for scheduled travel between February 24, 2020 to May 1, 2020. New travel must be booked by October 31, 2020.
China: Flights rebooked for new travel on or before May 31, 2020 will have no change fee and no fare difference. Flights booked for new travel on or after May 31, 2020 will have no change fees but will be charged fare difference. Tickets must have been issued prior to January 27, 2020 with affected flights scheduled between January 27, 2020 and March 31, 2020. New travel must be rebooked by March 31, 2020.
JetBlue
Jetblue has announced at least a 55% reduction in capacity in April and May 2020. Cancelled flights are eligible for refund.
JetBlue is waiving cancellation and change fees for all flights based on the purchase date.
Travel dates until May 31, 2020, regardless of the ticket purchase date.
For new bookings between March 6 and 31, 2020 for flights before September 8, 2020, change and cancellation fees are also waived.
Customers may rebook their flights for travel through October 24, 2020. Refunds are issued as JetBlue credit, valid for one year from the issue date. This is the longest window of any US airline, as most others’ credits are valid for one year from ticket purchase date.
JetBlue Award Ticket Policy
If you used JetBlue TrueBlue points to book a ticket, normally you’d have to pay a fee of $75 to $200 for changes and cancellations, depending on the original cost of your ticket. Under its coronavirus travel waiver, you can change or cancel your ticket for free if you’re booked to travel before April 30 or if you book a ticket in the month of March. You’ll have to pay any difference in the mileage cost, and any cash you paid for taxes and fees will be deposited into your JetBlue wallet, valid for one year.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is suspending international flights to the Caribbean and Mexico starting March 22, 2020. This is part of a wider cut of 1,000 flights—25% of Southwest’s operation. These cuts are expected to remain in place until at least May.
Southwest Airlines it already offers the most generous change and cancellation policies in the airline industry. As long as you change your ticket ten minutes before flight time, you can get your flight re-booked or refunded into travel credit without penalty. You’ll just have to pay any fare difference that applies when you re-book your flight. Note that travel funds are good for one year from original departure date and must be used by the person whose name is listed on the ticket.
That said, Southwest has made special accommodations for COVID-19. If you would like to rebook, you may change your travel up to 60 days from your original flight. Flights that have seats available will display as “Available.” However, if you want to rebook be sure to check the price of the new flight first. Many times it will be cheaper than what you paid for your original ticket. In that case, you are better off refunding your ticket and spending the travel funds you receive towards the new ticket.
Customers' funds that have expired or will expire between March 1 – May 31, 2020, will now expire June 30, 2021.
Any travel funds created because of a flight cancellation between March 1 – May 31, 2020, will have an expiration date of June 30, 2021.
If you used Southwest Rapid Rewards points to book your flight, you probably already know that you can change or cancel your ticket for free at any time before departure. If you do plan on traveling, be sure to check ticket prices occasionally—if fares drop, you can change your ticket or cancel and rebook and get the difference in miles back.
Spirit Airlines
Most of Spirit’s international network services countries that have issued either travel bans for non-citizens or quarantine orders for people arriving into the country. Because of this, most of Spirit’s international flights are cancelled into April. Cancelled flights are eligible for refund.
Unlike the other airlines, Spirit has not instituted a date-specific change policy. Instead, they are extending an offer of a one-time fee-free change or cancellation. Fare difference will apply. If you choose to cancel, you will receive flight credit that is valid for six months. Note that this means you have six months to book your flight, so effectively you will have 9 to 12 months to use it based on how far in advance Spirit has posted its schedule.
United Airlines
United Airlines has announced 95% cuts to its international schedule and extensive cuts to its domestic schedule over the next few months. Cancelled flights are eligible for refund.
Tickets purchased from March 3 to 31, 2020 can be changed or canceled without fees for dates through the end of schedule. All tickets purchased prior to March 3, 2020 for travel until May 31, 2020 can be re-booked for a year from the original ticket issue date or December 31, 2020 (whichever is earlier).
Tickets booked to China and Hong Kong with a travel date before April 30, 2020 are eligible for fee-free rebooking or a cash refund, even on non-refundable fares. Tickets to Italy and South Korea before April 30 are eligible for re-booking without fees, but not for cash refunds.
A fare difference will apply for more expensive tickets. If the new ticket is cheaper than the one you purchased, the difference will not be refunded. In that case you are better off cancelling the ticket and rebooking at the cheaper price. Canceled tickets retain their original value for travel on United 12 months for following their original issue date. You could then use the remainder towards a new ticket.
For any customer whose international travel is disrupted by more than six hours because of schedule changes resulting from government restrictions, they will retain a travel credit equal to the value of their ticket. That credit can be used towards any flight, to any destination, for 12 months from the time of purchase. If the customer chooses not to use the credit, they will receive a cash refund at the end of that 12 month period. This position seems at odds with DOT regulations regarding refunds for cancelled flights. We will update we United clarifies the policy.
United Award Ticket Policy
United normally charges $75 for changes or cancellations 61 days prior to departure and $125 for changes or cancellations within 60 days of departure, with discounts for passengers with MileagePlus elite status. Under its coronavirus travel waiver, you can change your ticket without penalty if it was issued before March 2 for travel through April 30, or for new tickets booked between March 3 and March 31. You’ll still need to pay the $75 to $125 redeposit fee if you want to cancel and get your miles back.
Other American Airlines
Air Canada
Air Canada has announced a shutdown of almost all of its international network in response to Canada’s border closing. In addition, flights from the US are reduced from 53 cities to 13. Cancelled flights are eligible for refund if they touch the US or EU. Otherwise the Canadian government has given guidance that a 24 month voucher is appropriate compensation.
If you made a flight booking before March 31st, 2020, and you want to cancel it, you can do so with no cancellation fee. You will receive full credit, which you can use towards future travel. This credit is valid for travel before March 31st, 2021.
Book any flight with confidence now, knowing that if the situation with COVID-19 changes, you can adjust your travel plans accordingly. Any booking made until March 31st, 2020, for travel until March 31st 2021, can be changed without a fee. For non-refundable fares, you will get a credit towards future travel. Note that travel must be completed by March 31, 2021.
Aerolineas Argentinas
Aerolineas Argentinas has suspended flights until at least March 31, 2020. Only limited repatriation flights will take place. Cancelled flights that touch the United States or the European Union are eligible for refund to original form of payment.
Passengers of Aerolíneas Argentinas with CANCELLED FLIGHTS who wish to change their tickets to travel to/from the United States, Europe and Asia may make changes without penalty or fare/miles difference to travel and return up to November 30, 2020 or one year from issue of ticket, whichever comes first. Fare differences apply if they decide to fly after December 1, 2020. Tickets purchased with miles + pesos may only obtain a refund.
Passengers of NOT CANCELLED FLIGHTS who wish to change their tickets to travel to/from the United States, Europe and Asia with original scheduled date up to August 31, 2020. Changes: without penalty, paying a fare/miles difference, if any, to fly up to November 30, 2020. (*)
Tickets purchased with miles + pesos may only obtain a refund.
Passengers who purchase tickets to and from Europe and the United States from March 10 to March 31, 2020 can change their flight once without penalty. Fare difference will apply.
AeroMexico
AeroMexico is offering flexibility for all ticket purchases during March 2020.
To and from the United States: Changes are permitted with no change fee on flights issued before March 15 with travel dates before April 30, 2020 may rebook for flights until February 25, 2021. Fare difference applies. Rescheduled travel must take place before February 28, 2021.
To and from all other destinations: Changes are permitted with no change fee on flights with travel dates between March 9, 2020 and May 31, 2020. Fare difference applies. Rescheduled travel must take place before October 31, 2020.
Avianca
Avianca has announced that it will cease to operate passenger flights beginning on March 23, 2020 through at least April 12.
Avianca is offering the option to change itineraries purchased between March 4 and 31, 2020 with cash or miles without penalty on routes to and from the United States, Canada and Europe or between March 11 and 31, 2020 on routes to and from other international routes operated by Avianca. The new trip must be completed by December 31, 2020 and can only be changed once without a fee. At least 15 days of notice to the original flight date must be given. Fare difference will apply.
For flights booked prior to March 10 for international travel scheduled from March 10 to April 30, 2020, Avianca is offering the option to rebook for travel for one year from issue date or December 31, 2020, whichever comes first. Fare difference will apply.
Copa
Copa is suspending all flight operations from March 23, 2020 to April 21, 2020.
All passengers requiring travel through March 22, 2020 can make unlimited changes to their reservation free of charge, regardless of fare or destination, in order to help them repatriate.
Copa is currently offering flexibility for tickets purchased until March 31, 2020 for travel on or before June 15, 2020. You can change your flight dates, use your ticket toward a future trip, or receive a refund of your ticket if permitted by the fare terms. Fare difference applies. Changes must be completed by June 15, 2020 and the new itinerary must start before December 31, 2020.
LATAM
LATAM has suspended 90% of international flights. LATAM has a variety of policies depending on when your ticket was purchased and where you are traveling, but flights cancelled by the airline are eligible for refund.
If you purchased your ticket on or before March 14, 2020 and your flight is before April 30, 2020; you may reschedule your flight without penalties up to December 31, 2020. Any fare difference must be paid.
If you purchased your ticket between March 15 and March 31, 2020; you may reschedule your flight without penalties up to December 31, 2020. Any fare difference must be paid.
If you are uncertain about your new travel date, please call us before your original flight date. You are entitled to the option of keeping the ticket value as a personal credit for future travel up to December 31, 2020.
WestJet
On Sunday, March 22 at 11:59 p.m. MDT, WestJet will suspend scheduled commercial operations for all international and transborder flights for a 30 day period. Cancelled flights are eligible for refund if they touch the US or EU. Otherwise the Canadian government has given guidance that a 24 month voucher is appropriate compensation. WestJet is offering flexibility for both existing reservations and new reservations.
Flights booked before March 3, 2020 for travel in March or April 2020 are eligible for a one-time fee-free change. The change or cancellation must be made at least 24 hours before departure. The value of cancelled flights will be put in your travel bank. Fare differences apply to flight changes.
For new bookings, WestJet is allowing a one-time fee-free change for all new flight bookings made between March 3, 2020 and March 31, 2020. The change must be made at least 24 hours before flight departure.
If you were unable to reach the airline before your flight and decided not to fly due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), you may be eligible for a credit.
European Airlines
Numerous European countries are imposing travel and border restrictions. As those restrictions take effect, airlines are either slashing service or suspending it entirely. In cases of cancellation you are eligible for a refund according to EU Rule 261. We are hearing reports of some airlines steering customers towards accepting a voucher as opposed to making refunds available easily. Know your rights. If you want a refund for a cancelled flight, you are entitled to one.
European Arrival Restrictions
The most important thing to know is that U.S. citizens and legal residents are allowed to travel to the United States from Europe. However, with rare exception flights are focused on repatriation.
Any U.S. citizen or lawful U.S. permanent resident returning to the United States who has traveled to one of the Schengen Area countries within the previous 14 days must enter the United States through an approved airport. The list of airports currently processing flights from COVID-affected areas are:
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Illinois
San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Washington
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Hawaii
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), California
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Georgia
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Virginia
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New Jersey
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), Michigan
Boston-Logan International Airport (BOS), Massachusetts
Miami International Airport (MIA), Florida
Foreign nationals who have visited the following European countries in the last 14 days preceding their entry are affected by the new restrictions. This list includes:
Austria
Belgium
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Aegean
Starting March 26, 2020, Aegean will suspend all commercial international flights.
Aegean appears to have removed all date limitations regarding rebookings. Any ticket booked on Aegean may be exchanged for a voucher for future travel.
Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus expects to reduce capacity by 80% through May. Cancelled flights are eligible for refund. Flights prior to May 31, 2020 may be rebooked without fees. Fare difference will apply.
Aeroflot
Aeroflot has issued waivers for flights to China, South Korea, Iran, Israel, Italy, Germany, France and Spain.
Passengers holding tickets for travel on or before March 20, 2020 may rebook or request a refund by April 30, 2020 at no additional cost.
Passengers with tickets to travel on or after March 21, 2020 may rebook or request a refund during the entire validity period of the ticket.
Air Europa
Customers with new reservations booked from March 4 to April 30, 2020 are eligible for rebooking for travel up to 12 months after original booking date. Fare difference will apply.
Customers with tickets to or from the U.S. dated between March 14 and April 30, 2020 may rebook until June 15, 2020 and only pay the difference in fare. You could also receive a voucher good for travel until December 31, 2020.
If your ticket has been issued before 01/04/20 and you plan to fly before 30/06/20, you may change the date or route by paying only the fare difference.
Air France/KLM
Due to increasing travel restrictions, and faced with a sharp decline in demand, Air France and KLM will be reducing flight capacity by up to 90%. This capacity reduction is currently planned to last at least into May.
Air France and KLM have instituted a flexible booking policy for all tickets issued up to May 31, 2020. Tickets may be rebooked by September 30, 2020 for a later date up until November 30, 2020, or passengers have the option to receive a non-refundable voucher good for 12 months. The voucher can be used interchangeably on Air France, KLM, Delta or Virgin Atlantic.
Air France and KLM are steering passengers into accepting a voucher. EU 261 clearly states that cancelled flights are eligible for cash refund. You may have to demand that the airline honor that rule.
Alitalia
Customers who have booked tickets by April 3, 2020 for any flight departing February 25 to May 31, 2020 may rebook until December 31, 2020 or receive a voucher good for one year from original ticket issue date. Cancelled flights are eligible for refund.
Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines has announced a suspension of operations starting March 18, 2020. Cancelled flights will be refunded. Note the Lufthansa Group info below for rebooking options for upcoming flights.
British Airways
British Airways expects to reduce capacity by 80% in April and May 2020. Cancelled flights are eligible for refund.
If you’re booked to travel until May 31, 2020, you have the option to receive a voucher for future travel. Vouchers are good for 12 months from original departure date.
Tickets purchased between March 3 and May 31, 2020, can be either rebooked within 12 months of departure or refunded via flight voucher. The flight voucher is good for 12 months from original date of departure.
Brussels Airlines
Brussels Airlines has suspended operations until at least April 19, 2020. Cancelled flights will be refunded. Note the Lufthansa Group info below for rebooking options for upcoming flights.
EasyJet
EasyJet customers who wish to change their travel plans can now move their flights to alternative dates and/or an alternative destination without a change fee. If the new fare is higher customers would only be required to pay the fare difference. This waiver applies to both existing and new bookings until further notice.
Finnair
Finnair has reduced its capacity by 90% for the upcoming weeks. Flights booked with Finnair until June 30, 2020, may be rebooked without charge up until November 30, 2020. Fare difference will apply. In the case of cancellation your ticket price will be refunded.
Iberia
Iberia expects to reduce capacity by 80% in April and May 2020. Cancelled flights are eligible for refund. If you would like to request a voucher for future travel (not a full refund), you can do so via Iberia’s online form if you are currently booked to travel before April 30.
If you have a ticket issued until March 11 to fly between March 1 and May 31, you have the ability to change the dates or request a voucher for the amount of the ticket, valid through March 31, 2021. This means you will have to pay more for tickets that cost more than the voucher, even if the departure and arrival cities are the same.
Changes of your ticket are also allowed for travel before March 31, 2021 with the following exceptions: April 30 to May 2; July 1 to August 15; October 9 to 12; December 4 to 9; December 19 to January 10,2021; and March 24 to 31 2021.
LEVEL, Iberia’s affiliate airline, has announced a 100% shutdown effective March 20, 2020. LEVEL has not announced a flight resumption date. Affected flights are eligible for refund.
LOT Polish Airlines
All LOT flights, from both Poland and Hungary, will be suspended until March 28, 2020. Cancelled flights will be refunded.
Flights booked on March 6 or later for travel before April 24, 2020 are eligible for rebooking for travel until December 31, 2020. Fare difference will apply.
Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, Brussels, Air Dolomiti (Lufthansa Group)
Lufthansa Group has grounded international service with the exception of repatriation flights until at least April 19, 2020. Cancelled flights are eligible for refund.
If you hold a ticket for a cancelled or an existing Lufthansa Group flight, you can keep the ticket without having to commit to a new flight date right away. Existing bookings will initially be cancelled, but the ticket and ticket value will remain unchanged and can be extended to a new departure date up to and including 31 December 2020. You can also rebook to another destination. The new flight must be booked until 31 August 2020.
In addition we offer you for every rebooked ticket a discount of 50€ on the ticket price. Rebooking fees will still not be charged, regardless of which fare was booked. Should the rebooked fare be more expensive due to a change of destination (e.g. rebooking from short-haul to long-haul), change of class of travel or similar, an additional payment may be necessary despite the discount.
Norwegian Airlines
Norwegian expects to cancel 85% of its flights between mid-March and mid-June. In the case of cancellation you are eligible for a full refund.
All flights to and from the U.S., Austria and Italy before August 31, 2020 are eligible for rebooking before November 30, 2020. All international flights booked from March 6 to March 22 are eligible for one free rebooking with travel that must be completed by August 31, 2020.
Ryanair
Ryanair has announced a suspension of service starting March 24, 2020. Cancelled flights are eligible for refund. Ryanair has scheduled a limited number of repatriation flights and will only answer queries regarding these in the short term.
From March 13 to April 30, 2020, Ryanair will waive the flight change fee for customers who wish to change their travel plans due to the current COVID-19 outbreak. This policy applies to all existing and new bookings.
SAS, Scandinavian Airlines
SAS has put most of its operations on hold starting Monday March 16. Tickets for cancelled flights will be refunded.
Tickets booked before March 5, 2020 for travel until April 30, 2020 to, from and within Europe (except within Scandinavia) are eligible for rebooking for a departure date before November 30, 2020.
Tickets booked between March 6 and 19, 2020 for travel until November 30, 2020 may be changed for a different flight date until November 30, 2020 without a fee. Fare differences apply and destination and return must be the same.
TAP Air Portugal
For all tickets issued up to March 8, 2020 for departure before May 31, 2020, a reservation change can be made up to 24 hours before the departure of your first flight, rescheduling the new trip to any destination and flying until December 31, 2020. Tickets purchased after March 8, 2020 require 21 day notice for changes. Fare difference will apply.
TAP is steering passengers into accepting a voucher. According to EU Rule 261, cancelled flights are eligible for refund, full stop. You may need to remind TAP of this fact.
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines has suspended most flight operations.
Turkish has a fee-free change policy for all international bookings. If you purchased your ticket before March 20, 2020, you can re-book for a travel date until February 28, 2021 provided you make the request before December 31, 2020. Fare differences may apply.
Virgin Atlantic
At this time Virgin Atlantic has announced an 90% reduction in service. Cancelled flights are eligible for refund.
All flights through May 31, 2020 may be rebooked for travel until April 30, 2021. Fare differences apply.
Virgin has announced, “If you can't get through to us before your flight we will apply the same policies when we get to you.”
Asian Airlines
China will close its borders to foreign nationals starting the last weekend in March. Foreign airlines will also be restricted to flying a single route, with no more than one flight per week. Each Chinese airline is likewise permitted a single route with no more than one weekly flight.
Air China
All flights purchased before January 28, 2020 are eligible for refund. That said, reports on social media indicate that Air China’s customer service department is overwhelmed with requests and that refunds are slow in coming.
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Flights to and from Japan issued before March 19, 2020 for travel until April 30, 2020 are eligible for rebooking or refund.
Flights to and from China and Hong Kong issued before February 26, 2020 for travel until April 30 are eligible for rebooking or refund.
Flights to and from India and South Korea issued before March 6, 2020 for travel until April 30, 2020 are eligible for rebooking or refund.
Asiana Airlines
Flights to and from the U.S. ticketed before February 25, 2020 for travel before April 30, 2020 may be rebooked for travel until August 31, 2020. Fare difference will apply.
Tickets purchased from March 10 to April 30 will be eligible for a one time fee-free rebooking or refund. Fare difference will apply.
Tickets to specific countries that have COVID-19 restrictions are eligible for refund. Check full policy for details.
Cathay Pacific
Flights booked before March 17, for travel before May 31, 2020 are eligible for refund.
All flights booked between March 9 to April 20, 2020 are eligible for free rebooking for travel until December 10, 2020.
China Eastern Airlines
China Eastern is allowing full refunds for all flights to and from the U.S. between January 24, 2020 and June 30, 2020.
China Southern Airlines
China Southern Airlines is allowing full refunds with the following conditions:
Flights that visit or transit Wuhan, China for travel until March 29, 2020
Flights that visit or transit restricted countries for travel until June 10, 2020
All tickets purchased before January 28, 2020 for travel until March 29, 2020
Medical personnel, people with a fever or respiratory illness or people who have had close contact with a COVID-19 patient with tickets for travel until March 29, 2020
EVA Airways
EVA has suspended all international transit service via Taiwan effective March 24, 2020. This suspension is anticipated to remain in effect until April 7. Cancelled flights from the US are eligible for refund.
Hainan Airlines
Hainan Airlines is offering full refunds of tickets purchased before January 24, 2020 for flights after January 1, 2020.
Japan Airlines (JAL)
All tickets to, from and through Japan issued on or before March 6, 2020 for travel until April 5, 2020 are eligible for rebooking or refund.
Korean Air
Korean Air has announced an 85% reduction in international flights up to at least the end of March. Cancelled flights that touch the U.S. or the European Union will be eligible for refund.
All tickets to and from the Americas issued before March 9, 2020 for travel until June 30, 2020 can be rebooked without penalty for travel until December 31, 2020. Fare differences will be waived if booking is in the same fare class.
Tickets from July 1 to December 31, 2020 may be rebooked for a new flight date until December 31, 2020, but fare differences will apply.
Passengers who are ill, who are in the military or who are medical personnel are eligible for flight refund for travel until June 30, 2020.
Malaysia Airlines
The government of Malaysia has prohibited citizens from leaving the country and prohibited foreigners from entering the country from March 18 to 31. Transit passengers are still allowed, but Malaysia Airlines has limited services to bare-bones capacity. Cancelled flights will be refunded.
Malaysia Airlines is offering a one time fee-free rebooking for flights booked before March 31 for travel until December 31, 2020. Booking must be changed by June 30, 2020 with the new date of travel being December 31, 2020 or earlier.
Selected destinations in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe are also eligible for rebooking or refund.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore has cancelled a long list of flights through May. Cancelled flights that touch the U.S. or the European Union are eligible for refund. Singapore has also closed its border and will not allow passengers to transit Singapore beginning March 23, 2020.
Customers who have tickets issued before March 15, 2020 to fly before May 31, 2020 may receive a voucher for the value of their ticket good until March 31, 2021.
Tickets booked between March 6 and 31, 2020 are eligible for free re-booking with travel through March 31, 2021. Fare differences will apply.
Thai Airways
At this time Thai is extending waivers to cities in Asia and Europe. If you are flying Thai to a destination other than Thailand, you may be eligible for rebooking. See full policy for details.
Middle Eastern Airlines
Emirates
Emirates will suspend most flight operations on March 25, 2020.
Customers who made bookings on or before March 31, 2020, will be eligible for fee waivers on changes to their itineraries or a travel voucher with validity of 12 months from date of issue.
Etihad
Effective March 24, only UAE citizens and diplomats are able to board flights to the UAE. Transit passengers are no longer allowed. Etihad has suspended all flights from March 26, 2020. Etihad rebooking and cancellation policy depends on location and if there are any travel restrictions at the departure location or destination are in place. Cancelled flights that touch either the United States or European Union are eligible for refund to original form of payment.
If you’re scheduled to fly with Etihad Airways before June 30,2020, you can rebook your flight for free, or use the value of your ticket as credit towards your next trip. You can use the credit until September 30, 2020, for travel until July 31, 2021. If you choose credit or rebooking before June 30, 2020, Eithad will reward you with 5,000 bonus Etihad guest miles.
You can also cancel your booking and use the value as credit towards your next trip.
Passengers can request a cancellation if flights have been cancelled, are prohibited to travel by local authorities or are denied entry into destination due to travel restrictions. In this case, the refund is without penalty on the unused portion of any tickets.
Refunds for all other ticket holders will be based on applicable fare rules
Bookings made with Etihad Guest miles:
Customers who made bookings with Etihad Guest miles are also eligible to cancel or rebook flights if their travel is impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.
Royal Jordanian
Royal Jordanian Airlines is suspending all flights from March 17 to 31, 2020.
Royal Jordanian is offering the option to reissue the value of the ticket to an EMD (Electronic Miscellaneous Document), to be used for future bookings. However, if the flight touches either the U.S. or Europe it is subject to the regulations of those entities, which require a cash refund for cancelled flights.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways deserves special recognition for the immense work they have done assisting passengers of may countries repatriate. To date, over 100,000 passengers have gotten home thanks to Qatar’s efforts.
The nation of Qatar has suspended all air travel from March 18 for a minimum of 14 days. Under the instructions of the Government of Qatar, effective immediately, entry into Qatar will only be permitted for Qatari nationals. Transit through Doha is still permitted. Qatar Airlines, to its credit, has become a major participant in repatriation flights. Cancelled flights will be refunded.
Tickets for travel until September 30, 2020 may be rebooked for travel until September 30, 2020 or exchanged for a voucher valid for one year from issue date. If you receive a voucher, Qatar will add 10% to the value of your ticket.
Cash refunds are also permitted, but can take up to 30 days to process.
If you cannot reach Qatar before your flight date, don’t worry because you will still receive a voucher for future travel.
Pacific Airlines
Qantas
At this time Qantas has suspended 100% of international routes through May 2020. Cancelled flights are eligible for refund.
Customers with existing bookings on any international or Australian domestic flight until July, 31 2020, who no longer wish to travel, can cancel their flight and retain the value of their booking as a flight credit. Cancellations must be processed by April 30, 2020. Flight credit is good until December 31, 2021.
If you already have a credit, it will automatically be extended to December 31, 2021.
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand has cancelled 85% of international flights through June 3, 2020.
All change fees for new tickets issued from March 5 to March 31, 2020 are waived (service fees and fare different will apply when rebooking). You may elect to receive credit that is valid for twelve months from original flight date.
If you have international travel to a country restricted by a government imposed travel restriction for travel up to and including 31 March, you can hold your fare in credit for 12 months from the date you cancel your booking or Air New Zealand can provide you with a full refund.
Existing long-haul bookings up to and including March 4, 2020 with travel prior to July 1, 2020 will have fee changes waived once per booking or customers can hold their ticket in credit for a rebooking within 12 months of the original date of issue.
Air Tahiti Nui
Air Tahiti Nui is requiring travelers who have visited select countries within 30 days prior of their trip to French Polynesia to provide a medical certificate no older than five days prior to travel certifying a condition of good health. Individuals who have not visited the select countries must still fill out a self-certified medical form and provide it at flight check-in.
Air Tahiti Nui has a flight that travels from Papeete to Paris via Los Angeles. With the travel restrictions coming into effect some flights on this route has been modified to a nonstop flight bypassing Los Angeles.
Customers with questions regarding reservation changes are encouraged to call the airline directly.
Virgin Australia
At this time Virgin Australia has suspended all international routes through June 14, 2020. Guests who have booked flights on a suspended service will be contacted via email, prioritized by departure date, with alternative travel options. However, you are also eligible for a cash refund of cancelled flights that touch the USA or the EU.
African Airlines
EGYPTAIR
International air traffic has been suspended in all Egyptian airports effective Thursday, March 19, at 12 noon with expectation to resume on March 31. This effectively shuts down EGYPTAIR during that period. Canceled tickets that touch the USA or EU are eligible for a full cash refund.
Tickets purchased between March 7 and 31 are eligible for a one-time rebooking to a new travel date or destination, regardless of new travel date.
At this time EGYPTAIR does not have a published policy for tickets issued prior to March 7, 2020. We will update as the situation changes.
Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines has stopped flights to 30 countries due to COVID-19.
Tickets for travel up to June 30, 2020 or earlier are eligible for free rebooking. Fare difference will apply.
Royal Air Maroc
Following the Moroccan government decision, all Royal Air Maroc international flights are suspended, until further notice. Cancelled flights will be refunded.
International tickets purchased before March 31, 2020 for travel before May 31, 2020 are eligible for a one-time fee-free rebooking to a different date, provided the new departure is no later than May 31, 2020.
Bottom Line
Based on the situation on the ground, it may be more likely that your flight gets cancelled than you having to rebook on your own. If your flight gets cancelled, you will be eligible for a cash refund. If you want to change your plans before flights are actually cancelled, these are the most recent policies.
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