There’s no doubt that fears of COVID-19 are affecting travel sales worldwide. Even though Americans are currently only warned to avoid parts of Italy, South Korea, and China, general demand for air travel is down for the first time in over a decade. The International Air Transport Association predicts a $29 billion dip in airline industry revenue if the epidemic continues through the summer.
Worried about soft ticket sales, multiple U.S. airlines are taking a bold, almost charitable step: they’re waiving fees for changing or canceling newly purchased tickets.
JetBlue started the trend due to “evolving coronavirus concerns” and was quickly joined by Delta, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. Later, United Airlines joined the party, too.
“We realize customers have questions about the ongoing COVID-19 or coronavirus outbreak and the possibility of further government travel restrictions,’’ said a spokesperson from Delta in announcing the temporary policy change. In short, fear of restrictions is what the airlines believe has been slowing ticket sales.
Unlike the other airlines on the list, however, Delta is only offering this waiver for international flights. The airline will probably change that policy soon, as Delta’s main West Coast hub is in Seattle, which is rapidly becoming the American COVID-19 epicenter.
Here are the airlines’ coronavirus-associated policy changes. All dates are for the year 2020:
- Alaska Airlines: Travelers who buy tickets between February 27 and March 12 for any travel before June 1, 2020, can change or cancel their tickets without fees.
- American Airlines: Travelers who buy tickets between March 1 and 16 for any travel before February 2021 can change or cancel those tickets without fees if they do so more than 14 days before their departure date. American’s fees usually begin at $200 per ticket. Canceling a nonrefundable ticket will receive full credit towards a future flight.
- Delta Air Lines: Travelers who buy tickets between March 1 and March 31 for international travel can change or cancel their tickets without fees. No known date restrictions. Delta’s waiver does not cover flights within the U.S.
- JetBlue Airways: Travelers who buy tickets between February 27 and March 11 for any travel before June 1, 2020, can change or cancel their tickets without fees. Cancellations will receive full credit towards a future flight, not a refund.
- United Airlines: Travelers who buy tickets between March 3 and March 31for travel to any destination can change their ticket to another flight or cancel the trip and receive a credit that is good for a year from the date the ticket was purchased.
As always, it’s a good idea to review airlines’ ticket cancellation or change policies before buying your ticket because those policies may change as the COVID-19 emergency evolves.
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