Can You Get a Refund If You Need to Cancel a Flight Due to COVID-19?

Kenzie Mastroe
·3 min read

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Yesterday, the news we all feared became reality: COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus, is officially a global pandemic. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director of the World Health Organization made the announcement at a conference and understandably, people started to panic. The virus has spread at an alarming rate and we have seen the devastating impacts it is causing in countries like Italy and China.

The pandemic is raising lots of questions for people with travel plans. Because the virus spreads so easily and airplanes are basically giant flying Petri dishes, travelers are rethinking their plans and opting to postpone or cancel their flights completely to avoid coming in contact with the virus. With spring break right around the corner, most families probably have some kind of travel plans in place so what are your options if you want to change or cancel your flight? We dig some digging and found what most of the major airlines are offering to help passengers navigate through these scary times.

Delta

According to their website, Delta is waiving change fees for all passengers with tickets purchased between March 1, 2020 – March 31, 2020 and all passengers traveling between March 1, 2020 – March 31, 2020. You can cancel your flight and apply the full amount to a flight at a later date but rebooked travel must begin no later than February 28, 2021.

American Airlines

American Airlines is also offering passengers waivers if they purchased tickets prior to March 1 for travel through April 30, but you must rebook your flights by December 31, 2020 or 12 months from the original ticket date (whichever is earlier).

JetBlue

JetBlue will be suspending change and cancel fees but with slightly different dates than Delta and American. Their policy waives fees for all new flight bookings made between March 6, 2020 and March 31, 2020 for travel through September 8, 2020.

United Airlines

Rescheduling a trip booked with United won’t cost you a penny. According to their website, “If you’re scheduled to travel March 10 – April 30, 2020 and would like to change your plans, there is no fee to do so, regardless of when you purchased your ticket or where you’re traveling.”

Southwest Airlines

Southwest never charges a change or cancel fee as long as you cancel your flight at least 10 minutes prior to departure. You can rebook your flight for up to one year from the original travel date which easily makes this the airline with the most flexible change/cancellation policy.

If you are staying home instead of traveling and need some ideas to keep your little one occupied, we’ve got you covered. And remember, proper handwashing is critical during this time so make sure you brush up on the correct technique and practice social distancing whenever possible.

 

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