Airlines all across the world are reeling as the coronavirus pandemic spread across the globe. They laid off staff, cut salaries, slashed schedules, temporarily suspended operations and even run of limited capacity. Nearly all airlines waived fees and now offer flexible rebooking options. Many airlines even place the responsibility on customers if they want to change their plans. It can be altered online, but if customers want a monetary refund, it can get hard. So, to make things easier, here are the new cancellation and refund policies of 5 major international airlines. You can have a look at these before you make your plans.
1. Delta
USA’s Delta gives customers the option to modify their trips. But if the new ticket costs higher than the old one, then customers must pay the difference. The airlines permit destination changes and cancellations. The value of the ticket can be applied to a new reservation for up to one year from the original purchase. Delta shall continue to block off middle seats until further notice. Any tickets purchased through August 31, 2020, can be cancelled or changed for up to one year from the date of purchase without fees. However passengers cant avail cash refund.
See complete Delta policy here
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2. Emirates
Customers with tickets to commute on Emirates on or before November 30, 2020, can cancel or change their flights for no fee. Passengers who delay or cancel their trip shall get a voucher for the value of the ticket. This voucher will have validity of 24 months from the date of the original booking. The voucher value can be extended for an additional year if customers are unable to use the full credit within 24 months. For existing bookings, Emirates offers fee-free vouchers for travellers who book a trip on or before August 31, 2020, with a departure date on or before November 30, 2020. Emirates shall also operate flights to 5 major Indian cities.
See the complete Emirates policy here
3. Cathay Pacific
Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific currently waives cancellation and no-show fees for all bookings affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The airlines permit free unlimited changes for new travel booked through August 31, 2020. Customers must complete travel within one year of the ticket issuance date. Cathay also offers free unlimited changes for all tickets issued for travel between March 17 and Oct. 31, 2020. People who wish to cancel their trip instead of immediately rebooking shall receive a voucher valid for travel till September 30, 2021.
See complete Cathay Pacific policy here
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4. Etihad
Etihad offers passengers the freedom to make unlimited changes to tickets booked on or before August 31, 2020. Passengers can also alter travel plans without incurring fees for flights booked until November 30, 2020. They can also request the value of their existing flight credit towards their next trip. However, this must be booked before November 30, 2020, for travel till October 31, 2021. Etihad also offers up to 5000 bonus Guest Miles or $400( ₹29,922) for travellers who choose credit with the airline. Etihad To Resumed Flights To Bengaluru, Delhi & Mumbai From 21 August
See the complete Etihad policy here
5. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines currently waives all rebooking fees for tickets used for travel until September 30, 2020. Customers have the freedom to cancel their existing flight itineraries, retain the value of their tickets and rebook their travel to a later date. The value of the unused ticket position shall be retained as a flight credit. This is incase the fights gets cancelled or if the customers postpone their travel. The credit will have validity till December, 31, 2021. Passengers can also get bonus flight credits if they rebook in Singapore Dollars. Economy class passengers can get bonus flight credits of SGD 75 and business class shall get SGD 500 in their first rebooking. Singapore Airlines also offers refunds for unused portion of itineraries as long as they are cancelled within one year of the original purchase date.
See the complete Singapore Airlines policy here
So these are the cancellation and refund policies of some of the major international airlines in the world. Keep these in mind when you plan to travel abroad.