Canceled flights and fines: how coronavirus affected airline operations

The spread of coronavirus has interfered with travel plans. Those who thought about their vacation in advance, canceling or changing flights makes them worry not only about their health but also, possibly, about lost money, reports New Y Post.

Photo: shutterstock

US government agencies advise US citizens not to travel to China, South Korea, Iran, Italy and Japan. And such airlines. both JetBlue and United have already reduced flights, especially to areas heavily affected by the virus. Most airlines offer customers the option to cancel flights or change dates for their travels, but time is limited.

However, many brave travelers still prefer to fly, relying on travel insurance or good hygiene.

Regardless of whether you want to fly or cancel your trip, below you will find everything you need to know about air travel during a coronavirus outbreak.

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Changes in passenger service by airlines:

• Delta restricts service in Japan and reduces the number of weekly flights between the US and South Korea. They suspended flights to China until April 30. The airline cancels all cancellation or rebooking fees booked between March 1 to March 31, including international flights. The airline will allow passengers to adjust trips to Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul and all cities of Italy until April 30 at no extra charge. Stay tuned for updates on Delta website.
• American Airlines refused to pay penalties for canceling or rebooking flights up to 14 days before the flight for customers who purchase tickets from March 1 to March 16. The company's flights to Milan were suspended until April 25. Also suspended flights to and from Seoul (South Korea). The airline will contact affected customers to help them rent housing. See more changes at airline website.
• JetBlue suspends fees for changing the date and canceling any flights until June 1. This applies to new bookings made between February 27 and March 11.
• Air Canada suspended flights to Beijing and Shanghai.
• British Airways suspends flights to mainland China, and the number of flights to Milan is reduced. Airline representatives said they would contact customers for assistance.
• Airline Alaska Airlines does not charge for cancellation or rebooking of tickets purchased from February 27 to March 31. This applies to flights that take place before June 30th. Check for Updates https://www.izakayasushilounge.com.
• United Airlines will suspend flights between the USA and the following cities of China: Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai and Hong Kong. In addition, flights between the US and Iran and some flights to Japan and Seoul were suspended until April 30. Anyone who has booked a flight from March 3 to March 31 may change their dates free of charge for the next 12 months.

Which destinations are currently affected

• The US State Department issued a warning advising against going to China, South Korea and Iran.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) followed suit on March 4, advising them to cancel all non-essential trips to China (including Hong Kong, Macao or the island of Taiwan), as well as to South Korea, Italy and Iran.
• The CDC announced recommendations and practical precautions for travel to Japan.
• Travel + Leisure recommends communicating directly with your hotel and airline to be sure of your choice and to keep abreast of current information about your destination.
• The CDC warns that all travelers returning from China, Italy, Iran, and South Korea must remain at home for 14 days from arrival. If travelers suffer from fever, cough, or shortness of breath, they should immediately call a doctor and avoid contact with others.

Will travel insurance save

Not necessary. Most insurance companies do not cover ticket cancellations, since a virus outbreak is generally considered a “foreseen circumstance” unless you booked a trip long before the coronavirus epidemic began. Expensive types of insurance that allow travelers to cancel their trip “for any reason” are more likely to offer some (but probably incomplete) coverage.

In short, if you started thinking about getting travel insurance now, then it's too late.

If your insurance is tied to a credit card, for example, as the owners of Chase Sapphire, in case they have to change flights or look for other accommodation, they may not get insurance. Representatives of Chase say that such people are better off asking for reimbursement to their airline or hotel.

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Sanitary measures in flight

At the moment, if you are still planning to fly, there are precautions that you should take to protect yourself.

• Book a window seat that minimizes your interaction with potentially sick people.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after the flight. Wash them on the plane before eating.
• Experts also suggest wiping surfaces with disinfectant and using wipes when touching touch screens. Hand sanitizer and wipes can help get rid of germs. According to the CDC, wipes containing at least 60% alcohol tend to be most effective. “There's nothing wrong with wiping down everything around you, but it's worth remembering that the coronavirus won't jump from your seat into your mouth,” said Aaron Milstone, an assistant epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Hospital. “People should be careful not to touch their face with dirty hands.”
• Face masks do not help much and you must remember that they should only be worn by those who already have symptoms. In fact, masks may actually do more harm than good, says David Powell, a physician and medical adviser to the International Air Transport Association. “A mask cannot stop the virus. Moreover, viruses can also accumulate on its surface when used for a long time, which can be bad for your health,” Powell said.

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