Major List of All International Airline Coronavirus Change and Cancellation Policies

Apr 17, 2020 | Blog

Master List Of All Major International Airline Coronavirus Change And Cancellation Policies

“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.

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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. Every 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 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 April 30, 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 April 30 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.

Alaska Airlines’ Full Policy

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 April 7, 2020 with scheduled travel until September 30, 2020 to rebook without a change fee. Tickets need to be changed and travel must start before December 31, 2021. You’ll have to pay for any fare difference.

Cash tickets booked between March 1 and May 31, 2020 for any date can also be changed fee-free. This policy now applies to award tickets as well.

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 September 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.

American Airlines’s Full Policy

Delta Air Lines

Delta has announced a 80% cut in flights over the next few months. Cancelled flights are eligible for refund.

Tickets normally expire one year after purchase, but Delta is providing waived change fees and greater flexibility to travel through May 31, 2022, for customers who have upcoming travel already booked in April or May 2020 as of April 3, 2020 or who have existing eCredits or canceled travel from flights in March, April or May 2020. This is the most expansive policy we’ve seen by far.

Tickets purchased between March 1 and May 31, 2020 for travel until February 25, 2021 are also eligible for fee-free changes within a one year window.

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.

Delta’s Full Policy

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.

Frontier’s Full Policy

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.

Hawaiian Airlines’ Full Policy

JetBlue

Jetblue has announced at least a 70% 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 26 and April 30, 3030 for flights before October 24, 2020, change and cancellation fees are also waived.

For new bookings between March 6 and March 26, 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.

JetBlue’s Full Policy

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.

Southwest Award Ticket Policy

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.

Southwest’s Full Policy

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.

Spirit’s Full Policy

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.

If your travel plans have been disrupted and you have a voucher good for future travel, you now have two years from the date of issue to book a new flight plus 11 months beyond that date that you can travel.

Tickets purchased from March 3 to April 30, 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).

All tickets purchased prior to March 3, 2020 for travel June 1-December 31, 2020 can be re-booked for a year from the original ticket issue date. Request must be made by April 30, 2020.

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.

Electronic certificates are now valid for 24 months from the date they were issued. This includes all currently valid electronic certificates and all new ones issued on or after April 1, 2020.

For travel disrupted by more than six hours because of schedule changes resulting from government restrictions a cash refund will be given upon request.

United Award Ticket Policy

United is currently waiving all award redeposit fees for travel through end of May 2020.

United is now also waiving all redeposit fees for award ticket cancellations made more than 30 days before departure for the remainder of 2020.

United’s Full Policy

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 April 15th, 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 April 30th, 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 April 15, 2020, for travel until April 30, 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 April 30, 2021.

Air Canada’s Full Policy

Aerolineas Argentinas

Aerolineas Argentinas has suspended most flights until further notice. 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.

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 , but paying the fare/miles difference, if any, 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.

Aerolineas Argentinas’ Full Policy

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.

Tickets that have been purchased from March 1, to April 15, 2020 are eligible for rebooking for travel through February 29, 2021.

AeroMexico’s Full Policy

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 April 30, 2020 with cash or miles without penalty on routes to and from the United States, Canada and Europe or between March 11 and May 31, 2020 on routes to and from other international routes operated by Avianca. Fare difference will apply.

For flights booked prior to March 10 for international travel scheduled from March 10 to April 31, 2020, Avianca is offering the option to rebook for travel for one year from issue date. Fare difference will apply.

Avianca’s Full Policy

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 end before December 31, 2021.

Copa’s Full Policy

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 May 31, 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 April 30, 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.

LATAM’s Full Policy

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 April 15, 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.

WestJet’s Full Policy

European Airlines

Almost all 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.

Aegean’s Full Policy

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.

Aer Lingus’ Full Policy

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.

Aeroflot’s Full Policy

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 1 and June 15, 2020 may rebook until 3/31/21 and only pay the difference in fare.  You could also receive a voucher good for travel until 3/31/21

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 Europa’s Full Policy

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. They tentatively have announced 20% capacity for June, 40% for July, and 60% for August.

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.

Air France/KLM’s Full Policy

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.

Alitalia’s Full Policy

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.

British Airways’s Full Policy

Brussels Airlines

Brussels Airlines has suspended operations until at least May 15, 2020. Cancelled flights will be refunded. Note the Lufthansa Group info below for rebooking options for upcoming flights.

Brussels Airlines’ Full Policy

EasyJet

EasyJet has announced a suspension of all flights with no end date specified. 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.

EasyJet’s Full Policy

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 is eligible for refund to original form of payment. If you choose to accept a voucher, Finnair will add 10% to the value to your ticket. The voucher is valid for 12 months.

Finnair’s Full Policy

Icelandair

Icelandair has announced an 86% reduction in flights with no end date listed. Cancelled flights that touch the EU or US are eligible for refund to original form of payment.

Icelandair issued tickets are eligible for rebooking if your ticket was booked for travel up to and including May 31, 2020. New travel must be completed by January 21, 2021.

You can also choose redeem your tickets into a voucher.

Icelandair Full Policy

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 June 30.

If you have an Iberia ticket for a flight between 1 March and 30 June, we offer you the opportunity to exchange it for a voucher worth the same amount to be used for a flight on a later date. The voucher will remain valid until 30 June 2021, and there are no restrictions regarding travel dates or destinations. You can even spend them on more than one flight. However, flights that cost more than your ticket will require a fare difference.

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.

Iberia’s Full Policy

LOT Polish Airlines

The government of Poland has suspended flights until at least April 12. Cancelled flights are eligible for refund per EU 261.

LOT Polish Airlines offers a free of charge option to change the date of travel to all Passengers who purchased tickets for connections within the LOT Polish Airlines route network.

The offer applies to all individual tickets purchased before August 31, 2020, valid for travel from April 12 to December 31, 2020. You now have the opportunity to change your departure date for any date before December, 31 2020 completely free of charge (the return date counts), provided that the new flight is on the same route and in the same booking class.

LOT’s Full Policy

Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, Brussels, Air Dolomiti (Lufthansa Group)

Lufthansa Group has grounded international service with the exception of repatriation flights until at least May 17, 2020. Cancelled flights are eligible for refund. Extensive cancellations have also been announced through the summer.

For bookings made until 19 April 2020, the Lufthansa Group airlines waive the rebooking fees for all newly booked flights worldwide and offer a one-time rebooking free of charge—regardless of the conditions of the original fare purchased. Passengers can in future rebook to a new travel date until 30 April 2021 without rebooking fees. Rebooking must be done by 31 August 2020. If the original fare is no longer available, the corresponding difference must be paid, but you will receive an up to €50 discount on this amount if the new travel date is on/before 31 December 2020.

If you hold a ticket for a cancelled 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 or get a refund if your flight is cancelled.

If you will accept a voucher, you will receive 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.

Lufthansa Group’s Full Policy

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.

If we have cancelled your flight and you don’t want to travel, you can request a refund of your unused ticket, or choose CashPoints (voucher) and get an extra 20% that can be used for your next trip.

If the flight has not been cancelled but you want to change it, you have the option to convert the value of your ticket to CashPoints (voucher)

Norwegian Airlines’ Full Policy

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.

Ryanair’s Full Policy

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 April 30, 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.

SAS’s Full Policy

TAP Air Portugal

TAP has announced a 90% reduction in capacity for April and May. Cancelled flights are eligible for refund.

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. Fare differences will apply, but TAP is also offering an additional discount of 25 EUR/USD or 100 EUR/USD to discount on the fare difference.

Tickets purchased after March 8, 2020 require 21 day notice for changes. Fare difference will apply but TAP is also offering an additional discount of 25 EUR/USD or 100 EUR/USD to discount on the fare difference.

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. However, if you are willing to take a voucher, it is now valid for 2 years and TAP is offering an additional 20% of the voucher.

 

TAP Air Portugal’s Full Policy

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines has suspended most flight operations.

New tickets booked from March 21-April 21, 2020 are eligible for change without penalty or conversion into an open ticket. Flights must be completed by February 28, 2021.

Tickets booked March 20, 2020 and before are eligible for change, conversion, or redemption for Turkish Miles and Smiles at the rate of 1 mile per Euro value of the ticket. Flights must be completed by February 28, 2021.

Cancelled flights are eligible for refund, but Turkish is warning customers that it may take 60 days or more.

Turkish’s Full Policy

Virgin Atlantic

At this time Virgin Atlantic has announced an 90% reduction in service. Cancelled flights are eligible for refund.

Tickets issued before March 11, 2020 for flights through May 31, 2020 may be rebooked for travel until April 30, 2021. Fare differences apply. If you fly before June 30, 2020, fare difference will not apply if you fly in the same class of service.

Tickets issued between March 12 and May 31, 2020 may be rebooked through April 30, 2021.

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.”

Virgin Atlantic’s Full Policy

Related: Compare & Buy Travel Insurance for 2020

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

Air China if offering very limited service for the foreseeable future.

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.

Air China Full Policy

All Nippon Airways (ANA)

Flights to and from Japan issued before March 19, 2020 for travel until May 31, 2020 are eligible for rebooking or refund. This includes flights that connect in Japan, which means this includes all flights from the United States.

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.

ANA Full Policy

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.

Asiana Airlines Full Policy

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific has announced a 96% reduction in capacity for April  and May 2020.

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.

Cathay Pacific Full Policy

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 Eastern Full Policy

China Southern Airlines

China Southern Airlines is allowing full refunds with the following conditions:

Flights that visit or transit restricted countries for travel until June 10, 2020. This includes most countries.

Medical personnel, people with a fever or respiratory illness or people who have had close contact with a COVID-19 patient

China Southern Airlines Full Policy

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.

Flights issued before March 19, 2020 on US routes for travel before April 30, 2020 may be rebooked for travel through December 31, 2020.

Eva Airways Full Policy

Hainan Airlines

Hainan Airlines is offering full refunds of tickets purchased before January 24, 2020 for flights after January 1, 2020.

Hainan Airlines Full Policy

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.

JAL Full Policy

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 17, 2020 for travel until July 31, 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 August 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.

Korean Air Full Policy

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 April 10 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.

Malaysia Airlines Full Policy

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.

Singapore Airlines will award bonus flight credits to all customers who choose to retain their tickets as flight credits. Based on the original cabin class of travel, they will receive the following bonus flight credits when making a new booking: Economy Class SGD75, Premium Economy Class SGD100, Business Class SGD200, Suites / First Class SGD500.

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 June 30, 2021.

Tickets booked between March 6 and April 30, 2020 are eligible for free re-booking with travel through March 31, 2021. Fare differences will apply.

Singapore Airlines Full Policy

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.

Thai Airways Full Policy

Middle Eastern Airlines

Emirates

Emirates suspended most flight operations on March 25, 2020. Limited flights will resume on April 6.

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.

Customers with flight bookings for travel on or before 30 June 2020 can rebook their flights to any Emirates destination within the same region without a rebooking fee or paying any fare difference.

Full Emirates Policy

Etihad

Effective March 24, only UAE citizens and diplomats are able to board flights to the UAE. Transit passengers are no longer allowed. Beginning April 5, 2020, Etihad has resumed flights to select destinations.

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.

Full Etihad Policy.

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.

In addition, Royal Jordanian has a flexible booking policy for bookings between March 16 and May 20, 2020. They are eligible for rebooking, but not refund.

Royal Jordanian Full Policy

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.

Qatar Full Policy

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.

Qantas Full Policy

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 New Zealand Full Policy

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.

Customers with questions regarding reservation changes are encouraged to call the airline directly.

Air Tahiti Nui Full Policy

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.

Full Virgin Australia Policy

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 April 15. This effectively shuts down EGYPTAIR during that period. Canceled tickets that touch the USA or EU are eligible for a full cash refund. That said, EGYPTAIR’s website is saying that refunds may take up to 3 years (!).

Tickets purchased between March 7 and June 30, 2020 are eligible for a one-time rebooking to a new travel date or destination, regardless of new travel date.

EGYPTAIR Full Policy

Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines has stopped flights to most countries due to COVID-19.

Tickets for travel up to June 30, 2020 or earlier are eligible for free rebooking for travel through December 31, 2020. Fare difference will apply.

Ethiopian Airlines Full Policy

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.

Royal Air Maroc Full Policy

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.