Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our opinions or reviews. Learn how we make money.
Check which airlines have waived change fees due to coronavirus
You could be eligible for a free change or refund if you booked an upcoming flight.
We’ll update this post as new announcements are made.
Several major airlines have adjusted flight schedules in light of recent coronavirus outbreaks. Some are also offering rescheduling flexibility due to the situation. If you booked a flight to an affected region, you may be able to make a change free of charge.
And with President Trump’s 30-day travel ban on 26 European countries, it’s important to check your airline’s policy. Canada also closed its borders to foreigners, with the exception of US citizens. Before you make travel plans, or if you have an upcoming flight booked, check which airlines have canceled routes or updated their change policies.
| Airline | Updated change policy | Date updated | More info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | You can make a one-time change without a fee for all new or existing bookings made through June 30, 2020 for original travel between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021. | 6/3/2020 | More info |
| Air France | Change fees waived | 6/18/2020 | More info |
| Alaska Airlines | Change fees waived/ refunds given depending on fare type for flights booked on or before Feb. 27 to May 31 for future travel. | 6/3/2020 | More info |
| American Airlines | No change fee if ticket is bought before June 30, 2020 | 6/3/2020 | More info |
| British Airways | No change fee for bookings made through July 31. Receive a voucher to be used by April 30, 2022. | 6/18/2020 | More info |
| Cathay Pacific | Cancel for free on flights booked on or before March 23 for travel through 17 March to 31 July 2020. If you do not wish to cancel, you can change your ticket or exchange it for Cathay credits. | 6/3/2020 | More info |
| Delta | Tickets purchased between March 1 and June 30, 2020, can be changed without a change fee or Award redeposit fee for a year from the date you purchased it. | 6/3/2020 | More info |
| Frontier | Customers may make a one-time change to their itinerary without a change/cancel fee for tickets issued prior to March 10, 2020 and with travel through April 30, 2020. | 6/3/2020 | More info |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Tickets purchased before March 1, 2020 are valid through May 31, 2022 and tickets purchased between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020 are valid for two years from the ticket purchase date. | 6/3/2020 | More info |
| JetBlue | Change/cancel fees for customers are waived with existing bookings made before June 30. Fare difference may apply. | 6/3/2020 | More info |
| Southwest | As per its usual policy, no change for flights canceled up to 10 minutes before departure. Funds can be used for future travel up to one year after original purchase, with some extensions: Customers' funds set to expire between March 1 – September 7, 2020, will now expire September 7, 2022. | 6/3/2020 | More info |
| Spirit | Receive a full purchase price reservation credit instantly after finishing steps in canceling your flight. | 6/3/2020 | More info |
| Sun Country | All change fees waived for qualifying itineraries for travel through June 30th. | 6/3/2020 | More info |
| Turkish Airlines | No change fee on flights booked through July 20. | 6/18/2020 | More info |
| Qantas | Travel on a Qantas flight before 31 October 2020, and wish to change plans can cancel booking and retain the full value as a flight credit. Flight credits can be used for bookings and travel until 31 December 2021. | 6/3/2020 | More info |
| United Airlines | No change fee for flights booked prior to March 31 | 6/18/2020 | More info |
| Virgin Atlantic | No change fees for travel through Dec 31, 2020. Rebook and travel by 30th September 2022. | 6/3/2020 | More info |
Other steps airlines have taken
Major airlines including American, United and Delta have implemented stricter cleaning practices and standards in light of the coronavirus. Delta recently announced a fogging procedure that disinfects surface areas in its aircraft. The airline noted it uses a “safe, high-grade EPA-registered disinfectant that is highly effective against many communicable diseases, including coronaviruses.”
Airlines like Southwest, Jet Blue and others have enhanced their cleaning procedures with measures like regular deep cleans and daily wipe-downs of hard surfaces like armrests and tray tables.
Many of the airlines on this list also require passengers to wear face masks.
Picture: Getty Images
Ask an Expert