©CDC
We are all in times of uncertainty but what if you already have travel plans or are thinking about your future planning/reservations? You know which companies are best to book with when you see how they have assisted consumers, acting quickly, showing compassion and offering a refund or future credit. Here are some of the best travel companies to keep in mind for the future and how you can cancel upcoming reservations.
The Best Travel Companies When Things Go Wrong
Easyjet
Earlier this month I was disappointed when I had to cancel my upcoming trip to Berlin, Germany when the Coronavirus (Covid-19) first hit Europe. I had a huge case of FOMO (fear of missing out) as I was looking forward to attending one of the world's largest travel fairs ITB. ITB was cancelled, Easyjet was helpful and quickly refunded my Air Passenger Duty (APD). As it was before many of the World Health Organisation (WHO) travel restrictions I was unable to apply for a refund.
"We understand there is uncertainty around travel at this time, so if you currently have a booking with us but would prefer not to fly then from tomorrow (13.03.2020), you can now change your flight online and we will waive the flight change fee. This applies to all existing and new bookings until further notice. Should there be a difference in fare you’ll need to pay this - however by waiving the change fee, we want to ensure you have more flexibility to amend your travel plans. Where we’ve been required to cancel flights, customers will be able to transfer to an alternative flight free of charge or receive a refund. And where all flights have had to be cancelled due to local authority guidance – in Italy, for example – we are operating rescue flights to ensure passengers can return home." - EasyJet
For up-to-date information from Easyjet please visit the EasyJet website.
You can also contact your travel insurance company to see if you are covered and what applies. You can also visit Martin Lewis at MoneySavingExpert.Com for more information.
Tripadvisor
"As a site that millions around the world count on for travel guidance, Tripadvisor is closely monitoring the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on both travellers and the travel industry.
We care deeply about your safety, whether you are at home or travelling. With this in mind, I would like to share some resources we’ve created and the actions we’re taking to help you make informed decisions about your own travel plans.
For more information, please visit our resource page. You can also connect to other travellers and join discussions about COVID-19 and how it may affect your plans in Tripadvisor's forums." - Steve Kaufer, CEO of Tripadvisor
Hilton
Your Travel Flexibility "We remain committed to offering you flexible booking options. Given these unique circumstances we are making additional adjustments to our individual booking policies to give you extra peace of mind:
Government Restrictions. In regions affected by government-issued travel restrictions, we will continue to waive change fees or offer full refunds. Please click here for the latest information on our travel waivers.
Existing Reservations. All reservations – even those described as "non-cancellable" (“Advanced Purchase”) – that are scheduled for arrival before April 30, 2020, can be changed or cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival.
New Reservations. Any reservation you make – even those described as “non-cancellable” (“Advanced Purchase”) – that are booked between today and April 30, 2020, for any future arrival date, can be changed or cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival.
If you need to adjust reservations made via the Hilton website, app or call centre, please contact the Hilton Guest Assistance team. If you need to adjust reservations made through another travel site, please contact them for assistance.
Your Points and Status We know that earning Hilton Honors Points and Status is an important way we show appreciation. We also know the current travel environment may limit your ability to stay with us.
We will pause the expiration of all points scheduled to expire between now and May 31, 2020. We will make updates to the requirements for earning tier status for 2021. Since the situation is still evolving, it is too early to make and announce specific changes. We are committed to sharing details as soon as possible. At Hilton, we believe it is in challenging times like these that the power of hospitality is needed most of all. Whether you are travelling now or in the future, our team members are ready to welcome you with the Hilton hospitality you’ve come to expect." - Chris Nassetta, President & CEO of Hilton
Booking.com
"To protect the health of our partners and guests in regard to Coronavirus, we have declared Force Majeure/Forced Circumstances.
At Booking.com, the safety of our partners and guests is of utmost importance. As a result of the official travel advice about the Coronavirus, guests are unable to travel to or stay at accommodations located in areas that are severely affected by the recent Coronavirus outbreak. Please note, travel throughout certain areas is heavily impacted or forbidden at this time.
In addition, a number of international travel restrictions are currently placed on travellers who have recently been in areas severely affected by the Coronavirus (in most cases, within the last 14 days). These restrictions, currently implemented in over 60 countries, can include bans on entry, the mandatory quarantine on arrival, or the suspension of on-arrival visas." - Booking.com
For more information visit your bookings on Booking.com
Get Your Guide
policy for travellers with existing bookings
"During these times, our shared concern is for the traveller. GetYourGuide has proactively put in place a traveller-first cancellation policy given the uncertainty and fear travellers are feeling:
Travellers who cancel a booking in more than 24 hours in advance will receive a full refund from GetYourGuide.Travellers who cancel a booking within 24 hours of the planned start time will receive a credit redeemable for the full value of their booking. When an attraction or event is forced to close, we will proactively reach out to customers and refund their booking". - Get Your Guide
The latest information on local conditions GetYourGuide is in constant contact with authorities around the world. We’ll update our website to accurately reflect whether tours and activities are live or not, and proactively reach out to customers whose bookings are impacted by changes. We encourage you to read the latest news and communications from relevant authorities, carefully and in full. To help you stay healthy and aware of further developments, we suggest visiting these World Health Organization (WHO) website pages:
I hope this has been useful. Stay safe and well. Michelle x
P.S. I would love to hear if you have received great service or perhaps the worst during these uncertain times. Please email your stories to enquiries@MDHardingTravelPhotography.com