The Best Travel Companies When Things Go Wrong
Updated: Mar 11

©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 ar