As of Jan. 26, it has been reported that nearly 50 people have died as a result of a corona virus outbreak that originated in China. Thousands are expected to be infected, and with no sign of slowing down in the near future, travel companies around the world are taking action by offering free cancellations in an effort to help contain the outbreak.
China has shut down approximately 10 cities and has halted transportation in and out of Wuhan, a city of 11 million in Hubei province that is the epicenter of the virus’ outbreak.
The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4 travel advisory, urging Americans not to visit Hubei province. If you had plans to travel to or through China in the near future, you may want to postpone those plans. Here’s what compensation you’re eligible for.
Airlines
Chinese carriers
On Jan. 21, The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) issued a statement requiring airlines to attach great importance to the prevention of the outbreak. For passengers who have already purchased flight tickets to or from Wuhan and wish to cancel their trip, airlines should handle their refund requests free of charge. If you had plans to travel within China, you should be eligible for a full refund on the following airlines: Air China, Capital Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon, Chengdu Airlines, China Airlines and Mandarin Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, China United Airlines, Juneyao Airlines, Lucky Air, Hainan Airlines, OK Air, Scoot, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Spring Airlines, Suparna Airlines, Tianjin Airlines, West Air, Urumqi Air and Xiamen Air.American Airlines
American Airlines flight attendants criticized the airline for not taking action sooner, however, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants asked AA that it “institute immediate emergency measures, including providing crew members the latest information regarding the 2019-nCoV outbreak, identifying the signs and symptoms of illness in oneself and others, and practical procedures to manage potentially ill persons.” In response, American issued flight waivers that allows a one-time, fee-free change on travel to, through and from the following cities:- Beijing, China (PEK)
- Shanghai, China (PVG)
Delta Air Lines
Like American, Delta doesn’t serve Wuhan on its own planes, though its SkyTeam partners Xiamen and China Eastern do. As a response to the outbreak, Delta has issued travel waivers for those traveling to, through and from the following affected cities between Jan. 24 – 31:- Beijing, China (PEK)
- Shanghai (PVG)
United Airlines
United serves more cities in China with its own metal than its U.S. peers do, which means the airline’s waivers is a little more widespread, and applies to the following cities:- Beijing, China (PEK)
- Chengdu, China (CTU)
- Shanghai, China (PVG)
Hotels
In addition to airlines, hotel chains are doing their part to contain the corona virus outbreak as well as lessen the impact that the outbreak has on travelers, primarily by offering full refunds to previously booked stays.Hilton
Hilton issued a statement announcing that it would offer free cancellations on all bookings at Hilton properties in Wuhan. Additionally, all residents of Wuhan are eligible to cancel any bookings they had worldwide. In both cases, guests are eligible for a full refund on stays on or before Feb. 2.Accor
Accor has extended free cancellations to guests who are booked to stay at any property within Greater China on or before Feb. 2.DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
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