If you need to review your travel plans in light of Covid-19, here is information you’ll need on the cancellation policies of leading hotels, airlines and loyalty programmes
The evolving coronavirus situation has interrupted travel on a global scale, with border restrictions set in place by several countries around the world. As airlines cut their operations, the sight of grounded planes at Changi Airport, one of the busiest in the world, is unnerving to see.
The hospitality industry is likewise facing a challenging time, with hotel occupancy levels at all-time lows. And for travellers, constantly evolving travel restrictions have left many scrambling to cancel their trips.
The silver lining is, despite the major repercussions to the industry, hotels and airlines have updated their cancellation policies to give customers more flexibility. If you need to cancel an upcoming trip, here is what you should know.
Hotels
Accor
As one of the biggest hotel chains in the world, Accor’s vast portfolio of brands includes Raffles, Fairmont, Banyan Tree, Pullman, Novotel and Mercure. Accor has advised all of its hotels to adopt flexible conditions in terms of cancellation or modifications for travellers with new or existing bookings through April 30, 2020.
For guests that wish to cancel a prepaid or guaranteed booking for a stay made for the period between now and April 30, Accor provides either the option to amend the booking to a later date or to cancel and fully refund the reservation.
“Accor continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide additional guidance and updates to its hotels as the situation evolves. Of course, we recommend all travellers review guidance from the World Health Organisation and follow any travel advice issued by their home countries prior to travel,” the group said in a statement.
Find out more here
(CNA Luxury: Covid-19: Travel agencies’ advice on what stranded travellers should do)