Travel has changed since the pandemic began. Here are some things that can help you navigate these difficult times and plan for the future.
Can I get a travel refund?
Airlines: Each airline conducts its business differently. Many airlines now are more liberal than usual if you decide to change your flight, sometimes waiving change fees.
If the airline cancels the flight, under most circumstances it will try to accommodate you. If it can’t within the time it specifies, it may give you a voucher or a refund. Read more about airline refunds at lat.ms/airlinerefundscredits.
Cruise lines: Cruise lines worldwide suspended sailings March 13. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on April 9 extended the no-sail order for cruise ships in the U.S., with no firm return date announced. You can get a refund or a future cruise credit, which usually comes with perks and credits to keep you on board. Read more about cruise policies at lat.ms/cruiserefundscredits.
What about my elite status with my airline’s loyalty program?
U.S. carriers have allowed passengers to change or cancel flights without penalty fees during the coronavirus pandemic. Some are giving elite members of their loyalty programs automatic extensions of their status — some as long as 18 months. Here are more loyalty program details at lat.ms/airlineloyaltyrewards.
Can I go to Hawaii as planned?
Hawaii doubled down on its stay-at-home order April 25. With Georgia and a few other states easing restrictions, Gov. David Ige went in the opposite direction. To stop the spread of coronavirus, he extended the state’s stay-at-home order until May 31. Anyone flying to the islands will have to quarantine at home or at their hotel for 14 days.
Should I travel at all in the U.S. right now?
The short answer: It’s up to you. Of course, the real answer is more complicated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention usually doesn’t give travel advice, but the agency’s website (lat.ms/cdctravelguidelines) devotes an entire page to questions and factors to consider.
You need to weigh whether you are putting yourself or others at risk. Are you sick or do you have underlying health conditions? You probably shouldn’t be traveling and increasing your risk of getting the disease. Is your travel urgent?
Should I make plans for a summer vacation?
Maybe. There are incredible travel deals right now, from airfares to rafting trips, and that trend probably will continue as the tourism industry acts to recover pandemic losses. If you book, it’s possible you may be financially protected in a way you have not been. Refunds are more plentiful, but so are problems. Here’s a guide at lat.ms/summervacationplans to help you decide whether to take a chance and be rewarded with good value or take a chance and suffer a financial loss.
Can I renew my U.S. passport?
The U.S. State Department is not processing new passports and renewals except for emergency cases because of the coronavirus pandemic. If you already sent in your passport for renewal, you can expect significant delays.
