Alaska Airlines is suspending its usual cancellation fees through March 12, in response to the COVID-19 virus and concerns travelers may have over their flight plans.
“Every day seems to bring new developments related to the coronavirus, and the uncertainty of the disease is unsettling. Our hearts go out to those around the world who’ve been impacted by the virus,” the company announced on its website. The policy applies to all fares, including the “Saver” fares that are normally not refundable.
“Starting today, Feb. 27, through March 12, 2020, we’ll suspend change and cancellation fees for new flight bookings for our guests who later decide not to travel because of concerns related to the virus,” Alaska Airlines said.
For flights booked prior to March 12, if you decide to change or cancel your trip, the company will give you full travel credit to fly for up to one year from the issuance of the credit. Fare differences apply. Visit alaskair.com for further details.
In addition, the airlines says it has updated some of its onboard procedures including avoiding having cups and bottles touch each other between passengers, and evaluating its deep cleaning procedures with input from the CDC.
This is not a good time to be a flight attendant.
This headline is a bit misleading… Alaska Airlines has not waived all change fees. They waived change fees for flights that were booked between Feb 27 and March 12, IF you then decide to cancel before March 12. So basically if you book a flight today, you have two weeks to decide to cancel. This does nothing for flights booked before Feb 27 (i.e. before Coronavirus was a known threat). I tried to cancel an international flight to Costa Rica in late April that I booked in November and there was nothing offered. This is a weak PR attempt.
I agree, this is a weak PR attempt. Alaska purports to have a “Peace of Mind waiver”, but actively attempts to detach that from Coronavirus. The “Peace of Mind waiver” only applies to flights booked since Februrary 27. Apparently this coincides with the date of the initial FAA alert. For any flights booked before that date, Alaska wants $125 USD to change or cancel.
So long Alaska Airlines… I shall fly with you no more.
Sad to say, Alaska is not providing any travel credit for saver tickets purchased before March 12.
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