Covid, vouchers and refunds: policies of major airlines

Increased vaccinations are allowing for a general reopening. The travel world has restarted, although 2020 taught us how bitter surprises are around the corner because of the Covid. Before booking a ticket for a trip, it is always advisable to check the policies of the companies being considered. This way you will be sure of the treatment you will receive in case you need any cancellations. Here, then, are the refund policy Of the best-known airlines in Europe.

Alitalia

In case of cancelled flights or flights that have been delayed more than 5 hours, Alitalia offers the following options for its customers to choose from:

• change of reservation (itinerary change): without fare supplement, to travel, where possible, within 7 days before or after the date of the cancelled flight. Change to be made within the date of scheduled departure or of the flight already offered by the company
• change reservation (change of destination): possible fare supplement, for travel within 1 year from the date of the cancelled flight
• ticket refund
• named voucher: amount equal to the value of the purchased ticket, increased by a fixed amount. 15 euros in the case of a canceled medium-haul flight, 60 euros in the case of a long-haul flight

It is undeniable, however, how in some cases passengers may decide not to fly, as planned, due to overheard news about Covid-19. Alitalia guarantees forms of assistance and reimbursement in such cases:

• Passengers with tickets purchased by April 30, 2020, with travel dates between October 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021
• Passengers with tickets purchased between August 1, 2020 and July 31, 2021, with travel dates between October 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021

In the case of a supervening inability to use the ticket, whether Covid positivity or not, as well as in the case of the reason for travel ceasing to exist, it will be possible to choose from the following options:

• Change of reservation, to travel within 1 year of the scheduled date, with possible fare supplementation
• ticket refund
• named voucher

Lufthansa

What Lufthansa offers its customers is flexibility. A reservation change is therefore guaranteed for all fares and tickets, in relation to Short-, medium- and long-haul flights. The spread of Covid-19 requires an adaptation of the policy and that is what happened. As for cancellations, then, here is what the company proposes: "Remember that in the event of flight cancellation by the airline, you will always have the right to be re-routed on an alternate flight subject to availability or to obtain a full refund of your ticket."

Air France

With Air France you can apply for a voucher or reimbursement in case of issues related to the health crisis. Here are the differences to point out:

• Flight canceled due to Covid emergency: you can apply for voucher or refund
• flight churn due to health crisis: you can apply for a voucher

To obtain a voucher or refund, it says, you must go to the "Your Reservations" section so that you can carry out the entire process online. In case that option is not available, you will have to fill out the following form.

Ryanair

There has been no shortage of controversy on the reimbursement front Ryanair. Just think of the action taken by the Antitrust Authority against the company regarding its business practices in refunding canceled flights.

The carrier offers two ways to get what passengers are entitled to. One can request a financial reimbursement by filling out a specific form. Alternatively, you can opt for a vouchers, to be used over a period of 18 months. It is thus possible to rebook the same flight or change the itinerary. If the voucher is not used, the company will compensate you financially and refund you. In case the voucher is used only partially, after the 18 months you will receive a refund of the remaining amount.

Easyjet

Easyjet warns its passengers in a timely manner in case of cancellations, offering within the emails sent a clear elucidation of the options available to them. One has the option of receiving a voucher equivalent to the amount spent on the reservation. Alternatively, one can request a refund through the Reservation Management section.

Until September 30, considering the many doubts related to the world of travel, it is allowed to Change the flight at any time up to 2 hours before departure.

Volotea

The only case for which Volotea provides for financial reimbursement is when it is the carrier that announces the cancellation of the flight. In this particular historical period, however, there is a Covid exception.

Three options provided via email in case of cancellation or postponement:

• accept the new schedule
• opt for a different date (within 7 days of the original flight date)
• refund of the amount

In the event that the obstruction affects you exclusively, free insurance coverage is offered and included with all flights. Should the passenger test positive for Covid, up to 14 days before the flight, he/she can get a full refund of your reservation. You need to get in touch with the company and send an official certificate stating that you have tested positive.

Vueling

On its official website, Vueling talks about Covid contingencies and what the company does to help its passengers. In case of positivity you are asked to access the Send us a message section. In the form you will be able to mark the following options: Private>Application>Reimbursement>Medical Certificate.

However, the possibility that the place of destination or origin imposes new regulations and restrictions cannot be ruled out. In this case, you can manage your reservation via app or site, requesting a voucher or refund.

• summer 2021