With Covid-19 still circulating widely, many travelers find themselves needing to cancel trips due to testing positive for Covid or being exposed. This leads to the question: can you cancel a flight and get a refund if you have Covid?
Quick Overview
The short answer is yes, you can cancel a flight due to having Covid and receive a refund, but the specifics depend on the airline’s policies. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Most major US airlines have waived change and cancellation fees for Covid-related issues.
- You’ll typically need to provide proof of a positive test result to qualify for a refund.
- Timing is important – policies differ if you cancel ahead of travel vs. on the day of.
- Refunds are usually given as travel credits valid for 1-2 years vs. cash.
- Trip insurance can also reimburse non-refundable tickets if you cancel for Covid.
Read on for more details on airline policies and how to request a Covid cancellation refund.
Airline Policies for Covid Cancellations
Here are the current policies of major US airlines regarding cancelling and getting a refund due to Covid:
Delta
- Waiving change/cancellation fees for travel impacted by Covid.
- Must rebook travel within 2 years of original ticket issue date.
- Refunds given as eCredits valid for 2 years.
- Must provide documentation of positive Covid test.
United
- Waiving change fees for Covid-related cancellations.
- Must complete travel by May 31, 2024.
- Refunds as Future Flight Credits valid for 2 years.
- Proof of positive test required.
American
- No change fees if ticket bought by April 30, 2023.
- Must start travel within 2 years of issue date.
- Refunds as travel credits valid for 2 years.
- Medical documentation required.
Southwest
- No change fees ever.
- Funds remain valid with no expiration.
- Refunds as travel funds usable anytime.
- Doctor’s note recommending not to fly required.
JetBlue
- Cancellations allowed even on non-refundable tickets.
- Travel must be completed within 24 months.
- Refunds as travel credits valid 24 months.
- Medical certification required.
As you can see, all major US airlines are waiving change and cancellation fees related to Covid. However, each has specific requirements regarding rebooking, refund deadlines, required documentation, and more. Be sure to check your airline’s latest policies before cancelling.
Steps for Cancelling a Flight for Covid
If you need to cancel a flight due to a positive Covid test result or exposure, follow these key steps:
- Confirm you meet your airline’s policy requirements – be sure you have the right documentation, are cancelling within the timeframe, etc.
- Call the airline directly – don’t just skip the flight. You need to formally cancel with an agent.
- Have your documentation ready – email a copy of your positive test result, doctor’s note, etc.
- Request a refund to original form of payment – first ask for a refund to the original credit card, bank account, etc. if allowed.
- If no refund, get future travel credit – if no cash refund, request a voucher or credit for future travel.
- Take note of new policies – get details on expiration dates, rebooking rules, fees, and other fine print.
- Follow up with confirmation – ask for an email, notice, or confirmation number documenting your cancellation and refund.
The key is to act quickly, know the policies, and get proof of your cancellation and refund processing from the airline. Be polite but persistent with agents to get the best outcome.
Using Trip Insurance for Covid Cancellations
One other option for potentially getting a refund for a flight cancelled due to Covid is to utilize trip insurance. Many policies may reimburse non-refundable tickets if you have to cancel due to a documented medical issue like testing positive for Covid.
For example, Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) policies will refund up to 50-75% of your trip cost if cancelled for Covid. Or, basic trip insurance may refund 100% if you cancel due to a covered medical reason.
Check your policy exclusions and contact your insurer to start a claim. Provide documentation from a doctor stating you should not travel. While less ideal than an airline refund, insurance can recoup some costs if the airline won’t provide a full cash refund.
Example Refund Policies for Major US Airlines
To summarize some key details, here is a comparison table of the major US airlines’ policies for cancelling and getting a refund due to Covid:
| Airline | Fees Waived? | Refund Form | Validity | Documentation Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | Yes | eCredit | 2 years | Positive test result |
| United | Yes | Future flight credit | 2 years | Positive test result |
| American | Yes | Travel credit | 2 years | Medical certification |
| Southwest | N/A (no fees) | Travel funds | No expiration | Doctor’s note |
| JetBlue | Yes | Travel credit | 24 months | Medical certification |
Conclusion
Being able to cancel a flight hassle-free due to Covid can provide important peace of mind for travelers. Thankfully, all the major US airlines have implemented policies allowing cancellations and refunds related to Covid.
The key things to remember are:
- Each airline has different specifics on documentation, deadlines, and forms of refunds provided.
- Act quickly and call to formally cancel – don’t just miss the flight.
- Always get written confirmation of your cancellation and refund.
- Trip insurance is a backup option if the airline won’t provide a satisfactory refund.
While having to cancel a trip due to Covid is never ideal, understanding airline policies can ensure you maximally recover any costs already incurred for your flight. Check back frequently as well, as policies are evolving along with the pandemic. Safe and happy travels!