Delta became the first US airline to expand travel waivers and cancellations beyond China.
Delta suspended its direct flights to China earlier this month, with low demand making the operation of the flights commercially unfeasible.
For anyone whose flights were not affected (for instance, passengers booked on Delta but transiting with a partner airline through another country), Delta has issued a travel waiver, allowing passengers to change flights without a fee, or cancel them altogether.
On Wednesday, Delta added Seoul-Incheon Airport, South Korea to the travel waiver.
Delta also issued a travel waiver for travel to certain cities in Italy, where a new outbreak of coronavirus was recently identified.
Passengers who choose to cancel their flights won't get a refund — instead, they can apply the value of their ticket to a new flight within a year.
If a passenger's flight is cancelled by Delta, the airline will reach out with instructions, including how to claim a refund.
If the travel waiver applies to your itinerary, you can change or cancel your flight by visiting the "My Trips" section of Delta's website, clicking on "Modify Flight," and choosing the relevant option.
The full China and South Korea travel waiver applies for travel scheduled between January 24 and April 30. Trips must be rescheduled or cancelled before May 31, 2020 for the waiver to apply. The travel waiver applies for passengers scheduled to fly to, from, or through:
- Beijing, China (PEK or PKX)
- Shanghai, China (PVG)
- Seoul-Incheon, South Korea (ICN)
The Italy travel waiver applies for travel scheduled between February 25 and March 2. Trips must be rescheduled or cancelled before March 2 for travel by March 31. The travel waiver applies for passengers scheduled to fly to, from, or through:
- Bologna, Italy (BLQ)
- Milan-Linate, Italy (LIN)
- Milan-Malpensa, Italy (MXP)
- Venice, Italy (VCE)
American Airlines issued a new travel waiver for South Korea, in addition to mainland China and Hong Kong.
American Airlines similarly cancelled its flights to China as demand fell, tentatively planning to resume flying in late-April.
For passengers scheduled on flights that were still operating, or who were flying to certain other affected areas, the airline has issued a series of travel waivers.
Travelers to mainland China and Hong Kong can change their flights, postpone travel, or cancel their tickets without a change or cancellation fee.
Those traveling to Seoul, South Korea can change or delay their flights, but will still have to pay cancellations fees if they decide to call the trip off altogether. They can also change their origin or destination city to Tokyo.
Passengers can make a one-time change online as long as they aren't changing origin or destination city by visiting the "Find your trip" page and selecting "change trip" in the toolbar.
For any other changes, passengers should contact reservations at 800-433-7300 from the US, or at the relevant phone number listed on this page.
The full mainland China travel waiver applies for travel scheduled between January 24 and April 24, as long as tickets were bought by January 24. Trips must be rescheduled for travel by June 1, 2020 for the waiver to apply. The travel waiver applies for passengers scheduled to fly to, from, or through:
- Beijing, China (PEK or PKX)
- Shanghai, China (PVG)
The Hong Kong travel waiver applies for travel scheduled between January 28 and April 24. Trips must be rescheduled for travel by June 30, or cancelled before the originally scheduled date.
The Seoul Incheon, South Korea travel waiver applies for travel scheduled between February 24 and April 24. Trips must be rescheduled for travel by June 30.
United similarly added a South Korea travel waiver.
Although United has also cancelled its own flights to China and Hong Kong, it issued several travel waivers for passengers scheduled to travel to the region. It added a South Korea waiver this week.
The airline is allowing passengers to change or delay their flights without fees. Passengers scheduled to fly to China and Hong Kong can also choose to cancel their flights and receive a full refund.
The full China travel waiver applies for travel scheduled between January 24 and April 30. Trips must be rescheduled for travel by June 30, or cancelled before the original travel date, for the waiver to apply. The travel waiver applies for passengers scheduled to fly to, from, or through:
- Beijing, China (PEK)
- Chengdu, China (CTU)
- Shanghai, China (PVG)
Similar terms apply for flights to, from, or through Hong Kong, for travel scheduled between January 28 and April 30.
Passengers scheduled to fly to, from, or through Seoul Incheon, South Korea between February 24 and June 30 can change their flights without a fee for travel by June 30. Refunds are not available for Seoul travelers.
To change or cancel your flights, visit the "view your reservation" page and select "Change Flight." If you're eligible for a refund, you can request it at this page.
