Here's why Delta, American, United, and other airlines won't be quick to offer refunds even though travel from the US to some European countries is largely banned due to the coronavirus pandemic
- US airlines won't be eager to offer refunds on flights between the US and Europe even after President Donald Trump heavily restricted transatlantic travel, says expert Henry Harteveldt.
- Delta Air Lines was the first US airline to offer a transatlantic-specific travel waiver that allowed for flight changes but not refunds.
- American Airlines and United Airlines did not say whether they will offer refunds in addition to flight changes and cancellations.
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US airlines first began offering travel waivers for destinations impacted by coronavirus including China, Italy, and South Korea, soon expanding the coverage to include existing bookings to any international or domestic destination.
The move was largely a domino effect with one airline taking the lead and the others following.
Under the waivers, passengers could change their flights without a fee but would still be responsible for any difference in fare or taxes or choose to cancel their flights and put the value of the ticket towards a future flight.
Following President Donald Trump's Wednesday announcement limiting travel between the US and Europe, Delta Air Lines was the first US airline to implement a travel waiver specific to transatlantic flights.
The waiver covered Delta flights to all of the countries affected by the travel restrictions and even the unaffected countries of the United Kingdom and Ireland. Other US airlines simply maintained existing waivers covering all destinations, international and domestic.
Despite numerous efforts to assist affected travelers and restore confidence in bookings, however, airlines are not giving the one thing people want right now: their money back.
Here's why.