Planning travel should be exciting and stress-free! Perhaps it is a little different now. Look at the 2020 COVID-19 version of the Kentucky Derby as an example. I am here to help you navigate the new world of travel.
Value travelers across the globe are worried about the implications of COVID-19 on their vacation plans. Do you make travel plans? Do you wait it out? Do you have plans and continue with it? Is it touch and go as news comes out about virus hotspots? This is a tough decision to make and it changes week to week.
Airline Cancellations
When it comes to airline cancellations, it can be a bit cloudy, in terms of each airline’s policy. Airlines are in no rush to cancel flights and return your funds. They want to hold on to your cash for as long as they can. You need to be aware to what your rights are and procedures to follow.
The definition of a cancelled flight is if it is removed from the schedule. An airline or two may consider it cancelled if they cannot get you to your destination another way, even if it means connecting flights that may take longer. The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) rules override anything your airline is telling you. If the DOT makes a change to their rulings, it is for bookings going forward. Not retroactive to when you purchased the airline ticket. Check the DOT information based on when you purchased the tickets.
How To Claim A Refund
Claims have increased dramatically. If you contact the airline and you are not satisfied, ask to speak to a supervisor. Not happy after that? Make a claim with the DOT if you believe you are correct. Just because you are not happy with the airline’s decision does not mean you are right. Read the Terms and conditions based on when you purchased.
Many travelers are worried about taking family vacations amidst the COVID pandemic. If you decide you are not comfortable continuing with your trip due to the current health conditions at a destination they will not give you a refund. Best case, they will give you a voucher for further travel with an expiration date. Keep in mind that, when you rebook, you do not get a refund for the unused dollar amount on your voucher if your flight went down in price.
Your best bet is to wait until you are closer to your travel date because the flight may be cancelled as the date gets closer. Some destinations may not allow travel into their location. Then you get your refund. If you cancel your trip, get a voucher, and then they cancel your flight, you do NOT get the refund. You keep the voucher so patience is vital. One way to get a feel if your flight will be cancelled is if you see they stop selling seats for your flight at some point. That is a good sign that a cancellation is probably coming.
Award booking cancellations are more flexible since it does not involve cash. They may charge you a redepositing fee when they return your miles to your account. When you are using an online travel agency (OTA) it may be harder to get a refund. Hotels.com, Orbitz, Travelocity, reward points from Citibank, AMEX and Chase are all examples of OTA’s. Why is it harder? It is a longer process and extra steps to go through. First, the airline has to approve it, then the OTA needs to approve it. Then you need to see what the points program has to say about it.
Hotel Cancellations
Hotel cancellations are much easier to navigate. You may even be able to do so without any hotel points and rewards. Each individual hotel has their own terms and conditions so read them before you book. There is no governing body you can turn to if you are not satisfied.
The future of travel with bookings? Hard to say. Do you use a travel agent, OTA or book direct? If you book with an OTA they have more leverage than you as an individual traveler. Just make sure you use an OTA that has strong financial health. They do much more business with the property than you do. When you book direct it is imperative you closely look at cancellation dates. You miss that date and you are out of luck.
Road Trip Travel
Road trips may become more popular because flights are out of the equation on that type of trip. If you are interested, there are several steps to help you prepare for post COVID travel on the road. Domestic travel will be next to come back and then international. Your lowest risk booking will be using miles.points, and hotels. You can cancel and redeposit for free (look closely at the terms and conditions before booking). The travel world is changing every day and the rules will be changing also. Most likely to benefit the provider so be aware.
Keep this all in mind when planning your New Mexico roadtrip travel itinerary.
The Future Of Airlines
With the health of the airline industry the way it is, will they start devaluing award points? Maybe reduce availability for award travel? It’s hard to say but it may be a good idea to book way out and lock in the trips you want to take in 2021 and beyond. Again, understand cancellation policies prior to booking. Don’t assume they will “work with you” when the time comes.
Airlines will have to get creative to build your confidence in purchasing a ticket. Researchers have already made several travel predictions post Coronavirus about how these changes will impact airlines. Have everyone wear masks. Not sell the middle seats. Give attractive targeted offers to loyalty members. Stop using carts with food and drinks on it. Eliminate in-flight pillows and blankets. Maybe board the back of the plane first to reduce contact on the plane. All good ideas to look at as the new normal.
Travel Documents & Programs
As you prepare for Post-COVID vacationing in 2020, consider the changes in travel documents and programs. Passport renewal services have recently resumed. However, there have been significant delays since its reopening. Since July, travelers in many states are eligible to enroll in the Global Entry Program again. Similarly, the deadline for the new federally approved Real ID identification, which will soon be needed for domestic travel, has additionally been extended.
Post-Travel Precautions
Of course, you still want to take precautions and be safe after you return from your post-COVID vacation. There is always a chance that you may have been exposed to the Coronavirus or other viruses during your travels. Certainly, this can be true even if you feel fine, and are not experiencing any symptoms. Therefore, you should self-monitor for symptoms, isolate yourself, and get tested once you return. Plus, follow all the recommendations from your state and local municipality for after traveling. Certainly, post travel precautions are important when planning your first family vacation with gamers in 2021.
Planning trips will definitely increase as time goes on. With the proper planning, you can even take your family to the post-COVID Disney theme park experience. Just follow the new rules closely and you will be fine.
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