Canceling Travel Due to COVID-19?

Here are 6 Things Every Wanderlust Should Know

The need to cancel your trip is a massive lump in our throats, we're with you on that, but you have to take it out of your system completely to avoid unnecessary stress in your life.

This canceled trip is the reality we've been served with, so we have to act accordingly. In fact, that should be every wanderlust's mantra from this point forward so we can all embrace this new normal and accept that we might not be seeing the world in the next few months.

To ease your minds from all the stress brought about by this dilemma, here are a few tips on how you can take the situation at hand lightly and with grace.

Talk to Airlines directly

The first thing on your to-do list should be to call your airline provider. We understand how hard it is to get through nowadays, especially with a surge of phone calls coming from every heartbroken wanderlust who is trying to do the same thing as you— cancel a trip.

Since we can't all go out to march into their office, a phone call is our best option. While it is our best course of action, we must be able to do it with patience and poise. You have to understand that the call centers for these airlines are doing their best to address everyone's problem in the face of a lethal pandemic.

Given this long queue, make sure you ask all your questions during this phone call and write down their answers. You don't want to wait in line again to ask something you've forgotten the first time your call went through.

Airlines have varying regulations. Some may offer a complete refund; others may convert your flight to a travel fund instead. Whatever they offer, make sure you choose the most convenient option for you.

Try different contact methods

If you don't like all the waiting, especially if you feel strongly about canceling a trip and want to be answered the fastest way possible, a tweet sent to your online provider might get you the solution you're looking for.

According to an Air travel expert and FareCompare CEO Rick Seaney, tweets often get the quickest responses. Most airlines turn to their social media teams to monitor their feed all the time, especially now that these platforms have become a powerful tool in airing sentiments and angst towards any entity. Who wants to be shamed in front of a great number of people? Or at least air their side and address the problem?

These airline companies would love to tackle these problems head-on so don't hesitate to call their attention online.

Consider other refunds

Apart from airline refunds, there are other players you can also look into.

If you have already booked your hotel accommodation, you may also directly ask them for their refund rules. Some of them may have a more flexible term than the others.

You can also contact your chosen travel agency regarding your booking and how you can agree on a certain refund amount.

You must understand that these companies have also taken a hit when this pandemic started, which means you're not the only one who's worried about money and returns. It's best to understand both ends of the spectrum, believe it or not; no one has seen this coming.

These refund requests can also serve as a reminder for every frequent traveler to always read the fine print when it comes to refund and cancellations. It will save you many arguments in the future if you know what you're engaging in.

Review new flights

Since most airlines will encourage you to convert your canceled flight into a travel fund instead, make sure not to make any haste decisions.

Airlines all over the world have eased their policies for travelers who have no other choice but to cancel their flights. If you're worried about the expiration of your travel fund, don't. You can take your precious time to think about your next flight out.

Prepare for uncertain policies

Let's admit it, COVID-19 has put many of us in a place of confusion and uncertainty. It is why preparing for the worst should well be in order. That's not a note of threat or discouragement; it's a fact that we have to consider since the world takes a swift turn daily, and we don't exactly know when we will be able to travel again.

This circumstance also applies to travel companies, including airlines, hotels, and travel agencies. They might be able to give you a full refund early on, but when you wait for much longer to process your refund, there might be a different rule then.

You have to prepare yourself for what's coming and what's not, even if that means your next trip to your favorite city will only happen in your dreams for now— which we believe is completely fine as long as we get to see countries fight the virus and be able to flatten the curve.

Stay as updated at possible

No one has the means to predict when this will all be over, so you have to keep your eyes and ears open for new travel advisories.

Staying up to date is helpful when planning your next trip. It will allow you to decide whether or not to push for it or to save it for a later date.

To Sum Up

It's been a crazy few months, and we get how you feel. But if we are to choose whether to insist on flying or staying at home for our safety, we'd choose the latter.

Remember that you can still earn the money you've spent if you're worried about not getting a full refund for all the factors we've mentioned above. The cash will flow again; your health might not if you catch the virus.

We can't wait for that time when we can all go back to traveling. In the meantime, check out our awesome carry-on luggage dimensions guide created for wanderlusts who love air travel and adventure.