Qatar, SIA and Emirates waive change fees amid Covid-19

Qatar is one of three airlines that have announced more flexibility for current bookings

Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines (SIA), and Emirates have all announced that they will waive fees for date changes in light of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Qatar Airways’ customers can change the dates of their booking without charge should their travel date falls between March 6 and June 30, 2020. Fees for booking alterations will be waived if reservations are changed at least three days before departure.

Qatar is one of three airlines that have announced more flexibility for current bookings

Qatar Airways will provide customers the additional option of exchanging the flight ticket for a travel voucher, where the unutilised value can be used for future travel, valid for one year from its date of issue.

Qatar Airways’ customers wishing to cancel their flights altogether can avoid incurring a refund penalty if they do so three days before departure.

Similarly, SIA will waive change fees for tickets issued between March 6 to March 31 for travel to and from all destinations. The new travel date must commence before March 31, 2021.

For Emirates, customers will be able to change their travel dates without penalties, if their tickets are issued between March 7 and March 31, 2020. Flight changes can be made to any date within an 11-month range, within the same booking class. Changes can also be made on the day of the flight, provided they call at least two hours before.

Also, Emirates’ Skywards members who have booked to travel between March 1 and June 30 will receive a 20 per cent bonus in tier miles.

Passengers are advised to contact the respective airlines with specific details of their flights for confirmation. Fare differences or applicable taxes still apply.

The three airlines’ new policy, introduced to provide convenience for passengers amid imposed travel restrictions and flight reductions, apply to flights booked directly with them, as well as through travel agencies.

All airlines have taken additional precautions to stem the spread of the virus, such as disinfecting aircraft, as well as the use of advanced air filtration systems, which remove 99 per cent or more of the viruses in the cabin.

Sponsored Post