TORONTO — Canada's largest airlines are waiving change fees in light of concerns about the novel coronavirus.
Air Canada says a one-time change is permitted for tickets purchased from the airline between March 4 and March 31 for travel within 12 months.
It also applies to Aeroplan flight reward bookings and Air Canada Vacations has implemented flexible booking policies.
WestJet Airlines Ltd. says the one-time change fee waiver applies to new bookings made between March 5 and March 31.
Air Transat has two policies, including one that applies to Venice, a hot spot for the virus called COVID-19. All customers who booked flights on or before March 2 for travel until June 30 can change their date or destination for a trip until Oct. 31.
Other passengers travelling outside the eco budget fare class can change their travel dates, destination or hotel at no charge for bookings made between March 4 and March 31 for travel through Oct. 31.
“Although almost all of our destinations are very safe and the government of Canada's advisories currently affect only one of our destinations located in northern Italy, we are aware that the outbreak and progression of the coronavirus may raise questions and even concerns among some travellers," Transat said in a news release.
"The situation is evolving rapidly, and in order to reassure travellers and enable our clients to carry out their travel plans, we are offering them peace of mind by deploying a highly advantageous flexibility policy."
Most airlines will waive the fee for changes made at least 14 days before travel. However, Transat passengers can change their booking up to 24 hours before departure.
All airlines require passengers to pay any fare difference between the original and new flights.
Sunwing says its destinations have not been impacted to date but its waiver applies to all new bookings made March 4-19 for flights until June 24.
Sunwing passengers can purchase insurance starting at $50 per person that provides full cancellation coverage up until three hours before departure for any reason.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 5, 2020.
Companies in this story: (TSX:AC, TSX:TRZ).
Ross Marowits, The Canadian Press
