Coronavirus Tips On Getting A Refund For Your Cancelled Travel Plans
By Marc Smith.
Canada has closed its borders to all but Canadian citizens, permanent residents and flight crew. Other countries are also doing the same which means that it is time for Canadians to come home, self isolate and weather the Coronavirus storm out.
This means all your travel plans whether within Canada or internationally are either cancelled or on hold. So what should you do?
Step #1 Gather all your information in one place. This means your plane ticket, car rental, hotel bookings and any tours you may have scheduled and prepaid. I find it really helpful to write all the info down in one place. You will need to know your ticket numbers, confirmation numbers and any other details.
Step #1.1 If you are experiencing a high level of anxiety about this process ask for help. Ask a family member, a neighbour or a friend that you trust to help you navigate the steps below. This can be a very confusing situation for a lot of people and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Two heads are better than one after all
Step #2 Remember where you booked your travel and start there. If you booked through a travel agent they are who you should contact. If you booked directly with an airline, hotel or car rental agency that is who you contact. If you used an online booking platform like Expedia and Airbnb, you will contact them directly.
Step #3 Your first point of contact should be online with whoever you purchased your tickets with. Almost every operator I could find has updated their cancellation policies in regards to the Coronavirus. Follow the online promps and you should be credited with little to no hassle.
Step#4 If you aren’t aren’t able to cancel your booking through the online forms then try reaching out next via social media. Try the company Twitter, Facebook Messenger and Instagram accounts.
Keep your msg short but make sure to include the relevant details without giving away and private details. When they respond they will direct you to Direct Message (DM) them with further details. Most companies have separated their social and phone support teams so chances are you will get through faster using social media than by waiting on the phone.
Step #5 If you can’t cancel online, don’t use social media or your travel plans are within a few days then call your agent/airline/hotel directly. You will be on hold for a while because of the flood of callers each company is receiving so stay calm, keep your travel information handy and updated and remember these workers are there to help you.
Below is a list of some of the major travel companies cancellation pages.
- Air Canada https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/travel-news-and-updates/2020/covid-19.html#/cancel-existing
- West Jet https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/travel-info/advisories#coronavirus
- Sunwing https://www.sunwing.ca/en/promotion/packages/travel-advisory/
- Air Transat https://www.airtransat.com/en-CA/travel-information/coronavirus
- Expedia https://www.expedia.ca/service/?langid=4105#/articles/490/61/25644
- Airbnb https://www.airbnb.ca/help/article/2701/extenuating-circumstances-policy-and-the-coronavirus-covid19
- Marriott Bonvoy https://marriott-re-2019ncovc.com/
- Hilton Hotels https://www.hilton.com/en/corporate/coronavirus/
Good news for Canadians that are trying to get home. The Canadian Government today announced financial support offering emergency loans up to $5,000 to help get Canadians home that may need financial assistance.
