Coronavirus has resulted in many holidaymakers being forced to change their travel plans as the deadly virus sweeps the globe. Popular holiday designations Italy, Spain, Germany and France are in the top 10 most affected countries in the word right now. The global total stands at 162,687 at the time of writing. Italy is home to a whopping 21,157 of those.
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Many Britons choose to jet off to Europe with budget airlines Ryanair and easyJet.
Both airlines are known for making their customers pay for any changes to bookings – but does that still stand amid the coronavirus pandemic?
The good news is that both easyJet and Ryanair are now allowing jet-setters to switch for free.
This is what you need to know.
easyJet
easyJet announced this week that the flight change fee will be waived for all new and existing bookings for the foreseeable future.
Travellers are encouraged to do this online, as calling by telephone will incur a fee.
The airline said in a statement: “We will continue to operate a flight schedule that ensures that those customers who still wish to travel can do so, where travel restrictions allow and in line with guidance from health authorities.
“However, we understand there is uncertainty around travel at this time, so if you currently have a booking with us but would prefer not to fly then… you can now change your flight online and we will waive the flight change fee.
“This applies to all existing and new bookings until further notice.
“Should there be a difference in fare you’ll need to pay this – however by waiving the change fee, we want to ensure you have more flexibility to amend your travel plans.
“Where we’ve been required to cancel flights, customers will be able to transfer to an alternative flight free of charge or receive a refund.
“And where all flights have had to be cancelled due to local authority guidance – in Italy, for example – we are operating rescue flights to ensure passengers can return home.
“To change your travel plans, please visit the Manage Bookings section on easyJet.com. This is not only the simplest way to make changes but, given the call volumes we are currently experiencing, this will also be the quickest.
“Please note that if you do need to call the Contact Centre to make a change, there will be an administration charge of £5 applied per person, per flight – so we really do encourage you to make your changes online. Clearly, if you require special assistance when booking, this fee will be waived.”
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Ryanair
Ryanair is also getting rid of the fee change for all bookings – but this is currently only in place until March 31.
The airline said in a statement: “We continue to operate a reduced flight schedule to ensure that those customers who still wish to travel or return home can do so.
“In the coming weeks, we expect that Governments may impose further changes to our flight schedule and any affected customers will be notified by email.
“We will continue to comply fully with all WHO and EASA guidelines and we will follow any travel restrictions that are imposed.
“However, we understand there is uncertainty around travel at this time, so if you currently have a booking with us in March and you would now prefer not to fly then… you can now change your flight online and we will waive the flight change fee.
“This applies to all existing and new bookings until Tues 31 March. Should there be a difference in fare you’ll need to pay this – however by waiving the change fee, we want to ensure you have more flexibility to change your travel plans.
“Where we’ve been required to cancel flights, customers will be able to transfer to an alternative Ryanair flight free of charge or receive a refund.
“To change your travel plans, please visit the My Bookings section on Ryanair.com.”
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