EasyJet and British Airways have updated rebooking policies, relaxing restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak.
EasyJet has waived flight change fees until further notice; allowing all new and existing bookings from 13 March to be amended without charge.
The carrier said it would 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”.
It added: “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.”
EasyJet passengers who change their bookings will still pay any difference in fare, in line with other carriers’ policies. Changes can be made on the Manage Bookings section on the airline’s website.
BA has removed change fees on all new bookings made from 3 March to 31 March.
Changes can be made under Manage My Booking for any new date up to 12 months from the original departure date. Any fare difference must still be paid.
In addition, BA is allowing clients booked during the same period to change destination, date of travel or both for a voucher of the same value. The voucher can be redeemed for flights within 12 months of original departure date.
BA said it has also “reviewed and made changes” to its aircraft cleaning programme and said all its aircraft have the same air filtration systems as hospital operating theatres.