What are Indian Airlines Doing for their Customers in Light of Covid-19?
With over 3.35 lakh globally confirmed cases, the novel coronavirus disease has been spreading like wildfire from one country to another. To curb the rapid progression of the disease and contain it, most governments across the world have implemented drastic measures like travel bans and the imposition of national lockdowns.
On Monday, 23rd March, 2020 the official number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in India rose to 415. With this, the Central and State governments announced a lockdown of 75 districts across the country, where cases of the disease have been reported.
To strengthen the effectiveness of this lockdown, India had banned all its international flights for a week from 20th March (later extended to midnight, 31st March). In line with this, domestic air travel has also been banned, effective from Wednesday, 25th March till midnight of 31st March. This is the first time India has imposed a total ban on its air travel.
While these measures can aid to control the spread of Covid-19, they have also hindered the travel plans of millions.
Following is an elaboration on the measures being undertaken by various Indian airlines in the face of this travel ban imposition.
Read: Know more about what is covered in COVID 19 Health Insurance
Measures being Undertaken by Different Indian Airlines
Following are the official announcements made by the major airlines in India in light of the international and domestic flight cancellations:
1. Air India
Air India has extended a waiver of the No-Show charges for all domestic/international, inbound and outbound passengers travelling between 23rd March 2020 and 30th April 2020.
Passengers need not report to airports to reschedule their travel plans until normal flight operations are restored.
Further, passengers rescheduling and finalising their travel plans (up to 30th September 2020) can do so without paying any additional date or sector change charges. (source)
2. Go Air
Passengers with new and existing bookings between 19th March 2020 and 15th April 2020 have been extended the facility of not showing up for their scheduled flights, without notifying Go Air.
Passengers have also been provided with the benefit to reschedule their travel without any extra fee, for up to 1 year from their original date of travel.
However, one should note that the fare differential will be applicable in this case.
Passengers with new bookings for travel between 15th April 2020 30th September 2020, can enjoy a waiver of the rescheduling charges for any flight up to 30th September. (source)
3. IndiGo
As per a message issued by the CEO of IndiGo to address the Covid-19 related lockdown, all flights of this airline have been suspended with effect from 12:00am on 25th March 2020 to 11:59 pm on 31st March 2020.
In this respect, the Booking Reference of any individual with flights scheduled between these dates will remain safe in a credit account with the company, with the same fare value. The passenger can use this credit account to travel before 30th September.
Additionally, those with travel bookings before 30th April 2020 can cancel the same without the payment of any additional charges, and reschedule to travel before 30th September 2020 with the same PNR. This is applicable for both domestic and international travel. (source)
4. Vistara
Vistara has undertaken steps to ensure that the Passenger Name Record (PNR) for those who have flights scheduled between 24th March 2020 and 30th April 2020 is extended up to 31st December 2020.
This means that passengers are eligible to reschedule their travel plans between the time Vistara’s services are restored and 31st December 2020 without any additional charges.
However, passengers must notify the airlines about their rescheduled plans by calling their customer service at +91 9289228888. (source)
5. SpiceJet
Like others, SpiceJet has also announced that passengers with bookings made before 14th March 2020 can reschedule the same for one time without any additional charges within 30th September 2020. However, those cancelling their travel plans will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges.
Further, those with travel date before or on 30th March 2020 can reschedule their booking one time till 30th April 2020. (source)
6. AirAsia India
Those with AirAsia bookings can convert their current booking into a credit account, which can be redeemed for a new booking in the upcoming 365 days. Travellers have the provision to reschedule their flights without any charges up to 31st October 2020 or follow the conditions put forth by the airlines for any other scenarios. (source)
Apart from these major Indian airlines providing both domestic and international services, regional airlines like Air Deccan, Alliance Air, etc. have also suspended their services till 31st March 2020.
So, if you had travel plans in the upcoming week, make sure you check with your airline and reschedule as per your convenience.
Stay safe!
Frequently asked questions
Are only passenger-carrying flights banned during the lockdown, or does the ban extend to cargo?
Will I have to reschedule immediately to enjoy the waiver extended by airlines?
No, most airlines are offering a charge-free rescheduling window till up to 30th September. However, you must book the tickets 3-days before your intended date of travel to enjoy the waiver of rescheduling charges.
Will it be wise to reschedule my travel plans to immediately after 31st March 2020?
It is best to postpone your travel plans by as much as you can manage. With Covid-19 spreading at an alarming rate, the imposed lockdown can be stretched even further.