LATAM offers coronavirus waivers for international flights

People heading to Latin America with the LATAM group can now receive a coronavirus fare waiver on bookings until March 22 for travel to the end of 2020. Customers making changes will be able to change the date and/or destination of their ticket up 14 days in advance of their outbound flight without penalty, subject to fare differences. They are limited to one change per ticket. "We understand that customers may be uncertain about making international travel plans at this time, said LATAM customer service director Yanina Manassa. "That’s why we want to provide them with the opportunity to book international flights, knowing that they can change their reservation at a later date if they wish.” The LATAM move came after major international airline Emirates also moved to offer waivers and enhanced its aircraft cleaning procedures to encourage customers to travel during the virus. READ: Emirates introduces complete disinfection of all cabins. Customers across the Emirates network now have the ability to change their travel dates without change and re-issuance fees within an 11-month range, although they may still have to pay fare differences and higher taxes. The Emirates waiver policy applies to all booked tickets issued on or from March 7 until March 31, 2020, and is among a widening range of more flexible policies being issued by airlines around the world. Airlines are offering slightly differing conditions but those to have announced a waiver policy -- launched initially by JetBlue -- include British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, United Airlines, Lufthansa and Alaska Airlines. “We want our customers to feel fully supported, comfortable and confident when making travel plans, while offering them the best fares, without incurring change fees should they decide to delay or adjust dates,’’ said Emirates chief commercial officer Adnan Kazim. “The situation remains dynamic and we will continue to look at ways to provide flexibility, convenience and peace of mind for our customers.” Emirates Skywards is also providing Platinum, Gold and Silver members the ability to maintain their current status by fulfilling 80 percent of their tier requirements between March 31 and June 30. Skywards members also receive a bonus of an additional 20 percent Tier Miles.