For the First Time a U.S Carrier Has Axed Change and Cancellation Fees Due to Coronavirus

The coronavirus is creating anxiety for millions around the world and it has even slammed the global markets.

The virus has now reached dozens of countries and it may be just a matter of time until it begins to quickly spread in the U.S.

One airline is doing what they can to ease pressure off of passengers who want to change their flights or cancel them.
JetBlue has scraped its fees for changing flights or cancellations through March 11th and is now the first U.S. carrier to make such a move. The carrier serves the U.S. and parts of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Airline stocks have been impacted by the virus with the NYSE Arca Airline Index, which tracks 16 airlines in the U.S., Canada, Latin America along with budget European airline Ryanair, falling more than 15% this week. This could be the biggest weekly drop since 2009.

“While authorities have not issued any travel restrictions to the locations we fly, we want to give our customers some peace of mind that we are ready to support them should the situation change,” Joanna Geraghty, JetBlue’s president and chief operating officer stated.

The suspension of change and cancellation fees would apply for new bookings made on Thursday through March 11 and for trips that would end June 1st.

“The policy is designed to give customers confidence that they will not be charged any JetBlue fees for changes or cancellations later given evolving coronavirus concerns,” the company said.

Disclaimer: We have no position in JetBlue Airways Corporation (NASDAQ: JBLU) and have not been compensated for this article.