If air travel is going to be more expensive, there are many that just will not travel. There will be those that cannot afford it and those that just won’t pay the increased prices.
Before this, what were the profits the airlines were pulling in? I have very little sympathy if the airlines cannot pack their planes like a sardine can and don’t have the same profits as pre-Covid 19.
If people aren’t buying their tickets, the airlines that offer vacations, won’t be selling the vacations and, in turn, all the resorts and tourist areas will hurt.

Hey Stephen,

You still need to check with your insurance provider in case you need to start a claim now. I know with American Express, they will issue a refund after the credit expires. I’m hoping I’m able to use the credit before then. That said, I have about $900 in credit with Southwest which I don’t think there’s any chance I’ll use. I’m counting down until 2022 when I can get my refund =D.

I do agree that some of the cancellation/refund policies are ridiculous. Since the airline cancelled the flight, you/we should be entitled to a refund which is in their own terms, but now they’re using COVID as an “excuse” as the government forced them to cancel flights. It’s so annoying.

Thanks for the clarification Barry – I did not know I could let the credit expire and then make a claim.

My original frustration is that the airlines will generally not let you make any changes once booked, so I bought insurance just in case.

Then they make changes to the flight (cancelled in this case) but won’t return my money.

And the insurance I bought to cover any changes, will not be honoured because the airline gave me a credit that I have no interest in.

Thanks for the vent opportunity nonetheless.

Stephen,

That’s standard practice for insurance companies. Since you’re getting a credit, you can’t get a refund as it would be double dipping. From what I understand, you could make claim if your credit expires. Of Course, it’s ridiculous that you need to wait 24 months to get your money back.

Manulife will not honour the fact that my flights were cancelled, because the airline is giving me a credit voucher to be used within 24 months.

Excuses from both the airline and the insurance company is that it would cost them too much money to return the funds to the purchaser.

So the traveler is now supporting both the large airline and insurance company. Cdn laws need to change.

I think for people to stay home when sick
would mean that last minute cancellations on everything, tours, hotels, and planes would have to be available.

fbgcai,

I’m assuming Air Canada will leave an empty seat if they can, but it’s not like they won’t allow people to buy that seat.

Overall I think it’s going to get VERY expensive to travel in both time and money until we get a globally distributed vaccination program and that could take years.

@ Jeff Lerner you absolutely correct for Canadians (or anyone else) travelling to the US re health insurance but in other parts of the world medical care is nowhere as expensive so many would ‘risk’ that journey – imo if you go to the US uncovered you be a full time gambler.

Hey Jeff,

Good point. At the start of the pandemic, some insurance providers weren’t giving coverage to new applicants, but if you had an existing policy, you were good. I have to imagine that every provider is updating their policies which will likely not benefit the consumer.