by TMR/ pic credit: Emirates 

EMIRATES Airline has introduced a new waiver policy aimed to provide customers more flexibility, choice and value for all booked tickets issued on March 7 until March 31, 2020.

This will allow customers to change their travel dates without charge or reissuance fee.

“We want our customers to feel supported, comfortable and confident when making travel plans, while offering them the best fares, without incurring charge fees should they decide to delay or adjust dates,” Emirates chief commercial officer Adnan Kazim (picture) said in a recent statement.

Emirates added that the situation remains dynamic and that they will continue to look at ways to provide flexibility, convenience and peace of mind for their customers.

Customers may opt to change their travel date within an 11-month range in the same booking class and with no penalty.

The mentioned policy covers all destinations across the Emirates network and the difference in fare, if applicable, applies.

Fare differences and applicable taxes may be applied if customers decide to change to a different fare class. Current refunds and rebooking for tickets issued before March 7 still apply.

Those impacted due to cancellations of flights caused by the outbreak are advised to check emirates. com/my for rebooking or rerouting options.

Customers who wish to change their travel arrangements for bookings made between March 7 and March 31 can visit their travel agent or contact the Emirates call centre at 03-6207 4999.

Moreover, due to the imposed travel restrictions and flight reductions, Emirates Skywards’ Platinum, Gold and Silver members may maintain their current status by fulfilling 80% of their tier travel requirements between March 31 and June 30.

Members who booked flights between March 1 and June 30 may receive an additional bonus of 20% from tier miles.

According to the airline, additional precautionary measures are being taken by implementing enhanced disinfecting procedure after flights from destinations highly infected with Covid-19.

In the unforeseen event of any suspected or confirmed cases, the airline will be disinfecting all cabins of that aircraft with strong, approved chemicals and will be replacing all high efficiency particulate air filters onboard.

Qatar Airways has also launched a new commercial policy to provide customers with maximum flexibility to suit their travel plans. Passengers that have booked or will book flights for travel up to June 30 2020, will be offered the flexibility to change their travel plans free of charge by altering the dates of their booking or exchanging their ticket for a travel voucher valid for one year. Both changes apply up to three days prior to departure.

This commercial policy is designed to provide Qatar Airways’ passengers with confidence and peace of mind when booking flights in light of Covid-19 and its impact on global travel.

“The safety, security and good health of our passengers and employees is our highest priority. Although we maintain very high standards of hygiene across all parts of the business, we recognise that some passengers may wish to alter their existing travel plans. We hope this new policy, alongside our robust hygiene practices and safety record, will allow our passengers to travel with confidence,” Qatar Airways group CEO Akbar Al Bakar said.