The Deal With Airlines & Covid
Airlines and Covid are the last thing any of what to put together as we try to get our lives back on track. Before spending your hard earned money on a trip, better know what you’re getting yourself into.
Since the end of the 2020, there’s been a noticeable uptick, a glut if you will, of too good to believe airfare deals floating around the cybersphere. Since it’s not possible, extremely risky, and/or cost prohibitive to travel at the moment, I haven’t paid much attention to them.
Too Good To Pass up
One deal, however, did catch my eye the other day; US to Tokyo, Japan (Jan-April 2021) for a scant $450. Dates notwithstanding, this is an incredible price. There are some choice travel periods during this deal, which includes the cherry blossom season in the Spring, which many consider the peak time to visit.
What’s even more amazing is that these deals aren’t coming from LCCs. Surprisingly, they are actually from full-service airlines, mostly.
The reason this deal, in particular, caught my attention is because Japan isn’t really letting in travelers, for business or pleasure at the moment. The Japanese government has only just recently started allowing non-Japanese residents to return. For this reason, the ‘deal’ in question stared setting off alarm bells in my brain and it got me thinking about all the other incredible deals I’ve seen floating around the web recently.
The Elephant in the Room
It’s no secret that airlines are bleeding money since Covid-19 started. It’s also no secret that and government subsidies are eventually going to run dry. Airlines are going to do just anything to survive, even if that means burning bridges with consumers.
Now more than ever due diligence is needed from consumers.
So, what’s going on? What kind of games are the airlines playing if travelers are restricted from entry to most countries? For starters, potential travelers need to do a lot more research into where they are going than before. Now more than ever due diligence is needed. Entry requirements worldwide have been radically altered this year and could include anything from the need to get a PCR test, or several, quarantine necessities, to being forced into purchasing additional health insurance that specifically covers Covid-19.
Adding misery to the multitude of new requirements is the fact that they are almost ever-changing. The severity of new waves, when they will occur, and where they will happen, are a bit of a guessing gaming. Traveling to or from a Covid hotspot is going to wreak havoc on any plans you might have.
Read the Fine Print
These deals also most likely all come with a number of strings attached to them; like being non-refundable, unless of course the flight is canceled by the airline. Don’t just assume that flights will be canceled like they were in the first half of the year. The airlines are more savvy and cunning now. There is probably a good chance that these flights will happen. That being said, it’s not the responsibility of the airline to make sure passengers meet the requirements for entry at the destination. If the flight goes, you’ll be paying regardless of if you’re actually on it.
It would certainly seem that airlines are trying to take advantage of people…
Airlines might also be angling these deals as a kind of loan. They need revenue coming in to stay in business, so they offer flights which might be canceled .
Even if they did refund every ticket, they are still getting an interest-free load for half a year, potentially. That’s a big ‘if’ on the refunds. As we have already seen in the first half of the year, many airlines have been reluctant to offer cash back on canceled flights. Rather, they will probably try to push vouchers, which have a cash value of zero dollars. You’ll also be stuck holding the bag for other reservations you might have, like hotels.
It would certainly seem that airlines are trying to take advantage of people weary of how Covid has slowed down life and very antsy from being lock downed. It’s understandable to be anxious to travel once again, but don’t get lured into promises of trips that most likely won’t materialize. That’s just going to compound what’s already a bad situation and make everything even worse.
Our Advice
Even though there are a lot of good deals floating around, we think it’s best not to take advantage of them. Be especially weary of 3rd party sites, like Agoda or Trip.com. They offer even less protection.
There is no reason to gamble with your health, nor is there any reason to deal with the stress and aggravation of travel plans that won’t materialize. There will come a time when we can travel again safely. We just need to be patient.
Check out some of our other travel tips here.
