The busiest travel season of the year is about to begin and it could become more volatile amid the Iran war, which has affected air travel and consumers with uncertainty ranging from airfare and travel costs to physical security.
“The situation in the Middle East is obviously very serious and travelers, especially those planning March break trips, understandably have questions about how this might affect their plans,” Amra Durakovic, head of communications at FlightCenter Travel Group, said in a note.
“Airlines constantly monitor global airspace and reroute flights or adjust schedules before there is any danger to passengers.”
The Canadian government issued a warning to travelers shortly after the war began.
“The armed conflict in the Middle East has caused widespread flight cancellations and travel disruptions in the region and worldwide. Some airspace in the Middle East is closed. Airspace currently open may be subject to sudden changes or restrictions,” the federal government says on its website.
“Your travel plans may be affected even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Check directly with your airline and travel agent to confirm the status of your flight.”
This means that even by air those planning to get out during March break will want to keep a few things in mind.
How much does it cost to cancel?
Depending on the booking type, customers who cancel their flight are only eligible for a refund or credit back if they have flexibility in their booking.
In most cases, refunds will only be issued to customers if the airline cancels the flight or the passenger cancels for a booking that includes a free cancellation option.
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“Don’t rush to cancel,” Durakovic said.
“If your trip is still weeks away, it’s best to monitor airline updates before making a decision.”
Can you change your travel dates?
He says it’s worth considering changing travel dates or destinations rather than canceling, as airlines typically offer more flexibility here than offering refunds.
One of the other travel effects of war is schedule volatility, which may be the result of a combination of factors within or outside of airline control.
This means that even if a flight is not directly affected by war safety concerns, there are potential spillover effects that could cause airlines to adjust schedules, delay or cancel flights.
This is why Durakovic recommends building flexibility options into bookings ahead of time. This includes changeable fares and travel insurance that can help reduce additional costs if plans are changed.
“In many cases, if a passenger cancels an inconvenient ticket before the airline reschedules or issues a waiver, they may lose their money or face significant change fees.”
Are you up to date on travel alerts?
With travel updates constantly changing as the war evolves, passengers need to stay on top of the status of their flight and whether there are any potential hazards that could affect their travel plans.
Durakovic says it’s important to stick to authentic sources.
“Airline apps and government travel advisories are more reliable than what is circulated on social media,” he said.
“A common thing we see is travelers reacting quickly to headlines or social media and canceling before airlines or travel providers issue official guidance.”
Are you registered if you need help?
He says travelers should consider registering with the Canadian government before flying abroad.
Signing up to the Canadians Abroad Registry means they’ll be able to receive alerts about safety issues, natural disasters or disruptions in the country they’re visiting. The service is free and available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Registration includes if a person is traveling or residing abroad and stating the places of travel or addresses where applicable. They should also provide their personal information and contact details, as well as emergency contact information.
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(tags to translate)March Break
