WestJet is now providing refunds to customers for some international flights and U.S. flights that were cancelled due to the COVID-19 crisis. Meanwhile, some suggest the coronavirus might have helped Venice curb its overtourism problem. My Future of Travel blog, weekend edition.

WestJet Improves Refund Offer

WestJet

WestJet now says that guests on some international flights can apply for refunds for eligible tickets cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canadian Press says the policy is valid for flights to and from Canada and the UK, as well as flights to and from Canada and the U.S. But refunds are NOT available for flights to/from Canada and mainland Europe, Mexico or the Caribbean, and not for flights within Canada.

Company officials told me WestJet “has consistently provided change/cancel options to all guests impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, including the ability to rebook flights with no change fee, to refund the full value of their flight to a WestJet Travel Bank valid for use within 24 months for bookings made directly with WestJet or to retain their full ticket value for a future flight for bookings made with travel agents.

“We have now begun processing refunds to original form of payment for guests holding some international itineraries that were cancelled by WestJet due to the COVID-19 crisis.  Guests with eligible tickets who booked directly with WestJet will have the option of changing their flights, receiving the full value of their flight in Travel Bank or accepting a refund to original form of payment.  We are proactively contacting those guests with eligible flights who have already had their refund processed to Travel Bank to allow them this additional option. 

Guests with eligible tickets who booked through a travel agent will also be provided with the option of retaining their full ticket value for a future flight or refunding to original form of payment.

“We are carefully monitoring the regulatory frameworks in all its operated jurisdictions. As this is a rapidly evolving situation, we encourage guests to check our website regularly for up-to-date information pertaining to COVID-19.

Asked if travel agents would have to return their commissions under such a policy, spokeswoman Morgan Bell replied that “should a ticket be eligible to be refunded to original form of payment, you are correct, it would be refunded.”

Agents have reacted strongly to that policy, suggesting it’s unfair and that WJ isn’t being loyal to its travel advisor network.

Canadian airlines initially were supplying vouchers (valid for two years) for most tickets that were cancelled. Air Canada recently changed their policy so that the vouchers don’t expire, and to allow them to be fully transferable.

The Canadian government has said it understands customers want refunds, but also says it has to consider the health of the Canadian airline industry.

Will the Coronavirus Improve Venice? 

Venice Grand Canal

Here’s an interesting thought. Some are suggesting that the COVID-19 pandemic, terrible as it was for parts of Italy, might be a good thing in the long run for Venice.

The city has been overrun by tourists and cruise ships for years, so much so that many small shops have closed and Venetians have moved away. Some say the current version of the city owes more to Epcot than the true Venice.

A story in today’s Globe and Mail says the city, which only began welcoming Italian tourists a few days ago, is now cleaner and more enjoyable than it has been in years. The secret will be to somehow keep it that way.

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