Please sign in to post.

Coronavirus

We're scheduled to travel to Rome and Florence from March 7 to March 22. Now we're wondering if we should cancel because of the Covid-19 outbreak in northern Italy. We're not worried about getting sick; we're worried that museums and other public venues may be closed. Our air tickets are, of course, non-refundable. Thoughts?

Posted by
1507 posts

Today no closures at all in Florence. This afternoon I was at Palazzo Vecchio attending a commemorative concert with the mayor. But as I have already written, it is still to be understood if this virus thing is a dangerous issue or a craze. Leave us a few days to understand.

Posted by
16024 posts

It would be best to keep questions and comments in the other, existing threads in the Italy forum.

Posted by
11027 posts

Unfortunately, at this point, all anyone can do is speculate. What you suggest cannot be ruled out. It could be March 6th before there are answers, versus speculation, about your concerns.

I have a trip scheduled in May that will include Italy, so am also interested in developments. Hoping for the best. Worrying won't change anything, so 'deep breath, relax and carry on' is what I am trying to practice.

Good luck to all of us!

Posted by
996 posts

It is possible - not guaranteed - that if certain countries like Italy issue major travel restrictions, then the airlines may - or may not - issue travel wavers for certain dates of travel.

At this point, all you can do is wait and see. IF your airline carrier does issue a travel waiver, you may want to see what it entails. Sometimes it only allows you to rebook you flight within the next two weeks. Sometimes it allows you to cancel and reuse the funds within twelve months. Travel is always such a what if game already without any added factors, but I'd definitely stay in touch with your airline and follow the CDC guidelines if you're located in the US. (If not in the US, then follow the travel guidelines of the country in which you hold a passport.)

Fingers crossed for your trip!!!

Posted by
1 posts

We are right there with you! We are supposed to leave for the Belgium/Amsterdam tour, April 15-May2.

We are not worried about getting the virus, but like you how about all the glorious museums and tours we are to visit? Will they be open? Will the tour guides want to spend time with us???
Our flight from Chicago to Amsterdam then a then a train to Ghent, Belgium (ok, nervous about that).
We certainly do not want to drive to a destination by a a bus to be turned down by the absent tour guide, or closed museum. ( which we have heard from other countries)

What to do???????

Posted by
495 posts

@ shengdall
The general opinion here in Italy is that the closure could be very long. Probably is better wait until next Autumn before book a trip (not only to Italy, but everywhere...). Of course if will be found sooner a solution everybody will be happy, but at the moment no solution is available.

We have a similar issue with United and Expedia. Expedia has made it really confusing.

As it stands now, United Airlines UA has suspended my flight and Expedia is refusing to give me my refund. This involves a package deal. There is a lot to read and red tape, so your head spins!!!

Because it was booked as a nonrefundable ticket, now with the coronavirus it is my understanding that we should get a refund.

Expedia says they will keep my money because my ticket was a nonrefundable ticket, can they do that?

What's really not funny is that l followed Expedia's advice to call UA originally. Is this a catch-2 run-around?

Can you do anything about it?

Posted by
1573 posts

There is nothing that makes a non-refundable ticket refundable.

Posted by
32171 posts

"Expedia has made it really confusing."

That's one reason why I never deal with online travel providers. If something goes wrong, they tend to pass the buck and nothing gets resolved.

As the previous post mentioned, if you purchased the ticket on a non-refundable basis (which happens with hotel rooms too), I doubt that you have any legal recourse to refunds despite the circumstances.

This is a good example of the refund policy in the current situation - https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/03/27/canada-says-airlines-can-offer-customers-vouchers-in-lieu-of-refunds/ . The government regulator has approved this measure, so no one will be getting their money back.