We continue to have many questions about planning for upcoming 2020 Hawaii vacations. Concerns revolve around the the overall outlook here in the islands, and the airline industry’s fee waivers for changes and cancellations. While it looks like there will continue to be many deals at $99 and perhaps lower ahead, it is hard to know when the best time to buy for 2020 Hawaii vacations might be.
The airlines are quickly changing their fee waiver and cancellation policies. At this time it is becoming at least somewhat easier to do both, without regard to when you purchased your tickets.
Coronavirus Fee Waiver and Cancellation Policies | All Airlines Flying to Hawaii
Alaska Airlines is offering waivers for tickets purchased through February 26 for travel through March 31 and tickets purchased since then for travel through February 28, 2021. Changes are free, but if you cancel, the funds are redeposited for future travel without penalty. New travel must occur by February 2021 and fare differences apply.
American Airlines. Book by March 31 to not incur a change fee. Changes must be made 14 days before first flight and travel needs to occur within one year of original purchase date. Award tickets not included in waiver. Fare differences apply.
Delta Airlines offers a fee waiver for changes on tickets purchased between March 1 and March 31, for travel through February 25, 2021 as well as tickets issued earlier for travel through April 30. Tickets to be reissued and travel to commence by February 28, 2021. Tickets can be cancelled as well, with value to be applied to new ticket within one year of original purchase. Fare differences apply.
Hawaiian Airlines offers a fee waiver if you are scheduled to fly through April 30 as well as if you purchase tickets through March 31. See all details on Hawaiian Airlines’ refunds and fee waivers. Fare differences apply.
Southwest Airlines does not charge change or cancellation fees. Funds redeposited can be used for one year from original purchase. Fare differences apply.
United Airlines is waiving change fees on tickets issued by March 2 for travel through April 30 as well as those purchased between March 3 and March 31. New tickets must be reissued by December 31 for travel to start within 12 months of original purchase. Fare differences apply.
How is the situation with events–are museums, luaus, parks, memorials closed or closing to prevent people from gathering?
Can you please tell me whether I should go ahead and purchase airfare to Honolulu traveling from Panama City Beach, Fl for 5/31 through 6/07? I have a hotel booked but I’m afraid school maybe extended beyond 5/30 and my daughter will not be able to travel. Airfare rates are good now but I don’t know how having to reschedule flights would impact the ‘good’ rates. Thanks!
Hi Lisa.
We do not have any additional information we can provide on what will be happening at that time. Obviously no one knows.
Aloha.
We booked a condo through KCV on the Big Island In Feb. for April dates. We paid in full as required. We attempted to cancel as non essential travel is strongly discouraged for high risk groups as well as the general population. KVC has refused to reimburse us. They offered to hold our funds and kindly grant an exception allowing for travel beyond 2020. Not sure how kind is this…
Mahalo <3
Aloha
This Presidents speech regarding the global pandemic that we are in certainly is producing a travel nightmare. We are scheduled to fly from Boston to Maui on April 1. Certainly the health experts are recommending social distancing and avoid nonessential travel. Although we would like to say our “bucket list” vacation is essential, I know in reality it is not.
Unfortunately when we called the condo rental manager….we learned that we do not meet the 60 day requirement for rebooking. This seems like an unreasonable response since we didn’t know about this pandemic 60 days ago. Have you heard if there is any plans to waive these expectations, similar to what the airlines are doing??
We just canceled out condo (Booked through major website in December) and only received 50% back (Our arrival was to be March 16th)
Perhaps your Credit card co. can assist.
Aloha. My heart goes out to you and all the folks in travel and hospitality. This month, and maybe the next several, are likely to be difficult – especially so for people who rely on tips, and for everyone working two or three jobs in Waikiki and elsewhere to make ends meet.
To everyone visiting now or soon, please tip generously.
Aloha,
On which island are the confirmed cases of Coronavirus and the possible cases?
Mahalo.
Hi Linda.
We don’t know for sure but we believe they are on Oahu.
Aloha.
Mahalo for the information you send – it is much appreciated
Hi Msconk.
Thanks! We are most appreciative of your many comments.
Aloha, R/J
Always love your info and tips. Any leads on discount lodgings? Mahalo!🤙
Hi Melissa.
Thank you. No nothing specific on accommodation discounts, but we will keep a lookout.
Aloha.
Frustrating in that we purchased Alaska Airlines tix to Hawai’i in January 2020 for May 2020 travel and that doesn’t seem to fit the cancellation timeline. I guess it’s time for a phone call (with very long hold times) to Customer Service. Wish me luck! Also, a heads up for those with VRBO reservations–for many of the properties, cancellation can be as close as 30 days prior to start of stay for full refund.
Hi Tonya.
Let us know it works out.
Aloha.
Many Vrbo properties in Hawaii have a 60 day cancelation policy.