COVID-19 travel guide

Yes. The best place to start is your online itinerary. Make sure to check for the cancellation policy that applies to your reservation. Many reservations already qualify for either free cancellation or no-fee change options. Just sign in to your account and check your itinerary. If you don't have an account, you can use the itinerary or confirmation number in the email you received when you first booked your trip. If you booked a package vacation, you'll have to cancel your lodging and your flight separately.

Many of our travel partners continue to review and update their policies. Check your online itinerary to for the cancellation policy that applies to your reservation. If it doesn't qualify for free cancellation, you can still cancel, but standard cancellation policies will apply.

Policies vary by carrier. Many airlines are offering airline credits and eliminating cancellation and change fees for travel impacted by COVID-19. Check your online itinerary or the airline's website for the most recent policies affecting your flight.

Due to the high volume of cancellations, there may be delays in processing refunds. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience. Timelines vary by the type of reservation:

• For hotels or other lodging, car rentals, and activities: It may take up to 48 hours to receive your refund. If the hotel processed the charge, they’ll determine the refund timeline.
• For flights: Most refunds are issued within 12 weeks. However, depending on the airline, some refunds may take longer.
• For packages: The individual parts of your vacation package are processed separately. Refunds for lodging, car rentals, or activities may take up to 48 hours to process. Any refunds for flights may take 12 weeks or more to process.

Most airlines don't offer free cancellation, but many do offer the option to reschedule your flight without a change fee. All you pay is the difference between the original flight and the new flight you select. When you're searching for flights, you'll see a No change fees filter at the top of your search results and in the list of filters on the left.

To redeem your airline credit for a new flight, go to the coupons and credits page and click Use credit. For more information about airline credits, see How airline credits work.

Before you depart, make sure you find out what regulations might be in place at your destination. Check for any updates for the airports you'll be traveling through, too. We also encourage you to check COVID-19 travel and health advisories.

Allow yourself some extra time, make sure you have your own personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks and hand sanitizers, and take precautions such as washing your hands thoroughly and frequently.

Many destinations have COVID-19 travel restrictions in place. These restrictions can change quickly and without prior notice. To find out more about restrictions in place for your destination, check the COVID-19 travel advisor. Continue to check for updates frequently as you get nearer to your departure date.

We recommend following the guidance from governments and public health officials to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The decision to travel is a personal one. Ultimately, it's up to you to determine what's best for you and your family.

We encourage you to check COVID-19 travel and health advisories.