I've never really understood the mindset of "taking advantage" of a free 24 hour cancellation period, even in normal times.

It's all very well to have a sudden unexpected turn of events almost immediately after committing to a ticket - but I think that buying a ticket with an almost certain intention to cancel within 24 hours is crazy. If you are not committed to a trip, don't buy the ticket until you know that that "24 hour uncertainty" is passed.

And what if you, for whatever reason, forget to contact, or can't contact, the airline to make the cancellation on time? You are taking something of a risk, at the best of times.

To expect to be able to exercise this option in the current climate, however, seems to be to be complete madness.

People - you have to look out for yourself. Be clever. Act in your best interests - be proactive - and do not rely on these sops to flexibility/customer service. Because viewing them as such is incorrect.

Do not be lulled into making a booking before you are actually ready to commit to that ticket.