exp

Just looked at some fares in the coming months, all international (TATL). A lot of low fares, probably P fares. Presumably not a lot of demand since there are so many uncertainties, like when one might get fully vaccinated, whether the EU will open to American tourists this year, whether or not they're vaccinated.

If say a month from now the EU announces that they will welcome Americans, one would think all these fares would shoot up, though the end of the year?

So what's the main downside, that either Americans are not admitted this year or that these flights are canceled and you end up with a lot of flight credits (or refunds if UA cancels or changes the schedule by more than 2 total hours for outbound/return?)?

You would presumably have what, 2 years to use these credits but obviously you're tied up thousands of dollars? Add to that hotel and car bookings -- and credits for hotels may be more risky since some of the smaller hotels could go out of business before you can use credits?


The other uncertainty is when you might be vaccinated and protected. So for instance, if you make bookings now for early June and then you have to reschedule the flight/hotel/car a month later, some or all of these reservations may not be available say in early July if you tried to change the dates say in late April or May.

The "safe" thing would be to book for July, because presumably you'd be able to get your first shot starting in early May at the latest and be "protected" by mid June.


So anyone thinking now about at least buying tickets, booking hotels for a TATL itinerary starting in July?