We have tickets in April to Shanghai. The other half of the trip has already been scuttled by multiple COVID-19 related actions but so far Korean has only cancelled flights through the end of March. The website says it also includes countries with travel restrictions--which the US does at present, but the tickets are in April, not now. Would we be eligible for a free cancellation?

 

KE does not waive any fee except those specifically mentioned cases. I would wait another few weeks to see if the cancellation window expands to your travel dates, which is likely given the situation.

Check if KE cancelled your flight. KE cancelled 2 out of 3 flights to PVG until 4/25.

 

U can call or chat with KE and ask about it.
Korea virus danger level just got raised to Red which is its highest level

Chances are, KE will let u cancel for free.

 

i would be surprised if KE permits its staff to grant fee-free cancellations outside its published policy. Here is the current policy. I would keep checking it. It is likely that if the COVID-19 issues continue or expand that the dates covering the policy will be expanded. But, until then, don't expect much.

https://www.koreanair.com/global/en/...20_01_WUH.html

 

Looks like the waiver is up to 4/25 now so OP might qualify:
1. Routes : flights traveling to/from China (including Hong Kong/Taipei)
2. Travel Date : Jan 20 ~ Apr 25, Issued before Jan 28

 

That includes our outbound ticket but not the return.

 

The rules are very specific and always changing. We cannot tell what Korean Air will do exactly - you must call them and ask.

 

Do you have two OW or one RT (per person) tickets?

 

Good morning FTers! I am a frequent traveler and have dealt with travel issues before but am having an issue with Korean Air and wanted to get some advice. I have a flight going through Seoul and Korean does not want to waive the $100 cancellation fee even though their government has made it a red alert to travel through Korea and our CDC has told Americans to not travel to/through Korea. I have called, spoken with a supervisor, emailed, sent messages on their social media, and nothing. I thought about disputing with my credit card and emailing their executives, but trying to see if anyone else has any ideas. I know that they are busy, but I've been trying to reach out for over 24 hours since my flight is coming up in a few days and need to get it resolved soon.

Thoughts or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

I wouldn�t expect them or ANY airline to budge unless there is a flat out cancellation of service or a government ban (which this CDC warning is not). It sucks, but of course they�re gonna try to make their money.

I myself have a weekend trip to Japan booked for March 13-15 and it looks like I�m just gonna go because the ticket was 213,0000W and the cancel fee now would be 120,000W. And I mean sitting in Korea isn�t exactly any �safer.�

 

The CDC warning just came out yesterday I believe (2/24). It may take a day or two to update their policy.

It wouldn't (shouldn't!) take an outright ban for airlines to offer refunds/rebookings. United is offering a waiver for Hong Kong and they're only at Level 1 - practice usual precautions. (Japan was just raised to Level 2 - practice enhanced precautions - and there's not a United waiver for there.)

 

If it's a roundtrip ticket they'll definitely let you cancel the whole thing if only one leg applies. If it's two one-ways, you may wish to wait and see or call and ask them specifically about your case.

 

Round trip. Hopefully the fact that the outbound lies in the cancel period is enough.

 

New waiver was added today. It seems to cover North America to/from/through South Korea.

Tickets must have been issued prior to 2/25 for travel up to 6/30.

Change fee and fare difference will be waived for flights rescheduled through 5/31. Change fee only will be waived for flights rescheduled for June (must pay fare difference).

It seems there is no refund being offered at this time.

 

Also "Ticket must be completely unused" - no relief for those of us mid-itinerary it seems.