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What's Going on in the Airlines Space
Pandemic update: which airlines are going down under?
Here’s an update of the airlines that are going bankrupt, and what does that mean for you.
Norwegian Air: Norwegian has cancelled almost all flight operations. Their subsidiaries (in Sweden, Denmark) have filed for bankruptcy. Also stopped all long-haul flights. (x)
Flybe (UK): The company has collapsed and website is no longer operating. (x)
Virgin (Australia): The company has opt for a restructuring and seek outside investment as the Australian government is not bailing them out. The frequent flyer program is also currently suspended. (x)
Air Mauritius: Similar to Virgin Australia, they have filed for voluntary administration to avoid bankruptcy. (x)
South African Airways: planning to lay off its entire workforce. They have no more cash. (x)
Interjet (Mexico): grounded more jets and current status can be interpreted as a “technical bankruptcy”. (x)
La Compagnie (Mexico): suspended all flights until at least 1 June 2020 (x)
Germanwings: Part of the Lufthansa Group, Germanwings will be joining Eurowings as Eurowings files for bankrupcy (x)
Maimi Air: filed for bankruptcy on 24 April 2020 (x)
Hainan Airlines (China): airline has rejected refund requests and facing increasing financial issues (x)
Finnair (Finland): lays off 2,400 people
SAS (Scandinavia): fires 520 pilots. Planning to liquidate Norwegian and restructure SAS.
Wizzair: Lays off 1200 staff and another 430 in the next few months. Remaining employees see 30% cut.
Air Europa (Europe): IAG abandons the takeover of Air Europa
Avianca (Colombia): World second oldest airlines files for bankruptcy (x)
Thai Airways: Going bankrupt (x)
How to Get Your Refund
In view of the COVID-19 virus, many flights are cancelled. Some airlines are even going to be bankrupt after this international crisis. If you have a flight booked during this period, what should you do? What to do when airlines do not refund your air tickets? More details here.
Always book direct. Avoid OTA (online travel agency).
Always ask for cash, not credit. Unless it is not possible.
Pay with credit card.
Understand that Refund from Airlines will take Forever.
Check the law. Especially UK, EU, US, Canada.
Do not reschedule.
Cash Refunds are Possible for Medical Reasons
Worst Case and NEED to Fly: Head to Airport and Speak To Someone
What to Watch Out for
More US airlines are going to go bust, said Boeing. Good news, the world is getting greener thanks to less flights. Even as the world slowly gets back to normal, nothing is ever the same again. Gatwick (UK) might have to close if planes are no longer flying. Asking for permission to use the toilet in the plane. As UK opens up, learn what the travel restrictions are like. Goodbye regular passport, hello immunity passport in Heathrow (UK). What the future of travel could be like. Flights to China back on schedule.