With the Easter long weekend and school holidays just around the corner – and no end to the escalating novel coronavirus pandemic in sight – many Aussie families are scrambling (no pun intended) to change their travel plans.

Today, online travel site Expedia has announced that they will be extending their flex policy for cancellations made due to the coronavirus. They have also announced the implementation of new online self-service tools to help customers make last minute travel changes themselves.

The range of new measures are intended to help travellers navigate the uncertain and confusing travel restrictions brought on by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The changes include:

* new self-service tools available for changing or cancelling travel bookings
* the option to cancel flight bookings due to depart before the end of April 2020 without penalty, in exchange for an airline credit which may be redeemed for future travel
* the option to cancel hotel bookings made prior to 19 March 2020, with stay dates between 20 March 2020 and 30 April 2020, and be eligible for a full refund or a voucher to rebook the same location at a later date

Customers with non-refundable rate hotel bookings for stays after 30 April 2020 are encouraged to stay up to date via the new Expedia Customer Support Portal due to the rapidly evolving situation.

“We recognise these are uncertain times and we want to assure our customers that our teams are working around the clock to help provide travellers the support they need,” said Expedia Director, Australia Market Alex Ozdowski.

“At Expedia, we believe travel is a force for good, where it connects communities and cultures from around the world together, we want to give our customers the confidence that we will be here to serve them through thick and thin.”

Further details can be found on Expedia’s new customer support portal. Travellers who are unsure of their bookings or how the novel coronavirus pandemic may affect them are encouraged to review Expedia’s COVID-19 FAQs page. 

All travellers are strongly encouraged to adhere to the guidance from government and public health officials to help slow the spread of COVID-19.