For travelers who are planning to book flights with Singapore Airlines, they can continue to do so without worry. The airline is offering complimentary rebooking for all SIA and SilkAir tickets issued from 15^th March to 30^th June 2020.

The measure was implemented due to a massive 64.8% drop in passenger demand amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Multiple carriers have reported similar sharp declines in passenger numbers in the past week. Some airports, such as London City, are even being forced to shut down temporarily. This has propelled airlines to seek alternative means of staying afloat, through implementing complimentary rebooking measures and fee waivers, among others.

No rebooking fee

The move by Singapore Airlines gives travelers the ability to readjust their travel plans without incurring a rebooking fee. In a statement, the carrier mentioned that top-up fees might still apply in the case of fare differences in the new itinerary.

For flight cancellations, refunds would be in accordance with fare conditions. Customers who made use of their miles to purchase the flight tickets will have both miles and taxes refunded as well.

Passengers who booked their tickets directly with the airline would have to edit their itinerary details via the “Manage Booking” section on the Singapore Airlines website in order to redeem their complimentary rebooking. Those who have booked their flights with travel agencies would have to contact their agents directly.

The airline has also prepared a COVID-19 Assistance Request form on its official website for any pertinent questions customers might have.

Further forced measures

Starting from 22^nd March 2020, there was a ban placed on short-term tourists from entering or transiting through Singapore in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Amid such restrictions placed on non-essential travel, the carrier was forced to cut 96% of their capacity until the end of April 2020, grounding 138 out 147 aircraft. With only nine planes operating currently, Singapore Airlines also recently opted to push for the early retirement of its Boeing 777-200ER fleet.

Similar initiatives by other airlines

The unprecedented crisis and its impact on multiple airlines have led to several carriers struggling to keep their bookings. Airlines worldwide are offering various changes to their ticket policies in order to ramp up ticket sales.

Back in March, bookings made with Virgin Atlantic from 4^th March 2020 to 31^st March 2020 were applicable for fee-free changes.

Delta Air Lines, in a bid to keep afloat, is currently offering customers the flexibility of rebooking any affected travel plans across a 2-year period. The move affects passengers who have booked flights with the carrier through May 2020.

JetBlue Airways and Alaska Airlines are among the other carriers implementing similar measures.

Overall

Singapore Airlines' move to provide its passengers increased flexibility during this unprecedented time is designed to stimulate more bookings. It gives its customers confidence they will not lose out if they are forced to change their travel dates.

What do you think of Singapore Airlines offering complimentary rebooking on flight tickets? Will this incentivize you to book a trip soon? Let us know in the comments!