Escaping the devastating tsunami and air travel policies

the latest airline policies published online

From Air Canada's website: "Air Canada customers with confirmed tickets purchased on or before December 26, 2004 for travel on or before January 31, 2005 to, from or through Colombo, Sri Lanka; Indonesia; Penang and Langkawi, Malaysia; Madras, India; The Maldives; and Thailand may make changes prior to their original travel date without penalty."
"... apply to flights operated by Air Canada and Air Canada codeshare flights, indicated with the AC flight code. As Air Canada does not operate its own flights into the region, it reminds customers that changes to bookings for flights to and from affected areas that are not operated by Air Canada and are not codeshare flights, are subject to the policies of the operating carrier."

From Qantas: "... full refunds without penalty for customers booked on Qantas flights and/or travelling on Qantas Holidays packages to the affected areas departing up to 31 January, as well as offering the option of deferring travel or changing to an alternative destination without penalty."

From Air France: "... for passengers wishing to modify their journey, Air France has decided a flexible fare policy for passengers holding a ticket on flights from /to South of Thaïlande, Malaisia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Madras and South of India in connection via Bangkok, Singapour, Bombay and Delhi Air France Station."

From Gulf Air: "Customers with reservations for travel to affected areas may rebook for travel at a later date (subject to same booking class of reservation and seats available) up until 31st December 2005. All rebookings must be made by 15th January 2005. Any rebooking/amendment fees will be waived."

From Lufthansa: "Lufthansa flights to and from the region continue to operate as normal."

Few airlines have posted their cancellation/rebooking policies regarding this catastrophic event so far. If you have any questions, speaking to an airline representative will provide you with accurate, up to date information. Here is a list of airline phone numbers.