As the omicron variant spreads, here's what you should do if you need to cancel your trip

This summer, cases of the highly contagious COVID-19 delta variant surged globally. Now, just before the holiday travel rush, the omicron variant is emerging, potentially more infectious and featuring several spike protein mutations that could reduce the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.

Earlier this fall, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised its mask guidelines, advising individuals in high-risk areas to wear masks indoors again, regardless of vaccination status. Some states, local authorities, and even theme parks are reinstating mandatory mask-wearing.

While the U.S. isn't expected to reimpose broad lockdowns, the changing circumstances may lead you to reconsider your travel plans.

Still planning your trip? With the free TPG app, you can monitor your travel preparation and receive spending advice to help you achieve your travel objectives.

Fortunately, many travel companies are allowing you to change or cancel your reservations at no cost, including those that previously let their COVID-19 flexible travel waivers lapse. Even better, in most instances, these modifications and cancellations can be handled online. Some airlines that had reintroduced stricter 'Basic Economy' fares, which are less flexible, are now offering temporary waivers for these fares as pandemic-related cases rise again.

Today, we'll explore everything you need to know if you're thinking about adjusting your plans—once more.

Airline policies for changes and cancellations

Alaska Airlines

Trips scheduled between February 27, 2020, and April 30, 2021, can be altered or canceled without any fees, provided the new travel occurs within one year of the original date. Additionally, Alaska Airlines has permanently eliminated change and cancellation fees for new main cabin and first-class bookings. However, newly booked Saver fares (basic economy) are non-changeable and non-cancellable.

To qualify for flight credit, you must change or cancel your flight before departure. With the exception of same-day confirmed changes, you will be responsible for any fare differences if you decide to modify a flight.

For further details: Refer to the complete Alaska policy.

Allegiant

Allegiant has temporarily reduced its change and cancellation fees to $25 per person, per segment. However, any modifications or cancellations must be made within seven days of departure unless you have purchased Trip Flex. This option, available only at the time of booking, permits one-time changes or cancellations up to one hour before departure.

For additional details: Check the complete Allegiant policy.

American Airlines

American Airlines has eliminated change and cancellation fees for domestic U.S. flights, short-haul international routes, and select long-haul international flights. You will only incur the fare difference when altering your flight.

The sole exception applies to Basic Economy tickets. Basic Economy fares purchased on or after April 1, 2021, for travel starting in the U.S. cannot be changed or canceled unless a travel waiver is in effect. Currently, there is no travel waiver specifically addressing the delta or omicron variants.

For further details: Refer to the complete American policy.

Delta Air Lines

Delta has eliminated change and cancellation fees for flights within the U.S. and international itineraries beginning in the U.S. You will only be responsible for the fare difference if you switch to a more costly flight. Although basic economy tickets typically lack this flexibility, Delta is currently permitting free changes on basic economy tickets for travel through December 31, 2021.

For further details: Check the complete Delta policy.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier only allows free itinerary changes if requested 60 days or more prior to departure. A change fee of $49 applies from 59 days to seven days before departure ($39 for bookings made by July 26, 2021). This fee increases to $79 within six days of departure ($59 for bookings made by July 26, 2021). You can also avoid change fees by purchasing the add-on option called The Works. All change fees are in addition to any fare differences.

For additional details: Check the complete Frontier policy.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian has eliminated change fees for all destinations on Main Cabin fares and above. You will only need to cover the fare difference when switching to a more expensive flight. If the airline cancels your flight, you can request a full refund to your original payment method.

While new Main Cabin Basic bookings are non-changeable, you can make free modifications under the airline's COVID-19 travel waivers if you purchased your ticket before March 1, 2020, and through April 30, 2021.

For further details: Check the complete Hawaiian policy.

JetBlue

JetBlue typically does not impose change or cancellation fees unless you are booked under Blue Basic. For these tickets, changes or cancellations incur a fee ranging from $100 to $200, depending on the route. However, JetBlue has waived these fees for Blue Basic bookings made between August 25 and October 31, 2021.

You will need to cover the fare difference if you switch to a more expensive flight. Additionally, there is a $25 fee for processing your change or cancellation via phone. Same-day changes incur a $75 fee, which is waived for Mosaic elite members.

For further details: Refer to the complete JetBlue policy.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest has a longstanding policy of not imposing change or cancellation fees. While you usually need to pay for any fare differences, there have been instances where Southwest has allowed completely free changes as long as you maintain your original routing. Additionally, any credit from a canceled flight is only usable by the individual whose name was on the ticket. Paid Wanna Get Away tickets must be canceled at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

For additional details: Refer to the complete Southwest policy.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit operates a tiered fee system for flight changes and cancellations. Changes made 60 days or more before departure are free. However, for changes or cancellations made 15 to 59 days in advance, there is a $39 fee; for 7 to 14 days, the fee is $59; and for 0 to 6 days, it’s $79. That said, flights booked prior to March 31, 2021, can be changed or canceled without charge. Spirit elite members are also eligible for free same-day standby to an earlier flight.

Keep in mind that if you decide to cancel, the flight credit issued will only be valid for six months.

For further details: Check the complete Spirit policy.

United

United has eliminated change and cancellation fees for all flights within the U.S. and Puerto Rico, as well as routes between the U.S. and Mexico, the Caribbean, and all international departures from the U.S. However, basic economy tickets typically do not enjoy this flexibility.

Given the current situation, United will permit customers to make complimentary changes to basic economy tickets bought before Dec. 31, 2021. After that date, you can "upgrade" these tickets to standard economy for a nonrefundable fee, allowing you to then cancel your ticket. Please note that you will be responsible for any fare differences.

For further details: Check the complete United policy.

Policies for changing and canceling hotels

Best Western

The cancellation policies of individual hotels in effect at the time of booking will apply.

For further details: Check the complete Best Western policy.

Choice

All new bookings will adhere to the specific hotel's policy that was active at the time of the reservation.

For further details: Check the complete Choice policy.

Hilton

The cancellation policies of individual hotels at the time of booking will be enforced. However, all hotels provide fully flexible booking options. Most establishments allow you to change or cancel your reservation up to 24 hours prior to your arrival date.

For further information: Refer to the complete Hilton policy.

Hyatt

All reservations made on or after July 1, 2020, will adhere to the cancellation, deposit, and/or refund policy presented at the time of booking. Hotels can modify their policies during peak demand, so it’s wise to check the cancellation policy for the specific property before finalizing your reservation. Nevertheless, Hyatt has affirmed its dedication to providing rates with flexible cancellation terms across all global locations.

For further details: Check the complete Hyatt policy.

IHG

The cancellation policies specific to each hotel at the time of reservation will be enforced.

For further details: Check the complete IHG policy.

Marriott Bonvoy

For guests booking new reservations for arrivals on or after September 1, 2021, the cancellation policies of individual hotels at the time of booking will be enforced. Please be aware that any changes to reservations may incur rate differences.

For further details: Refer to the complete Marriott policy.

Radisson

For stays booked until December 31, 2021, at any Radisson Hotel Group property in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, and Asia Pacific, the most flexible options allow for free cancellation or changes to your reservation up to 24 hours prior to your arrival. For any other rates or promotional offers, please check the specific terms and conditions.

For stays in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America, the cancellation policies of individual hotels at the time of booking will apply.

For additional details: Refer to the complete Radisson policy.

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts

New reservations will adhere to the hotel's cancellation policy in effect at the time of booking. While many rates offer flexible cancellation options, some are non-refundable.

Guests who are unable to travel to their reserved hotel due to legal restrictions will have their cancellation or modification fees waived for direct bookings.

For further details: Consult the complete Wyndham policy.

Policies for changing or canceling cruises

Carnival

If you cancel a cruise booking during a declared emergency, or if you are unable to travel to the ship due to government travel restrictions while the cruise itself is still on, you will receive a future cruise credit for the amount paid to Carnival. In all other situations, the standard cancellation policy as stated in your cruise ticket contract will apply.

If you or anyone living with you, or your traveling companions in the same stateroom, cancel a cruise booking because of a positive COVID-19 test within 14 days of departure, you will receive a future cruise credit for the amount paid to Carnival. Additionally, if you had close contact with someone who tested positive or is suspected of having COVID-19 within that time frame and are deemed unfit to travel by Carnival, you are also eligible for a future cruise credit.

For further details: Refer to the complete Carnival policy.

Celebrity Cruises

You can cancel your booking up to 48 hours before your sailing date and receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit to be used by May 31, 2022, for any cruise through December 31, 2022, or one year from your original sailing date, whichever is later.

For additional details: Refer to the complete Celebrity policy.

Crystal Cruises

Crystal is providing waived administrative fees and more lenient cancellation policies for cruises scheduled in 2021. You may cancel up to 60 days before departure and receive a full credit applicable to any future voyage through the end of 2022. For cancellations made at least 30 days prior, you will receive a 75% credit for cancellations between 60 and 31 days ahead, a 50% credit for those made 30 to 8 days in advance, and no refund for cancellations made 7 days or less prior to sailing.

For further details: Check the complete Crystal Cruises policy.

Disney Cruise Line

For cruises departing through December 31, 2021, the cancellation fee structure has been temporarily adjusted. Fees will now start 119 days before sailing for non-suite and non-concierge bookings and 59 days for suite and concierge reservations. However, bookings for inside, outside, and verandah categories with restrictions will remain nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Guests who have COVID-19-related health concerns (whether symptoms or exposure) within 14 days of their cruise can receive a full refund without cancellation fees from Disney or opt to apply their fare to a future sailing date.

For further details: Refer to the complete Disney Cruise Line policy.

Holland America Line

For reservations made by September 30, 2021, for sailings through December 31, 2021, you can cancel for any reason up to 30 days prior to departure and will receive a future cruise credit automatically. If you or anyone in your immediate travel group tests positive for COVID-19, you can cancel up to the date of your sailing.

For further details: Check the complete Holland America Line policy.

Lindblad Expeditions

For new reservations made by September 30, 2021 (for departures until March 31, 2022), you can cancel your expedition at least 14 days prior to departure and receive a full future travel credit for the expedition fare paid, applicable to any future expedition in 2021 or 2022.

For further details: Refer to the complete Lindblad Expeditions policy.

MSC Cruises

Reservations made by September 30, 2021, for cruises departing through September 30, 2022, can be canceled for a credit up to 48 hours before departure. If you wish to modify your cruise plans, you must contact the center and inform them that you would like to utilize Total CruiseFlex by 5 p.m. EST, 48 hours prior to your cruise.

For further details: Check the complete MSC Cruises policy.

Norwegian Cruise Line

For cruises departing by March 31, 2022, you may cancel up to 61 days before the departure date to receive a full refund.

For additional information: Check the complete Norwegian Cruise Line policy.

Princess Cruises

For reservations made by September 30, 2021, for voyages departing through December 31, 2021, you may cancel up to 30 days prior to your sailing and receive a future cruise credit for your cancellation fees. If you cancel within 30 days of your departure and you or anyone in your stateroom tests positive for COVID-19, you will receive a future cruise credit for unused non-refundable services and a refund to your original payment method for all taxes, fees, port charges, and pre-paid onboard activities and excursions purchased through Princess.

For further details: Refer to the complete Princess Cruises policy.

Quark Expeditions

If you are booked or planning to book an Antarctica 2021/2022 or Arctic 2022 trip by August 31, 2021, you can rebook your journey for any reason up to 30 days prior to your sailing. If cancellation is necessary due to COVID-19 concerns, rebooking is available from 29 days down to one day before the voyage.

If Quark Expeditions cancels a trip because of COVID restrictions, you can choose to receive a cash refund.

For further details: Check the complete Quark Expeditions policy.

Viking Cruises

Travelers can modify their cruise date up to 14 days before departure, and Viking will not charge any fees. This applies to all Viking bookings made from December 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021, for voyages in 2021 or 2022.

For further details: Refer to the complete Viking Cruises policy.

Virgin Voyages

-You have the greatest flexibility until 120 days before your sailing. If you make a booking now, you have a 7-day window to request a full refund for your deposit and any other payments. Refunds will be processed to your original payment method. After this grace period, but still prior to the 120-day deadline, you can receive a full refund on all payments except your deposit, which will convert to a credit for a future voyage.

From 119 to 45 days before departure, all payments will be transformed into a future voyage credit, valid for any trip within one year from the original sailing date. Within 44 days of your sailing, all payments are considered final. However, you can transfer your booking to someone else up to 48 hours before departure.

For more details: Check the complete Virgin Voyages policy.

Windstar Cruises

Guests who cancel their 2021 cruise bookings at least 48 hours prior to departure will be issued a future cruise credit equal to the cancellation fees incurred, excluding any charges for airfare, transportation, or hotel accommodations. All future cruise credits must be redeemed within 24 months from the date of issuance for another Windstar cruise.

For more details: Visit the full Windstar Cruises policy.

Policies regarding train changes and cancellations

Amtrak

Amtrak is eliminating all change fees for bookings made by April 30, 2022, including those made with points. Additionally, some restrictions on Multi-Ride tickets on the Northeast Corridor will also be lifted through that date. Changes to bookings can be easily handled via Amtrak's website or mobile app.

For further details: Check the full Amtrak policy.

Key considerations

Reasons to consider waiting before changing or canceling your flight or cruise

Generally, if you choose to change or cancel a flight or cruise, you will receive a credit for future use rather than a direct refund. However, if the company cancels your flight or cruise or alters the schedule, you are entitled to a refund. Airlines often wait until the last moment to finalize flight cancellations, so it may be beneficial for you to delay your changes until the last minute.

You can cancel reservations made through travel portals

Travel portals like American Express Travel, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Travel Center, and Capital One Travel allow you to modify your bookings according to the policies of the respective airline, hotel, or car rental company. If eligible for a refund, you will usually receive it in the original payment method. If you paid with points, you should be credited back with points. However, reports indicate this may not always happen, so it’s wise to contact them before canceling to confirm how your refund will be processed.

Use a credit card that provides trip protection

Many top travel rewards credit cards offer travel insurance perks, such as trip cancellation and interruption coverage. This can help you reclaim funds for nonrefundable travel costs if you need to cancel for a covered reason (note that many pandemic-related reasons may not be included). Cards with such benefits include the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, and The Platinum Card® from American Express.