Airline easyJet drops flight change fee during coronavirus pandemic and reassures passengers planes are 'deep cleaned'

Airline easyJet has dropped its flight change fee as it looks to reassure passengers travelling during the coronavirus pandemic.
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In an email sent to passengers easyJet said it will continue to fly where travel restrictions allow but said travellers who want to postpone their flights can change their booking online, free of charge.

The offer will apply to all existing and new bookings until further notice, but passengers will have to pay the difference is the cost of the fare.

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Airline easyJet has waived its flight change fees during the coronavirus outbreak. Image by Gareth Fuller/PA Wire.Airline easyJet has waived its flight change fees during the coronavirus outbreak. Image by Gareth Fuller/PA Wire.
Airline easyJet has waived its flight change fees during the coronavirus outbreak. Image by Gareth Fuller/PA Wire.

The email from the airline read: “Given the unprecedented situation we’re all facing as a result of COVID-19, we wanted to provide an update on what this means for any travel plans you may have with easyJet.

“We will continue to operate a flight schedule that ensures that those customers who still wish to travel can do so, where travel restrictions allow and in line with guidance from health authorities.

“However, we understand there is uncertainty around travel at this time, so if you currently have a booking with us but would prefer not to fly then from March 13, you can now change your flight online and we will waive the flight change fee.

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“This applies to all existing and new bookings until further notice.

“Where we’ve been required to cancel flights, customers will be able to transfer to an alternative flight free of charge or receive a refund.

“And where all flights have had to be cancelled due to local authority guidance – in Italy, for example – we are operating rescue flights to ensure passengers can return home.

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“To change your travel plans, please visit the Manage Bookings section on easyJet.com.

“This is not only the simplest way to make changes but, given the call volumes we are currently experiencing, this will also be the quickest.

“Please note that if you do need to call the Contact Centre to make a change, there will be an administration charge of £5 applied per person, per flight – so we really do encourage you to make your changes online.

“Clearly, if you require special assistance when booking, this fee will be waived.”

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The statement from easyJet to customers said: “For customers concerned about exposure to Covid-19, we want to reassure you with the measures we’re taking to ensure the health and wellbeing of our customers onboard.

“The air in the cabin is constantly filtered and refreshed every few minutes.

“A study commissioned by the European Aviation Safety Agency found that the cabin air quality is similar or better than what is experienced in normal indoor environments.

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“We maintain the highest standards of cleanliness by adhering to the guidelines set by EASA and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“This involves our cabin crew cleaning the aircraft in line with industry standards after every single flight, and they always sort and safely dispose of any waste.

“The cabin, toilets, seats and tray tables are thoroughly cleaned each night by professional cleaning teams at all of our airports.

“Additionally every aircraft goes through a regular deep clean by a team of specialist cleaners.

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“Finally, soap and hand sanitizer is made available onboard for all customers and crew to use.

“Above all else we would like to reassure you that the safety, health and wellbeing of our passengers and crew always has been, and always will be, our number one priority.

“We’ve been flying for 25 years, during which time we have faced many difficult situations and on every occasion, thanks to our customers and our people, we have emerged stronger.

“So, on a personal note, we want to say thank you for your support and we look forward to welcoming you on board again very soon.”