Here's why Delta, American, United, and other airlines won't be quick to offer refunds even though travel from the US to some European countries is largely banned due to the coronavirus pandemic
According to industry consultant Henry Harteveldt, airlines aren't offering refunds since maintaining their cash flow will be vital to weathering the storm of cancellations and reduced demand for travel.
"[The airlines are] hoping that once conditions normalize or return closer to normal, people will take the trip that they are planning," Harteveldt explained.
!["[The airlines are] hoping that once conditions normalize or return closer to normal, people will take the trip that they are planning," Harteveldt explained.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-74601463,width-700,height-525,imgsize-3891884/the-airlines-are-hoping-that-once-conditions-normalize-or-return-closer-to-normal-people-will-take-the-trip-that-they-are-planning-harteveldt-explained-.jpg)
If a flight is canceled or a schedule change greatly affects the flight's departure time, refunds are more likely to be issued. Airlines, however, are already adjusting their policies to minimize refunds from schedule changes.
United Airlines was under fire as it announced it would be changing the threshold for schedule-change refunds from two hours to 25 hours. Following criticism, the airline revised the wording in its policy and decided to issue refunds on a case by case basis.
With airlines still reeling from Trump's announcement, it's unsure when schedules will be adjusted and which flights will be canceled, leaving travelers in the dark about when or if they'll get their money back.
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