Upcoming CX Flights - Should I try and cancel now?

[sng1205]

Hi all! My husband and I have a few CX flights coming up. We are not sure if we should cancel now or wait and see what happens.

All flights have been booked via OTA.

27 April: KIX to SYD on Economy Class
15 May: SYD to LONDON via HK on Business Class
7 June: HK to SYD on Business Class

What do you think? Any help will be appreciated! TIA.

 

[tomlee1986]

it is too hard to say as to what will happen to the virus and to what will happen to schedule. best to look at alternatives while thinking of what will happen. best to defer travel if not necessary - no matter which airline you are flying with, as the virus is spreading really quickly

 

[burmans]

While today's news was not brilliant end April is still a long way away and in my view too soon to hit the panic button!

 

[theblank]

You would be better off waiting to see if CX cancels the flights themselves. If you cancel now, you could lose a lot of money

 

[sng1205]

Thank you for the input. Appreciate it! I will wait it out and see

 

[ftm]

April is a long way off and hopefully things have returned to something more normal by then. Two things come into consideration - one is the cancellation fee you’d have to pay now if you do cancel, secondly, is what the fare difference on your alternative might be between buying now and buying closer to the date. Will they jump up a lot later on if CX does cancel their flights and everyone goes looking for alternatives? CX won’t be rebooking you, they’ll just give a fee free change or full refund.

It is all crystal ball stuff, but part of the evaluation.

We have had some clients need to cancel CX now and take the hit of the cancellation fee, others we have bought a second option as ‘insurance’ and will cancel the one we don’t need later (or take the waiver if CX gives one), others we have left on CX.

2020 is going to be another difficult year for Hong Kong.

 

[Ross Pringle]

FYI I had PE flights Perth - HK (layover) - Rome for 22nd April and returning late September from Amsterdam. These were booked late October. I have cancelled these today and was told I will receive a full refund which why I cancelled. Hopefully the full refund appears in 7 days!

I just asked CX what my options were via the online chat. I have kept a record of the conversation.

 

[wandering_fred]

...
I just asked CX what my options were via the online chat. I have kept a record of the conversation.

How did that work out?

Well CX finally cancelled my trip... DPS-HKG-(USA) transPac in E class
Originally purchased Nov 2019 for Apr 2020 and rescheduled for Sep 2020 in early March. Sometimes optimism is not helpful.

The links CX provided worked reasonably well, though requesting the refund required a second attempt. The emails documenting the process contained all sorts of information designed to cover their procedures.....

As the trip included the USA, refunds (or excuses for not) are to be completed in seven days...
My credit card balance needs the help.

I wait without wandering
Fred

 

[wandering_fred]

Well the refund was processed within the time limits promised - allowing for a day or two financial "floating". Original tickets (2) purchased in Nov 2019 for Apr 2020 flights.
And as best I can see the final price in IDR was used for the refund. However given my best intentions to be a good flyer - the cost of my adjustment in Mar 2020 to get September dates and the various currency fluctuations were very much not in my favor.... about 20% of the value of the tickets.... But better than not getting a refund.
And certainly better than the associated (but separately ticketed) American Airlines flights that I will not be able to use or refund.
The Jetstar MAX flights refunded in full..... with minor exchange rate losses...

So the total loss on COVID cancellations come to about US$1200 for us.....

Without wandering
Fred

 

[wandering_fred]

Three months later the Mar 2020 "adjustments" were refunded...... Just appeared in my credit card account, which now has a modest credit balance.... Kudos to CX.

Now to figure out where I can travel to use that balance

I guess I need to resume wandering
Fred

 

[tomlee1986]

Three months later the Mar 2020 "adjustments" were refunded...... Just appeared in my credit card account, which now has a modest credit balance.... Kudos to CX.

Now to figure out where I can travel to use that balance

I guess I need to resume wandering
Fred

That is great news - at least you got your money back - Save it for a rainny day now may be a great idea...