I was shocked and frustrated when I learned that Air Canada and Asiana Airlines still do impose cancellation charges on the customers who cancel their trips to South Korea, Japan and Italy.
As all of us read on the news, the COVID-19 virus continues to widespread throughout the world. The virus has been exploding in South Korea, Japan and Italy more dangerously during the last few days. No matter the level of the extent of the outbreak and severity of infection, this dangerous virus is proven to capable of targeting and impacting large populations in, especially, those three countries. Many experts warn the situation is becoming close to a pandemic.
Many workplaces in North America are implementing a temporary travel restriction of company-related air travels for their employees' health and safety. Even though both Canada and US government-level travels ban against South Korea, Japan and Italy has yet to be declared, all travelers who have plan to go to South Korea, Japan or Italy now should reconsider their trips. Frankly say, they should avoid non-essential travel, and cancel or reschedule their trips, not only for their own safety but for the sake of their families and communities.
Personally, I had planned to go to South Korea and Japan. I recently cancelled my trip. I was able to get a full refund from my travel agency and hotels in South Korea and Japan despite the non-refundable condition. I really admire the management decision of the hotels in South Korea and Japan. I surely believe that they did conduct best customer service and courtesy, based on their super-superior business ethic. I also appreciate the travel agency AGODA's maximum cooperation.
Unfortunately, Air Canada and Asiana Airlines, both Star Alliance member airlines, cling tenaciously to impose the cancellation charge.
They are cowardly making excuses that is the company policy, and the level of the government travel advisories has not met a certain criteria.
They pretend not to understand the ongoing COVID-19 crisis which should be considered as a massive and destructive factor, not another general safety and security issue.
I am not talking about the money or the cancellation penalty.
I am talking about the serious business ethic problem.
I am talking about the serious moral hazard against humanity, that is not much different to an acting like entrapping the customers in imminent danger.
I politely and seriously request Air Canada, Asiana Airlines and Star Alliance to temporarily lift the cancellation charge policy on the destinations South Korea, Japan and Italy during the COVID-19 crisis going on.
Their cancellation charge policy may mislead numerous customers to misjudge, ending up them and, their families and their communities in destructive danger.
Best Regards,
March 1, 2020 sarnia(clipboard), Edmonton
