I watched the flights to CA that we were supposed to take at the end of the month, and when one of the flights time changed to more than 90 minutes from the original departure time, thats when I cancelled. Its supposed to guarantee a refund, but the guy said the computer wouldn’t let him automatically do it, and he had to submit a request.
The weird thing is, on their website the flight showed one departure time, but my personal itinerary still showed another time. I took a screenshot of the one that showed a 2 hour time change from the original departure time and will use it in case I don’t get a refund. Here’s what the FAA says, which is of course, not super clear https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/refunds
Its worth watching the flight times, equipment changes, etc and have that information available if an appeal is necessary. Especially with the way COVID is tending things may continue to change.
@Sybylla Our family felt there was less risk in flying a partially full flight with precautions than driving with multiple stops or a stay in hotspot areas. DIL, who is a PA in a pediatrics practice, is the one who said fly. She is much more concerned about her being the one to possibly bring it home from the office/hospital.
Ill see what happens. The vouchers are good for two years. Maybe we will be able to travel elsewhere sometime before they expire.
Actually, I wasn’t planning to go to this event as of this week. I was going to call the MOB today to give our regrets. The text yesterday saved me from having to make that call. Lots of reasons for not going. But in the end, the event cancellation is why I want a refund.
United is a terrible airline to deal with.
I’m also guessing maybe hoping that if things get worse, and folks really can’t fly, they will extend the voucher deadlines.
I should have chosen Southwest for this trip. But we wanted a non-stop.
^^^^I really feel for those in New Mexico - masks required outside even while exercising! Running and biking is going to cease for many.
The current Canada/USA border closing is until July 21. It does not allow for crossing for any recreational purpose. Most allowances - even for going to Alaska must be family/health/work related. And they are pretty specific (I read a detailed listing - not sure I can put my hands on it right now).
I fully expect they will extend the July 21 closing. Why would they want any Americans with rising COVID cases in their country right now?! If and when they do open up I’ll be it will be with the requirement of 14 day quarantine.
We have a cottage in Canada and very well may not ever see it in 2020. No way to get there unless someone has a submarine we can borrow.
@abasket - yes, the Canadian borders will likely be closed into 2021. The Victoria Clipper just laid off all of their Canada staff. Furloughed all US employees until sometime in 2021.
It seems to me that you are not considering risk at all (lots of people don’t). I am not sure what a PAs advice about travel would bring to the table but if you have no choice and have to go and be their childcare, then it doesn’t really seem like an actual question. Your DIL needs childcare and you are flying on a plane with people who are actually flying into one of the nations hotspots. Maybe you are a young fit grandma?
Making the difficult decision today to cancel my 21 y/o daughter’s trip home in two weeks. She hasn’t been home since January and prior to that she was studying abroad, so she’s a little bit homesick. She was going to come home for 10 days then return to her off campus apt a week before her fall semester starts. She is scheduled on a SW direct flight from San Diego but with classes starting so soon after her scheduled return, we don’t want to risk her getting sick (or being exposed) and then having to quarantine. I know she is going to be very disappointed, but she understands it’s a big risk and she does not have an urgent need to come home.
I found out the other day that an acquaintance knowingly flew her daughter and friend home early from vacation when one was not feeling well and had COVID symptoms. Both tested positive when they got home. I was at a loss for words when I heard. Unfortunately, knowing this person, it actually doesn’t surprise me. ? It did, however, reinforce my thoughts that my daughter should not be getting on a plane right now.
Ditto. Public pools, too. Maybe the guidelines assume that folks pack into those places like sardines? Very few pools or beaches are like that (or at least maybe I have not been visiting the “right” ones).
We were chuckling that “tennis” gets put on every low risk list. I like tennis! Just funny that this is the most acceptable safe sport right now!
Interesting that weddings are “moderately high” - yet some are still having them (including reception I imagine).
Also interesting to see in plain view that shaking hands or hugging a friend is moderately high risk. Such a simple thing and one that is likely repeated “just once!” for so many I bet. It’s one of the hardest things not to do.
I saved that graphic -I have seen others but they were not so detailed. Thanks for sharing!
I agree about the pools (at least the one where I live) being extremely safe. Getting a time slot to go and following all the procedures is just slightly less effort than getting a security clearance. I got a slot and went over on Saturday and wasn’t near anyone. You have to take your own chairs and no food is allowed. I never touched anything but the edge of the pool, and the 90 degree temperatures probably killed anything that might have been there!
I’m going to disagree with camping being a 2. Just down the street is a campground. People are packed in there like sardines. No more than 2 feet between campers. I know they are outside but people are very close together
I would equate it more like eating outside or going to the beach
I think how risky going camping, beach, public pool is all about how crowded it is. I think camping is riskier because you would have to share a public bathroom.
I have gone up to #7 - haircut.
I can’t believe someone would fly knowing he/she may be infected.
I’m not a camper, but camping in a self contained motor home would probably be pretty safe IF the campground wasn’t too crowded.
Right now…I’m happy to be staying home.
And United already said no to a refund for our CO trip. Took them one whole day to say no. We do have a voucher, and we will keep a close eye on the landscape of flying. If we can use the voucher eventually, we will. We have until July 2022 to do so.
Once I use this voucher, I’m done with United Airlines. Done.
