MANGALURU: Till now, it was a double whammy for international passengers who tested positive in 48 hours RT-PCR test or Rapid RT-PCR done at the airport six hours before departure: separation, followed by the loss of the amount spent on the air ticket. Not anymore, as Gulf carriers are offering a one-time free date-change option to passengers who test positive in the RT-PCR test. However, this exemption is applicable only for rescheduling and not for cancellation.
air india express Sources here said that the offer of free date changing is also available for those passengers who have tested positive in the rapid RT-PCR test conducted at the airport. Two other airlines flying to the Middle East from Mangaluru International Airport said the facility has been extended to their guests as well.
Although this facility was available when the cases of Kovid started in the country, but the airlines re-issued the circular two weeks ago in view of the increase in the cases. “There weren’t many cases before. But with omicron The variant proving to be highly contagious, passengers are also testing positive within a window of 48 hours after testing negative RT-PCR report,” said a source. Passengers flying to the Middle East are required to undergo two RT-PCR tests, which are done 48 hours before the flight and again six hours before departure at the airport.
Sources said that though many people are aware of this facility and have used it, there are many who are not aware of it and their money has been lost due to the cancellation.
Rohan D’Souza, who was to fly to Dubai on January 12, tested positive a day earlier and called the airline only to be told that cancellation and rescheduling would cost him almost the same. The mistake he made was not informing the airline that he had tested positive.
In case the passenger reschedules his/her flight, no charges will be levied for the same booking class available even if the fare is higher. However, in case of higher booking category, the fare difference will be charged. In case of refund, cancellation fee will be applicable. The passenger will have to email his/her Kovid positive certificate to the respective airlines at the earliest.
As of now, the fare difference for rescheduling is Rs 200 to Rs 750, while cancellation charges start from Rs 2,500 per passenger.
air india express Sources here said that the offer of free date changing is also available for those passengers who have tested positive in the rapid RT-PCR test conducted at the airport. Two other airlines flying to the Middle East from Mangaluru International Airport said the facility has been extended to their guests as well.
Although this facility was available when the cases of Kovid started in the country, but the airlines re-issued the circular two weeks ago in view of the increase in the cases. “There weren’t many cases before. But with omicron The variant proving to be highly contagious, passengers are also testing positive within a window of 48 hours after testing negative RT-PCR report,” said a source. Passengers flying to the Middle East are required to undergo two RT-PCR tests, which are done 48 hours before the flight and again six hours before departure at the airport.
Sources said that though many people are aware of this facility and have used it, there are many who are not aware of it and their money has been lost due to the cancellation.
Rohan D’Souza, who was to fly to Dubai on January 12, tested positive a day earlier and called the airline only to be told that cancellation and rescheduling would cost him almost the same. The mistake he made was not informing the airline that he had tested positive.
In case the passenger reschedules his/her flight, no charges will be levied for the same booking class available even if the fare is higher. However, in case of higher booking category, the fare difference will be charged. In case of refund, cancellation fee will be applicable. The passenger will have to email his/her Kovid positive certificate to the respective airlines at the earliest.
As of now, the fare difference for rescheduling is Rs 200 to Rs 750, while cancellation charges start from Rs 2,500 per passenger.
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