Emirates simplifies waivers and refunds policy

Emirates has updated its Covid-19 travel waiver policies into one simplified approach for rebooking and refunds on tickets applicable for all global territories in covers.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates' chief commercial officer said, "we have worked to ensure that our policies are not only customer-friendly but also compliant with regulatory requirements."

"We, in this regard, are seeking our customers' understanding that refunds will take time as we have a significant backlog to manage."

Emirates is offering three options to its customers affected by flight cancellations and travel restrictions, including keeping their tickets for 760 days, exchanging tickets for travel vouchers valid for up to 2 years, and full refunds on unused vouchers or tickets, said a press release on Wednesday.

All Emirates tickets booked before May 31 for travel up to August 31 will automatically be extended for 760 days. Customers having such tickets could rebook when they decide to travel. 

The ticket will be accepted for any flight to the same Emirates destination or to another city within the same Emirates region with no fees for changes. 

Those wishing to rebook their tickets to travel to another region could also do so and the Emirates would not charge any re-issuance fees in this regard.

Travel vouchers are valid for one year from the date the voucher was issued, and it could be extended for a second year. 

The voucher could be used for any Emirates product or service, meaning that customers could use it to offset charges for flights to any destination in any cabin class, or other services. No change fees apply to this voucher.

Customers who have opted to keep their tickets or opted for travel vouchers could still apply for refunds if they are unable to travel. There will have no refund penalties.