Following the reimplementation of the movement control order (MCO 2.0) in several states and the Federal Territories, local airlines are offering their passengers certain flexibilities, including the option to change their travel dates. Here are the alternatives that are provided by Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB), AirAsia, and Malindo Airways.

Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB)

MAB passengers who are affected by MCO 2.0 will be given the flexibility to rebook their travels with a one-time fare difference and service fee waiver, applicable only for wholly domestic trips between 13 to 26 January 2021. Additionally, note that all re-bookings must be made on or before 30 June 2021, and completed by 31 December 2021.

Meanwhile, passengers who wish to cancel their flight will have the option to convert their tickets into a travel voucher or open ticket, which must also be used by 31 December. This is allowed for all types of tickets except for Enrich redemption tickets.

As for those of you with Enrich redemption tickets, they will be converted into open tickets, with re-bookings to be done by 30 June and the journey completed by 31 December. Full refunds are not allowed, and you will also not be able to opt for a travel voucher.

Passengers can submit their requests for these flexibilities via MAB’s online Assistance Request form. Alternatively, you can call the airline’s Global Contact Centre at 1-300-88-3000 (in Malaysia) or +603 7843 3000 (abroad) for assistance. Those who made their bookings via a travel agent will need to contact their travel agency for assistance instead.

AirAsia

AirAsia passengers who are departing between 13 to 26 January 2021 can choose to cancel their flights if they wish to. In return, they will be allowed to tap into unlimited flight changes, where they can make as many changes as they like to their travel dates at no cost, as long as it is on the same route and the date is before 31 March 2021. Note that this option is also subject to seat availability.

To tap into this option, passengers will need to chat with AirAsia’s AVA and take the following steps:

• Select “Flights” from AVA’s main menu.
• Select “Covid-19 Flight Changes”.
• Select “AirAsia Malaysia Domestic (AK) Flights”.
• Select “I want to move my flight”.
• Enter your booking details and personal details as requested, and select a new flight date and time.

AirAsia also clarified that passengers who are affected by flight cancellations due to MCO 2.0 will receive a separate email or SMS, informing them of their available options.

Malindo Air

Malindo Air is also giving passengers who are affected by MCO 2.0 the flexibility to change their travel dates once at no additional costs, or to request for a refund.

According to the airline, passengers who bought their tickets on or before 11 January 2021, for travel between 13 to 26 January 2021, can move their travel dates within 12 months from the original flight date for free. A fare difference does, however, apply if the price of the new flight is higher than the original fare.

Meanwhile, refunds are permitted in the form of travel vouchers, and these vouchers must be redeemed within 12 months of the voucher date. The airline also clarified that the travel date is based on seat inventory range of 11 months ahead of redemption date.

For more information, you can call Malindo Air’s call centre at 03-7841 5388 or send an email to [email protected].

***

Admittedly, air travel has not been easy under the new norms implemented by the government in its fight against the spread of Covid-19 within Malaysia. However, these are necessary measures in curbing and breaking the chain of infection. Accordingly, travellers should also check in with their respective airlines frequently to get the latest updates on flight changes and other standard operating procedures (SOPs). Finally, stay safe, everyone!

• TAGS:
• AirAsia
• Airlines
• Covid-19
• Malaysia Airlines
• Malindo Air
• MCO
• MCO 2.0
• Movement Control Order