Airlines cancel flights by Covid-19 advance; see what to do

Azul and Latam airlines have confirmed in recent days that they are canceling and rerouting flights due to the advance of Covid-19 and Influenza cases among the crew and the general population.

In a statement, the National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) stated that it is monitoring the cases of respiratory illnesses caused in pilots, flight attendants and other professionals in the airline industry, and that it is also monitoring companies to ensure compliance with the provision of assistance to passengers .

Latam said in a statement over the weekend that it will cancel 49 domestic and international flights in the coming days, equivalent to 1% of its scheduled trips for January, due to the “increase in Covid-19 and Influenza cases in the general population. ”.

The company did not specify whether there was an increase in infections among its crew members. Affected passengers may reschedule the trip, without charging a fine or difference in fares, or request a refund of the ticket, also without penalty.

Days earlier, the union that represents the aeronauts (SNA) reported that medical leaves of absence among Azul employees had risen by 400% in January. In a statement, the company confirmed an increase in licenses and informed that it is also relocating some flights.

“The passenger whose flight is delayed or canceled will be entitled to assistance by the airlines, as provided for in Resolution 400/2016”, said Anac, mentioning the rules that define the obligations of companies in case of delay or cancellation of flights .

“Anac also recommends that passengers accompany the flight confirmation through the services available by the airline, such as applications, website and call center”, adds the agency’s statement.

Anac rules determine that, in the event of delays and flight cancellations, companies have the obligation to:

• offer re-accommodation and full refund, the choice of which is up to the passenger, when there is a flight cancellation or a delay of more than four hours;
• keep the passenger informed every 30 minutes as to the expected departure of delayed flights;
• immediately inform the occurrence of the delay, cancellation and interruption of the service;
• offer material assistance free of charge, according to the waiting time. This includes providing means of communication, food and, in the case of overnight stays, transport and accommodation.

Company guidelines

In a note released at the end of the week, Azul informed that “customers impacted are being notified of the changes, re-accommodated on other flights of the company itself and receiving all the necessary assistance, as provided for in resolution 400 from Anac”.

Also in a statement, Latam advises that all travelers check their flight forecast on the company’s page before heading to the airport.

For those whose flights are changed, the indication is that the passenger reschedules the trip by registering on the website, where they can choose a new date without additional charges or request a refund.

The company’s sales center phones are also supporting these cases.

Latam also said it is allowing passengers diagnosed with Covid-19 to reschedule the ticket date once without charging a fine, but paying the difference in price, if any.

“The client will be able to travel from 14 days after the diagnosis of the disease or certifying that he is no longer in the contagion phase”, says the note.

Check out guidelines from the Ministry of Health if you contract Covid-19