In 2020, few things have felt certain, least of all travel. Because restrictions are always changing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, finding flexible flights has become essential, as well as making sure that your hotel and car bookings allow for last-minute changes and even cancellations when possible.
The good news: with Skyscanner’s new features, travellers who are interested in booking future travel can do so with confidence. In ways we’ll explain below, finding flexible travel options is as easy as a few clicks. 2020 can, as it turns out, be smooth sailing (or flying, as the case may be).
What is a flexible flight ticket?
Generally speaking, a flexible flight ticket is one that allows for changes or cancellations without a fee, with a smaller-than-usual fee, or another condition that makes it easier for the traveller to change their plans. Many airlines have agreed to eliminate change fees altogether in response to the uncertainty the pandemic has created.
When searching with Skyscanner’s “Flexible Ticket” option, this feature shows which airlines have changed their booking terms. The filter will only display airlines that offer flexible tickets, or hotels and car hire with free cancellation. And if you like to dot your i’s and cross your t’s, we also link directly to the airline’s booking policy so you can review all of the fine print.
While Skyscanner will always do its best to show you the most up-to-date prices and policies, it’s important to check the terms and conditions of your specific ticket at the time of booking to ensure you’re fully briefed on the details of its change policy.
Which airlines are offering flexible flight tickets?
There are several airlines offering flexible flights through the end of this year and beyond. Here are five airlines that have expanded their change fees and cancellation policies.
| Airline | Airline Policy |
| Singapore Airlines | Singapore Airlines currently offer complimentary rebooking for all new bookings made on or before 31 December 2020. |
| Scoot | Scoot’s partnership with ChangeYourFlight enables you to request a voucher refund on unused tickets if you are unable to make your flight. You can redeem this voucher for your next flight with Scoot. |
| AirAsia | AirAsia is offering flexibility by waiving flight change fees for guests travelling up to 31 December 2020. You can make an unlimited number of flight date changes. This is applicable for bookings made up to 31 October 2020. |
| Jetstar | Jetstar Asia is waiving the date change fees for flights booked up to 31 October 2020, for travel before 31 December 2020. This free date change is valid once. |
| Emirates | When flying with Emirates, your tickets are valid for 24 months from the date of your original booking. You can keep this ticket and use it at a later date with no extra fees. |
Finding flexible flights with Skyscanner
Whether you peruse our website on your desktop or mobile app, Skyscanner makes it easy to find flexible airline tickets — though please note that this feature is not yet available on mobile web. Simply tick the “Flexible tickets only” box (or, in the app, toggle the switch) for COVID-19 peace of mind in a single instant.
How to find hotels with free cancellation on Skyscanner
If you’re booking flexible flights, you’re also going to want to have the option to change or cancel your accommodation booking as well. That way, you can book flexible travel for your whole trip now, and decide if it’s still OK to go later.
Using Skyscanner to find flexible hotel stays is slightly different than doing so for flexible flights. Specifically, once you have completed your hotel search, navigate down the sidebar (or, in the app, tap “Sort & Filters” at the bottom of the results) and tick or toggle the “Free cancellation” option.
Booking cars with free cancellation on Skyscanner
Similar to flights and hotels, Skyscanner also makes it easy to find flexible rental car bookings that you can cancel for free or for a small fee, up to 48 hours in advance.
On the website, complete your search as usual and then tick the “Free cancellation” box in the left-hand sidebar, underneath the “Cancellation policy” heading.
In the app, simply tap the “Filter” button before completing your search, and tick the “Free Cancellation” box to make sure your results are flexible from the get-go.
Whether you’re on the hunt for flexible flights or want to enjoy some peace of mind when booking hotels and cars, Skyscanner allows you to book with confidence. Both on our website and in our award-winning mobile app, it only takes a second to fine-tune your search results so all you’ll see are flexible travel options. With the added travel stress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, having this kind of peace of mind is nothing short of priceless.
Where can I go right now, anyway?
Travel restrictions are sweeping and ever-changing. Check the Skyscanner travel restrictions map to know where you can go — and, importantly, to avoid any unexpected frustration at the airport. If you’re eyeing a few destinations in particular, you can also sign up to receive email updates when they reopen.
FAQ About flexible travel
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, most airlines (including Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Jetstar and AirAsia) offer partially or fully flexible flight tickets. Scoot allows you to request for a voucher on your unused tickets.
Generally speaking, a flexible flight ticket is one that allows you to make changes without incurring a fee. Note that you may still need to pay for any fare differences. On top of that, tickets that are free to change may not be free to refund outright.
With Singapore Airlines, you get complimentary rebooking for all new bookings made by 31 December 2020. This applies to all fare types. If you are making the change from now through 31 December 2020, you are eligible for unlimited complimentary rebooking.
You need to set a date when you book most flights. However, if you buy a flexible ticket, you can move the flight date and time until the ticket’s validity period (which is usually, but not always, one year from the date of purchase) ends.
Want to read more?
Whether or not you feel comfortable travelling right now, it’s a great time to get — and stay — inspired. Here are some awesome Skyscanner articles to keep your wanderlust alive:
