These days, when air travel almost stopped due to the spread of COVID-19, thousands of airline passengers found themselves with cancelled flight tickets in their hands. Here is the short review of the refund from most popular airlines at routes between Europe and Iceland.
Let’s say you cannot or do not want to fly because the airline cancelled the flight or for example, you just want to return tickets. Information as of today, 2 of April 2020.
European low-cost airlines have a similar refund policy. Wizzair offers a 100% refund or 120% voucher, but only if the flight was cancelled. If the flight is not cancelled, no refund is offered. Meanwhile, EasyJet offers just a voucher for the price of the ticket, and only if the flight is cancelled. If the flight is scheduled, then you can only return the government tax. Norwegian: if you wish to cancel your flight that departs before June 1, you can get a 100% voucher, if the airline cancels your flight you can get the full amount back or 120% voucher.
Compare their policy to major national carriers. Finnair will return 100% money back if the flight is cancelled or offer 110% voucher. Lufthansa offers a 100% cash refund for your cancelled flight or voucher and 50EUR discount on the next booking for flights before December 31st 2020. If the flight was not cancelled, then a 100% voucher and 50EUR discount on the next booking for flights before 31st of December 2020, however, the booking has to be made before 31 of August.
Now let’s talk precisely about Icelandair. Until recently (about 10 days ago) their only offer was to change the departure date without changing fee. Without changing your destination. However, in April Icelandair offers for all tickets with departures until May 31st a 100% voucher that is valid for 3 years if the flight was not cancelled, but you do not want to fly. There is no extra for this voucher like other major airlines have. If the flight is cancelled officially, then you can try to ask for a refund. Your biggest issue than to get a response from the airline because of their crowded contact lines.
