Mangaluru: This is a double Whammy for positive international passenger testing for Covid both in a 48 hour RT-PCR test or RT-PCR test that is quickly done at the airport six hours before departure: isolation followed by losing the amount spent on airplane tickets.
No longer.
The operator to Gulf offers an option to change one-time free date to passengers who test positive in the RT-PCR test.
The neglect of this date change costs only applies to rescheduling, not cancellation.
Air India Express source here said the free date changes are available even for passengers who test positively in the RT-PCR test that is quickly done at the airport.
Two other airlines fly to the Middle East from Mangaluru International Airport, said that the facility was also expanded for their guests.
Inquiry facilities are not new, but many travelers who did not realize even though this facility was available when Covid cases began to emerge in the country, the airline returned to issue circular two weeks ago considering increasing cases.
Previously, there were not many cases.
But with the Omicron variant proved to be very contagious, passengers are testing positive even in windows 48 hours after getting a negative RT-PCR report.
Passengers who fly to the Middle East must have a RT-PCR test carried out 48 hours outside before flight departure and again six hours before departure, at the airport.
The sources of airlines say though many know this facility and have used it, there are some who are unconscious and lose money because of cancellations.
Rohan d’Souza, who had to fly to Dubai on January 12, was tested positive the day before and called airline only to be told that cancellation and rescheduling would cost almost the same.
The mistake he made did not tell the airline he was a positive test.
If passengers reschedule the flight, there will be no fees for the same order class, even if the cost is higher.
However, the difference in costs will be charged in the case of a higher order class.
In terms of refund, cancellation fees apply.
Until now, to reschedule the difference in tariffs is very minimal and will come in the amount of RS 200- RS 750 cancellation fees, which began at a minimum of Rs 2,500 per passenger.