JetBlue offers free cancellations or changes as coronavirus outbreak spreads

JetBlue will void change and cancellation fees for flights as the coronavirus continues to spread globally.

On Wednesday, JetBlue announced that customers can change or cancel for free all bookings made from Thursday through March 11 for travel through June 1, according to a statement. 

“The policy is designed to give customers confidence that they will not be charged any JetBlue fees for changes or cancellations later given evolving coronavirus concerns,” the airline said in a statement.

Customers who book during the stated period and need to cancel their flights would receive “full travel credit,” the airline said, or can apply “the full amount from their original booking to a different itinerary,” although fare differences may need to be paid. 

JetBlue said it was taking the step even as authorities have not issued travel restrictions to the destinations serviced by the airline.

Officials on Wednesday announced a new case of coronavirus in California, which could be the first known instance in the United States of the virus spreading among the general public. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned this week that the spread of coronavirus in the United States appears to be inevitable, while warning that the disruptions could be “severe.”