Sitting at my desk, I saw a notification from the NBC affiliate in my hometown pop up and say that Ohio's governor was giving an update about COVID-19 in the Buckeye State. Halfway through, I frowned and canceled my trip to visit after we wrap up Christmas Wish Miracle Marathon Day. 

During that press conference, he reissued a mask mandate that puts the responsibility on businesses to ensure that all customers and employees are wearing masks and penalties for if their "Retail Compliance Unit" finds a business in violation of the order. In addressing gatherings like weddings and post-funeral receptions, he banned activities like dancing and games. All guests must stay seated and wear a mask unless they're actively consuming food or beverages. He also threatened to shut down restaurants, bars and fitness centers again if cases to continue to rise and will reassess the situation a week from tomorrow.

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I've hung out with the same 4-6 people since March, most of which are co-workers here at the station. I wear my mask. I go to work. I go run. I go home. Rinse and repeat. I'm fatigued with the COVID lifestyle, but I rather stay in Idaho and be stuck in that time loop than be quarantined to my childhood bedroom in Ohio during my seven days of vacation. Ultimately, that's why I decided to click 'cancel' on my flights today.

Will Governor Little's press conference on Friday be as extreme? We won't make any predictions because we honestly don't know what to expect.

If you're starting to think traveling this year just isn't worth the hassle, here's an overview of where things stand with several American air carriers as far as getting your money back or a flight credit. These policies are for flights booked directly through the carrier.

Alaska Airlines | Full Policies HERE

Flights purchased on/before February 26 for travel between March 9-December 31, 2020

  • Saver Fare: Cancel without a fee, receive credit toward future travel
  • Nonrefundable First Class, main or award ticket: Cancel without a fee, receive credit toward future travel. You may also change your trip without a fee.
  • You can select new travel dates up to one year from the original travel date

Flights purchased February 27-December 31, 2020 for travel between February 27 - November 30, 2021

  • Saver Fare: Cancel without a fee, receive credit toward future travel
  • Nonrefundable First Class, main or award ticket: Cancel without a fee, receive credit toward future travel. You may also change your trip without a fee.
  • You can select new travel dates up to one year from the original travel date

Allegiant | Full Policies HERE

  • No change fee
  • Cancel and receive full credit to use with Allegiant up to two years from date of initial reservation

Delta Air Lines | Full Policies HERE 

Flights purchased between March 1-December 31, 2020

  • Change fee waived for up to a year after date ticket was purchased.
  • Cancel with no fee and receive credit for the value of the unused ticket to use toward a new ticket for up to one year from original issue date.

Flights Scheduled to Depart March 2020 - March 31, 2021; Purchased Before April 17, 2020

  • Change fee waived
  • Cancel with no fee and receive credit for the value of the unused ticket to use toward purchasing a new ticket through December 22, 2022.

Southwest | Full Policies HERE 

  • Change or cancel with no fees
  • Since September 8, Southwest has allowed those had travel funds created from a nonrefundable Wanna Get Away ticket to use those funds up to a year from the original the purchase date

United | Full Policies HERE

Flights Scheduled to Depart June 1-December 31, 2020; Purchased on/before March 2, 2020

  • No change or cancellation fees
  • Changes must be made on/before December 31
  • Use flight credit up to 24 months from original ticket date

 

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