A Four-Point Checklist For Travellers Navigating The Current Uncertainty

1. Don't Be Too Quick to Cancel
2. If You Do Cancel, Be Ready to Wait
3. Consider an Alternative Route
4. Don't Leave Decisions to the Last Minute

   The Takeaway

Even when cancellations are permitted, refunds aren't instant. Historically, airlines can take up to 12 weeks to return funds to travel agencies after a cancellation. 

Processing has improved, but it is still far from immediate – and that’s in a normal trading environment.

The practical implication is that if you decide to amend your plans and travel somewhere else, you may need to fund your new holiday before your refund arrives. Factor that into your decision-making.

For those nervous about specific flight paths, the good news is that Australians who are eying a European holiday or business trip have genuine options – and some outstanding ones at that.

Flying via Asia or the Americas to Europe on carriers like Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, United Airlines or British Airways is a perfectly sensible and well-serviced workaround. These routes are operating normally, the carriers are reliable and in many cases the difference in travel time is minimal.

We’re also seeing a resurgence in the traditional “round-the-world” airfare, where travellers can visit multiple destinations on the way to and from Europe.

Our consultants are actively working through these alternatives with customers right now. The message is simple: your holiday doesn't have to be cancelled – it may just need a different runway in the short-term.

This is perhaps the most important point of all and one where we're already seeing the consequences play out in real time.

As travellers shift demand away from Middle Eastern routing, seats on alternative routes are disappearing fast. This affects not just passengers travelling through to Europe – it also squeezes capacity for travellers simply flying to hubs like Singapore, who now find themselves competing for seats with a much larger pool of transit passengers.

Wait too long and you may find only premium fares available – at significant cost – or no availability at all. The time to act is now, not when your departure is a week away.

Pause before you cancel. Understand the financial implications. Explore your alternatives. And act in good time.

The situation is evolving – and largely in the right direction although it is still very early days. A calm, informed approach almost always leads to a better travel outcome. If you're unsure what's right for your booking, talk to a Flight Centre consultant or your travel agent. That's exactly what we're here for.