The travel perk that’s quietly disappearing in 2025

USA, — Booking a winter getaway or planning for spring break? Be careful: the cheapest fares and hotel rooms now often come with a big catch — they’re nonrefundable.

Consumer Reporter John Matarese says one silver lining of the pandemic was that airlines and hotels finally relaxed strict refund rules. Travelers could cancel flights or hotel stays without losing hundreds of dollars.

“Well now some of those traveler-friendly perks are quietly disappearing,” Matarese explained.

A recent USA Today headline warned: “Why 2025 is the year of nonrefundable travel.”

Consumer advocate Chris Elliot told Matarese airlines, hotels and rental car companies now want to minimize risk and boost profits. That means selling more nonrefundable seats, rooms and cars.

• The cheapest hotel rooms now require prepayment — and they’re nonrefundable.
• The cheapest airline seats are often “basic economy,” which in most cases is nonrefundable and nonchangeable.

Matarese adds, “So from the Doesn’t That Stink file, how buying refundable travel will now cost you more in most occasions.”

If you’re not sure you’ll be able to take that Las Vegas trip next spring, a changeable flight will cost about $100 more, while a fully refundable hotel room might be another $100.

One possible workaround: purchase travel insurance that lets you cancel for any reason. But that, too, costs extra.

“So be on the lookout for tougher change or refund fees when booking your next flight or hotel room,” Matarese said. “You need to check the rules before you book it… so you don’t waste your money.”

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