COVID-19 Information
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. It’s now BCD Travel’s absolute priority to support our clients and travelers who’re affected by the coronavirus situation. We’re closely monitoring the developments and are taking necessary actions to limit the impact for our travelers.
On this page you’ll find an overview of recent updates and links to reliable sources and reports. Like you, we’re doing our best to keep up with all the changes. The situation is very fluid with authorities, suppliers and airlines changing policies at a rapid pace.
Last update: March 24
10:31 (GMT)
Information for business travelers
It’s our absolute priority to support travelers who’ve been affected by the coronavirus travel restrictions.
Should you need support:
You can cancel your future trip directly through the TripSource® app.
Simply tap the menu in the top right corner and select cancel trip.
IMPORTANT: If you are within a four-hour window of your trip, call your travel team directly, using the number on your itinerary.
When contacting us, please note:
- Phone calls will be prioritized over email until the situation returns to normal.
- Wait times may be longer than usual.
- In some countries we can only guarantee service in English at the moment.
If you are traveling, we recommend you read the health and safety information published by IATA and our SolutionSource® partner International SOS.
Information for travel managers
The COVID-19 pandemic is having a huge impact on travel programs. We’re doing all we can to minimize the consequences for your program and travelers. As different countries require restrictions on movement, office hours may be adapted per country. Local teams will keep clients informed about these changes.
To get the latest information on COVID-19 and the global situation we advise you to only use official sources.
BCD Travel information
- For specific questions about your travel program, contact your program manager
- Read the letter from our Chief Executives about COVID-19
- Download our Travel Risk Survival kit for insights and solutions
- Take our travel risk assessment to gauge your duty of care practices
- Read more about BCD Travel’s traveler safety solutions
- Download our latest What You Need To Know report about the coronavirus and travel bans
If you’re a BCD Travel client and have access to Connect, subscribe to the
COVID-19 discussion group
Travel restrictions and policies
- Our SolutionSource partner International SOS is keeping a list of travel restrictions, flight operations and screening.
Airline cancellations, disruptions and refunds
Most of the airlines have goodwill policies in place for cancellations or modifications. For the most up to date information, please refer directly to the airline. Here’s a list of airline companies and links.
Please be aware that many airlines worldwide have restricted our ability to process automated refunds via the GDS, including refundable tickets. As a result, BCD Travel has been forced to manage these processes manually to support our clients’ needs. Many airlines are now requiring us to complete and submit forms that serve as requests for refunds. We will continue to request refunds on your behalf via manual processes. However, we are unable to provide an estimated date for refund receipt, as airlines do not communicate processing time at any point during the submission process. We expect the revised airline procedures to delay travelers’ receipt of refunds. We appreciate your patience as we work diligently to submit refund requests on your travelers’ behalf.
What You Need To Know: Airline operations
As demand declines and governments around the world restrict travel, airlines are adjusting their operations, and, in some cases, suspending all services. Our What You Need To Know reports summarize what airlines across the world are doing and planning.
Covid-19 case trackers
- Coronavirus dashboard by the World Health Organization.
Guidelines for travelers
- IATA has published health and safety guidelines for travelers.
Advice for better virtual collaboration
Our consultancy colleagues at Advito published information on how to turn your corporate travel program into a sustainable collaboration program. They also have a page on getting the most out of virtual collaboration.
Assist your travelers with DecisionSource
In risk situations, DecisionSource® by BCD Travel can help travel managers locate and assist travelers before, during and after an event. Find out more about the three DecisionSource reports that help travel managers to located and assist travelers in need.
What you need to know: Coronavirus and travel bans
This report summarizes some recent travel restriction developments around the world
To control the spread, governments around the world are recommending against all but essential travel to certain countries, quarantining citizens returning from affected areas and restricting non-resident arrivals. After the WHO classified the outbreak as a pandemic, outright bans on travel have become more common.
Inform Report 2020 Travel risk survival kit
Prepare for travel risks
Traveler care is top of mind because of the COVID-19 coronavirus. But other business travel risks haven’t disappeared. Get strategic guidance on how what’s ahead and how to mitigate risks, manage through crises and keep travelers safe and informed.