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Coronavirus cases skyrocket on stranded cruise ships; DOT says airlines cannot deny cash refunds, and more

April 04, 2020
4 min read
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Every Saturday, we round up the top miles, points and travel news that you might have missed on TPG this week. Here’s what you need to know:

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Coronavirus cases skyrocket on board stranded cruise ships

(Photo by IVAN PISARENKO/AFP/Getty Images)
(Photo by IVAN PISARENKO/AFP/Getty Images)

As of Thursday, 189 people from the Holland America Zaandam had exhibited flu-like symptoms. The Zaandam, along with numerous other cruise ships, has been stranded at sea for weeks as multiple ports have refused her entry, citing concerns over the sick passengers on board.

The ship, along with Holland America's Rotterdam, was allowed to dock in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Friday. Chartered flights will ferry healthy passengers home.

Related: See all of TPG's coronavirus coverage here

Department of Transportation: Airlines cannot refuse cash refunds for canceled flights

Virojt Changyencham/Getty Images
(Virojt Changyencham/Getty Images)

There's been a lot of debate on this topic, but the DOT has always been clear: Passengers whose flights are canceled can demand their money back.

Related: Why you should wait until the last minute to ask for a refund

No, Southwest didn't devalue its rewards program overnight

(Photo by John Gress Media Inc/Shutterstock)
(Photo by John Gress Media Inc/Shutterstock)

It has to do with the tax waiver that was issued to help bail out struggling airlines.

Chase Sapphire Reserve issues $100 annual credit fee for existing customers

(Photo by Wyatt Smith/The Points Guy)
(Photo by Wyatt Smith/The Points Guy)

This will help offset that increase in the annual fee this year.

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Related: Here's why I'm keeping my Chase Sapphire Reserve

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Should I downgrade my premium credit cards?

You may be able to get your annual fee waived with just one call. Photo by filadendron / GettyImages.
Instead of downgrading a credit card, you may be able to get your annual fee waived with just one call. (Photo by filadendron / GettyImages)

We have your pros-and-cons list.

5 ways coronavirus will change travel

Dubrovnik, Croatia. (Photo by FG Trade/Getty Images)
Dubrovnik, Croatia. (Photo by FG Trade/Getty Images)

Not all is doom and gloom: As a silver lining, a number of destinations are healing from overtourism.

The easiest 7,500 points I will earn all year

(Photo by Rawpixel via Unsplash)
(Photo by Rawpixel via Unsplash)

Groceries are the secret weapon. And here's your definitive guide to online grocery services.

Alaska and American Airlines announce full reciprocal mileage earning

(Photo by Robert Alexander/Getty Images)
(Photo by Robert Alexander/Getty Images)

Royal Air Maroc also joined the Oneworld family.

Airline change and cancellation policies — a complete list

With a smaller tax refund, you may have to fly on a cheaper airline to get to your summer vacation destination. (Photo by Neonbrand/Unsplash)
(Photo by Neonbrand/Unsplash)

Here's what you are and aren't entitled to claim.

Featured image by AFP via Getty Images
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.