Coronavirus Travel Deals: Lower Flight, Hotel Prices As Outbreak Continues

Travelers looking for major deals on flights and hotels are in luck amid the coronavirus crisis, although there are some risks to keep in mind. A roundtrip flight from New York to Paris can cost as little as $278 with American Airlines, while domestic flights from New York to Miami have been found to be as little as $51 this week.

Hotels are also seeing a drop in prices. A Google search for hotels in Manhattan from March 26 to March 29, for example, show prices at 25% to 40% lower than usual, with 4-star offerings as little as $92 a night.

The coronavirus has also resulted in more comfortable air travel for U.S passengers.

As U.S. airlines cancel international flights, they are more frequently using wide-body aircraft on their domestic routes, which makes for a more comfortable experience for passengers due to extra space. Wide-body planes are also more likely to have in-flight entertainment which is often not available on smaller aircraft.

There are also some major risks to travel during the coronavirus. The State Department has warned U.S. citizens to not travel to Italy, Iran or South Korea due to outbreaks in those countries. Travelers who go abroad should also be wary of flight cancellations, and in some cases, be willing to quarantine themselves upon return.

In regards to health concerns, the elderly are most at risk of serious health complications from the coronavirus and should reconsider their travel plans, especially if going abroad. The Centers for Disease Control has urged seniors and those with major medical conditions to “stay at home as much as possible” as the virus spreads. Travelers of all ages should frequently wash their hands on trips.

The coronavirus could cause some airlines to shut down due to liquidation, as demand decreases dramatically. The International Air Transport Association said that airlines could lose as much as $113 billion amid the outbreak. The Trump administration is considering tax relief for airlines and cruise companies in order to help the travel industry.