KUALA LUMPUR (March 13): In response to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, airlines like Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAS) are easing their booking restrictions by allowing passengers to change their flight dates and destinations with no penalty.

In a statement today, the national carrier is introducing an ultimate flexibility ticket change policy, which allows its passengers unlimited changes to the date of their flights at no extra cost.

"Passengers travelling on MAS with tickets issued before March 31 will be able to change their flight dates for free. They will also be able to make changes to their destination but any difference in fare will apply," said MAS.

However, all rebookings must be made on or before May 31. Rebooked return travel must be completed by Dec 31.

In addition, the rebooking must be carried out at MAS' ticket office or via its global contact centre at 1-300-88-3000 (in Malaysia) or +603 7843 3000 (outside Malaysia), as well as MAS’ appointed agents.

Under the new policy, MAS passengers who wish to board earlier flights on the same day of departure can do so for travel between March 13 and May 21, although this is subject to availability.