The coronavirus crisis may have altered a number of our travel behaviors. For example, is it now safe to buy our airline tickets months in advance?

Coronavirus cancelled, most if not all of your summer travel plans, so Thanksgiving and Christmas may be your next airline flight opportunity.

Not surprisingly, there are great airfare deals out there, ranging from Maui to Los Angeles to Miami and many other destinations.

But what if the virus returns? What will airline and hotel policies be in terms of refunds if your flight is then cancelled or you can’t physically reach a certain destination?

The real key here is the U.S. Department of Transportation rule — if the airline cancels your flight, then you are entitled to a full refund.

So, my advice, take a calculated risk and buy that low fare ticket now. That way you’ll be protected against an almost inevitable airfare increase in a few months, and your rights are still protected if the airline then cancels your flight.