State officials say it's important for consumers to know their rights as they scramble to cancel their travel plans because of the pandemic. 

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong says this is a difficult time, even for big businesses like cruise lines, hotels and airlines. However, he says it doesn’t mean that consumers' wallets should take the hit for cancellations when travel is dangerous and, in many cases, not possible.

Tong says a couple reached out to his office when their refund request for a canceled cruise was denied. He says he was able to secure a full refund for the couple and a travel credit going forward.

Officials are urging the public to read the fine print and understand what's included in the contract they've signed with airlines or third-party websites. Travel insurance is recommended, they say it's not a cure-all.

"I wish I could say there was some standard agreement or uniformity...there isn't. So, you've gotta look at your ticket, your travel agent, your trip, and understand what your rights are – exercise those rights. But if you have trouble, if you feel like somebody's trying to pull one over on you, you can call the office of the attorney general and we'll try to help," says Tong.