Great news for families! The major airlines in the US will no longer charge fees for changing your airline ticket. United Airlines was the first to make the move, and was followed quickly by Delta and American Airlines. You may already know that Southwest does not charge change fees.
The uncertainly of the coronavirus pandemic and virtual work and school, continue to make many travelers leery of purchasing tickets they could lose money on later. But, that doesn’t mean we don’t want to travel!
Now the airlines have given us one less thing to worry about and the flexibility we need to take to the skies again. See the new policies below:
American Airlines: No more change fees for all domestic and short-haul international flying on Premium Cabin and Main Cabin fares. You can also fly standby for free on earlier flights to the same destination on the same day. And, guess what? Travelers who buy Basic Economy fares may now buy extras like upgrades, seats, priority boarding and same-day flight changes. The change fees are waived if you’re traveling to any of the 50 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Check out aa.com for more details.
United Airlines: United was first out the gate with the no change fees policy. It has permanently gotten rid of change fees for most Economy and premium cabin tickets for flights within the continental US, Hawaii, Alaska, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Travelers can still change tickets for Basic Economy or international travel that are issued by December 31, 2020, without change fees. Another great change is beginning January 1, 2021, any traveler can stand by for an earlier flight for free.
Check out united.com for more info.
Delta Airlines: Delta is permanently eliminating change fees immediately on all tickets purchased for travel within the domestic U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands in Delta’s First Class, domestic Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin. Note that change fees will still apply to Basic Economy tickets. Delta will still extend its waiver on change fees for newly purchased flights, including international flights and Basic Economy tickets, through the end of the year .
Check out delta.com for all the details.
Now, let’s hope hotels get rid of those dreadful resort fees!