Finally, some good news has arrived for travelers amidst the
COVID-19 pandemic. Several major airlines including United, Delta and
American Airlines have eliminated change fees for domestic flights.
According to this Forbes article, change and cancellation fees cost consumers $2.8 billion in 2019.
Below are a few highlights on each airline’s new policy:
United Airlines
The first to announce the removal of change fees, United Airlines has
permanently eliminated change fees for fares booked in Economy, Economy
Plus, United First, United Business and United Premium PlusSM.
Travelers with Basic Economy tickets will only be able to change tickets
that are issued by December 31, 2020 with no change fees.
United has also enacted a new fee-free policy for travelers to fly
stand-by and take off earlier in the day. Travelers will need to pay for
any increase in fare if re-booking on a new flight, but American will
not refund travelers if the new flight is less than the flight booked.
Delta Airlines
Delta’s new policy applies to domestic flights, including Puerto Rico
and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Travelers will receive a voucher for the
difference in cost if changing to a cheaper flight through the end of
2020. This policy excludes award flights booked with Delta SkyMiles.
Details for flights in 2021 have not yet been announced.
American Airlines
American Airlines’ new policy applies to all domestic flights, and
select short-haul international destinations, including between the U.S.
and Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Islands.
Basic economy fares and other international flights are excluded from
the new policy and will still be subject to change fees after Dec. 31.
If a traveler decides to change flights and the new flight is
cheaper, American will distribute a credit for future use. The policy
also applies to award tickets purchased on or before December 31, 2020.
These new policies will make a big difference in the way we book
travel in the future, and are particularly beneficial for travelers with
changing schedules looking for more flexibility in their
fares. CWT has also provided a quick search capability
for travelers to check for travel restrictions between countries.
Details include the status of open borders during the dates of your
upcoming trip, quarantine policy, mandatory health documents and the
need to wear masks (PPE).