As the battle of Covid-19 is still On, Major airlines have decided to permanently waive off international change fees for any flight originating in the USA, the Caribbean and Mexico. Henceforth, all non-basic economy or premium issued airline tickets departing from the USA will be eligible for a free adjustment.
The airlines have decided to do so as the industry faces an unprecedented decline in air travel following the coronavirus pandemic, and carriers around the world are struggling to remain afloat. U.S. carriers have announced billions of dollars in losses, and expectations for a fast recovery have been dashed by the re-emergence of the virus.
According to previous records, people feel more comfortable with air travel than any other mode of transport, the removal of change fees will also allow them to book airline tickets, even though they are unsure about the future.
Change Fees Waiver Policy
The coronavirus pandemic prompted U.S. airlines to make temporary changes to their ticket policies, allowing travelers to change or even cancel their upcoming flights without charge. Some of the largest airlines including Delta, United, Southwest, American, and Alaska are making permanent improvements to their airline tickets with travel restrictions.
Previously, the majority of airlines like American, Delta, and United had been charging up to $200 for a passenger to change the reservation details, while Alaska had charged $125. Southwest was the only U.S. airline that did not charge any adjustment in fees prior to recent policy changes. Adjustment charges if any shall be charged in addition to the disparity in price between the previously booked flight and the cost of the new flight, which the passenger is also responsible for paying. But, the travel industry has been badly hit by the global outbreak of novel coronavirus due to which airlines made difficult decisions to survive.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines has decided to scrap change fees for international passengers originating from the USA. According to the statement, Delta’s permanent removal of change fees for international travel originating in North America is effective immediately. The airline is dropping change fees for all flights purchased through March 30, 2021. The new policy does not apply to economy flight tickets.
American Airline
American Airlines charges for almost all long-haul international flights for travel that originates in North or South America. Only passengers on Basic Economy tickets will have to pay for long-haul international flights. It’s a remarkable turnaround for an airline that until recently was renowned for its high change charges. There will be a change fees for passengers on Basic Economy flights, whether they fly domestic, short-haul international or long-haul international. Plus, if the fare is higher on the flight the passenger wants to change to the fare difference is payable.
United Airline
United Airlines has permanently abolished change fees on all standard economy and premium airline tickets for travel within the United States effective immediately. Starting on January 1, United will allow passengers to travel free of charge on flights leaving on the day of their scheduled departure, regardless of the type of ticket or service class.
Alaska Airline
Alaska Airlines is allowing the guest to book their travel plans confidently by eliminating change fees on all domestic and international tickets. The new fee adjustment policy applies to airline tickets, except for Saver fares.
