Say Goodbye to Airline Change Fees

As the world continues to battle the Coronavirus pandemic, we are seeing some positive signs as more people begin traveling again and airlines continue to make changes that make the traveler experience easier and safer than ever before!

Many travelers struggled early on in the pandemic to cancel flights and receive refunds from the airlines as travel came to a halt. Since then, many carriers have enhanced their policies to make changes and cancellations easier.

American Airlines

American Airlines is waiving all change fees for all domestic and short-haul international flights, including to and from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This applies to all fare class’s, including basic economy. With this change, travelers are allowed to switch their origin and destination cities but will need to pay any difference in fares. If American cancels your flight, you are able to request a full refund. Change fees on international flights that are not covered by the new policy can be as high as $750.

American has also made flying same-day standby free for all domestic and international flights, regardless to the ticket type.

Tickets that were previously booked before September 30th, 2020 can be used to cover travel through December 31st, 2021.

Through December 31st, 2020 American will be waiving ALL change fees on ALL tickets, purchased by September 30th, 2020 due to the ongoing pandemic.

Delta

On August 31st, 2020 Delta Airlines eliminated changed fees for travel within the U.S, U.S Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, on all fare class’s except basic economy. For any flights not covered through this new change in policy, passengers will be charged a change fee for all non-refundable tickets that starts at $200, depending on the destination and fare type. Customers will also have to pay the difference in fare.

Delta is also offering same-day standby for $75, which is offered on all fare tickets except basic economy.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, Delta will be waiving ALL change fees on domestic and international tickets, including basic economy, through December 31st, 2020.

United Airlines

United Airlines has eliminated change fees on standard economy and premium tickets within the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and Mexico. The airline will also make flying same-day standby free for all customers beginning January 1, 2021.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, United is waiving ALL change fees for ALL tickets issued through December 31st, 2020 for both domestic and international travel.

Southwest

Southwest continues to not charge any change fee for any flight or fare class. Travelers will have to pay any difference in the new fare.

JetBlue

JetBlue is charging a different change fee depending on the fare booked and the cost of the ticket.

  • Blue and Blue Plus fares cost:
    •  $75 for a change on a ticket costing under $100
    • $100 for a change on a ticket costing $149.99
    • $150 for a change on a ticket costing $199.99
    • $200 for a change on a ticket costing $200 or more
  • Blue Basic
    • Not eligible for changes or cancellations

Customers will have to pay any difference in the new fare. In addition, they are offering standby tickets for $75.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, JetBlue is waiving ALL change fees and ALL cancellation fees for bookings made through February 28th, 2021.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines has eliminated changed fees on flights from Hawaii, the U.S. mainland, international destinations, and within the Hawaiian Islands. This does not include Main Cabin Basic fares. Customers will have to pay any fare differences.

During the ongoing pandemic, Hawaiian Airlines is waiving change fees on all flights, including Main Cabin Basic fares, through December 31st, 2020.