U.S. Airlines Bringing Policy Change to Favor Travelers by Ditching Change Fees

Sunday, September 06, 2020

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The airline industry in the United States is grappling with COVID-19 impact and desperately looking for ways to attract air travelers in a big way. Drastic policy changes are on the cards. Now you can happily make United reservations without draining your wallet. The first step has been taken by United Airlines finally when it recently announced its policy of ditching change fee on a permanent basis.

Even Delta Airlines and American Airlines have decided not to be left behind, and said that both of them will also permanently end change fees as well as cancellation fees. This news has made air travelers exceedingly happy. When making Delta Airlines reservations or choosing to fly with American you won’t have to pay any fees associated with flight change or cancellation.

The three legacy carriers have already been waiving change fees ever since March 2020 when the global air travel was first disrupted due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The travel demand has virtually dried up, and the airlines are making concerted efforts to ramp up their finances. Whether United, American or Delta, all the airlines want to provide stress-free, safer and cheaper travel to the best possible extent.

Media reports quoted United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby as saying that the airline’s customers have always wanted improved services and sought the permanent end of change and cancellation fees.

Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian while speaking to mediapersons said that a flexible approach, and that too differently, was needed by the airline industry considering the change situations currently. The decision to permanently end change or cancellation fees is an effective step, therefore, towards industry-leading flexibility, space and care to Delta customers. Traveling has now become much cheaper for all those planning to make Delta reservations to fly anytime soon.

American Airlines Chief Revenue Officer Vasu Raja said in a statement that the permanent elimination of change fees has provided opportunity to the airline’s customers to get to their destinations faster with free same-day standby on earlier flights. Moreover, they are also being provided free access to seats booking and upgrades for all fare types. The recent move by American is now providing even greater choices than before when traveling.

Earlier, the U.S. carriers have traditionally relied on change fees and earned billions of dollars every year. The change fee could be as high as $200 per person. The new change fee policy will be applicable only for traveling within the United States.

Also, read our blog United Airlines Customer Service Phone Number.