Cost of Change Fees
Some of us who would ordinarily be planning a trip and buying tickets right now – for Spring Break, for summer vacation, for a weekend getaway – are holding off, waiting for the latest news on coronavirus. Much is unknown about this outbreak and there are many unanswered questions.
Airlines are aware of this uncertainty and some are trying to ease travel fears by waiving change fees, which can cost from $75 to $200 per ticket. Here is a round-up of new waiver policies, but the situation remains fluid so check with your carrier in case of updates.
Airline Fee Waivers
Alaska
- Change fees will be waived for tickets purchased through March 12 for travel through June 1.
American
- Change fees will be waived for tickets purchased through March 16; these tickets can be rebooked for travel through January 2021. Note: You must make changes at least two weeks before take-off.
JetBlue
- Change fees will be waived for tickets purchased through March 11, for travel through June 1.
Southwest
- This airline isn’t waiving change fees because it doesn’t charge any. If you want to change or cancel a flight, simply let Southwest know at least ten minutes before take-off. Cost to you: $0.
United
- Flights to Italy: If you book tickets on United for travel to Italy through April, you can push your flights back – up to a year from now – without paying a change fee.
IMPORTANT NOTE: In many cases, if you cancel change your flight to a later one that is more expensive, you will have to pay the fare difference.
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