Coronavirus cases and travel advisories continue to change in the USA by the hour. Americans are demanding more options and flexibility from the major airlines, due to changes and cancellations happening due to COVID-19.
This week most American airlines issued statements in response to the covid-19 crisis alerting customers they can make changes to their travel plans without paying change-fees.
The new allowances vary by airline, but most of them include changes to previously booked tickets, especially to destinations like China or Italy. They also include changes to future travel giving Americans the confidence to purchase tickets throughout March without worry.
In addition to all the major USA based airlines waiving change fees, they have also implemented new cleaning and disinfecting protocols to help protect their passengers that are still travelling. Some of the new cleaning procedures in effect include EPA registered disinfectant used on tray tables and arm rests, enhanced air filters, and even a fogging process that disinfests all surfaces.
Here is the latest information on each American airline’s coronavirus change-fee and cancellation policies (updated daily)
American Airlines
No Change Fee / Change Fee Waived:
- When you buy a ticket between March 4 to March 31 2020, for travel by December 31st 2020
- If you bought a ticket prior to March 1, for travel up to April 30th 2020
- Only a one-time change can be made without a fee
- See all latest change fee details from American Airlines
No Cancellation / Cancellation Fee Waived:
There are many special circumstances to CANCEL tickets issued for travel to South Korea, China and Italy. Check this list for all the details for fight cancellation exceptions.
United Airlines
No Change Fee / Change Fee Waived:
- When you buy a ticket between March 3 to March 31 2020, for travel within the next 12 months
- If you bought a ticket prior to March 2, for travel up to April 30th 2020
- Only a one-time change can be made without a fee
- See all latest change fee details from United Airlines
No Cancellation / Cancellation Fee Waived:
There are many special circumstances to CANCEL tickets issued for travel to South Korea, China and Italy. Check this list for all the details for fight cancellation exceptions.
Delta Airlines
No Change Fee / Change Fee Waived:
- When you buy a ticket between March 1 to March 31 2020, for travel by February 25th 2021
- If you bought a ticket prior to March 1, for travel up to April 30th 2020
- Only a one-time change can be made without a fee
- Delta is asking changes to your booking be made online
- See all latest change fee details from Delta Airlines
Southwest Airlines
No Change Fee OR Cancellation Fee
Southwest Airlines never charges Customers a fee to change or cancel their flight.
If a Customer’s plans change, or they decide they no longer want to travel, the funds used to pay for their flight can be applied to future travel – as long as they cancel their flight at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. The funds are valid for future travel up to one year from the original purchase date and must be used by the individual named on the ticket. More information on policies related to travel funds can be found on Southwest.com
Alaska Airlines
No Change Fee OR Cancellation Fee:
- No change or cancellation fees for travel through March 31, 2020, regardless of purchase date.
- No change or cancellation fees for new tickets purchased between February 27 and March 31, 2020.
- Only a one-time change can be made without a fee
- Alaska Air is asking changes/cancellations to your booking be made online
- See all latest change fee details from Alaska Airlines
JetBlue Airlines
No Change Fee OR Cancellation Fee:
- For customers who booked between February 27th 2020 and March 5th 2020 for travel completed by June 1st 2020.
- For new bookings made between March 6th 2020 and March 31st 2020 for travel by September 8th 2020.
- If you need to cancel your travel plans, they'll credit the amount in the form of a travel credit that’s valid for one year.
- You can make changes to your booking online, or by calling in
- See all latest change fee details from JetBlue Airlines
Please note: Even if the airline allows you to change your flight without a change-fee, if the new flight has a higher fare, you still are expected to pay the difference. In many cases, if the new airfare is lower than the one you originally booked, many airlines are not crediting the difference.