Months into the coronavirus pandemic, major airlines announced they were eliminating change fees for good for some (or all) tickets. United, American, Alaska, and Delta all abolished change fees in some capacity, however each of them has a slightly different policy, which is why we’ve put this FAQ sheet together to help you navigate the changes.
What types of tickets won’t have change fees?
Alaska has eliminated change fees on all Main and First Class fares starting January 1, 2021. Their current Peace of Mind waiver covers all flights booked through December 31, 2020 though.
American Airlines eliminated change fees for domestic and short-haul international Premium Cabin fares and most Main Cabin fares.
Delta eliminated change fees for all tickets purchased for travel within the US.
United is eliminating change fees for most economy and premium cabin seats for flights within the US and US and Mexico and the Caribbean—this does not include Guam. Additionally, United’s international flights through December 31, 2020 also don’t have change fees.
How many times you can change your flight?
American, Delta, Alaska, and United don’t limit the amount of times you can change your flight.
Are airlines crediting the difference in fares?
Alaska is eliminating change fees for all flights on January 1, 2021, but fare difference may still apply.
American is allowing customers to keep the original value of their ticket. If customers change their flight to a cheaper fare, their account will receive a voucher for the difference in fares.
Delta is allowing customers to keep the original value of their ticket. If the new fare is lower, you will receive an eCredit for the difference. If the new fare is higher, the difference will be collected. The fare difference will be waived for changes to existing travel March through September 2020 if originally purchased before April 17th and traveling to the same destination before September 30, 2020.
United doesn’t give any credits or refunds if the new flight is cheaper than the original flight.
Will United charge a redeposit fee for award travel?
Yes, but only for travel within 30 days.
