Airlines Waiving Change Fees Ahead of Winter Storm
The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning about an “Arctic Blast,” across much of the United States that could cause blizzard-like conditions and as a result, many airlines across the country have begun waiving change fees.
According to the NWS, beginning on Dec. 22 and ending on Dec. 25, there is an advanced risk for “dangerous cold for much of the country,” “rapid temperature drops,” and “considerable travel impacts possible,” from snow squalls or brief to moderate heavy snow.
The main parts of the country impacted will be across the Central Plains, Mid-South, Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, the service says.
Due to the risk of dangerous winter weather, airports throughout the country have been preparing for the impacts of the winter storm, including calling in extra crews to help keep planes running wherever possible.
Airlines are also doing what they can in anticipation of deteriorating weather conditions.
Jet Blue
On its website, Jet Blue says the airline will waive change fees and fare differences for customers traveling through much of the Northeast from Dec. 22 through Dec. 24. And also for customers traveling through the Midwest from Dec. 21 through Dec. 23.
Customers can rebook their flights for travel from Dec. 20 through Dec. 25 online and the airline says the original flight must have been booked on or before Dec. 19.
American Airlines
American Airlines is also waiving change fees for customers traveling through the Midwest and the Northeast, which includes nearly 60 cities. Customers are eligible for the fee waiver if they purchased a ticket by Dec. 21 and are scheduled to travel from Dec. 22–25. They can use travel from Dec. 21–Jan. 1 to the same destination and the trip new trip must be booked by Dec. 25.
Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines is providing waivers for customers traveling through the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, Northwest, and Northeast. To view how the wide variety of changes and waivers might impact flights, customers are encouraged to visit their website as conditions may change in the rocky mountain regions.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines is waiving fees in the Northeast and Midwest regions. Those traveling through the Midwest qualify if the flights are between Dec. 21–23. In the Northeast, the travel dates are from Dec. 22–24. Fares will be waived through Dec. 28.
United Airlines
United Airlines has permanently gotten rid of change fees for most Economy and premium cabin tickets for travel within the United States, or between the United States and Mexico or the Caribbean.
The airline is also eliminating any difference in fare for anyone flying in the Midwest, Northwest, Texas, and Northeast.
Other Airlines
Southwest and Alaska Airlines have also implemented a waiver of fees to change flights due to the winter storm. If your airline is not listed here, it is recommended that you call or email them directly.
Joe Gomez is an award-winning journalist who has worked across the globe for several major networks including: CBS, CNN, FOX News, and most recently NBC News Radio as a national correspondent based out of Washington. He has covered major disasters and worked as an investigative reporter in many danger zones.
