Did the Airlines Really Eliminate Change Fees?

The news headlines all said the same thing; United Airlines is permanently eliminating change fees. Within days, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines all made the same claim. But, I wondered, did they really eliminate change fees or was it just a ploy?

Let me point out that you did not see Southwest Airline included in that list. That’s because they have always allowed their tickets to be changed with no fees.

Before I continue, I must give credit where credit is due. In response to the recent global pandemic, each of the airlines listed below has stated on their respective website that ANY ticket purchased between now and the end of 2020 will be able to be changed with out a change fee. 

Smoke and mirrors or is it real?

The reality is, I have dealt with the airlines for way too long to take anything at face value. So, I did a little research of my own.

United Airlines

Go to United Airline’s website and you’ll see they are “permanently getting rid of change fees for most Economy and premium cabin tickets for flights within the U.S.” Sorry. In my estimation, that’s a bit different than the blanket statement that they are ‘eliminating’ change fees.

United Airlines’ website states the elimination of the change fee only applies to flights in the Continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands AND only for the following tickets Economy, Economy Plus, United First, United Business, United Premium Plus. 

American Airlines

Likewise, American Airlines’ website states that change fees will be waived if you are flying to the following destinations: Any of the 50 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands AND only if flying in the following cabins: Main Cabin (except Basic Economy), Premium Economy, Business and First.

Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines’ website explains the elimination of their change fees extends to tickets for travel in the domestic U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands AND only for the Delta’s First Class, domestic Delta One, Delta Premium, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin service.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airline’s website states: Beginning January 1, 2021, change fees will be eliminated on Main and First Class fares everywhere Alaska flies.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines website states, “Hawaiian Airlines guests traveling between Hawai‘i and the U.S. mainland, its international destinations or within the Hawaiian Islands can now reschedule their flights without change fees.” 

Don’t get too excited.

You may be asking yourself, “What’s the problem?”

Elimination of Change Fees and International Flights

If you noticed, United and Delta only include the United States and some of it’s territories in the ‘elimination’ of change fees. American at least covers Canada, Mexico and all the Caribbean.

Only Alaskan Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines state that they will eliminate change fees to all of their destinations.

So, it appears change fees will continue for all international travel on Delta and United, and some international flights on American.

No Frills Tickets

The big problem is that over the last few years, all the airlines have jumped on the bandwagon and are now selling no frills tickets. These tickets are very restrictive and have fewer amenities.

These restrictive tickets all have one thing in common, no matter where it takes you, the ticket is non-refundable and it can’t be changed. I’ll agree, technically that means there are no change fees with that ticket. If you don’t use it, you just eat the cost of the ticket. Ouch!

Another commonality is that if you purchase a seat at this fare you are in the last group to board the plane.

On some airlines you can’t select your seat in advance. A few of the airlines state that you  may be able to purchase a seat assignment at the time the ticket is purchased. Other airlines  only let you receive your seat assignment at check in. Lastly, it could be that your seat will be assigned at the gate and you cannot change it. This means if you are traveling with someone else, they most likely will not be seated nearby.

United additionaly restricts your carry on allowance. You are only allowed one personal carry on that will fit under your seat; you won’t be allowed to talke a full-sized carry-on bag on board.

No Frills Ticket Details

Each airline has slightly different restrictions. Here are links to the no frills ticket information for each airline:

United Airlines Basic Economy ticket

American Airlines Basic Economy ticket

Delta Airlines Basic Economy ticket

Hawaiian Airlines Main Cabin Basic ticket

Alaska Airlines Saver ticket

To complicate matters just a bit more, the no frills tickets are not available on every flight or to every destination.

The bottom line? A no frills ticket can be a good value and a good choice in the right situation, as long as you know what you are purchasing. However, if you think there is a chance you might need to change the ticket, make sure the one you purchase has the option available.

Were change fees really ‘eliminated’?

No, not for every ticket. Many international destinations were excluded from some of the airlines’ ‘change fee elimination’.

In my opinion there should be a big fat asterisk next to their change fee elimination banners. 

Always remember, when you purchase a ticket on-line you are responsible for understanding all the restrictions, rules and regulations that go along with the ticket. If you have a question you can call the airline or perhaps chat with a representative on-line.

Pay very close attention to the type of ticket you are purchasing and know what restrictions apply before you finalize your purchase.

How about you? What do you think about the airlines ‘elimination’ of change fees? I’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts below in the comments section. And don’t forget to share this blog post with your friends!