Travel Tuesday with Danielle: Airline Updates & Tips

by Danielle Garrett of PlanIt Itineraries for The Aha! Connection

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Given the recent news that Delta is blocking middle seats through January 6 and the fact that capacity will continue to be roughly capped at 60%, availability will become more limited on Delta.  If you are planning to travel before Jan 6, it would be wise to book your flight ASAP (especially during the holidays).  Delta just recently further extended waiving change fees due to Covid-19 for any ticket issued by September 30, 2020 for travel through December 31, 2020.  The new travel dates must originate on or before August 27, 2021. 

Below are some other airline updates.  Click on the hyperlinks to see a list of each airline’s Covid-19 related policies.

American Airlines are also waiving change fees for new and existing tickets issued by September 30 for travel up to December 31, 2020.  For new bookings issued by September 8 for travel January 1, 2021 and later, change fees will be waived.

United Airlines are waiving change fees for new bookings issued by August 31.  You can change with no change fee over the next 12 months. 

Southwest Airlines has always had a flexible cancellation policy.  As long as you cancel your flight 10 minutes before it’s scheduled departure, the funds used for a non-refundable ticket are normally valid for 1 year from date of purchase (SW is extending some expiration dates of travel funds due to Covid).

TIP: The major airlines will give you a refund instead of a credit voucher IF the airline cancels the flight or the flight time changes by more than 1 hour.  This would require you to wait until closer to your travel dates.  One more thing to try your patience! 🙂