Excluding basic economy fares, Delta Air Lines has permanently eliminated change fees for tickets booked for flights originating from North America to anywhere across the globe. The Atlanta-based carrier follows the footsteps of its United States counterparts United Airlines and American Airlines with this decision. The global health crisis continues to rock the aviation market. So, this initiative will help in the mission to restore confidence in air travel heading into the new year.
Change for the better
According to a press release seen by Simple Flying, Delta is also putting an end to the $150 redeposit fee for canceling an award ticket and it is scrapping the $150 reissue fee to change it. The carrier is also ending the 72-hour requirement to amend or cancel an award ticket.
Altogether, passengers will be able to plan their travels better with this progress. The measures will combine will in the bid for recovery in 2021.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian said the following, according to the press release.
“No year has better demonstrated the value of flexibility than this one. Our approach has always been to put people first, which is why we’re extending our current change fee waiver and making lasting changes to our practices, so customers have the trust and confidence they need long after the pandemic ends.”
Exceptions remain
Nonetheless, there are still exclusions. Those with basic economy tickets don’t fall under the free change fee policy. However, the airline has a fee waiver in place for all tickets through March 2021. Travel that originates outside of North America also won’t fall under the new policy. Additionally, passengers will naturally still have to pay any difference in ticket fare.
Delta summarizes its policy with the following information on its website:
“For Delta tickets purchased on or after December 9, 2020 for travel originating from North America and for travel between the U.S. or Mexico and The Caribbean, the change fee is $0 (including flights operated by joint venture and codeshare partners). Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed at any time.”
Looking ahead
This month, travel demand is likely to be approximately a third of what it was this time last year. However, Delta is hopeful that ticket sales will increase by the time spring rolls around.
Altogether, initiatives such as scrapping change fees will go a long way in the effort to help passengers return to the skies following the severe downturn. With the major US carriers all following each other’s lead with these measures, passengers will be able to make more comfortable decisions about their travels.
What are your thoughts on Delta permanently scrapping change fees for a portion of its international flights? Do you think that this is a good move by the airline? Let us know what you think of the situation in the comment section.
