All major US airlines drop domestic change fees

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All major US airlines drop domestic change fees | Secret Flying

US airlines drop domestic change fees.

 

United Airlines on Sunday released a video saying they will end their standard $200 fee for changing a ticket for travel within the United States. Delta and American followed suit on Monday afternoon.

 

United CEO Scott Kirby said: “It’s no secret that the coronavirus pandemic has had a historic economic impact on airlines. When we hear from customers about where we can improve, getting rid of this fee is often the top request.”

 

The airlines are also planning to allow customers to fly same-day standby for free –  a service that typically costs $75 for those without frequent flyer status.

 

 

The changes come as airlines are dealing with a huge slump in travel demand, which United said is the worst in its 94-year history.

 

The airline revealed that it burned cash at an average of $40 million a day in the previous quarter.

 

Change fees have been a lucrative revenue stream for airlines over the years.

 

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics last year, United collected more than $625 million, Delta more than $830 million, and American $818 million in fees for changes and cancellations.

 

All US airlines combined took in more than $2.8 billion in these fees in 2019.