If you have a flight scheduled to arrive or depart from any airport in Southern California this week you are in line to catch a break.
Today, a number of major airlines announced they are waiving fees for passengers looking to reschedule flights in or out of the area’s airports because of the raging wildfires that have scorched thousands of acres, destroyed more than 1300 homes and claimed at least one life.
Typically, travelers wanting to change flights are subject to fees that exceed $100 in some cases. But, most major carriers said they would be waiving those fees to the end of the week because of the massive wildfires. That means if you are holding reservations on a flight leaving from or arriving into a Southern California airport you should be able to change your booking for free. However, you should contact your airlines first just to be on the safe side.
The following airlines have relaxed their penalty policies:
American. The carrier is waiving change fees for ticketholders who reschedule their trips through November 1st. Southern California airports American serves include Los Angeles, San Diego, Burbank, and Palm Springs.
Continental. The airline is letting anyone holding tickets for travel through Thursday to reschedule or reroute trips without penalty. However, all travel must be completed by October 29th.
Delta. Similar to Continental, Delta announced it is waiving fees for travel through Thursday. Though, all tickets must be rebooked on or before Thursday for new travel departing by October 29th. However, if you can’t meet these guidelines, you can cancel your existing reservation and apply the value of your ticket toward the purchase of a new one. Also, you are entitled to get a complete refund if your flight is canceled.
United. The airline is waiving fees for customers with tickets booked through Thursday and traveling to or from the 10 airports in Southern California that it services, including San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, Santa Barbara and Carlsbad.
US Airways. The carrier is letting passengers with tickets change their reservations for free as long as the changes are made by Friday. You can delay your trip for up to seven days, but can’t change the length of your stay.
As for discount carriers JetBlue and Southwest, both airlines still haven’t issued blanket policy changes. Rather, airline officials say they are handling flight-change requests on a “case by case” basis.
Bottom line: It’s best to contact your airline before making any changes to existing reservations.
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