American Airlines Eliminates Change Fees on International Flights
American Airlines said Thursday that it would henceforth eliminate change fees on international flights.
The move, which comes amidst a continued coronavirus pandemic-induced decline in travel, makes American the first U.S. airline to do so.
“We are committed to making travel easier for our customers who fly on American,” said Vasu Raja, the airline’s chief revenue officer, in a statement. “By eliminating change fees, we’re giving customers more flexibility no matter when or where they plan to travel.”
The change means that travelers will no longer charge change fees for international long-haul flights when travel originates in North or South America. The policy applies to tickets issued for first class, business class, premium economy, and coach. Basic-economy tickets will still be subject to fees in the event of a change in the itinerary.
While American will be the only U.S. carrier that doesn’t charge change fees on international flights, at least for the time being, virtually all U.S. airlines eliminated such fees for domestic flights during the summer in an effort to stimulate demand travel.
(Photo: Accura Media Group)