Airlines Waiving Change Fees Ahead of Winter Storm

A JetBlue Airways Airbus A320 (L) passes a Spirit Airlines Airbus A320 as it taxis on the runway at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on July 7, 2022. (Wilfredo Lee/AP Photo)

Many airlines across the United States have begun waiving change fees as the National Weather Service (NWS) is warning about an “Arctic Blast” across much of the country that could cause blizzard-like conditions.

According to the NWS, through Dec. 25, there’s an advanced risk for “dangerous cold for much of the country,” “rapid temperature drops,” and “considerable travel impacts possible” from snow squalls, or brief but intense bursts of moderate to heavy snow.

The main parts of the country impacted will be the Central Plains, Mid-South, Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, the service says.

Winter storm and blizzard warnings were issued for millions of Americans on Dec. 22 as a winter storm brought harsh conditions and heavy snow across the Midwest and Plains regions. Regions shaded in orange are under blizzard warnings, while regions shaded in pink are under winter storm warnings. (NWS)

Due to the risk of dangerous winter weather, airports across the country have been preparing for the storm’s effects, including calling in extra crews to help keep planes running wherever possible.

Airlines have been doing what they can in anticipation of deteriorating weather conditions.

JetBlue

On its website, JetBlue says the airline will waive change fees and fare differences for customers traveling through much of the Northeast through Dec. 24. And also for customers traveling through the Midwest through Dec. 23.

Customers can rebook their flights for travel through Dec. 25 online; the airline says the original flight must have been booked on or before Dec. 19.

American Airlines

American Airlines is also waiving change fees for customers traveling through the Midwest and the Northeast, which includes nearly 60 cities. Customers are eligible for the fee waiver if they purchased a ticket by Dec. 21 and are scheduled to travel through Dec. 25. They can book travel from Dec. 21 to Jan. 1 to the same destination, and the new trip must be booked by Dec. 25.

Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines is providing change-fee waivers for customers traveling through the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, Northwest, and Northeast. To view how the wide variety of changes and waivers might affect flights, customers are encouraged to check their website as conditions may change.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines is waiving change fees in the Northeast and Midwest regions. Those traveling through the Midwest qualify if the flights are through Dec. 23. In the Northeast, the travel dates are from through Dec. 24. Fare change fees will be waived until Dec. 28.

United Airlines

United Airlines has permanently halted change fees for most economy and premium cabin tickets for travel within the United States, or between the United States and Mexico or the Caribbean.

The airline also is eliminating any difference in fare for anyone flying in the Midwest, Northwest, Texas, and Northeast.

Other Carriers

Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines have also implemented a waiver of fees for flight changes due to the winter storm. For other airlines, it’s recommended that you call or email them directly.