Airlines Waiving Change Fees For Passengers Affected by the Trump Travel Ban
Earlier today we reported on the new travel rules for immigrants, refugees and American citizens due to the executive order signed Friday by President Donald Trump. As a result, a significant number of foreign nationals and permanent residents are being denied boarding by airlines around the world.
Some airlines are now reacting with change fee waivers for those affected by the ban. We have reached out to all US carriers that serve international destinations, and as of this writing, here is a comprehensive list of those who have announced waivers and those who have not, along with selected international airlines with new waiver policies. We will update this list as we get more information (last updated 1/29/17 5:00pm).
American Airlines
On Sunday American issued a press release that states "We are working with authorities to comply with the executive order while treating all of our customers with respect and taking great care of any affected customers by assisting them with rebooking options and full refunds."
Delta
Delta's website has posted a statement that it "will make every effort to contact impacted customers with flexible rebooking options, including refunds."
United
We have reached out to United but have not yet received a response regarding fee waivers. However, a notice on United's website currently states that "Effective immediately and until further notice, due to an executive order, the U.S. Department of State has revoked immigrant and non-immigrant visas for travelers to the United States from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Please note that this does not affect U.S. resident card holders. Customers who meet these qualifications will not be able to board a United- or United Express-operated flight to the U.S. If you have travel plans that are affected by this new regulation, please contact the United Customer Contact Center."
Southwest
Southwest never charges change or cancellation fees, though if you are traveling on a "Wanna Get Away" fare, you may only be eligible for a travel credit rather than a refund.
JetBlue
We have reached out to JetBlue but have not yet received a response.
Air Canada
Air Canada's website currently states that "if you are affected by this policy, you may contact Air Canada Reservations to change your flight, free of charge, to another date between now and January 20, 2018, subject to availability in the cabin you originally purchased. Otherwise, any fare difference will apply. You may also choose to travel to an alternate destination. Any change fees will be waived; however, any fare difference will apply. It is also possible to request a refund or credit towards future travel."
British Airways
According to Bloomberg, British Airways is offering a refund for travel to the US and will give passengers the option of rebooking flights.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees