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 Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1.25X | Earn up to 1.25X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Earn up to 1.25 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn up to 1.25X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.
- Earn additional points through Bilt Neighborhood Benefits™ when you use your card at Bilt's network of 50,000+ merchant partners.