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Hawaiian Airlines becomes the latest US carrier to say 'aloha' to change fees

Sept. 03, 2020
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2 min read
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Hawaiian Airlines becomes the latest US carrier to say 'aloha' to change fees
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Oh, do I miss Hawaii. The 50th state's namesake airline just detailed plans to join its mainland counterparts, Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, United — and of course, Southwest — in permanently retiring change fees.

Unlike some policies, Hawaiian's extends to all of the carrier's destinations, including those overseas. Previously, for all voluntary changes, the carrier applied a $30 fee for interisland flights, $200 for mainland flights and up to $300 for international flights, in addition to a difference in fare.

As of today, customers will still be responsible for paying a fare difference for voluntary changes, but the change fee itself will no longer apply. Note that with this change, customers moving to a less expensive flight will not receive a refund or credit for the residual amount.

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Change fees are waived for all award tickets as well, though a redeposit fee of $30 for interisland and $150 for all other travel will apply for all canceled awards.

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Related: Which US airlines are blocking middle seats and requiring masks?

Note that Main Cabin Basic — Hawaiian's version of basic economy — will still have the same restrictions as before. Basic tickets purchased in 2020 are covered under the airline's COVID-19 waivers, with date changes permitted for any flights booked this year.

After the current waiver expires, Main Cabin Basic tickets cannot be changed or refunded, unless canceled within 24 hours of booking and at least seven days before travel.

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.