19
Apr
Sometime last night United began loading new fare rules with $150 change fees for domestic tickets, up from in most cases $100 (some specific markets had and still have lower fees, but this applies to better than 90% of fares).
I don’t see any announcements or news stories on this yet, but here’s the thread on Flyertalk.
A dozen years ago the change fee was $25, ten years ago it was $50, eight years ago $75…
Now most airlines charge $100, although as with baggage fees etc. the low-cost ‘no frills’ carriers frequently charge lower change fees. JetBlue charges $50 (or $40 if the change is made online). Southwest has no change fee, they apply the full value of a ticket towards new ticket purchases, but a same-day change involves buying up to full fare.
United is the first to cross the $100 barrier. We’ll see whether other airlines match, as that’ll determine whether or not this lasts. But it sure made my eyes pop a bit.
william thomas said,
Joe Brancatelli’s Tactical Traveler column had this news THREE WEEKS ago. Did you miss it?
wt
mark said,
regardless, this is incredible. in some cases, this will make tickets worthless. wow.
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