United Airlines Ends Change Ticket Fee, Will American And Delta Follow Suit?

United Airlines has answered the cries of unhappy customers and is officially ended its $200 change fee for standard, economy, and premium tickets for all flights within the U.S.

On Sunday, the airline shared a YouTube video of CEO Scott Kirby announcing the big news. “...As we emerge from previous tough times, we made difficult decisions to survive financially, but sometimes at the expense of customer service,” he said.

“United Airlines won’t be following that same playbook as we come out of this crisis. Instead, we’re taking a completely different approach – and looking at ways to serve you better instead of difficulting to cuts.”

ABC News reports that the announcement could influence competitors like American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, which also charge customers $200 for domestic travel adjustments, to change or eliminate their fees.

While United is completely cutting the fee, American and Delta have only waived their change fees for travelers until the end of the year amid the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines doesn’t charge customers for ticket change fees, which is believed to be a factor in helping the company gain business.

Along with eliminating the change fee, starting on Jan. 1, 2021, United customers will be able to fly standby for free on an earlier departing flight the same day as their scheduled flight no matter their fare class or ticket type.

MileagePlus Premier members will have the perk of confirming a seat on a different flight with the same departure and arrival city as their original ticket.