US United Airlines Waives Change Fees for March Bookings Due to "COVID-19 Impact"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] United Airlines in the United States announced that it will waive change fees for all tickets booked during the month of March due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This measure is interpreted as a response to the increasing number of travel risk areas amid the spread of COVID-19.

According to Bloomberg News on the 3rd (local time), United Airlines stated, "The large-scale outbreak of COVID-19 has increased uncertainty," and "We aim to provide greater flexibility to customers by waiving change fees for any reservations, including domestic and international flights, between the 3rd and 31st of this month." United Airlines explained that this waiver applies to all tickets, all fare types, all destinations, and all flight schedules. If a flight is canceled, the value of the ticket can be transferred to a new ticket without fees for up to 12 months from the original purchase date.

Previously, United Airlines had waived change and cancellation fees for flights to South Korea, China, and Italy, but this time the waiver has been expanded to all routes. As COVID-19 spreads to more than 70 countries worldwide and over 100 confirmed cases have been reported within the United States, increasing the number of risk areas, this measure is seen as preparation for a rise in travel cancellations.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.