AA, CO Partially Match US Airways' Nonrefundable Policy

American Airlines late last week and Continental Airlines over the weekend each stopped just short of fully matching US Airways' new policy that makes nonrefundable fares worthless once the ticketed flight departs. American and Continental both confirmed that their policy modifications, which disallow reuse of nonrefundable fares after the original date of travel, will take effect on all travel as of Oct. 1.

As of Jan. 1, American and Continental passengers ticketed on nonrefundable fares must pay $100 to be placed on standby lists for same-day alternate flights. The US Airways rules no longer permit such passengers to fly standby, forcing them instead to buy new tickets if they miss their flights or do not change itineraries beforehand.

"The rules read relatively draconian but we are not a draconian airline," said B. Ben Baldanza, US Airways senior vice president of marketing, in an interview with Business Travel News. "We still give gate and ticket agents flexibility to deal with customers at the airport within a relative timeframe."

Baldanza also said the carrier is evaluating its new policies based on customer feedback and may make adjustments, regardless of whether the rest of the industry follows suit. At press time, Delta, Northwest and United airlines had not provided comment.