Delta Air Lines and American Airlines each have permanently eliminated change fees for domestic flights, becoming the second and third major U.S. carriers to do so in as many days.
Delta's change puts it in line with the policy announced by United Airlines on Sunday, with passengers able to change flights without penalty for all fares besides Basic Economy for travel within the U.S., including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. All fares, including Basic Economy fares, are eligible for change fee waivers through the end of this year.
American's change fee exemption is even broader, including short-haul international flights to Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean as well as all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Its policy also gives travelers vouchers for the difference if they change to a flight that is less expensive. Basic Economy fees are covered by a change fee waiver through the end of the year, and American also as of Oct. 1 is allowing Basic Economy passengers to buy upgrades, priority boarding, preferred Economy seats and access same-day confirmed flight changes.
In addition, American is introducing free same-day standby for all domestic and international travel, regardless of ticket type, as of Oct. 1.