Airlines praised for no-penalty policy on ticket changes in event of war

By Steve Karnowski
Associated Press

An American Airlines customer service representative assists passengers at Chicago's O'Hare Airport. America's major airlines will make it easier for passengers to change tickets if the United States goes to war in Iraq. Associated Press

Changes announced this month by American, United, Delta, Northwest, Continental, US Airways and other airlines generally would allow travelers, in the event of war, to avoid paying penalties if they want to reschedule their flights or even pick new destinations.

The contingency plans are a "wise move" by the airlines and should reassure potential travelers who've been holding back, said Terry Trippler, an airline expert with CheapSeats.com.

"Go ahead and make your plans," Trippler advised travelers yesterday. "You're going to find some very good deals out there, particularly on international travel."

George Wozniak, president of Minneapolis-based Hobbit Travel, said consumers have been reluctant to book trips because of the uncertainty. While he praised the airlines' new policies, he said they probably should have loosened their restrictions three weeks ago when tour operators started doing so.

The specific terms and windows for making changes vary from airline to airline, but restricted tickets would generally remain nonrefundable, and passengers who switch to higher-priced flights would have to pay the difference.

United, American, Continental and U.S. Airways would allow changes to both international and domestic flights. Delta's and Northwest's new policies apply only to international flights so far. American, Continental and US Airways would also allow flight changes without penalty if the Homeland Security Department issues a "Code Red" terrorism alert.

Wozniak said that even passengers who are going ahead with their travel plans have been waiting longer than usual to book the tickets.

"Obviously the consumer is very concerned about where they might or might not be when this war might or might not take place," he said.

The airlines' moves come at a time when they are asking the government for $9 billion in tax cuts to withstand the decline in air travel and rising fuel costs that could result from a war in Iraq. United and US Airways already are in bankruptcy, American is reported to be on the brink of bankruptcy.