All Major U.S. Airlines Waiving Change Fees For Boston Travelers After Bombings At Marathon

Airlines are responding to yesterday’s bombings at the Boston Marathon by offering to waive change fees for any fliers affected by the explosions. That includes all the major domestic airlines, as Boston Logan International Airport is staying open despite heightened security in the city as well as elsewhere in large cities.

“Boston Logan International Airport remains open, connecting Massachusetts and New England to the world,” Thomas Glynn, CEO of the Massport agency that operates Logan Airport, said in a statement this morning, via FoxNews.com.

Flights at the airport are on normal schedules today, but travelers should allow for extra security at the terminals. See below for info regarding the major carriers and click on their names for links to more information.

JETBLUE: “We continue to send our thoughts to everyone in the Boston community during this difficult time,” a note on the site says. Travelers who booked travel prior to April 15 to or from Boston can rebook through April 21 without a fee. “For those customers scheduled to fly to or from Boston April 15-17, who need to move their flight beyond the 21st, we’ll waive the change fee. Give us a call 1-800-JETBLUE and our agents will be able to assist you.”

DELTA: Any travelers with canceled or delayed flights are entitled to a refund, notes Delta. Those who want to make one-time change to tickets without a fee can do so, if affected travel is in or out of Boston between April 15-17. Rescheduled travel should be booked by April 20. If you need to reschedule for later than April 20, the change fee will still be waived but a difference in fare may apply. Reservation sales: 1-800-221-1212.

UNITED: Same-day flight changes within 24 hours of original departure into and out of Boston will not be affected with a change fee. Outside that window, the fee will still be waived but a difference in fare may apply. Call: 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331)

AMERICAN AIRLINES: Travelers can change their flights without penalty (for one ticket change) for those originally scheduled between April 15-17, with tickets issued no later than April 15. Flights may be changed to any time between April16-20. Call: 1-800-433-7300.

US AIRWAYS: Travel between April 15-17 can be rescheduled to any date up to and including April 21, with United noting: “We’ve relaxed our change-fee policies. If your trip is affected, you can change your trip online (in most cases) — we’ll waive your change fees! ” For help call: 1-800-428-4322.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES: Customers traveling to/from Boston between April 15-17 can reschedule flights at no additional charge. Change your flights online or call 1-800-435-9792.

AIRTRAN: AirTran Airways is offering flexible accommodations for customers holding reservations for travel to/from Boston  between April 15-17. Rebook online for flights today through three days after original scheduled departure date — up to April 20.

AIR CANADA: Customers affected by the events in Boston won’t be penalized when making alternate travel arrangements, “space permitting, using our online rebooking tool: check your alternate travel options currently available; re-book yourself and check in before arriving at the airport. Air Canada’s automated flight information system: 1-888-422-7533.

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