Airlines Waive Fees as Los Angeles Wildfires Continue to Burn
Airlines have extended travel waivers for Los Angeles airports as wildfires continue to burn in the area. American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and other carriers have waived fees for flight changes for travelers booked to Los Angeles.
The decision comes as the city grapples with power outages, water shortages, and conservation efforts, as well as the outright damage of over 10,000 homes and other structures. Despite the fires, the area’s airports are operating normally, according to FlightAware.
Travelers booked to or from Hollywood Burbank Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Ontario International Airport, and John Wayne Airport can rebook without paying a change fee or fare difference if they can fly as late as January 20.
Southwest Airlines has also allowed customers to rebook within 14 days of their original travel dates without additional charges, and has also extended the waiver to other California cities, including Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, and San Diego.
Delta Air Lines executive Glen Hauenstein said on an earnings call that sales of flights to Los Angeles have declined due to the wildfires, but expects an uptick in demand after the recovery phase. “Our hearts go out to everybody in Los Angeles affected by this,” he said. “But from a long-term airline perspective, we faced hurricanes, we faced flooding, we faced all that. And usually, the impacts are in the beginning phases, followed by a recovery phase.”