The airline industry, yearning to bounce back from the prolonged global outbreak of COVID-19, is pulling out more tricks designed to get fliers back on board.
United Airlines on Sunday spiked its loathed $200 change fee for domestic flights and said that, beginning next year, customers can fly standby for free if a there’s an available seat on the same day as their previously planned flight. Earlier in the day, American Airlines took the sting out of a 55 percent reduction in its October schedule by adding service to warm-weather destinations like Florida and Mexico.
"The travel industry recognizes the importance of its most loyal customers,” said Victoria Walker, who writes for travel blog The Points Guy, noting that more carriers and hotels have been adding promotions. "What we’re seeing is the industry getting really creative and targeting people who are pretty set on traveling, be it for work or a change of scenery.”