Aloha Airlines announced yesterday that it will waive change fees for customers in the event of war or if the national security threat level is raised to its highest level. Aloha will waive fees
for flight changes
if war startsStar-Bulletin news services
"We don't want to discourage people from planning trips now, solely because they are afraid they will have to pay more if something happens," said Glenn Zander, president and chief executive officer.
"If a war erupts, our customers should not have to worry about being penalized for making a change in their travel plans," he said.
Customers who hold reservations for travel within 90 days of the start of war or the declaration of a code red alert won't be assessed a change fee for an initial change in their itinerary, Aloha said.
Hawaiian Airlines is working on a similar plan, according to spokesman Keoni Wagner.
Three other U.S. airlines have announced fee waivers this week.
Continental Airlines Inc. said customers may, through May 31, change tickets for transatlantic travel bought between March 5 and March 31 as late as three days before the scheduled departure.
Delta Air Lines announced a similar policy for transatlantic travel. And US Airways Group Inc. is allowing customers to apply, without penalty, an unused ticket's full value to future travel within 90 days of the start of a war or a code red.
Red is the highest terrorism alert level, indicating a severe risk of terrorist attack. Among recommended government and private responses is the redirection or constraint of transportation systems.