Travelers Urge Airlines to Waive Change Fees During Government Shutdown

Airline passengers are asking airlines to consider waiving flight change fees due to trips being cancelled during the federal government shutdown.

Several passengers have had to cancel trips as national parks, zoos and museums have been closed since the government shut down on October 1. Paul Hudson, president of FlyersRights.org, a large airline passenger organization with 30,000 members, asked airline to consider waiving their fees.

"The unprecedented closing of all national parks, hundreds of tourist destinations and nearly all other federal facilities since September 30th has and will continue to require many thousands of travelers to cancel or postpone air travel," Hudson said in a press release. "This Federal shutdown has become a national travel emergency. Airlines and other travel operators should not profit at the expense of passengers with high change fees and inflexible cancellation policies."

"And unless the shutdown is lifted shortly, air travelers also face a likely air travel slow down as early as next week. FAA air traffic controllers, while still on the job, are not currently being paid, and most air safety inspectors were furloughed starting October 1st."

"Without airlines taking proactive voluntary action, it will be 'Traveler Beware' time as the shutdown makes future travel planning uncertain and potentially subject to costly cancellation and change expenses."

A survey of major airlines was conducted this week and it turns out that Delta was the only airline to wave its usual $200 change fee for those whose trip was impacted by the federal shutdown. US Airways, American, United, JetBlue and Allegiant airlines all told FlyersRights.org that they will continue to charge the flight change fee and will deny refunds for nonrefundable tickets despite the Federal government shutdown. Southwest Airline does not have a change fee however they charge a fare difference for changes.

Many travel insurance policies also don't cover cancellations due to the government shutdown however that may not be true for all insurance companies. Travelers should consult their insurance company directly.