The “big three” U.S. legacy carriers will waive fare differences on international tickets to the U.S. ahead of new mandatory coronavirus testing requirements set to go into effect on January 26, 2021.
American, Delta, United Waive Fare Differences On International Travel To USA
All travelers to the USA, including U.S. citizens, will be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test or proof of recovery prior to traveling to the United States (details here).
With testing infrastructure lacking in many nations, U.S. airlines are helping to get travelers back to the USA ahead of the new requirement by waiving any potential fare difference for traveling early.
American Airlines Waives Fare Differences For International Tickets To USA
For international US-bound travel originally scheduled up to February 9, 2021, American Airlines will let you travel back to the USA before January 25th at no additional charge, even if the new ticket price is more expensive:
American is waiving the fare difference for customers with travel scheduled Jan. 12 through Feb. 9. These customers may rebook in the same cabin of service with no charge for the same origin and destination. New travel must start on or before Jan. 25.
If your new fare is cheaper, you will receive the difference in the form of a voucher for future travel.
Delta Air Lines Waives Fare Differences For International Tickets To USA
For international US-bound travel originally scheduled up to February 9, 2021, Delta Air Lines will let you travel back to the USA before January 25th at no additional charge, even if the new ticket price is more expensive:
The fare difference will be waived for customers originally scheduled to travel internationally to the U.S. through Feb. 9, if they choose to rebook their travel to begin on or before Jan. 25.
If your new fare is cheaper, you will receive the difference in the form of a voucher for future travel.
United Airlines Waives Fare Differences For International Tickets To USA
For international US-bound travel originally scheduled up to February 15, 2021, United Airlines will let you travel back to the USA before January 25th at no additional charge, even if the new ticket price is more expensive:
United will waive the fare difference for customers rebooking international tickets originally purchased on or before Jan. 12, 2021 for scheduled travel to the U.S. through Feb. 15, 2021. Customers must choose to rebook their travel to begin on or before Jan. 25.
United’s date range is more generous than American or Delta. However, unlike American and Delta, if your new fare is cheaper, you will not receive the difference in the form of credit for future travel.
CONCLUSION
Ahead of big changes to coronavirus testing requirements, U.S. legacy carriers are making it easier to travel to the USA. Expect fuller flights over the next week if traveling to the United States.
Nice. Can you combine this with lack of change fees to buy a discounted ticket and change it to the time that you actually want?
“I couldn’t get a COVID test….”
Ticket had to be purchased by 1/12/21.
It’s nice of them but for Delta you can’t use it from Europe because transit in AMS requires PCR test before departure anyway. Just get the test and be done with.