It looks like US Airways has raised the change fees on their revenue tickets. Domestic change fees are going to $200 (from $150). Change fees for travel to Europe and the Middle East are staying the same at $250, while they’re increasing to $300 for travel to Brazil.
New change fees
Old change fees
Obviously this is to match United’s $50 across the board change fee increases last week, though I do find it rather curious that they raised the change fees for Brazil but not for Europe and the Middle East. At this point I think it’s safe to say that American will do the same, and Delta won’t be far behind either.
These change fees are ridiculous, but then again that’s the risk of booking a non-refundable ticket. And it’s something the airlines can easily get away with, since very few people choose carriers based on change fees, and those that do probably don’t choose based on what the change fees are, but rather whether the airline charges one or not. In other words, everyone knows Southwest for not charging change fees, but who knows Alaska for “only” charging a $75 change fee for changes made online, which is half of what the legacies have consistently charged up until last week?
If I had to guess, I’d say we’ll see both American and Delta match before the weekend.
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