Fox Business Briefs: Delta Air Lines plans to surround about 2,000 pilots this fall, but says the cut could be avoided if the pilot agrees to a 15 percent pay cut; Tesla CEO Elon Musk suggests the carmaker will dramatically improve batteries in four years.
American Airlines will join rival Delta and United in eliminating conversion fees in an effort to boost travel demand, which has been criticized by the coronavirus epidemic.
“In a world that is constantly changing, American customers are committed to our goal of caring for customers at every stage of their journey,” American Chief Revenue Officer Fisher Vasu Raja said in a statement. “American offers greater flexibility and ease than ever before. Travel plans should be changed. By eliminating conversion fees, giving customers the opportunity to go faster on previous flights with free same-day standby and providing access to all fare types of upgrades and seats, we Giving freedom of choice while traveling with Americans.
The impact of the new policy will affect first class, business class, premium economy and main cabin tickets for all domestic and short-haul international flights to the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, and will be extended. On any new travel ticket purchased by December 31, 2020.
The full value of their original ticket to American customers will allow them if they change their travel plan before the scheduled trip. Although customers will have to pay the difference for the new flight, the airline will offer vouchers for new flights for future trips that are lower than the original price.
Oct. Starting at 1, customers will also be offered the same departure and destination information for all domestic and international travel, without charge, without purchasing any tickets. Basic economy fares will now be able to purchase flight upgrades including priority boarding and select / main cabin extra seats while elite members with elite status will continue to receive the same benefits with their memoirs.
American Airlines Cuts O October Flying Capacity by 55%
The move comes hours after a similar announcement by Delta Airlines on Monday.
“We’ve said before that the industry needs to approach relief differently than in the past, and today’s promise makes us confident that we’re building the industry based on the promise of leading flexibility, scope and care for our customers,” said Delta’s CEO. Is. Ed Bastian in a statement. “We want our customers to book and travel with peace of mind, knowing that we will continue to evaluate our policies so that they can maintain the high standard of flexibility they expect.”
File – In this May 28, 2020, photo, a passenger wears personal protective equipment on a Delta Airlines flight after landing at Minneapolis’ St. Paul International Airport, Minneapolis. The airlines are trying to convince the frightened public
Waiver on conversion fees American impact on Delta’s First Class, Premium Select, Comfort + and U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Similar to the main cabin ticket purchased for domestic travel within the Virgin Islands.
In addition, Delta will extend the waiver on conversion fees for newly purchased flights by the end of the year, including fares for international flights and basic economy fares. Delta will also extend its validity on travel credits by December 2022 for tickets booked before April 1722, 2020.
Delta became the first airline to install sanitizer stations at plants
In a press release on Sunday, United was the first airline to announce a fee waiver, which applies to all ticket types issued after March 3, 2020. The airline extends that discount for new tickets issued by December 31, 2020.
Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, said: “Change is inevitable these days – but we respond to what matters most. When we hear from customers about where we can improve, getting rid of these fees is always the top request. Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, said in a video message to customers. “In previous difficult times, airlines have made difficult decisions to survive, sometimes at the expense of customer service. Even United Airlines will not adhere to the same playbook as we emerge from this crisis. Instead, we are taking a completely different approach – and more to our customers.” Looking for new ways to serve better. “
United’s new conversion fee policy states0 states, Puerto Rico and U.S. All standard economy and premium cabin tickets for travel to the Virgin Islands apply and offer customers unlimited changes to their flights without any additional fees.
Like its competitors, the airline also offers free one-day standby to customers on flights with the same origin and destination airport if space allows. The option is being offered through United’s mobile app for domestic and international travel starting January 1, and passengers want to arrive 30 minutes before departure for domestic flights and one hour before the international flight.
United’s Mileage Plus members have also waived all deposit fees that have been changed on flights or canceled 30 days prior to departure. MileagePlus Premier and Silver members will now be able to confirm free seats on separate flights with departure and arrival cities, just like their original tickets from 1 January.
| Ticker | Security | The last | Change | Change% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L.U.V. | Southwest Airline Co. | Held at 37.58 | -1.23 | -3.17% |
A similar move could come from competitors like Jet Blue. Southwest Airlines does not already charge luggage or change fees as part of a long-term policy used as a marketing tool.
Get Fox Business on the go by clicking here
The conversion fee waiver is the latest attempt by airlines to boost demand as the industry continues to suffer significant economic losses. Delta has also offered other incentives, such as increasing the policy of blocking middle seats as a way for passengers to fly.
| Ticker | Security | The last | Change | Change% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAL | United Airlines HLDG. | 36.00 | -1.34 | -3.59% |
| DAL | Delta airline lines | 30.85 | -1.14 | -3.56% |
| AL | American Airlines Group INC. | 13.05 | -0.54 | -3.97% |
United, Delta and American Airlines have all warned of large-scale involuntary furloughs or scatterings in October, if Congress does not reach an agreement on a new round of stimulus before the original $ 25 billion in federal aid passed back in March is completed. Under the terms of the original package, the airlines will not be able to furlough or dismiss employees until October 1.
Click here to read more on Fox Business
