Now that major U.S. airlines have announced they are permanently waiving change fees for domestic flights, should you book a trip weeks or months from now, knowing that you can rebook without paying a $200 penalty?
Airfares have been enticingly low since the pandemic derailed travel back in March. The average domestic airfare ticket for departure between now and the end of 2020 was recently $160, which is down 36% compared with a year ago, says Hayley Berg, economist for Hopper, the flight-tracking app. Berg anticipates that fares will stay down for some time.
“The likelihood of the airlines reneging on this announcement in the next five years is low,” says Scott Keyes, founder of ScottsCheapFlights.com. But you may still pay a change fee for tickets in basic economy. And for the most part, change fees still apply for international flights. American is waiving change fees to and from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. United is waiving change fees to international destinations through December 31, and to Mexico and the Caribbean after that.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
-
Quiz: How Well Do You Know Delaware Statutory Trusts?Quiz Real estate investing pro Daniel Goodwin recently wrote about Delaware statutory trusts for Adviser Intel. Find out if you understand how DSTs work.
-
S&P 500 Snaps Losing Streak Ahead of Nvidia Earnings: Stock Market TodayThe Dow Jones Industrial Average also closed higher for the first time in five days, while the Nasdaq Composite notched a win too.
-
The Best (and Worst) Airlines for Flight Delays and CancellationsWhich airlines should you book and which should you avoid if you want to make it to your destination on time?
-
Four Luxury Spa Resorts for Well-Heeled TravelersWe hand-picked these U.S. luxury spa resorts for their serenity, amenities and dedication to the comfort of older travelers.
-
Child-Free Cruises Perfect For Your Retirement CelebrationHow to find a bespoke ocean or river vacation for adults. Many of these options are smaller, charming river cruises, expeditions, or niche experiences.
-
Noctourism: The New Travel Trend For Your Next Trip"Noctourism" is a new trend of building travel and vacations around events and plans that take place at night. Take a look at some inspiring noctourism ideas.
-
My Husband and I Retired at 67 With $3.2 Million, But He's Frugal About Travel. How Can I Convince Him to Loosen Up?We asked financial planning experts for advice.
-
Cruise Lines Sue to Block Hawaii’s New Climate Tourism TaxState Tax Your vacation to the Aloha State could come at a higher price tag next year. Here’s why.
-
How to Find the Best Alternatives to Popular Travel DestinationsYou don’t have to bust your budget or battle big crowds to enjoy pristine natural beauty, rich culture, authentic cuisine and more.
-
Seven Golf Course Destinations to Vacation Away from the CrowdsBeat the growing crowds of new golfers at these golf course destinations off the beaten path.
