More of this Feature • Part 1: Changes You're Going to Like • Part 3: Tour Operators Follow Suit • Part 4: Buyer Beware

Related Resources • Airline Sites • Dangerous Destinations • Travel Warnings

From Other Guides • Airlines and War • Safe Travel to France?

Elsewhere on the Web • Victoria Travel

What follows is a sample of what some airlines have been changing to encourage more overseas bookings. It is not an exhaustive list, and the terms below could change without notice. Check the Web site of your preferred airline for more specific details and the all-important "fine print."

North American carriers

American Airlines passengers can make changes up to one month from the start of war or a "red alert" terrorism designation for another itinerary in 2003. The change cannot come after their original travel dates.

Continental Airlines offers a two-month change period for trips outside the United States (except Canada) if the purchase is made by March 31. Customers are still responsible for fare differences.

Delta Airlines has adopted a policy similar to Continental, and also allows passengers already overseas to return home earlier than planned without penalty. Delta calls this their "flexible ticketing policy."

Northwest Airlines and partner KLM enacted a "relaxed change policy" which allows one fee-waived change per ticket. North American itineraries purchased on or before March 19 and departing on or before May 19 may change to dates through December 15, 2003.

United Airlines announced March 18 that "for customers who choose to postpone travel and reschedule for a future flight, the full value of the unused ticket will be applied toward the purchase of the new ticket with no re-ticketing fee. If the new fare is lower than the original fare and the original ticket was non-refundable, United will issue the customer a travel voucher for the difference."

US Airways has agreed to let customers who bought tickets for trips between March 19-June 17 use the full value of their unusued ticket towards future travel. New travel must begin prior to June 17.

A Few European Examples

Alitalia tickets purchased between March 10-31, 2003: Passengers may be rebooked only once without penalty for travel through December 31, 2003. The rebooking at no penalty must be made by May 31or the travel date, whichever is earlier. Passengers may also rebook once without penalty any travel "that would fall within 60 days of the start of military action or a 'code red' terror alert.

British Airways passengers ticketed through March 31 for Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, or Israel may rebook for a later date or receive a full refund. Changes in destinations are also allowed.

Virgin Atlantic offers free changes in selected itineraries through May 31, so long as the new itinerary is completed in 2003. Trips between Britain and the U.S., and between Britain and Hong Kong, Shanghai or Tokyo are included.

Lufthansa unveiled a "goodwill policy:" If you wish to re-book or re-route an upcoming journey, there will be no re-booking fee charged. The full fare of the original ticket will be applied toward the new one. Customers pay only the difference in fare, and receive a credit if the new fare is lower.

It's easy to see the policies are similar, yet with some important differences. Check the dates and other fine print carefully.

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