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US airports have seen security lines so long that passengers are missing their flights — but some airlines are trying to do their part to help.
Major airlines are letting passengers cancel or rebook their tickets free of charge if they missed their flight due to long Transportation Security Administration (TSA) wait times during the ongoing partial federal government shutdown.
Travelers are dealing with hours-long wait times and conflicting information on how early to show up before their flight.
With all the chaos ensuing, some airlines are giving passengers some added flexibility. Here’s what to know.
Allegiant
Allegiant Air implemented a “travel with confidence” guarantee, allowing customers whose flights are scheduled to depart between now and the end of the partial shutdown to change or cancel their itineraries at no additional cost, “making it easier to plan trips with confidence.”
For a limited time, the airline is offering no change fees for eligible bookings and the option to cancel and receive a refund. Passengers must call, chat, text or email Allegiant Customer Care directly to adjust itineraries and receive the benefit.
“As the airline adapts to evolving travel conditions, it remains dedicated to upholding its promise of flexibility and reliable service, ensuring every passenger feels supported from booking to arrival,” Drew Wells, Allegiant’s Chief Commercial Officer, said in a statement.
Allegiant is encouraging passengers to allow for extra time at airport security screening, noting that it may vary dependent on passenger volume and staffing levels. They said customers should check local airport websites or social media channels for TSA wait times.
American
At the time of reporting, American Airlines’ only active travel waivers on their website are regarding the recent closure at LaGuardia Airport and the conflict in the Middle East.
However, a spokesperson said in a statement that passengers who miss flights due to long airport security lines will be “reaccommodated free of charge on the next flight with seats available, in accordance with our longstanding policy.”
Delta
Delta’s travel waiver is narrow, applying only to passengers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
Travelers with itineraries involving the Atlanta airport from March 23 through March 30 can rebook their flights without change fees. In order to get the fee waived, rebooked travel must happen on or before April 6 in the same cabin of service as originally booked. If original booking class is not the same, a fare difference may apply.
If rescheduled travel happens after April 6, the change fee will be waved — but a difference in fare may apply, the airline said. Final travel must be completed by one year from the original issue date.
If passengers are not able to reschedule travel within these guidelines, customers can cancel their reservations and apply any unused value of the ticket toward a new ticket purchase for a period of one year from the original ticket issuance.
Southwest
While Southwest does not have any travel advisories on their website, a spokesperson for the airline told The Sun that “if a customer misses their flight due to TSA wait times, we will rebook them on the next available flight at no additional cost.”
United
United Airlines — who noted that they have already gotten rid of most change fees — issued a waiver for those flying through George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas.
Passengers on United with original travel dates of March 23-30 and a ticket purchased on or before March 22 can reschedule their trip and change fees and fare differences will both be waived.
However, the new flight must be a United flight departing on or before April 1. Tickets must be in the same cabin and between the same cities as originally booked, or one of the following: Austin (AUS), Dallas (All Airports) or San Antonio (SAT).
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