United Airlines has responded to reports claiming that passengers could change their destination airport free of charge if they objected to flying into Florida’s newly renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport.
The controversy began after aviation blog Live And Let’s Fly published what it described as an internal memo sent to United reservation agents. According to the report, agents were instructed to use their discretion to offer customers alternative airports, such as Fort Lauderdale or Miami, if they did not wish to fly into the airport formerly known as Palm Beach International Airport.
However, United Airlines has now clarified that the reported memo was “poorly worded” and does not reflect the airline’s official policy.
In a statement to USA TODAY, United said that while many customers are eligible to make itinerary changes without paying a change fee under certain circumstances, the airline does not allow free flight changes simply because a passenger objects to an airport’s name or its three-letter airport code.
The airline explained that objections related solely to the airport’s renaming are not recognized as a valid reason for a fee-free itinerary change. Although customer service representatives may have flexibility to assist travelers in certain situations, the airport’s new name alone does not qualify under United’s change policy.
The airport, officially renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport earlier this month, has drawn national attention following the installation of new signage welcoming travelers. The renaming has generated mixed reactions, prompting speculation about how airlines would handle passengers who preferred to avoid the airport.
United also noted that it is currently offering a separate travel waiver for customers affected by air quality issues through July 18 at certain airports. That waiver is unrelated to the airport renaming and should not be confused with the reports about destination changes.
The clarification appears intended to put to rest confusion created by the leaked memo and confirms that United’s official policy has not changed regarding airport name-related travel requests.
