More of this Feature • Part 2: More airline policies • Part 3: More airline policies

Related Resources • What could war mean for airlines?

War with Iraq inevitably brings up questions of what one can do with one's airline ticket if it is already booked and paid for. Can I change or refund my ticket? Do airlines have policies set up to deal with the possibility of war?

What are the policies of airlines in war times?

• United Airlines is adopting a plan of making tickets change-able in this uncertain global environment. Passengers will have a number of options open to them including using the value of their ticket for future travel, changing tickets even after travel has commenced with no change fees, and postponing travel. United also states that it will update passengers on possible flights that may be affected in the case of war.
• Continental Airlines will permit passengers to change their travel dates for domestic or international travel without change fees in the event of military action or a Level Red Alert. Tickets that are purchased for any travel dates within 60 days of military action or a Level Red Alert may be rescheduled for travel up to December 31st, 2003.
  
  Additionally, customers who purchase tickets between March 5 and March 31, 2003, for international travel (some restrictions apply) may make changes to tickets through May 31st 2003, or by the originally scheduled departure date, whichever is earlier, even without the existence of any military action or a Level Red Alert. Tickets purchased during this period may be exchanged for any of Continental's destinations. Customers may opt to change their destinations or travel dates without change fees, as long as the rescheduled travel is completed by December 31, 2003.
• American Airlines created 'Comfort Level' for its passengers - essentially a plan that permits passengers to change their travel dates without the standard change fees. Domestic and international travel is included and permits rebooking tickets that are purchased for any travel dates within 60 days of military action or a Level Red Alert. Changes must be made within the first 30 days of military/red alert, and travel may be rebooked for any date through December 31st, 2003.