US Airline COVID Guide
Use this guide to learn about current COVID related policies, from change/cancellation fees to mask mandates. I will keep this as up-to-date as possible, but always double check the latest guidance with the airline before booking or traveling.
Last updated: 11/1/2020
Alaska Airlines
Masks Required
Blocking Middle Seats
Cleaned Each Flight
Fees Waived
Masks are required in the airport, on the plane, and while boarding and deplaning. Children under the age of 2 are exempt.
Limited seating is in effect through November.
Change fees have been eliminated for First and Main Cabin fares. Saver fares still have restrictions.
Aircraft are cleaned between every flight.
Travel credits deposited before March 1, 2020 will be extended by 6 months.
For flights canceled due to COVID-19 impacts between March 1 and September 30, 2020, credits will be extended to purchase through July 5, 2021 for travel through May 31, 2022.
Elite status is being extended through December of 2021. Elite qualifying miles earned between January 2020 and April 2020 will rollover to 2021. Flights earn 50% more EQMs through the end of the year.
American Airlines
Masks Required
Not Blocking Middle Seats
Cleaned Each Flight
Fees Waived
Masks are required in the airport, on the plane, and while boarding and deplaning. Children under the age of 2 are exempt.
Cleaning aircraft between each flight.
Delta
Masks Required
Blocking Middle Seats
Cleaned Each Flight
Fees Waived
Masks are required in the airport, on the plane, and while boarding and deplaning. Children under the age of 2 are exempt.
Cleaning aircraft between each flight.
Middle seats are blocked through January 6 2021.
Frontier Airlines
Masks Required
Not Blocking Middle Seats
Cleaned Each Day
Some Fees Waived
Masks are required in the airport, on the plane, and while boarding and deplaning. Children under the age of 2 are exempt.
Planes are cleaned overnight, and may be cleaned between flights if time permits.
Change fees still apply, but bookings through September have a one time change at no charge if made 7 days in advance.
Frontier is also taking the temperature of all passengers before boarding. Anyone 100.4 or higher is not allowed to fly.
Hawaiian Airlines
Masks Required
Blocking Middle Seats
Cleaned Each Flight
Fees Waived
Masks are required in the airport, on the plane, and while boarding and deplaning. Children under the age of 2 are exempt.
Cleaning transpacific planes after every flight; island aircraft disinfected every day.
Tickets (including award flights) purchased between March 1 and Dec. 31, 2020: No change fees for any changes made within two (2) years of the original ticket purchase date. A fare difference may apply.
Tickets (including award flights) purchased before March 1, 2020 with travel dates between March 1, 2020 and Feb. 28, 2021: No change fees for rebooked travel that begins on or before May 31, 2022. A fare difference may apply.
jetBlue
Masks Required
Limited Capacity
Until Dec. 1st
Cleaned Each Night
Fees Waived
Masks are required in the airport, on the plane, and while boarding and deplaning. Children under the age of 2 are exempt.
Limited Capacity which has been capped at 70% is in place until December 1st.
Aircraft are cleaned each night thoroughly. Only tray tables and lavatories are cleaned between flights.
Charge and cancellation fees waived for all flights and vacation packages booked through February 28, 2021.
Southwest
Masks Required
Blocked Middle Seat
Until Dec. 1st
Cleaned Each Night
Fees Waived
Masks are required in the airport, on the plane, and while boarding and deplaning. Children under the age of 2 are exempt.
Limited Capacity is being enforced on flights through December 1st.
Cleaning aircraft each night and “tidying” between flights.
Elite status is being extended. Current A-List members will have status extended through the end of 2021. Companion Pass is extended through June 30, 2021.
All members are getting 15,000 tier qualifying points and 10 flight credits towards A-List status making it easier to earn. You also get 25,000 Companion Pass points and 25 flight credits towards Companion Pass status.
Change fees have never been a thing at Southwest.
Spirit
Masks Required
Not Blocking Seats
Cleaned Each Flight
Fees Waived
Masks are required in the airport, on the plane, and while boarding and deplaning. Children under the age of 2 are exempt. Masks are provided for $3 if needed.
Cleaning between each flight.
No seats are blocked. You could find yourself on a full airplane.
Change and cancellation fees are waived for all flights booked before September 30.
United Airlines
Masks Required
Not Blocking Middle Seats
Cleaned Each Flight
Fees Waived
Masks are required in the airport, on the plane, and while boarding and deplaning. Children under the age of 2 are exempt.
Cleaning ‘high touch’ areas before each flight and using disinfecting spray before “most” flights.
Not blocking seats. If the flight is rather full the airline will notify you before the flight and allow you to change for free.
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