Disneyland fans, we have waited long enough, and now is the time when we can begin to claim our seat on our first flight back to Southern California.
No, the parks are not open yet. No, they have not released an opening date (at least by the time this article was published). But here is what happened: Four major airlines have eliminated change fees on their domestic flights.
On Sunday, August 30, United Airlines made the decision to eliminate change fees on domestic flights. Today, according to Spectrum News, American Airlines and Delta Airlines followed suit, eliminating the change fees from most of their domestic flights.
This means that you can now book domestic flights to Southern California–wish upon a star and take your best guess–but then change your flight for free once Disney announces the official reopening day of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.
Note: the two most popular airports to travel to when visiting Disneyland Resort are Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA).
United Airlines Eliminates Change fees
“We’re excited to announce a major change that’ll give you more flexibility when you fly with us. We’re permanently getting rid of change fees for most Economy and premium cabin tickets for flights within the U.S.” United Airlines states on its website.
American Airlines Eliminates Change Fees
American Airlines states the following on its website:
We’re making travel easier by giving you even more flexibility and the freedom to make your own choices when you fly with us.
Here’s what you can expect:
- No more change fees for all domestic and short-haul international flying on Premium Cabin and Main Cabin fares.
- Fly standby for free on earlier flights to the same destination on the same day.
- Customers who buy Basic Economy fares may now buy extras like upgrades, seats, priority boarding and same-day flight changes.
- AAdvantage® elite members may apply their travel benefits on all tickets, including on Basic Economy fares.
Delta Airlines Eliminates Change Fees
According to the Delta Airlines website, “The elimination of change fees is effective immediately and includes tickets purchased for travel within the domestic U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands in Delta’s First Class, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin, with the exception of Basic Economy tickets.”
“We’ve said before that we need to approach flexibility differently than this industry has in the past, and today’s announcement builds on that promise to ensure we’re offering industry-leading flexibility, space and care to our customers,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “We want our customers to book and travel with peace of mind, knowing that we’ll continue evaluating our policies to maintain the high standard of flexibility they expect.”
These three big airlines join Southwest Airlines who never implemented change fees, to begin with. Los Angeles International Airport is also a Delta hub.
Alaska Airlines Eliminating Change Fees
According to the Alaska Airlines website,
“Alaska Airlines is giving guests more peace of mind and effective immediately will eliminate change fees on all domestic and international tickets…
The new change-fee policy applies to all tickets, except for Saver fares. Previously, Alaska’s change fee of $125 applied to all non-Saver travel, except for guests traveling on refundable tickets and Mileage Plan top elite status members.
During the pandemic, Alaska is also extending its flexible travel policy for all new ticket purchases, including Saver fares through Dec. 31, 2020.”
Alaska Airlines also has Califonia Hubs located in Los Angeles and San Francisco, and the carrier is known for offering Disneyland vacation packages.
Getting Ready for Disneyland’s Reopening
There has been heightened anticipation in the air and renewed hope that the Disneyland Resort’s new reopening day is almost imminent.
Both Disney Parks, Experiences and Product Chairman Josh D’Amaro and Walt Disney World Resort Vice President of Operations Jim MacPhee have stated that Disneyland is ready to open. They are only waiting on the guidelines from Governor Gavin Newsom and the State of California. Gov. Newsom has stated that he actively working to figure out a way to reopen Disneyland.
As for Disneyland’s preparations, construction progress on new lands and attractions–like the addition of the Quinjet in Avengers Campus–and ride testing continue to be shared across the internet, as well as the increased safety measures such as the location of hand sanitizing stations and the addition of plexiglass continue.
Read More: Disneyland Reopening News: Construction, Guidelines, and More
As of right now, only Downtown Disney District is open, but under California’s new tier reopening plan, it appears that Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park could reopen in tier 4. No official plans have been released as of this article’s publication. In the meantime, this writer is going with his gut and booking his flights. And with airlines no longer charging you change fees, why wouldn’t you?
Planning Your Disneyland Trip
One of the first steps to planning any Disney vacation is finding the flights to get you and your party there and back. But even with no more change fees and an official plan from Disney, there will no doubt be a lot of fine print and new information to tackle when planning your next trip to Disneyland. That is why we recommend our friends at Academy Travel.
Academy’s travel agents have the experience and understanding to work with you and help you navigate the new policies with the airlines and the resort so you can embark on the most magical Disneyland Resort Vacation possible. Click here to get started and receive your free, no-obligation quote today!
When do you think the Disneyland Resort will finally reopen? Are you going to take advantage of the change fee elimination and book your flight? Let us know in the comments!