New Orleans Flight Crisis: Delta and Southwest Lift Fees for Stranded Passengers

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ATLANTA – The New Orleans assault is leading to travel complications. Airlines like Delta and Southwest are eliminating certain fees for specific travelers wishing to alter their itineraries flying to and from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

Delta Air Lines New Orleans rescheduling

Delta Air Lines has released a notice for passengers traveling to and from New Orleans. Following the early morning assault on New Year’s Day on Bourbon Street, the airline will be eliminating specific fees for travelers looking to modify their itineraries flying to and from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

To assist affected travelers, Delta is providing flexible rescheduling options for qualified clients. Travelers can change their travel plans without incurring a fare difference under the following conditions:

• The rescheduled travel must occur on or before Jan. 6 and be in the same service class as originally booked.
• Should the original booking class be unavailable, a fare difference may apply, even during the waiver period.
• For rescheduled travel post-Jan. 6, fare differences will apply, though change fees will be waived.

Travelers who cannot change their travel within these parameters may cancel their bookings and apply the unused value of their ticket toward the purchase of a new ticket. Any travel must be concluded within one year of the initial ticket issuance.

The notice outlines eligibility criteria for rescheduling and cancellations:

• Only travelers with tickets issued on or prior to Jan. 1 are qualified.
• Modifications to departure or arrival points may lead to fare increases, and any fare differences will be charged at the time of booking.
• All rescheduled or canceled travel must be concluded by the original validity date of the ticket.

Delta advises travelers to carefully read the terms and contact the airline for additional support with rescheduling or cancellations. Passengers should keep a close watch on their flight status and register for real-time updates via mobile alerts or email through the airline’s One-Time Notification service.

For the most recent updates and information regarding travel affected by the events in New Orleans, travelers should check Delta’s official website or get in touch with customer service.

Southwest Airlines New Orleans rescheduling

Southwest Airlines is providing enhanced flexibility for customers impacted by disturbances in New Orleans during the early hours of Jan. 1. The provisions pertain to bookings to, from, or through Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) from Jan. 1-3.

Travelers with reservations during this timeframe may rebook or travel standby within 14 days of their original travel date, between the original city pairs, without added charges. This policy aligns with Southwest’s accommodation protocols.

In addition, customers whose flights are canceled or heavily delayed by Southwest might qualify for a refund. This refund encompasses the unused ticket, regardless of refund status, and includes any Optional Travel Charges, such as EarlyBird or Upgraded Boarding fees, for flights on which the traveler does not embark. More information about available options can be found on the airline’s website.

Customers who booked their flights via Southwest.com, the airline’s mobile application, or by calling Southwest Airlines can modify their travel plans online or through a mobile device. International callers are encouraged to visit the Southwest Help Center for contact details.

For the most current flight information, travelers should verify their flight status directly through Southwest Airlines.

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