Airlines have expanded travel waivers for Los Angeles-area airports as wildfires continue to ravage the region.
Major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and JetBlue Airways, have waived flight change fees for travelers scheduled to fly to Los Angeles. The city is grappling with widespread challenges such as power outages, water shortages, and the destruction of more than 10,000 homes and structures.
Although airports in the area were functioning normally on Friday, according to flight-tracking service FlightAware, the city remains under the shadow of wildfires.
Power outages have affected parts of Los Angeles County, and residents in the Pacific Palisades area—severely impacted by the fires—were instructed to boil or use bottled water. Additionally, evacuation orders remain in effect for portions of the county as firefighters work to contain the blazes.
Airlines Offering Waivers
American Airlines announced that customers with bookings to or from Hollywood Burbank Airport, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Ontario International Airport, or John Wayne Airport in Orange County could rebook their travel without paying change fees or fare differences if they complete their journeys by January 20.
Similarly, Southwest Airlines stated that the wildfires might disrupt operations at those airports. Travelers can rebook flights within 14 days of their original travel dates at no extra charge. Southwest also offered the option to rebook flights to other California cities, including Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, and San Diego.
Decline in Flight Sales
Delta Air Lines acknowledged a decline in ticket sales to Los Angeles during the wildfire crisis. The city is one of Delta’s busiest hubs, generating significant revenue from both business and leisure travelers.
“We monitor sales daily by geographic region, and we’ve observed a drop in sales—not a complete reduction or surge in cancellations, but a noticeable decline,” Delta President Glen Hauenstein stated during an earnings call.
He emphasized that while the financial impact of the wildfires on the quarter is uncertain, it is unlikely to be substantial.
Hauenstein also noted that demand often rebounds after natural disasters due to rebuilding efforts. “Our hearts go out to everyone in Los Angeles affected by this,” he said. “From a long-term airline perspective, we’ve faced hurricanes, floods, and similar events. The initial impact is often followed by a recovery phase.”
Broader Context
Despite the disruption caused by the wildfires, Delta reported robust travel demand across its network. Airline executives remain cautiously optimistic that Los Angeles-related travel will recover quickly once the crisis subsides.
In the meantime, airlines are continuing to monitor conditions and offer flexible travel options for those affected, underscoring their commitment to supporting passengers during this challenging time.