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I recently wrote about how Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) was officially renamed “President Donald J. Trump International Airport (DJT)” following legislation approved earlier this year by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. Now, United Airlines is giving reservation agents an unusual amount of flexibility following the renaming and instructing them that passengers may make changes to itineraries if they object to traveling to the airport.
According to an internal memo first reported by Live And Let’s Fly, United agents have been instructed that if a customer does not want to fly there, they may offer alternative flights to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) or Miami International Airport (MIA) without charging a fare difference or fee.
The airline is currently updating its reservation systems to reflect both the airport’s new name and its new airport code. During the transition, reservation agents have been given suggested language to use with customers, including: “I understand that you’d rather not fly to this airport anymore. We can look at nearby airports like Fort Lauderdale or Miami instead.”
The policy is unusual, as airlines generally do not allow itinerary changes simply because a passenger objects to an airport’s name. While the guidance appears intended to ease the transition following the highly publicized renaming, it also creates an interesting opportunity for travelers. In theory, passengers booked into the newly renamed airport may be able to switch to Fort Lauderdale or Miami without paying a higher fare (though the memo notes that agents should use their discretion).
The policy is likely intended only for the initial transition period while travelers adjust to the new airport name and code, but the fact that United is even offering this option is pretty funny given how much its CEO, Scott Kirby, has kissed up to the current administration.
Anthony’s Take: The move has sparked strong reactions from both supporters and critics. It’s one of the most talked-about airport renamings in recent memory. For now, at least, United appears willing to accommodate passengers who would simply rather fly somewhere else.
(Image Credits: United Airlines and the Trump Organization.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
