The next time your flight plans change, it could hit you a little harder in the pocketbook.
Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines increased its change fee for domestic flights to $200 from $150 this week, matching recent moves of competitors led by United Airlines.
Delta, which dominates at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, said it “closely monitors competitive conditions,” increasing its change fees “to remain competitive in the marketplace.”
Delta last increased its change fee in 2008, hiking it from $75 to the same $150 level as Northwest Airlines, which Delta acquired that year.
The new $200 Delta change fee is in effect for flights booked April 30 or later, for travel within the United States and Canada.
The move follows a change announced last month that could limit flexibility for those who buy discounted fares on Delta. Delta said same-day confirmed flight changes can now only be made in the same fare class as the original flight.
AirTran Airways charges a $75 change fee. Southwest Airlines, which acquired AirTran and is gradually converting it into Southwest, does not charge a change fee, but recently announced a new penalty for “no shows” effective May 10.
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