In no-mask era, airlines offer options

DALLAS – Airlines say they are offering options – including refunds in some cases – for people worried about flying now that other passengers aren’t required to wear face masks.

However, the airlines aren’t providing many details. Customers could find themselves at the mercy of workers at airline customer service centers.

Many people who will be flying in the next few weeks bought their tickets before a federal judge in Florida on Monday struck down the requirement to wear a mask in airports and during flights. That requirement, designed to limit the spread of COVID-19, was due to expire anyway on May 3.

A United spokesperson said customers except those on the lowestpriced “basic economy” fares can delay their travel plans for any reason with no extra fee. He said passengers with special circumstances should call the airline’s customer service number.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said Thursday that the airline hasn’t fielded many refund requests yet.

An American spokesperson pointed to the airline’s policy, which allows refunds for refundable tickets – those usually cost more – and credit for the value of unused non-refundable tickets. However, people who bought “basic economy” tickets since April 1 are not entitled to a refund or to change their ticket.

A Delta Air Lines spokesperson said customers who wish to cancel a trip should contact the airline and that requests are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue, Spirit and Frontier did not reply to inquiries.