Don't want to fly this summer? United, American extend waivers for free changes, cancellations

With summer travel plans in jeopardy as the coronavirus crisis drags on, major U.S. airlines are allowing travelers to change or cancel their tickets without paying a hefty change fee.

United Airlines moved first Tuesday, becoming the first major U.S. airline to extend its coronavirus travel waivers to cover flights through the end of the year.

The waiver applies to travelers holding tickets bought before March 3.Travelers who booked, say, a summer flight from New York to Los Angeles or Europe last fall, can change their flight to another date or cancel their trip and receive an electronic travel credit, all without paying ticket change fees that start at $200 a person.

The new fee waiver policy does not cover travelers who bought or will buy tickets between March 3 and April 30. United already offers them a fee-free change for travel into next year.