United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said if there is a reduction in flights starting Friday, all passengers – regardless of ticket class or if their flight was impacted – will be eligible for a full refund.
“Any customer traveling during this period is eligible for a refund if they do not wish to fly – even if their flight isn’t impacted,” he told United employees in a note sent Wednesday. “That includes non-refundable tickets and those customers with basic economy tickets.”
On Wednesday, the FAA announced a potential reduction of 10% of flights at the 40 busiest airports in the country (Newark Liberty International certainly is part of that group).
No details were announced Wednesday – though Kirby told staff it will not impact the airline’s long-haul/international service.
And there still is a small chance this reduction will not happen – or will not last long.
On Wednesday, following huge losses in elections (including Mikie Sherrill’s romp in the New Jersey governor’s race), Trump seemingly called for the GOP to end the government shutdown, which began on Oct. 1.
The shutdown, of course, has limited the number of air traffic controllers willing to work (without pay), thus necessitating the need for a reduction in flights.
