United Airlines Denies Free Flight Changes Over Trump Airport Name

United Airlines denied reports that it is offering free flight changes to passengers who object to the renaming of Palm Beach International Airport to President Donald J. Trump International Airport. The controversy began after the industry blog Live And Let’s Fly published a leaked internal memo, circulated on Thursday, instructing reservation agents to use their empowerment to offer no-cost alternatives, such as Miami or Fort Lauderdale, for customers unwilling to fly into the renamed facility.

United Airlines clarified that the memo was poorly worded and inaccurate, asserting that official company policy does not allow for fee-free ticket changes based on an airport's name or three-letter code. The company maintained that while customers can change tickets without a fee for various reasons, this specific scenario is not permitted.

The airport's name change officially took effect on July 9, following a law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in March that cost $5.5 million. Airport officials stated the change has no operational or administrative impact on travelers, though the airport identifier code is scheduled to transition from PBI to DJT in mid-August.