United Refutes Memo on Free Flight Changes to Controversially Renamed Trump Airport
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United Airlines clarified it will not offer free ticket changes simply because an airport has been renamed after the divisive former president, calling an internal memo on the issue misleading.
United Airlines has responded to an internal memorandum that suggested agents could offer passengers a free change from the newly renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport in West Palm Beach to nearby hubs. The memo, obtained by an aviation blog, instructed staff to use their discretion to provide alternatives such as Fort Lauderdale (FLL) or Miami International (MIA) and to process the change as an even exchange.
United said the message was 'poorly worded and not accurate' and reiterated that while customers can modify tickets without a fee for many reasons, the airline’s policy does not allow changes based solely on an airport’s name or three-letter code.
The airport, which will switch its IATA code from PBI to DJT on August 18, confirmed that operations, routes and services remain unchanged and urged travelers to continue using the existing code until the transition date. It also emphasized that the name change does not affect the quality of service provided to passengers.
Public reaction to the renaming has been mixed, with some travelers expressing strong opposition to the glorification of a figure associated with bigotry and division, while others, often supporters of Trump, welcomed the change. The airport reported a high volume of comments after the announcement, noting that most remarks related to the Trump name were critical, reflecting widespread discomfort with honoring such a polarizing political figure.