ATLANTA, Feb.28 - Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) today reminded customers of the upcoming $25 fee to change their flights on the same day of travel for most restricted fares effective March 1. This new industry-leading product provides customers confirmed seating for different flights, including connecting flights, on the same day of travel as their originally ticketed flight.

Customers may request a confirmed seat within three hours of their preferred flight’s departure. ÊThe $25 fee will be waived for SkyMiles Platinum and Gold Medallion members. For changes more than three hours before the preferred flight departure, Delta will continue to offer confirmed seating for the normal $100 fee ($50 for Delta Express), plus any applicable fare difference.

With the introduction of this new product, initially announced in December, Delta will no longer offer customers the standby option. Ê
“This is an excellent new product that gives customers greater control over their travel experience,” said Vicki Escarra, Delta’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer. Ê“After listening to customer concerns about greater flexibility in same-day travel changes, Delta introduced this choice to give customers a valuable option for customized travel.”

Prior to arriving at the airport, customers can change flights by calling Reservations Sales within three hours of the new preferred flight departure. ÊAt the airport, customers may change their flight using one of our more than 440 self-service kiosks, where this capability will soon be available, or speak with a Delta representative at the check-in counter for assistance.

This new product eliminates anxiety often associated with traveling standby,” said Escarra. Ê“Now, you will have the comfort of a seat assignment on every leg of your trip.”

This new policy is effective for tickets purchased on or after Sept. 5, 2002, for travel beginning March 1, 2003, and applies to travel within the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada on Delta, Delta Express and Delta Connection. ÊThe Delta Shuttle will allow standby travel at no fee on any unrestricted fare, or when changing to an off-peak flights. ÊHowever, Shuttle passengers are charged $100 for a confirmed seat when traveling on restricted ticket, and changing from an off-peak flight to a peak flight.

Delta Air Lines, the world’s second largest airline in terms of passengers carried and the leading U.S. carrier across the Atlantic, offers 5,619 flights each day to 438 destinations in 78 countries on Delta, Delta Express, Delta Shuttle, Delta Connection and Delta’s worldwide partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. For more information, please go to delta.com.

——-