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As some carriers waive change fees, senators tell airlines 'more can be done' to help Vegas victims

Michelle Rindels
Michelle Rindels
EconomyOctober 1
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Nevada senators are calling on the heads of major airlines to help the victims and families of Las Vegas’ deadly shooting by waiving baggage and change fees and being sensitive to high last-minute prices.

Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and Republican Sen. Dean Heller sent a letter to executives at 10 major airlines, thanking them for what they’ve done so far but adding that “we feel even more can be done” to help people changing flights or trying to reunite with loved ones.

“We implore all airlines to keep a close and watchful eye on the pricing of flights for those impacted,” the senators said. “We urge you to immediately begin the process for expanding customer assistance efforts, implementing economically sensitive airfare and fee policies, like those for ticket changes, cancellations, and all baggage fees, and ensuring that any and all refunds are promptly issued for flights.”

They asked the companies — including American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, Alaska, Hawaiian, Frontier and Allegiant — to communicate promptly about what they might do to help families so they can make transportation arrangements.

“In no way whatsoever should individuals and families be forced to delay or cancel their efforts to reach loved ones because of expensive tickets or the accumulation of costly fees,” they said.

Cortez Masto’s office said the call didn’t originate from a specific problem they’ve encountered but out of a desire to make sure all things are considered.

“While no direct challenges with booking air travel have been reported to our offices,” said spokesman Ryan King, “the Senator and her staff in D.C. and Las Vegas are focused on working with federal, state, local, and business partners to ensure all support is considered and quickly rendered, including providing cost effective and quality airline services for those families that have lost a loved one or have a loved one recovering from injury.”

Some airlines are already stepping up. Authorities said Allegiant Airlines, which is headquartered in Las Vegas, is offering free flights to those affected; they posted on social media that they would “do what we can to help you.”

American Airlines is waiving change fees, and Southwest Airlines is allowing customers to rebook a flight in the same class at no additional cost. United, JetBlue, Spirit, Alaska and Hawaiian are waiving change fees and the fare difference for rebooked flights.

Meanwhile, hotels are offering free rooms for victims and their families. They include properties owned by Boyd Gaming, Station Casinos and Siegel Suites, as well as the South Point and the Bellagio.

Disclosure: Several Indy donors are mentioned in this story. You can see a full list of donors here.
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