Disbursements Topic:  Airline Policy

The following table outlines fees and policies imposed by many airline companies. Many airlines have now begun to charge a fee for paper tickets issued by the airline or the travel agency. This fee is on paper tickets only and is an effort to sway passengers towards electronic tickets. Soon, we will see the use of paper tickets dissolve, and this move by the airlines is a push towards this change. Please note, that these fees do not often apply to groups/teams (10 or more passengers). In addition, many airlines have made alterations to their non-refundable and standby policies.


Air Canada
Paper Ticket Fee: $10 USD if issued by airline or agency
Non-refundable Policy: All tickets issued on/after Sep 6, 2002 must reissue prior to 11:59pm on departure date
Standby Policy: No addt'l charge for same day except on deeply discounted fares in L, N, Q & Z class

Alaska Airlines
Paper Ticket Fee: $20 USD if issued by airline or agency
Non-refundable Policy: Valid for 1yr from departure date
Standby Policy: No addt'l charge for same day

American Airlines
Paper Ticket Fee: $20 USD if issued by airline or agency
Non-refundable Policy: All tickets issued on/after Aug 30, 2002 must reissue prior to 11:59pm on departure date
Standby Policy: Travel after Jan 1, 2003 Tickets issued after Aug 30th $100 fee waived within 2 hours of flight

American Trans Air
Paper Ticket Fee: N/A
Non-refundable Policy: Valid for 1yr from issue date
Standby Policy: No addt'l charge for same day

Continental
Paper Ticket Fee: $20 USD if issued by airline or agency
Non-refundable Policy: All tickets issued on/after Aug 31, 2002 must reissue prior to 11:59 on departure date
Standby Policy: Travel after Jan 1, 2003 for tickets issued after Aug 31st $100 fee waived within 2 hours of flight

Delta Air Lines
Paper Ticket Fee: $20 USD if issued by airline or agency
Non-refundable Policy: All tickets issued on/after Sep 5, 2002 must reissue prior to 11:59 on departure date
Standby Policy: Travel after Jan 1, 2003 for tickets issued after Aug 31st $100 fee waived within 2 hours of flight

Frontier Airlines
Paper Ticket Fee: N/A
Non-refundable Policy: Valid for 1yr from departure date
Standby Policy: No addt'l charge for same day

Midwest Express Airlines
Paper Ticket Fee: N/A
Non-refundable Policy: Valid for 1yr from departure date
Standby Policy: No addt'l charge for same day

Northwest Airlines
Paper Ticket Fee: $25 USD if issued by airline or agency
Non-refundable Policy: All tickets issued on/after Sep 5, 2002 must reissue prior to departure time
Standby Policy: No addt'l charge for same day

Southwest Airlines
Paper Ticket Fee: N/A
Non-refundable Policy: Valid for 1yr from departure date
Standby Policy: Standby travel is not allowed on non-refundable tickets - may purchase a higher refundable fare and standby

Spirit Airlines
Paper Ticket Fee: N/A
Non-refundable Policy: Valid for 1yr from departure date
Standby Policy: No addt'l charge for same day

United Airlines
Paper Ticket Fee: $20 USD if issued by airline or agency
Non-refundable Policy: All tickets issued on/after Sep 6, 2002 must reissue prior to 11:59pm on departure date - excluding ME101N & ME141N
Standby Policy: Travel after Jan 1, 2003 for tickets issued after Sept 6th $100 fee waived within 2 hours of flight

US Airways
Paper Ticket Fee: $25 USD if issued by airline or agency
Non-refundable Policy: All tickets issued on/after Aug 27, 2002 must reissue prior to 11:59pm on departure date
Standby Policy: Travel after Aug 27, 2002 will be charged a $100 fee waived within 2 hours of flight