United Airlines is reportedly preparing to offer passengers the option to switch flights at no extra cost if they do not wish to travel through the newly-renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport in Florida. The move comes after Palm Beach International Airport was officially renamed in honour of US President Donald Trump last week.
According to reports, the airline is considering the unusual flexibility because the airport’s name change has become a point of controversy for some travellers.
What is United Airlines offering?
The Daily Beast, citing an internal memo obtained by Live And Let’s Fly, reported that United reservation agents will be allowed to move passengers to nearby airports if they are uncomfortable flying through the renamed facility.
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Instead of Palm Beach, travellers may be rebooked on flights to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport or Miami International Airport without paying the fees that are normally charged for changing destinations.
The reported memo instructs agents to use their discretion while handling such requests.
It says, “If a customer does not want to fly to the airport, use your empowerment to offer acceptable alternatives such as Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) or Miami International Airport (MIA).”
How will customer requests be handled?
Reservation agents have also reportedly been given a suggested script when speaking with passengers.
The guidance reads, “I understand that you’d rather not fly to this airport anymore. We can look at nearby airports like Fort Lauderdale or Miami instead. Is that an acceptable alternative?”
If the customer agrees, agents are instructed to process the booking as an even exchange, allowing the change without any additional fare.
Why has the airport rename drawn attention?
The airport, formerly known as Palm Beach International Airport, was officially renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport after legislation honouring the president. The reported cost of the rebranding was $5.5 million.
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The move is part of a wider effort since Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025, during which several federal properties, commemorative items and public assets have been associated with his name.
Since the airport adopted its new name, its social media pages have received criticism from some users. Several commenters said they would choose other airports instead, with one writing, “FYI: I will never ever in 100,000 million years use this airport ever again,” while another posted, “Flying out of Fort Lauderdale next week! Thanks!”
FAQs:
Why is United Airlines offering alternative airports?
Reports say the airline wants to accommodate passengers who do not wish to fly through the renamed Trump airport.
Which airports can passengers switch to?
Eligible travellers may be rebooked to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport or Miami International Airport without extra fees, according to reports.
