American Airlines has announced more positive news for travelers in terms of permanent fee waivers. Effective immediately, American Airlines is eliminating change fees on international flights that begin in North or South America.

This news follows American’s earlier announcements of American Airlines Ends Change Fees on Most Tickets and American Airlines Eliminating Award Change Fees, and leads its competitors in eliminating fees. It’s likely that we’ll see United and Delta make similar updates in the coming days.

Per American Airlines,

Effective immediately, American will eliminate change fees for First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy and Main Cabin (except Basic Economy) tickets for all long-haul international flying when travel originates in North or South America. This new policy matches American’s previous announcement to get rid of change fees on most domestic and short-haul international flying.

As a reminder, American allows customers to keep the full value of eligible tickets if they change their travel plans prior to their scheduled travel. Although customers will have to pay the fare difference for a new flight, customers will not lose their ticket value if the new flight is less expensive.

Customers will no longer pay a service charge when booking a ticket through reservations. The service charge had been waived during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic but will be eliminated going forward.

It’s great to see American take the lead by eliminating change fees on long-haul international flights, which is change I hope both Delta and United add as well.

See related American Airlines announcements:

• American Airlines Eliminating Award Change Fees
• American Airlines Lowers 2021 Elite Status Requirements
• American Airlines Adds Elite Benefits on Basic Economy Tickets
• American Airlines Ends Change Fees on Most Tickets

What are your thoughts about American Airlines eliminating change fees on international tickets? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.