Following the tragic attack in New Orleans on January 1st, 2025, airlines took steps to ease travel disruptions. Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines led the way by waiving fees for passengers traveling to and from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). United Airlines soon followed suit with updated rebooking policies.

The attack occurred around 3:15 AM on New Year’s Day when a pickup truck hit crowds on Bourbon Street. The tragedy left 15 dead and at least 35 injured, disrupting the city’s New Year celebrations.

Delta Air Lines allows passengers who booked before January 1st, 2025, to change flights without extra fees. They must rebook for travel before January 6th, 2025, and cover any fare differences. If flights are rescheduled for later, passengers must pay the fare difference, but the change fee remains waived. Those unable to travel before January 6th can cancel and apply the unused ticket value to a new flight within a year.

Southwest Airlines also offers flexibility for flights between January 1st and 3rd, 2025. Passengers can rebook or fly standby on flights within 14 days of their original departure without additional fees. United Airlines has updated its policies as well. Passengers can rebook their flights free of charge, without paying fare differences or change fees.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport serves as a key hub, with Southwest, Delta, and United accounting for a significant share of the traffic. With these policy changes, affected passengers will find it easier to adjust their travel plans during this challenging time.

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