United Airlines Refutes Free Rebooking for Passengers Avoiding Trump Airport

Florida renamed Palm Beach International Airport to President Donald J. Trump International Airport on July 9, 2026, following a law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. An internal United Airlines memo circulated to reservation agents suggested that staff could offer travelers a no‑charge change to nearby Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL) if they objected to the new name, using language such as, “If a customer does not want to fly to the airport, use your empowerment to offer acceptable alternatives.”

United Airlines publicly clarified that the memo was “poorly worded and not accurate.” The airline reiterated that while customers may change tickets without a fee for many reasons, its policy “does not allow changes because of an airport’s name or three‑letter code.” United therefore does not provide a special waiver for passengers who dislike the Trump‑named airport, and any rebooking would be subject to usual availability and fare rules.

The controversy sparked social‑media debate and media coverage, but airport officials emphasized that operations, flight routes and the airport code (changing from PBI to DJT in August) remain unchanged.