Typically, post-Labor Day starts the busy season for business travel — companies across the globe get their sales workforces out there to drum up the last bit of business for the year and start deals for next year. This year is looking different, but despite the challenges this year, with airlines on the verge of furloughing thousands, they work double-time to get initiatives to the consumers.

Here is just a round-up of what major airlines are doing to make real changes to win the consumer. Hopefully, they will continue the trend back toward “the customer comes first.”

United

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This weekend United Airlines made a big announcement via president Scott Kirby that they are permanently getting rid of change fees for domestic flights with economy and premium cabin tickets. This $200 fee has been a thorn in any traveler’s side. Beware: Basic economy tickets will still have a fee, but, honestly, basic economy is already a bad choice for any business traveler or family due to its seating limitations, etc. If you’re a MileagePlus Premier member, you have even more flexibility and may be able to confirm a seat on an earlier flight for no cost at all.

American Airlines

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Last week, AA announced enhancements to its clean commitment by adding the electrostatic spraying solution SurfaceWise2 from Allied BioScience. The SurfaceWise2 solution is the first-ever, long-lasting product to help fight the spread of the novel coronavirus that is approved by the EPA. They are all continuing to tout HEPA filters as well. AA followed suit within 24 hours of United’s announcement and is no longer charging change fees and promised to keep ticket fares at a great value — great move!

Delta Air Lines

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Delta adopted its standard of care program in partnership with Lysol to create a more robust cleaning program, but they have dominated the summer with the continued guarantee of not selling the middle seat through at least October. Although not a sustainable business decision, it gives peace of mind to travelers during this time that I think is priceless. Along with the middle seat, CEO Ed Bastian has been in front of the media, giving updates for its workforce and travelers more than any other carrier, gaining a bit more control over the messaging. They also announced a plan to remove change fees for domestic flights to help encourage travel.

Southwest Airlines

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SWA has been a bit quieter in regards to messaging, but the Southwest Promise created more deep-cleaning schedules in between every flight. They are also dedicated to not filling the middle seat until at least Oct. 31, unless you are a family unit, which is a travel favorite. They have also adopted a nice cancellation policy. If you decide not to travel, as long as you cancel your flight at least 10 minutes before its scheduled departure, the funds used to pay for a nonrefundable ticket (Wanna Get Away fares) are normally valid for one year from the date of purchase.

What airline do you think has the best current policies, and you are willing to fly?

— Carly Allen, executive vice president, associate publisher