Trump Airport Scandal Hits Major Airline

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United Airlines says it is not allowing passengers to change their flight destinations for free simply because Palm Beach International Airport has been renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport, disputing reports that suggested such a policy was in place.

The reports stemmed from an internal memo shared by a travel blog that appeared to instruct reservation agents to offer alternate destinations, including Fort Lauderdale or Miami, to travelers who no longer wished to fly into the renamed airport. While the airline did not dispute that the memo existed, a United spokesperson said it was inaccurately written and does not reflect company policy.

According to United, passengers may qualify for ticket changes without paying a fee under certain circumstances, but an airport’s name or airport code is not one of the reasons covered under its change policy.

Florida officially renamed Palm Beach International Airport earlier this year after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation approving the change. The airport, located near President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, formally adopted its new name earlier this month.

Travelers will continue to see the airport’s longtime code, PBI, on tickets and travel documents until Aug. 18, when the International Air Transport Association is scheduled to update the airport code to DJT. Airport officials are also updating signs, branding, technology systems, and other public-facing materials to reflect the new name.

The Palm Beach County Department of Airports estimates the transition will cost approximately $5.5 million. Officials say the state of Florida is paying roughly half of the expense, with the remaining costs covered through the airport’s operating budget and capital improvement program. Airport officials have emphasized that local property tax revenue is not being used to fund the project.

The renaming has generated mixed political reactions. Supporters of President Trump have welcomed the change, while some Democratic lawmakers argued that major public facilities should generally not be renamed after elected officials while they remain in office.

To address questions from the public, the airport has added a notice to its website stating that the name change does not affect airport ownership, daily operations, airline service, or the passenger experience. Officials say travelers can expect normal operations throughout the transition.