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U.S. Airways to waive fee for those who prefer to change holiday flights

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — US Airways announced on Christmas it will waive an expensive fee for customers who would prefer to change their holiday flights home due to severe weather concerns.

The airline is cancelling its $150 change reservation fee at about two dozen airports around the country, including major cities like Detroit and Pittsburgh.

Bob Scudo planned on getting to Charlotte early Tuesday afternoon to visit his in-laws. But he found out from US Airways his Christmas plans were suddenly up in the air.

"We got a text from the airline that said they were going to cancel our later flight, so we had to change all our dinner plans and everything for today so we could fly out earlier," he said.

Severe weather around the country is creating a nightmare for travelers headed home for the holidays. About a dozen flights at Charlotte-Douglas on Christmas were delayed or canceled because of Midwest storms.

"We made it here and weren't stuck in the airport like some people were for holiday travel," said passenger Eustacia Myers-Robinson.

Robinson flew in from Kansas City on Christmas night. She said there was a steady rain and heavy winds when she arrived at the airport. Robinson said she feels lucky to have landed on time.

"I was horrified thinking we'd be trapped at the airport spending Christmas there," she said. "But we made it. Happy to be in Charlotte."

Bob Scudo still ended up in Charlotte on Christmas---just several hours behind schedule.

"I'd rather get here safely than fly in here the middle of a big storm," he said.

He still might have problems getting home in a few days, though. Scudo didn't know that US Airways is waiving its change reservation fee until Eyewitness News showed him the e-mail. He said he'll look into that option.

US Airways is waiving the fee for customers with scheduled flights for Wednesday and Thursday only. Passengers must keep the same origin and destination city, and must reschedule a flight by New Year's Day.

To see if your destination city is on the list, Go to US Airways' website and look for Travel Advisories.