United Airlines will compensate victims' families

Travelers caught off guard by terrorist attacks can change itineraries without incurring penalties.
CHICAGO -- United Airlines will advance $25,000 to families of victims on board the two United jetliners hijacked and crashed by terrorists Tuesday morning, and will refund tickets of passengers rescheduled for travel through Sept. 25.
According to the company's Web site, United will pay "an initial sum of $25,000" to help meet the immediate needs of families who lost loved ones on board Flight 175 and Flight 93.
Flight 175, a Boeing 767, left Boston at 7:58 a.m. headed for Los Angeles but was diverted to New York, where it crashed into the south tower of the World Trade Center at 9:03 a.m. Flight 93, a Boeing 757, left Newark, N.J., en route to San Francisco at 8:01 a.m., was diverted south and crashed in rural southwest Pennsylvania.
Flight 175 had 65 people on board: 56 passengers, seven flight attendants and two pilots. Flight 93 had 45 people on board: 38 passengers, five flight attendants and two pilots.
Refunds offered: Passengers rescheduled for travel through Sept. 25 -- any itinerary worldwide -- may choose to have their tickets refunded without penalty.
Those holding tickets for domestic travel through Sept. 25 may postpone their trips or reticket to a new itinerary, the release states. Differences for lower-priced fares will not be refunded, but passengers will be responsible for differences if fares are higher. They will not pay penalty or service charges.
The same is true for passengers holding tickets for international travel. Ticket holders may postpone their trips or reticket to a new itinerary without incurring penalty or service charges. They will not receive refunds for lower-priced fares but will be responsible for differences in higher priced fares. Passengers are urged to reticket by Sept. 25 and must complete travel by Sept. 30.
Information about arrangements for American Airlines passengers could not be obtained.