Perhaps being firm on change fees is their way of trying to reduce cancelations. From what I understand, there are no issues with flight delays or cancelations.

Looking on the news, it appears dramatic. But, yesterday was just another holiday in the north with 10's of thousands of people filling the streets in celebration of the new year.

Should I be able to change & cancel non-refundable hotel and air reservations? I fail to see why... so far.