How Much Does It Cost To Change a Flight?

Changing a flight can be a frustrating and costly experience for many travelers. Airlines often charge hefty fees for making changes to existing bookings, and the final price tag can vary widely depending on the airline, the timing of the change, and other factors.

In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of flight change fees, providing a comprehensive overview of the costs involved and strategies for minimizing the financial impact.

Factors That Impact the Cost of Changing a Flight

The cost of altering or changing an airline ticket is alarming, but in general, it is determined by certain factors. Here are the key factors that impact the cost of changing a flight:

• Airline Policy: The airline has its regulations about flight changes. While most airlines have similar policies, some apply less or more strict policies.
• Ticket Type: The ticket purchased often determines change fees, with expensive, refundable fares often costing less or no change, while cheaper, restrictive fares generally incur greater fees.
• Timing of Change: Changes to flights closer to departure day incur higher costs, while next-day flight changes may involve fee variations, sometimes lower as per the airline’s preferences.
• Destination: Generally, it costs more to change international flights than national flights.
• Fare Difference: New flight prices often result in higher fee differences, which are paid after the fare difference. This causes additional fees and legitimately different fares for those moving.

Understanding these factors is crucial when dealing with schedule changes or deciding whether to change your flight.

Airline Policy Regarding Flight Changes

Airline policies for flight changes can vary significantly, impacting travelers’ flexibility and wallet.  Here’s a concise overview of major US airlines’ policies:

• Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines offers same-day and standard changes, with prices ranging from $25-$50 and $0-$125, depending on the fare type, and can change flight dates subject to fares.
• American Airlines: American Airlines has significantly reduced the change fee for American Airlines for many fare types, offering same-day flights change for $75-$150, standard changes for domestic flights at no fee, and international flights at up to $750.
• Delta: Same-day flight changes are free for certain fare classes, while standard changes have no fees for domestic and certain international flights. You can choose to change flight dates but you have to pay the applicable fare differences.
• JetBlue: Same-day changes are free for select fare classes, while standard changes range from $0 to $200, depending on fare type. Rescheduling costs vary based on fare differences.
• Southwest Airlines: The airline offers no change fees for any fare type, allows free ticket changes, only charges for a fare difference, and provides free same-day standby.
• Spirit Airlines: The cost of making changes 0-6 days before departure is $79, 7-14 days is $59, 15-59 days is $39, and 60+ days is free.
• United Airlines: Same-day changes are $75, free for select fare classes, while standard changes are no fee for domestic flights and up to $400 for international flights. Rebooking costs vary based on fare difference.

Change flight costs may still be necessary if the new flight is more expensive. Check ticket terms for specific policies. Rebook a flight early to reduce costs and ensure seat availability.

Additional Expenses To Consider When Changing a Flight

The penalty for altered flights is often a major concern for passengers, especially during peak travel times. However, additional expenses, such as the fare difference between the initially booked and new flight, must also be considered. In some situations, instead of changing your booking, it might be worth looking into the option of a flight ticket cancellation. If your issue involves an incorrect name on the ticket, see if you can change the name on a plane ticket for guidance on handling name corrections and associated costs. Depending on your ticket type and airline policies, canceling the ticket and starting fresh could sometimes be more cost-effective, especially if the change fees are higher than expected. Always review the airline’s guidelines on cancellations to determine the best course of action for your travel plans.

How To Save Money on Flight Changes?

Off-peak travel periods have lower demand, leading to smaller fare differences. Some airlines offer lower change fees for well-planned changes, and same-day flights can be cheaper than standard ones. Travel insurance and credit cards may also cover trip changes or cancellations. Negotiate with airlines for refunds for compelling reasons like illness or family emergencies. Book flexible fares, use fare lock features, take advantage of 24-hour cancellation policies, and consider alternative airports. 

FAQ

Which Airlines Do Not Charge Change Fees for Flights?

Major U.S. airlines, including Southwest, American, Delta, and United, have eliminated change fees for most domestic and international flights, but basic economy and some international flights may still incur fees.

Can I Change a Flight I Already Booked?

To change a booked flight, check fare rules, contact the airline, select a new flight, and pay fees; early changes offer more options and potentially lower costs.

Is It Better To Cancel or Change a Flight?

The choice to cancel or change a flight depends on the specific situation, such as changing dates, a minimal fare difference, non-refundable tickets, or cancel if you are no longer planning.