How Much Does It Cost to Change a Flight? Chris Caggiano January 2, 2025 Budget Travel, general, Travel Tips Changing a flight can be a stressful and confusing process, especially when unexpected events derail travel plans. Whether the shift is for a sudden change in schedule or a personal emergency, most airlines impose fees for flight changes. The charges can vary widely based on several factors, including the airline, ticket type, and timing. While the fees can feel like a financial burden, understanding the reasons behind them and how to avoid or mitigate them can make the process more manageable. Here, we’ll break down the typical costs for flight changes, the factors that influence those costs, and the strategies you can use to minimize or even eliminate change fees entirely. By knowing your options, you can make smarter decisions about when and how to alter your travel plans without breaking the bank. The cost The cost of changing a flight can vary depending on several factors, including the airline, the type of ticket, and whether you’re flying domestic or international. For domestic flights, change fees typically range from $75 to $200 or more, depending on the airline and the type of ticket purchased. First-class and business-class tickets generally offer more flexibility, with fewer or lower fees for changes. Some major airlines have fees at the higher end of this range, especially for non-refundable tickets. When it comes to international flights, change fees can be significantly higher, often ranging from $200 to $500, or more. Factors such as the destination, ticket class, and how far in advance the change is made all influence the fee. Low-cost carriers generally have more restrictive change policies and often charge higher fees for modifying a flight, which can make up a significant portion of the original ticket price. However, some budget airlines offer greater flexibility, allowing changes without a fee, though they may still require paying any difference in fare. The specific policies and fees can vary widely, so it’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions when booking with a budget carrier. Factors affecting cost Several factors influence the cost of changing a flight, and understanding these can help you avoid unexpected fees or minimize the amount you pay. Here are the main elements that affect how much you’ll be charged: Type of Ticket: The most significant factor in determining change fees is the type of ticket you purchased. Refundable tickets offer more flexibility and typically come with lower or no change fees. In contrast, non-refundable tickets are usually subject to higher fees or may require you to pay the difference in fare if you make a change. Some airlines also offer a range of fare classes, with more expensive options providing more lenient change policies. Timing of the Change: The timing of your change is crucial. Making a change well in advance can result in lower fees, whereas last-minute changes often carry higher costs. Some airlines may even charge higher fees for changes made within a certain period before departure, as it disrupts their ability to resell the seat. Reason for Change: In some cases, the reason for your change can impact whether or not fees are waived. If you’re facing an emergency, such as a health issue or family death, many airlines will waive or reduce fees, especially if you provide supporting documentation. However, if the reason for the change is simply a change of plans or a scheduling conflict, you can expect to pay the standard fee. Avoiding charges There are several strategies you can use to minimize or even avoid flight change fees altogether. Here’s how to make your travel plans more flexible: Book a Flexible or Refundable Ticket: If you anticipate the possibility of needing to change your flight, it’s worth investing in a flexible or refundable ticket. These tickets typically come with higher upfront costs, but they offer the greatest freedom when it comes to making changes. Many airlines will allow you to adjust your travel plans without incurring hefty fees if you purchase these more flexible options. Consider Travel Insurance: Travel insurance can help protect you from change fees in specific situations, such as trip interruptions or medical emergencies. Some policies cover unexpected changes, including those due to illness, weather, or personal issues, and can reimburse you for the cost of flight modifications. Always check the fine print to understand which circumstances are covered. Check Airline Policies: Certain airlines offer free changes under specific conditions. Some airlines provide a grace period in which changes are allowed without fees, or they may offer free changes due to factors like a travel disruption or changes to your flight schedule. Keep an eye out for these policies, especially when booking during special promotions or global events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Check for Waivers: If your situation involves extenuating circumstances, it’s always worth contacting the airline directly. Airlines may offer waivers or exceptions in cases such as family emergencies or natural disasters. While these waivers are not guaranteed, they can sometimes provide relief from change fees, especially if you act quickly and explain your situation Alternatives If you’re looking to avoid paying change fees altogether, there are several alternatives to consider that might save you money: Rebooking Through the Airline’s Website: Many airlines offer waivers or reduced fees if you make changes directly through their website. By handling the change yourself, you can often bypass service fees that apply when you speak with an agent. Some airlines even offer tools that allow you to change your flight for free if the change is made well in advance or under specific conditions. If You Belong to a Loyalty Program: If you’re a member of an airline’s frequent flyer program or hold elite status, you may be eligible for fee waivers or reduced charges when changing your flight. Airlines often provide special benefits to their most loyal customers, which can include more flexibility when adjusting travel plans. If you frequently fly with a specific carrier, this can be a valuable perk. Request a Flight Voucher: Some airlines offer the option to receive a flight voucher instead of paying a change fee. These vouchers can be used for future travel, which can be a good alternative if your plans are uncertain. While this option doesn’t give you immediate flexibility, it allows you to use the value of your ticket later, often with fewer restrictions than changing the flight outright. You Might Also Enjoy: Can You Change Your Name on Airline Tickets? Well, It Depends… Minimizing fees If you find yourself needing to change a flight and want to minimize fees, there are several approaches that can help you save money: Call the Airline Early: The sooner you contact the airline about making a change, the better. Airlines are often more willing to accommodate changes without excessive fees if they are made well in advance. For last-minute changes, fees tend to be higher, so reaching out as early as possible can help you avoid the worst charges. Use Airline Credit Cards or Loyalty Points: If you have an airline-branded credit card or accumulated loyalty points, these can sometimes be used to cover change fees or reduce the cost of rebooking. Many airline credit cards offer travel perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, or even a waiver of certain fees, including those for flight changes. It’s worth checking your rewards balance and card benefits before making any changes. Monitor for Schedule Changes: If the airline makes any schedule changes that affect your flight, they may offer you the opportunity to rebook for free or with minimal fees. Always keep an eye on your flight status in the weeks leading up to your departure, as airlines may update schedules for operational reasons. If a significant change occurs, you could be eligible for a free rebooking, which can help you avoid paying a change fee. FAQs: Q: Are change fees refundable if I cancel my flight? A: Change fees are typically non-refundable, even if you cancel your flight. However, if you purchased a refundable ticket, you may be able to get back the fare minus any applicable charges. Check with the airline for their specific refund policies. Q: Can I change my flight to a different airline? A: Generally, you cannot change your flight to a different airline. However, some airlines allow you to cancel and rebook with a partner airline under certain conditions, but this often involves additional fees. Q: How do I know if my flight is eligible for a change fee waiver? A: Eligibility for fee waivers varies by airline and the reason for the change. Common situations like health emergencies or flight cancellations by the airline may qualify, but it’s best to check with the airline directly. Q: Will changing my flight affect my frequent flyer status or miles? A: Changing your flight typically won’t affect your frequent flyer miles or status. However, if you downgrade your ticket class or cancel, you might lose earned miles or have to rebook within specific time frames to retain them. Q: Can I change a non-refundable ticket? A: Yes, non-refundable tickets can usually be changed, but they often come with higher fees and may require paying the difference in fare. Some exceptions may apply based on the airline’s policies. Q: Is there a time frame to change a flight before departure? A: The time frame for changing a flight depends on the airline and ticket type. Many airlines allow changes up to 24 hours before departure, while others may have stricter limits or higher fees for last-minute changes. Q: What should I do if I miss my flight? A: If you miss your flight, contact the airline as soon as possible. They may offer to rebook you on a later flight, though you’ll likely incur a fee. Some airlines offer waivers for missed flights due to unavoidable circumstances. Do you have any tips for avoiding change fees? Tell us about it in the comments below!
