How to Change an Airline Ticket Without Losing Money
Change fees vary from zero to over 400 dollars. Here is how to change a ticket the right way, whether you booked with a US carrier or a European low-cost airline.
Changing an airline ticket is not one process. It depends on the fare rules, the airline, and how much time you have before departure. A last-minute change on a Basic Economy ticket from Delta can cost as much as buying a new one, while a flexible Emirates fare might let you rebook for free up until departure.
First, check your fare rules
Every ticket has a fare basis code, usually printed on the confirmation email. The rules attached to that code decide whether changes are allowed, how much they cost, and whether the fare difference is refundable.
US legacy carriers like United, Delta, and American removed change fees on most Main Cabin tickets in 2020, but Basic Economy fares are still non-changeable. In Europe, Ryanair charges 45 to 75 euros per change plus fare difference, while KLM and Lufthansa follow the fare family they were sold under.
The three ways to change a ticket
You can change online through the airline's manage booking page, by calling customer service, or through the travel agency or website that issued the ticket.
Online is almost always cheapest and fastest. Call centre agents sometimes add a service fee of 25 dollars or more. If you booked through Expedia or a similar site, you must go through them for schedule change waivers - the airline will usually refuse.
When the airline changes your flight
If the airline reschedules your flight by more than a few hours, most carriers allow a free change to another flight on the same route or a full refund, even on non-refundable tickets. This is a schedule change or significant change waiver.
Rules on what counts as significant vary. American Airlines uses 4 hours, Lufthansa uses 2, and British Airways handles it case by case. Ask specifically for the schedule change policy.
What to do if you booked with points
Award tickets have their own change rules. United, Delta, and American no longer charge award change or redeposit fees for elite members or on most awards. British Airways Avios changes cost 35 pounds. Airline points programs vary widely, so always check the program's own award rules page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change just one passenger on a multi-passenger booking?
Usually yes, but the airline treats it as a change to that passenger's ticket only, with fees applied per passenger changed.
What if I bought travel insurance?
Standard trip insurance does not cover changing your mind. Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrades typically refund 50 to 75 percent if used at least 48 hours before departure.
Does 24 hour cancellation apply?
In the US, DOT rules require airlines to allow free cancellation within 24 hours of booking, provided the flight is at least 7 days away. This applies even to Basic Economy.
In summary
If you take one thing from this guide, it's this: the more prepared you are before you travel, the fewer decisions you have to make when you're tired and jet-lagged. Bookmark this page and check the update date before your next trip.
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