Changing a flight: fees, fare rules and options

What it usually costs to change a flight

Major US airlines removed change fees for most standard Economy and premium-cabin tickets on many routes in 2020. On those tickets you generally pay only the difference in fare if the new flight costs more. If it costs less, the difference is often returned as a travel credit rather than cash.

• Basic Economy fares are the most restrictive. They often cannot be changed at all, or only with a fee. Check the fare rules for your ticket.
• International itineraries and some partner-airline tickets can follow different rules.
• Tickets bought through an agency or booking site may have that company’s own fees and processes on top of the airline’s.

The 24-hour rule

DOT rules require airlines that sell tickets in the US to let you cancel within 24 hours of booking without penalty, or to hold a reservation at the quoted fare for 24 hours, as long as you book at least seven days before departure. If you have just booked and want to change, this can be the cheapest route.

If the airline changed your schedule

When the airline moves your flight, rather than you choosing to change it, different rules apply. If the change is significant (for example, a time change of more than 3 hours domestically or 6 hours internationally) and you do not want to travel on the new schedule, you are entitled to a refund. Smaller changes can often be swapped for a better-timed flight at no cost. Check the options shown in your reservation.

How to make a change

1. Open your reservation in the airline’s app or website and look for “change flight”.
2. Compare the total cost shown, including any fare difference, before you confirm.
3. Check whether any seats, bags or extras you paid for carry over to the new flight.
4. Save the updated itinerary and receipt, and check that the names and dates are correct.

How FlightConnectors can help

If you would rather not work through this alone, an independent specialist can talk you through the options that apply to your ticket, explain the fare rules in plain English and help you decide what to ask the airline for. This is useful when the online tool does not offer the change you need, or when the fare rules are hard to interpret.

We are not the airline and cannot override its decisions, and you can always contact your airline directly at no charge. If our service involves a fee, we explain it before you decide to go ahead.

Common questions

Is there still a change fee?

For most standard Economy and premium tickets on major US airlines there is no change fee on many routes, but you pay any fare difference. Basic Economy and some international fares are exceptions. Your fare rules are the final word.

Can I change to a cheaper flight and get money back?

Often the difference is returned as a travel credit rather than cash. Fully refundable fares are the exception.

Can I change just one leg of a round trip?

Usually yes, but changing one leg can reprice the whole ticket. Check the total before confirming.