Airline change fees are complicated, inconsistent, and generally frustrating for anyone who has the desire to adjust their flight schedule. If you have ever tried to make a change to your flight, odds are you were presented with a fee with a combination of change fees along with fare adjustments. Most major US airlines have made changing flights very difficult and expensive. In many cases it is cheaper to buy another ticket then use the one you already have and switch flights.
Frankly, these policies are ridiculous, but the airlines do generate millions of dollars in extra revenue by gouging their passengers in situations where they need to make a change. Because of the revenue, it is unlikely that airlines will be dropping these fees anytime soon.
One airline that has bucked the trend in change fees is Southwest Airlines. Southwest has a policy of not charging passengers additional change fees for flight changes. If you want to make a flight change then you can adjust your ticket for the cost of the different fare. Many times, there will be no fee for passengers changing flights. If you book with Southwest, you should be able to make changes easily and with minimal cost. For those passengers who are flying almost all other airlines, the fees will usually apply.
Thankfully, there are many ways for passengers to get around the fees. Enforcement of the fees is wildly inconsistent depending on the airline representative that you work with to make the change. There are also circumstances where the airline will make things much easier for travelers to make changes.
Buy A Refundable Ticket
While refundable tickets are pretty rare these days, you can still find them if you look hard for them. Refundable tickets will allow passengers to make changes for no fees, and of course they are also fully refundable if you decide not to fly. Refundable tickets are usually much more expensive than general fares that are non-refundable, but this is your best option if you need flexibility.
24 Hour Flexibility
Most airlines will allow you to get a full refund on a ticket if you decide to cancel within 24 hours of booking. Check the fare rules closely to make sure the rule applies to your fare. This option may not be available for fares purchased close to the departure date.
Travel Waivers
Airlines will place travel waivers in place for many situations that may impact their operations. Travel waivers can be implemented for impending weather events, natural disasters, civil unrest, and airport conditions that may impact air travel to destinations. If your travel is impacted by a travel waiver then you should be able to make changes to travel with no fees. Just contact your airline for changes and travel waiver information.
Same Day Changes
Making changes to travel may be easier and cheaper on the actual day of travel. Same day changes usually need to be made at the airport. You can show up at the airline counter to check to see if they have available flights to your destination earlier than your scheduled flight.
Oversale Changes
If you find out that you are booked on an oversold flight then the airline is likely to offer you a free change to a different flight that is more convenient for you. Volunteering to be moved early is your best chance to get a change made. You can call the airline to see if they need volunteers or if your flight is oversold.
HUCA- Hang Up Call Again
You may have found out that airline employees will deliver a wide variety of answers to the same questions. Some airline representatives know the airline policies and will enforce them, most do not, and others will create a policy on the spot to make their jobs easier. In short, if you don’t get the answer you want, talk with someone else. After a few tries you may get what you were looking for. No industry is as inconsistent as the airline industry when it comes to policy, so it’s worth seeking out someone that will help you out.
While changing may pose a dilemma to travelers in a world full of change fees, there are still ways to make changes without shelling out a ton of cash. Taking some time to explore your options can save you some money when you need to make adjustments.
All images are from my personal photo collection and were taken by me.
