Photo by Robert S. Donovan
Change might be inevitable, but try telling that to the airlines.
Switching up an itinerary can be a costly affair, with all major U.S. carriers charging at least a $75 fee for domestic flight changes. For the three biggies — Delta, American and United — it’s a flat-out $200 penalty. Add that on top of an increase in fare, and you’re going to end up really shelling out.
But there are ways around paying a change fee, and you don’t have to do anything extreme that will curse you with bad karma, like faking a death in the family. Here are six ways you can sidestep paying a hefty plane ticket change fee, or at least lessen the blow:
Do it within 24 hours. If you immediately regret anything about the itinerary you just booked, cancel your ticket within 24 hours of purchasing and you should get off fee-free. That’s according to a U.S. Department of Transportation regulation and holds for any tickets booked more than a week ahead of the flight. That said, American Airlines is sneaky with this and will allow you to reserve a ticket at a certain fare for 24 hours, but once you pay, you’re locked in.
One caveat: Some experts say a third-party booking is a riskier route to go for this. But some travel sites — Expedia is one — do have a built-in option that allows you to easily cancel within 24 hours.
Do it 60 days ahead of time. That 24-hour window long gone? Well, if you still have a couple months or more before departure, consider making that flight change now. Some airlines, including JetBlue and Alaska, will go easier on you for making any changes at least 60 days in advance. Alaska will let you change for free and JetBlue will only charge about half the regular change penalty.
Buy a flexible fare or opt for the add-on. If you have any sort of hunch when buying your ticket that you might maybe possibly perhaps want or need to change your itinerary down the line, buy a flexible fare or any available add-ons that would make changing less costly. Some airlines have special names for their flexible fares like “Blue Flex” on JetBlue, while others keep it black and white with “refundable” versus “non-refundable” fares. Whatever it’s called, it’ll make it a lot easier and cheaper to switch up a flight later, even if you have pay a little bit more up front. With Allegiant, for example, the Trip Flex service is an extra $8-$20 for a flight and protects you against their $75 change or cancellation fee.
Or if you were already considering it, just buy business/first class. On some airlines, like Virgin America, flight changes are free for that cabin.
Change for a flight on the same day if you can. If the only thing you don’t like about your flight is the departure time but you’re okay with the route and date, make a same-day change, which is a swap for a flight with the same origin and destination that leaves earlier or later on the same date. This is almost always a cheaper change to make, such as $75 versus $200 on United.
Look for any schedule changes. It’s not uncommon for airlines to alter flight details in the months, weeks and days leading up to a flight. They might change the departure time, the aircraft or even switch the carrier (from United to United’s regional Express Jet, for example). Any of these changes could qualify for a full refund — even on what’s technically a non-refundable fare. You’ll have to take it up with the airline and it’ll be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, but stand your ground.
Be aware, too, that the airline won’t always notify you of such changes, especially if they’re slight. Keep checking up on the flight details yourself and document any changes you catch so that you have proof.
Plead your case. Those agents on the other end of the call or other side of the desk at the airport are humans with hearts, too. Even when the rules are spelled out, they still might be able to evaluate your situation individually and make something work. It goes without saying to play nice.
Some things to keep in mind:
Any unexpected, extenuating and dire circumstances like serious illness or accidents should qualify passengers for a full refund, too. According to Airfare Watchdog, though, too many people have faked illness to avoid change fees, so airlines have gotten a lot tougher. But if you’ve got a note from a hospital, you might be able to avoid the fee.
Elite status helps. Some airlines, including Alaska and United, spell out their policies regarding the status threshold fliers have to be above in order to dodge change fees. But even if you’re not quite at that status, it’s wise to mention your standing and allegiance to the airline and see how far it gets you.
Another option if you’re really a non-committal flier and don’t want to be penalized for it: Book with Southwest from the get-go. Sweet, considerate Southwest has no checked bag fees and no ticket change fees.