Flight Change Assistance: Dates, Fees and Rules
Most changes come down to three questions: what does your fare allow, is there a fee or fare difference, and how much time is left before departure. If you want help with your own booking, call 1-855-365-0395.
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At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Key question | Does my fare allow changes at all? |
| What may apply | A fare difference, a fee on some fares, or neither |
| Timing | Earlier is usually easier than same-day |
| Next step | Open Manage Trip and test the new date |
| Help line | 1-855-365-0395 |
Fee or fare difference
A fee is a separate charge for changing. A fare difference is the extra amount when the new flight is higher than the old one. Many standard fares have no change fee, but the fare difference can still apply. Entry-level fares may not allow changes at all. See fees and fare restrictions.
If the airline made the change
That is a different situation with different protections. Read airline schedule change assistance.
Step by step
- Find the fare name on your receipt.
- Search the new date or flight in Manage Trip.
- Compare old and new, including any fare difference.
- Confirm and check the new itinerary and names.
How major airlines handle flight changes
Fare names and rules differ by airline and change often. Use these notes as a starting point and confirm your own fare.
Delta Air Lines
Main Cabin and higher fares are generally more flexible than Basic Economy. For flight changes, what you can do still depends on your fare, so confirm it before you decide.
American Airlines
Its Basic Economy fare is usually the most restricted option. For flight changes, check the rules attached to your own fare on American Airlines’s website or app.
United Airlines
Standard economy and above generally allow more changes than Basic Economy. For flight changes, what you can do still depends on your fare, so confirm it before you decide.
Southwest Airlines
Its Basic fare (one of four: Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred and Choice Extra) is usually the most restricted option. For flight changes, check the rules attached to your own fare on Southwest Airlines’s website or app.
Alaska Airlines
Saver fares are the most restricted, while main cabin fares are more flexible. For flight changes, what you can do still depends on your fare, so confirm it before you decide.
JetBlue Airways
Its Blue Basic fare is usually the most restricted option. For flight changes, check the rules attached to your own fare on JetBlue Airways’s website or app.
Air Canada
Flights to, from or within Canada may also fall under Canadian passenger protection rules. For flight changes, what you can do still depends on your fare, so confirm it before you decide.
Lufthansa
Its entry-level economy fare is usually the most restricted option. For flight changes, check the rules attached to your own fare on Lufthansa’s website or app.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming no change fee means no extra amount.
- Changing only one leg without checking the rest.
- Skipping the review of the new itinerary.
Questions people ask
Is every ticket changeable?
No. Check your fare.
Can I change within 24 hours?
Often, for qualifying direct bookings. See the 24-hour rule.
What if I bought on a travel site?
Changes generally go through that seller.
Ready to sort this out?
Call the travel assistance line and have your confirmation code and travel dates ready.
Call 1-855-365-0395Independent travel assistance line. Not an airline phone number.
Independent information service. VerdictSpot Travel Help is not an airline and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any airline. Airline names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the topics covered. Airline rules change often; confirm current terms for your own ticket. You can also manage many bookings yourself on the airline’s own website or app. If you call, ask the agent to explain any service fee before you agree to anything.