Booking flights in advance offers convenience and often cheaper fares, but life can be unpredictable. Whether due to unforeseen circumstances or changing plans, it may be necessary to change flight dates after purchase.
In this guide, we explore the possibility of changing flight dates after purchase and provide insight into the process.
Check airline policies
Before looking at the process of changing flight dates, it’s important to understand the policies of the airline you’re flying with. Airlines have different rules and regulations regarding ticket changes, including:
- fees
- eligibility criteria
- restrictions.
Flexible fare options
Some airlines offer flexible fare options that allow passengers to change their flight dates with minimal or no penalty. These fares are usually more expensive, but offer greater flexibility, making them ideal for travellers with uncertain plans.
Restrictions on basic fares
Conversely, basic economy or discount fares often come with stricter restrictions on changes, including limited or no flexibility to change flight dates. Passengers booking these fares should be prepared for potential fees and restrictions if they need to change their travel dates.
Check ticket terms and conditions
Checking the terms and conditions of your ticket is crucial to understanding your options for changing flight dates. Pay attention to any penalties, deadlines or restrictions outlined in the fare rules, as these will determine the feasibility and cost of changing your booking.
Timing considerations
The timing of your rebooking request can have a significant impact on the process and associated fees. Airlines may charge higher fees for changes made closer to the departure date, particularly within the 24 to 48 hour window before the scheduled flight.
The process for changing flight dates
Once you’ve familiarised yourself with the airline’s policies and conditions, you can begin the process of changing your flight dates. This usually involves contacting the airline directly, either via their website, mobile app or customer service hotline.
Online rebooking tools
Many airlines offer online tools or portals that allow passengers to change their bookings independently. These platforms often allow users to change flight dates, select alternative flights and pay any associated fees online.
Customer service assistance
Passengers can seek assistance from the airline’s customer service representatives to change their flight dates. This may involve contacting the airline’s call centre or visiting a ticket counter at the airport for face-to-face assistance.
Documentation and confirmation
Throughout the rebooking process, it’s important to keep track of any documentation, correspondence or confirmation numbers provided by the airline. This will ensure clarity and peace of mind regarding the changes made to your booking.
Which airlines allow to change a flight date after purchase?
Several airlines offer options to change flight dates after purchase, albeit with varying degrees of flexibility and associated fees. Here are a few examples:
- Delta Air Lines: Delta offers flexible ticket options, including Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Delta Comfort+, and Delta One, each with different change policies. Passengers can modify their flight dates for a fee, which varies depending on the fare type and destination.
- United Airlines: United Airlines allows passengers to change their flight dates for a fee, with the amount depending on factors such as the fare type, route, and time until departure. United also offers flexible fare options, such as Economy Flexible, which permit changes with reduced or waived fees.
- American Airlines: American Airlines offers various fare options, including Basic Economy, Main Cabin, and Premium Economy, each with different change policies. Passengers can change their flight dates for a fee, with the amount determined by factors such as the fare type, route, and time until departure.
- Southwest Airlines: Southwest Airlines stands out for its unique policy of no change fees. Passengers can change their flight dates or even cancel their bookings without penalty, and the fare difference, if any, is applied to future travel as a travel credit.
- JetBlue Airways: JetBlue allows passengers to change their flight dates for a fee, with the amount depending on factors such as the fare type, route, and time until departure. JetBlue also offers flexible fare options, such as Blue Flex, which permit changes with reduced or waived fees.
- Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines offers flexible ticket options, including Saver, Main, and First Class fares, each with different change policies. Passengers can change their flight dates for a fee, with the amount varying based on factors such as the fare type and time until departure.
- British Airways: British Airways provides options to change flight dates after purchase, with fees and policies varying depending on the fare type, route, and time until departure. Passengers can modify their bookings online or through customer service channels.
You should review the specific policies of each airline and fare type before purchasing tickets to understand the options available for changing flight dates and any associated fees or restrictions. Please keep in mind, airlines may update their policies periodically, so you should check for the latest information at the time of booking.
