Figuring out how to change flight times and dates can be a hassle, so we’ve done the research for you. Read on to discover how to change your flight with these major airlines.
Purchasing tickets a month or two in advance can save money, but what if something changes before the day of your flight? Or, what if you arrive in the country, fall in love with the area, and decide to stay for an extra two weeks?
If you want to live your life spontaneously, you’ll need a way to quickly and affordably change flight schedules.
The small print
If you’re based in the United States, and you bought a ticket more than a week in advance, then you’ll be able to change your flight for free within 24 hours of purchase. This is a regulation set by the U.S. Department of Transportation Services.
When you purchase your tickets, you’ll usually have the option of buying refundable versus non-refundable. Most people tend to buy the non-refundable variety as these are usually cheaper. However, there are often fees if you change your travel plans.
Refundable tickets are more expensive, but they’re ideal for people who prefer to be spontaneous with their travels. Most airlines offer their own tier system for ticket varieties.
How to change your flight
When it comes to changing a flight schedule, every airline is different. It’s wise to do some research on the airline you plan on flying with to see what their procedures are for travel changes.
There might be variances in the procedures, but here are a few basic steps you’ll need to follow to change your flight.
Visit the airline’s website
All airlines have an online portal, which allows guests to log in with their flight information. Even if you booked through a third party, the quickest and easiest way to change your ticket is still directly through the airline website.
Your travel agent or booking agency will likely charge an additional fee on top of the airline’s fee to change your flight for you, but this isn’t always the case. When in doubt, the best thing you can do is ask.
If you want to change your flight yourself, you’ll need your electronic ticket number, which should be listed on the itinerary you were sent after buying your ticket. You may also need a confirmation number. Once you’re logged in, you’ll need to bring up your itinerary and look for a button or link that allows you to make changes.
Adjust your travel plan
If you plan to change your flight to a later time, it’s more affordable to adjust than it is to cancel and buy a new ticket.
If you don’t see a way to change your flight, you’ll need to contact a representative from the airline to help you. Most airlines allow you to make changes for an affordable fee, but keep in mind you’ll also have to pay the difference between the cost of your current ticket and the new price.
Changing a flight by airline
British Airways
The British Airways change flight rules are reasonable.
- If you bought a regular ticket that allows for changes with a charge, and you’re willing to make the changes using the airline’s website, the cost will be 10 USD.
- If you want to make changes by contacting the airline’s call center and having a representative help you, the cost will be 25 USD.
Air France
If you purchased an Air France change flight ticket, you won’t pay any additional fees. If your new flight is cheaper than your current flight, the airline will reimburse you.
- If you bought a regular ticket through the airline, your cost for adjustment will be 20 USD to 25 USD.
- If you got your ticket through a travel or booking agency, your cost for adjustment will be 30 USD to 35 USD.
Jetblue
The Jetblue change flight details are pretty clear. The airline offers a tiered ticket system, and each tier requires a different price to change the ticket.
If you bought a Blue or Blue Plus ticket and your fare was:
- Under 100 USD, you’ll pay 75 USD plus the difference.
- Between 100 USD and 149.99 USD, you’ll pay 100 USD plus the difference.
- Between 150 USD and 199.99 USD, you’ll pay 150 USD plus the difference.
- Over 200 USD, you’ll pay 200 USD plus the difference.
If you bought a Blue Flex ticket, you’ll pay the difference in fare only.
If you bought any Mint ticket, which is JetBlue’s premium option, you’ll always pay 200 USD plus the difference regardless of your original ticket price.
Thai Airways
To change a basic flight on Thai Airways, you’ll pay a service fee of 22.07 USD. More Thai Airways change flight details can be found on their website.
Qatar
If you’re a member of Qatar’s Burgundy or Silver Club, and you’d like to change your ticket:
- More than 24 hours before departure, you’ll pay 25 USD.
- Less than 24 hours before departure, you’ll pay 100 USD.
If you aren’t a member of Qatar, and you’d like to change your flight, your fee will depend on the variety and cost of your initial ticket. Please visit the website for more Qatar change flight information.
Etihad
The cost of changing an Etihad flight depend on where you booked the ticket, how you booked the ticket, and where you’d like to make the changes. To learn more Etihad change flight details, check out the handy calculator offered by the airline.
Singapore Airlines
If you want to change the date or time of your flight with Singapore Airlines, and you purchased:
- A SAVER ticket, you’ll pay 25 USD.
- An ADVANTAGE ticket, you won’t pay anything.
If you want to change the route of your flight, and you purchased:
- A SAVER ticket, you’ll pay 25 USD.
- An ADVANTAGE ticket, you’ll pay 25 USD.
For more Singapore Airlines change flight details, visit the website.
Some airlines, such as Emirates, don’t post the costs for changing a flight online. However, from what we can tell, Emirates operates similarly to the other airlines. For more information on Emirates change flight details, please contact the airline directly.
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