How To Change Your Travel Date

Two numbers, not one

Most date changes involve a change fee, which comes from the fare rules, and a fare difference, which is the gap between what you paid and what the new flight costs today.

Many airlines have removed change fees on some fare types, but the fare difference nearly always remains. That is why a free change can still cost money.

Timing affects the fare difference more than anything else

Moving to a quieter day of the week or a less popular departure time can reduce the difference substantially. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are often cheaper than Friday and Sunday, though this varies by route.

If your new dates are flexible by a day or two, check each of them rather than only the date you had in mind.

• Check three or four candidate dates before choosing
• Compare morning and evening departures separately
• Look at nearby airports if the route allows it
• Note any deadline in the fare rules for making changes

Same day changes are a different product

Some airlines offer a same day change or standby option, priced separately from a normal change and usually available only within a few hours of departure.

This is worth knowing about if your problem is a few hours rather than a few days, but it is limited to available seats and is not offered on every fare.

Doing it online versus asking

Online change tools are quick but they only show what the system will offer automatically. Complex itineraries, partner airline flights and unusual routings often need a person.

If the online price looks wrong, or the option is missing entirely, ask before assuming it is impossible.

After the change

Confirm you received a new itinerary with a new flight number. Then check seats, checked baggage and any meals or assistance you had arranged.

If you booked accommodation or transport around the original date, change those too. It sounds obvious, but it is the step most often forgotten in the relief of getting the flight sorted.