The Complete Guide to Changing Your Flight Ticket: Policies, Fees & Step-by-Step Instructions

Travel is exciting, but it doesn’t always go as planned. Maybe a business meeting shifts, a family event comes up, or you spot a better travel option after booking. Whatever the reason, the ability to **change your flight ticket** is essential for modern travelers.

The process can feel confusing — every airline has different rules, fees, and policies. Some tickets allow free changes, while others charge hundreds of dollars. This guide provides a **comprehensive overview of flight change policies in the U.S. and Canada**, showing you exactly how to update your booking, what it costs, and how to get credits or refunds if needed.

Why Travelers Need to Change Flights

Changing flights is more common than ever. Typical reasons include:

Personal emergencies – illness, family needs, childcare changes.

Work schedule changes – last-minute meetings, extended business trips.

Better deals or convenience – realizing a different flight is cheaper or better timed.

Missed connections – delays causing you to miss your original flight.

Airline schedule changes – when airlines adjust departure times, forcing you to rebook.

Whatever the reason, understanding **change flight policies** helps you avoid unnecessary stress and unexpected costs.

How to Change a Flight Ticket

There are three main ways to change your flight:

1. Change Online (Most Convenient)

Almost every major airline offers online modifications. Here’s the process:

• Go to the airline’s **official website** or mobile app.

• Navigate to Manage Booking or My Trips.

• Enter your reservation number and last name.

• Select the flight you want to change.

• Choose your new preferred date, time, or destination (if allowed).

• Review fare differences and possible change fees.

• Confirm and pay (if applicable).

Within minutes, you’ll receive a new itinerary by email.

2. Change by Phone

If you prefer assistance — or if your booking is complex — call the **airline reservation number** or **airline helpline number**. A customer service agent can:

• Explain fare rules

• Help find available alternatives

• Waive fees if special circumstances apply (medical, military, weather)

• Process the new booking directly

Keep your booking reference or flight reservation number handy for a faster process.

3. Change at the Airport Counter

For last-minute needs, you can go directly to the **airline booking desk**. Agents there can:

• Rebook you on the next available flight
• Offer same-day standby options
• Help during delays or missed connections

However, availability is limited, so calling in advance is often better.

U.S. & Canadian Passenger Rights for Flight Changes

Before looking at specific airlines, here are the baseline rules you should know:

U.S. DOT 24-Hour Rule

If you booked your flight **at least 7 days before departure**, you can **change or cancel within 24 hours of booking** at no cost.

Airline-Initiated Changes

If the airline changes your flight schedule significantly (e.g., departure shifts by several hours), you are entitled to:

• A free rebooking on another available flight, or

• A refund if the new option doesn’t work for you.

Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR)

Under Canada’s rules:

• If a flight change is due to the airline’s control, passengers must be rebooked at no cost.

• If no suitable alternative exists, passengers may request a refund.

• Airlines must notify passengers of changes promptly.

Airline Policies for Changing Flights

Let’s break down **major U.S. and Canadian airline policies**, so you know what to expect.

American Airlines (U.S.)

Standard Tickets (Main Cabin and above): No change fees. You only pay the fare difference.

Basic Economy: Generally non-changeable, but some exceptions apply with added flexibility programs.

Same-Day Flight Change: Available for a fee (waived for elite members).

Delta Air Lines (U.S.)

Main Cabin and above: No change fees for U.S. domestic flights and most international routes.

Basic Economy: Not eligible for changes.

Same-Day Changes: Allowed for a fee, subject to availability.

United Airlines (U.S.)

Standard Fares (excluding Basic Economy):No change fees. Fare difference applies.

Basic Economy: No changes allowed.

Same-Day Change: Option available for a reduced fee.

Southwest Airlines (U.S.)

**All Fares: No change fees — you only pay the fare difference if applicable.

Refundable Fares: Fully refundable if canceled.

Wanna Get Away Fares: Non-refundable but reusable as travel credit.

Alaska Airlines (U.S.)

Saver Fares: Non-changeable (except within 24 hours of booking).

Main & First Class: No change fees; fare difference applies.

Same-Day Confirmed Change: Available for \$25–\$50.

Air Canada

Standard Fares:

Flex, Latitude, Premium Economy, Business Class: More flexibility; Latitude is fully changeable without fees.

Refundable Fares: Changes allowed anytime.

WestJet

Basic Fares: No changes allowed.

Econo, Premium, Business Fares: Change fees apply (\$50–\$200 depending on route and timing).

Refundable Fares: Fully flexible.

Porter Airlines

Basic Porter Fares: Non-changeable.

Flexible Fares: Changes allowed with moderate fees.

Refundable Fares: Fully changeable at no cost.

International Airlines Popular with U.S. & Canadian Travelers

British Airways

• Most tickets allow changes for a fee.

• Basic fares may not allow changes.

• Refundable fares provide full flexibility.

Emirates

Saver fares: Limited changes, often with high fees.

Flex and Flex Plus: Fully changeable without heavy penalties.

Qatar Airways

Refundable tickets: Free changes.

Non-refundable tickets: Changes allowed for a fee.

Changes can often be processed online.

Lufthansa

Economy Saver: Changes not permitted.

Economy Flex and higher: Changes allowed with fees or fare difference.

Fees for Changing Flights

Typical airline flight change fees are:

• U.S. Major Carriers: \$0 for most standard fares, except Basic Economy.

• Canadian Carriers: \$50–\$200 depending on fare class and timing.

• International Airlines: \$100–\$300 on average, unless refundable.

Always check your specific **fare rules** before booking if you need flexibility.

Pro Tips to Save Money on Flight Changes

• Book Directly with Airlines – Third-party sites often have stricter change rules.

• Use Travel Insurance – Covers changes due to illness, emergencies, or delays.

• Choose Flexible Fares – More expensive upfront but cheaper long-term.

• Call Customer Service – Agents sometimes waive fees in special circumstances.

• Check for Airline Waivers – Airlines often relax change policies during major events like hurricanes or global disruptions.

Step-by-Step: Applying for a Flight Change Refund or Credit

• Log into the airline’s site or call their reservation number.

• Select Change Flight.

• Review the new fare difference and fees.

• Confirm whether you’ll receive a refund, eCredit, or voucher.

• Save all email confirmations and receipts.

Common FAQs

Changing a flight used to be a stressful, expensive process. But in recent years, **U.S. and Canadian airlines have relaxed their policies**, making it easier and more affordable to adjust travel plans.

Key takeaways:

U.S. Airlines (Delta, United, American, Southwest, Alaska) → No change fees for most fares.

Canadian Airlines (Air Canada, WestJet, Porter) → Change fees still apply for many fare classes.

International Airlines → Flexibility depends heavily on fare type.

Whenever possible, book directly with the airline, know your fare rules, and keep the **airline reservation phone number** handy in case of emergencies.

Need to **change your flight ticket** today? Log into your airline’s website or call the **airline helpline number** to explore available options, credits, or refunds. Acting early gives you more choices, saves money, and keeps your travel stress-free.s