Category: Date Change Policy

Date Change Policy of Airlines

When booking a flight, it is important to understand the airline’s date change policy. Knowing the policy can impact your travel plans and budget. Airlines have varying rules and fees associated with changing the date of your flight, and these policies are typically outlined in the terms and conditions when you purchase your ticket.

Flexible vs. Non-Flexible Tickets

Most airlines, with a few minor variations, sell their tickets in two major categories: flexible and non-flexible. Flexible tickets allow passengers to change their travel dates with minimal or no fee, depending on the fare class. In their prices, flexible tickets normally are more expensive; however, they grant peace of mind in case something undiscovered comes up. Non-flexible tickets are cheaper but often have higher change fees, sometimes not allowing changes at all.

Date Change Fees and Penalties

The airlines vary in their policies on how much it will cost to change the date of a flight. It really depends on the airline, type of ticket purchased, and proximity to the departure date when requesting a change. Some airlines charge a flat rate for changes, while others may apply the difference in fare along with a service fee. For example, the low-cost carriers are less forgiving in their policies and more expensive to make the choices some full-service carriers will allow at least for their frequent flyers.

How to Change Your Flight Date

You can directly contact the airline through their website, mobile application, or customer service line for changing your flight date. Keep your booking reference ready with you and remember that many airlines have strict rules for the modification date drawing closer to the date of departure.