Yes, you can change your flight on Expedia, but the airline sets the rules

Expedia lets you change a flight you booked through their site, but Expedia does not decide whether you can do it or what it costs. The airline whose ticket you bought makes that call. Some airlines let you change for free; others charge a fee, require you to rebook within a certain window, or do not allow changes at all. Your first step is to check your airline's policy, not Expedia's.

The change happens in two places: you tell Expedia what you want to do, and Expedia passes the request to the airline. If the airline approves it, Expedia handles the rebooking. If the airline says no, Expedia cannot override that. Understanding this split matters because it explains why some changes go through when ready and others take days or get rejected.

Key Takeaways

  • Expedia can process a flight change, but only if your airline allows it under their specific rules — some airlines charge fees, others do not.
  • You can start a change request through your Expedia account or by calling Expedia customer service, but the airline has the final say.
  • If you change to a cheaper flight, Expedia keeps the price difference as a credit; if you change to a more expensive one, you pay the difference.
  • Basic economy and deeply discounted fares often have stricter change rules or higher fees than standard tickets.
  • The fastest way to change is through your Expedia account online if your airline allows it; phone changes take longer but work when the website does not.

How to change your flight through your Expedia account

Log into your Expedia account and go to "My trips." Find the booking you want to change and click on it. You will see an option to "Change flight" or "Modify" — the exact wording varies. Click that button and Expedia will show you available flights on the same route for different dates and times.

Select the new flight you want. Expedia will then tell you whether there is a price difference. If the new flight costs less, Expedia credits the difference to your account as an Expedia credit (not a refund to your original payment method). If it costs more, you pay the difference right there. After you confirm, Expedia sends the change to the airline.

The airline then has to approve it. This usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, but can take up to 24 hours. You will get an email confirmation once the airline accepts the change. If the airline rejects it, Expedia will tell you why — usually because the airline does not allow changes on that ticket type, or because you are outside the change window.

When you cannot change through the website

Some tickets do not show a "Change flight" button in your Expedia account. This usually means the airline does not allow changes on that fare type, or Expedia's system cannot process it for technical reasons. In either case, you have two options: call Expedia, or contact the airline directly.

Calling Expedia is slower — wait times are often 30 minutes to two hours — but Expedia's agents can sometimes process changes that the website cannot. They can also explain why a change is not possible and tell you what your options are. If Expedia cannot help, the agent will give you the airline's phone number so you can try the airline directly.

Airline change fees and restrictions

Most major U.S. airlines (United, American, Delta, Southwest) waived change fees during the pandemic and have kept that policy for most ticket types. However, basic economy fares often still have restrictions. Some airlines let you change a basic economy ticket for free but charge a fee if you want to change to a different airline. Others do not allow basic economy changes at all.

Budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier typically charge change fees even for standard fares — often $75 to $100 or more. International airlines vary widely. The only way to know for sure is to check your airline's website or call them before you try to change through Expedia.

If your airline charges a change fee, Expedia will show you that fee before you confirm the change. The fee goes to the airline, not to Expedia. Expedia's own service fee (if any) is separate and will also be shown upfront.

What happens to the price difference

If you change to a cheaper flight, Expedia credits the difference to your Expedia account. You can use that credit to book another trip through Expedia, but you cannot get it back as cash. The credit usually stays in your account for one year.

If you change to a more expensive flight, you pay the difference when ready using the same payment method you used for the original booking. If the new flight is significantly more expensive and you do not want to pay the difference, you can cancel the change and keep your original flight.

Changing a flight booked with a third-party site or travel agent

If you booked through Expedia but used a corporate travel account, a travel agent, or a special promotion code, the change process may be different. Some corporate accounts require you to go through the travel agent or your company's travel department instead of Expedia. Call Expedia and have your booking confirmation ready — they will tell you who handles changes for your specific ticket.

If you booked directly with the airline (not through Expedia), you cannot change it through Expedia at all. You have to contact the airline directly or log into the airline's website.

What to do if your change is rejected

If the airline rejects your change request, Expedia will send you an email explaining why. The most common reasons are: the airline does not allow changes on that fare type, you are trying to change within a restricted window (some airlines do not allow changes within 24 hours of departure), or the new flight you selected is no longer available.

If the rejection is because the airline does not allow changes, your only option is to cancel the ticket and rebook. Depending on your airline and fare type, you may get a credit toward a future flight or a refund. If the new flight sold out, try selecting a different flight or a different date.

If you believe the rejection is a mistake, call Expedia and ask an agent to contact the airline on your behalf. Agents sometimes have access to override options or can explain the airline's policy in a way that opens up alternatives.

Changing a flight close to departure

If your flight is within 24 hours, Expedia's website may not let you change it. Call Expedia instead — agents can sometimes process same-day or next-day changes even when the website blocks them. Have your confirmation number and your new preferred flight ready.

Airlines are more likely to reject changes very close to departure because rebooking becomes logistically difficult. If you are within a few hours of departure and the airline rejects your change, your only option is usually to miss the flight and rebook for a later date, though you may lose the ticket value depending on the airline's policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change through Expedia, or can I change directly with the airline?

You can change directly with the airline if you want. Call the airline's customer service number or log into their website. Changing directly sometimes avoids Expedia's system delays, but the airline's rules and fees are the same either way. If you booked through Expedia and want to use an Expedia credit later, changing through Expedia is simpler.

What if I want to change to a completely different route or destination?

Expedia's change tool only shows flights on the same route. If you want a different destination, you have to cancel the original booking and make a new one. Depending on your airline and fare type, you may get a credit or refund from the cancellation. Call Expedia to discuss your options before you cancel.

Can I change my flight more than once?

Yes, as long as your airline allows changes. Each change request goes through the same process. However, if you change multiple times, airline fees can add up. Some airlines also limit how many times you can change a single ticket, so check your airline's policy if you are planning multiple changes.

Will I lose my seat or frequent flyer miles if I change my flight?

Your frequent flyer miles stay attached to your booking and transfer to the new flight. Your seat assignment may change — you might lose a preferred seat and have to select a new one. If you paid extra for a specific seat, check whether that upgrade transfers or if you need to repurchase it.

How long does it take for a flight change to go through?

Most changes process within a few minutes to a few hours. You will get an email confirmation once the airline approves it. If you do not hear back within 24 hours, call Expedia to check the status. Changes made by phone through an agent sometimes take longer because the agent has to manually submit them to the airline.