Yes, you can change your flight date, but the rules depend on your airline and ticket type

Most airlines let you move your flight to a different date, but they charge a fee unless your ticket includes free changes. The amount you pay—or whether you pay anything—depends on the airline, how far in advance you book, and what type of ticket you bought. Some airlines waive change fees entirely; others charge $75 to $200 or more. Budget carriers like Spirit and Frontier often charge the highest fees, while full-service airlines like Delta and United have more flexible options if you paid for a higher fare class.

The process itself is straightforward: you contact the airline, request the new date, and they either charge you a fee or let you change for free. If the new flight costs more, you pay the difference. If it costs less, some airlines credit the difference to your account; others do not. Timing matters—changing a flight weeks in advance is usually easier and cheaper than changing it the day before or the day of travel.

Key Takeaways

  • Basic economy and discount tickets usually have a change fee of $75 to $200, while main cabin or premium tickets often allow free changes.
  • You must contact your airline directly through their website, phone line, or app to request a date change—you cannot change it through a third-party booking site.
  • If your new flight costs more, you pay the difference; if it costs less, the airline may credit the difference or keep it depending on their policy.
  • Changing your flight more than 14 days in advance typically costs less or nothing compared to last-minute changes.
  • Some airlines waive change fees during specific situations like weather delays or schedule changes made by the airline itself.

How to find your airline's change policy before you book

Before you buy a ticket, check what the airline charges to change your flight. This information is on the airline's website under "Fare Rules" or "Ticket Terms" before you complete your purchase. Look for phrases like "non-refundable" (usually means a change fee applies) or "fully refundable" (usually means you can change for free). Budget airlines often hide this information deeper in their terms, so read carefully.

The ticket type matters more than the airline. A basic economy ticket on United might have a $75 change fee, while a main cabin ticket on the same flight allows free changes. If you think you might need to move your flight, pay for a higher fare class or look for an airline that includes free changes in your price range. Southwest, for example, includes free changes on all tickets—you just rebook online or by phone at no extra cost.

Steps to change your flight date

Contact your airline directly through their official website, mobile app, or phone number. Do not use the third-party site where you originally booked (like Expedia or Kayak)—those sites cannot process changes. Log into your airline account, find your booking using your confirmation number and last name, and look for a "Manage Booking" or "Change Flight" button.

Select your new date from the available flights. The system will show you whether the new flight costs more or less than your original ticket. If it costs more, you pay the difference when ready. If it costs less, read the airline's policy—some credit the difference to your account as a travel credit, while others keep it. Complete the change and save your new confirmation number.

If you cannot find your booking online or the system will not let you change it, call the airline's customer service line. Have your confirmation number, last name, and date of birth ready. Phone agents can sometimes waive or reduce change fees if you have a good reason (like a medical emergency), though this is not may provide. Budget airlines rarely waive fees over the phone, but it never hurts to ask.

What happens if you change your flight close to departure

Changing your flight the day before or the day of travel usually costs more and gives you fewer options. Many airlines charge a higher change fee for last-minute changes, and fewer seats may be available on the new date. If you are changing on the day of travel, go to the airport and speak to an agent at the ticket counter—they can sometimes process changes faster than the phone line and may have access to flights the website does not show.

If your flight is within 24 hours and you cannot reach customer service online, call the airline when ready. Some airlines have a dedicated phone line for same-day changes. Be prepared to pay a higher fee and accept whatever flight is available, because your options will be limited.

When airlines waive change fees

Airlines waive change fees in specific situations: when the airline itself changes your flight time or cancels it, when severe weather forces a schedule change, or when you have a ticket that includes free changes. Some airlines also waive fees for passengers with elite frequent flyer status or those who purchased premium cabin tickets.

If the airline changed your flight and you want to move to a different date, contact them and explain that they initiated the change. They should let you rebook at no cost. If the airline cancelled your flight, you have the right to a refund or a rebooking on the next available flight at no charge. Keep any emails or messages from the airline about the cancellation or schedule change—you may need them as proof.

Change fees and refunds compared

A change fee lets you move your flight to a new date but keeps your money with the airline. A refund returns your money to your original payment method, but most airline tickets are non-refundable. If your ticket is non-refundable and you cannot use it, changing to a new date is usually your only option to preserve the value of your ticket.

If you paid for a refundable ticket, you can ask for a full refund instead of changing your flight. Refundable tickets cost more upfront but give you more flexibility. Check your ticket type before you contact the airline—if it says "refundable," you have the choice between a refund or a change. If it says "non-refundable," you can only change the date (and pay a fee) or lose the money.

Travel credits and how they work

When you change your flight and the new flight costs less, the airline may issue a travel credit for the difference. This credit is a voucher you can use to book another flight with that airline, usually within one year. The credit is tied to your name and confirmation number, so you cannot transfer it to someone else or sell it.

Travel credits are not the same as refunds. You must use the credit to book a future flight; the airline will not return the money to your bank account. If you do not use the credit before it expires, you lose it. Some airlines allow you to extend the expiration date if you contact them before it runs out, but this varies by airline and is not may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my flight for free?

Yes, if your ticket includes free changes or if the airline made the schedule change. Most basic economy tickets have a change fee of $75 to $200. Southwest includes free changes on all fares. Check your ticket type or airline policy before you book if free changes matter to you.

What if I booked through a travel website like Expedia?

Contact the airline directly, not the travel website. Log into the airline's website or call their customer service line with your confirmation number. Travel websites cannot process changes; they can only help you contact the airline.

Do I have to pay the difference if the new flight is more expensive?

Yes. If your new flight costs more, you pay the difference in addition to any change fee. If it costs less, the airline may credit the difference to your account as a travel credit, depending on their policy.

Can I change my flight if I already checked in?

It depends on the airline and how close you are to departure. If you checked in online but have not arrived at the airport, you can usually change your flight through the airline's website or app. If you are at the airport, go to the ticket counter. If your flight is within a few hours, your options will be very limited.

What if the airline will not let me change my flight?

Some tickets cannot be changed—they are marked as "non-changeable" in the fare rules. If your ticket is non-changeable, your only option is usually a refund if the ticket is refundable, or you lose the money. Call the airline to confirm whether your specific ticket can be changed.