The vast majority like to view their schedule as locked when the tickets purchased but things certainly happen. However, in the event that circumstances dictate some drastic action, and there are alterations that should be made, there are a few ways before capitulating and paying a change fee. The industry average is about $200, so consider every option before giving into highway robbery.

  • If you just purchased the ticket, there's an automatic 24-hour full discount policy for all North American carriers. This is a requirement organized by the Department of Transportation, which as opposed to public belief, looks out for consumers. This additionally applies to tickets booked through third-party travel offices like Priceline, Orbitz and Expedia.
  • In some cases, carrier can change the flight schedule to the point where it's inconvenient for the traveller. Regardless of the possibility that it's not badly arranged, affirmed travellers can in some cases work this to their favor. This plays out particularly well when explorers purchase direct through the carrier.
  • Look into same-day change rules. Same-day changes are essentially change fees that most travellers can't make until the latest possible time. They aren't the regular change fee in the run of the typical sense: for instance, they're unrealistic to make till usually no less than 24 hours out before a flight. Every carrier policy is distinctive. They are generally much lessened charges and can be as low as $25 compared with the ordinary $200 change fee however has significantly less flexibility than a usual change fee.
  • Special exceptions do apply. In the event of emergency, uncommon rules apply. By crisis qualified reasons like life or death circumstances or even as essential as being legally required to appear for jury obligation. Airlines aren't heartless however it requires some sort of documentation.
  • If all else fails, fly standby. Standby isn't free however it is a valid alternative, particularly when a same-day change isn't in accessible in a substantial fare class. The standby charge is frequently a similar expense to the same-day charge so there's no real advantage to going standby.