Is it expensive to change a flight?

Many airlines have currently waived change fees for economy fares and higher, but still require change fees for basic economy fares. These fees can range from $25 to $100+, depending on the airline's policy.



In 2026, the cost of changing a flight is highly dependent on the "48-Hour Look-in Rule" and your fare class. Under new DGCA and global consumer protections enacted in early 2026, many airlines now allow one free change within 48 hours of booking, provided the flight is at least 7-15 days away. Outside of this window, "Basic Economy" tickets typically carry heavy fees ranging from $100 to $400 for international routes, plus the "Fare Difference" (the cost between your old and new seat). However, "Main Cabin" and "Flex" fares on carriers like Delta, United, and British Airways have largely eliminated change fees, requiring you to pay only the fare difference. In 2026, the real "expense" often comes from that fare difference rather than the penalty fee itself; moving a flight from a Tuesday to a Friday can often double the total ticket price, making "flight insurance" or "flexible fare bundles" a much smarter financial move for the modern traveler.

People Also Ask

Can you reschedule a flight? Yes, you can reschedule or cancel a flight. However, you may need to pay a change or cancellation fee depending on the airline you booked with and the fare class of your ticket. Luckily during Covid-19, many airlines have reduced change fees or waived them altogether.

MORE DETAILS

Every major U.S. airline (except Southwest Airlines) typically charges penalty fees to change or cancel an economy fare flight. The fees, however, can vary from as low as $75 on a domestic flight to more than $400 on an international flight.

MORE DETAILS

It's consistent with that business model that except for those passengers who have purchased a high-priced flexi fare, changing your flight booking involves a fee, and the less you paid for your seat, the higher the charge.

MORE DETAILS

Plane tickets usually don't get cheaper closer to the departure date. Flights tend to be the most inexpensive when you book between four months and three weeks before your departure date. According to the CheapAir 2019 Annual Airfare Study, you can expect rates to go up after that period.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, you can reschedule or cancel a flight. However, you may need to pay a change or cancellation fee depending on the airline you booked with and the fare class of your ticket. Luckily during Covid-19, many airlines have reduced change fees or waived them altogether.

MORE DETAILS

A simple way to change or cancel a flight without paying a fee is to do so within 24 hours of booking. After this window, the next option is to wait to see if the airline makes a change to the flight — the departure time, the aircraft, etc. — which will automatically grant you a refund if you change or cancel.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, you can make changes to your flight up until 10 minutes before scheduled departure time, even if you've already checked in. If you're changing to a flight within 24 hours, be sure to check in for your new flight after you make the change.

MORE DETAILS

Canceling a nonrefundable fare will result in an eCredit for the full amount paid (minus any cancellation fees, depending on fare type and route). However, if you cancel a refundable ticket, you'll get the amount paid refunded back to your original form of payment.

MORE DETAILS

Depending on the airline, travelers may be charged a rebooking fee to get on another flight. Some airlines may also charge the difference in airfare — meaning a missed flight can be a costly inconvenience.

MORE DETAILS

Schedule Change/Significant Delay - A consumer is entitled to a refund if the airline made a significant schedule change and/or significantly delays a flight and the consumer chooses not to travel. DOT has not specifically defined what constitutes a “significant delay.”

MORE DETAILS

The recommended layover time for domestic flights is normally one hour. However, as previously stated, you may require longer if your flights are booked with two different airlines, if you are traveling to a very busy airport or if you require special assistance.

MORE DETAILS

You can't change your reservation online once you've checked in. Contact Reservations for assistance. If you're unable to make your flights, contact Reservations prior to your flight's departure to retain the value of your ticket. Charges or penalties may apply for changes, depending on the fare paid for the ticket.

MORE DETAILS

The charges airlines can make for changing your booking can vary from around £50 - £160. The amount will depend on the airline you are travelling with and the type of change or amendment you are requesting. In addition to any fees, you may also be charged an agent fee (if you booked through an agent).

MORE DETAILS

The 24-hour rule is a regulation from the US Department of Transportation that says airlines must offer either free 24-hour price hold (so you can lock in the price and purchase within 24 hours) or free cancellation for 24 hours.

MORE DETAILS

Timing plays an important part. Specifically, plane tickets usually don't get cheaper closer to the departure date. Instead, flights tend to be the most inexpensive when you book between four months and three weeks before your departure date.

MORE DETAILS

There's no sugarcoating it: Airfare is expensive. And while waiting until the last minute might sound like a good idea, it typically is cheaper to book your flights in advance. We are seeing fewer last-minute deals than in years past, especially when it comes to flights, a Kayak spokesperson tells Travel + Leisure.

MORE DETAILS

International flights originating in the U.S. If you're flying on a Basic Economy ticket, you can't change your flight unless you upgrade to Economy or a premium cabin first. International flights that don't originate in the U.S. can be changed but change fees still apply.

MORE DETAILS