Roberta Aguirre
Making changes to a reservation at the airport is possible, but the options available to you may vary depending on the airport and the airline you are travelling with. Some airlines, such as American Airlines, allow you to make changes or cancel your trip online or at the airport within 24 hours of purchasing your ticket, provided you bought it at least two days before departure. Other airlines, like Alaska Airlines, offer same-day confirmed flight changes during the check-in window, which can be requested online, through their mobile app, or by speaking to an airport customer service agent. Additionally, some airports offer reservation systems for security screening, such as DEN Reserve at Denver International Airport and MSP Reserve at MSP Airport, which allow passengers to skip the line and pre-book their screening time. These reservation systems often have limited slots, so it is recommended to book in advance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Changes to reservation | Possible, but may incur additional costs |
| Time limit for changes | 24 hours from the time of buying the ticket |
| Changes | Departure or arrival airport, date, or both |
| Changes for trips originating in Europe | Allowed with a fee, except for Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania |
| DEN Reserve | Available from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| DEN Reserve appointments | Can be made up to three days before the flight |
| DEN Reserve slots | Available one to four hours before the scheduled flight departure time |
| CLEAR+ Lane | Requires membership |
| CLEAR+ membership | Provides faster and easier airport security at 59 airports |
| CLEAR RESERVE | Requires booking your spot ahead of time |
| Same-day flight changes | Possible with Alaska Airlines for a fee |
| Same-day flight changes with Alaska Airlines | Request during online check-in, via the app, by talking to an airport agent, or by calling |
| MSP RESERVE | Available at Terminal 1 from 3:45 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. and at Terminal 2 from 3:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| MSP RESERVE appointments | Can be made up to seven days before the flight |
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What You'll Learn
Same-day flight changes
American Airlines, for example, allows same-day confirmed changes on select flights for a fee, with some exceptions. Customers can also stand by for an earlier flight at no charge, but only AAdvantage status members can stand by for a later flight on the same day. Same-day confirmed changes and standby are subject to availability. Seat selection is not available while requesting a flight change. Requests can be made online, via the app, or by asking a team member at the ticket counter or gate.
Alaska Airlines also offers same-day confirmed flight changes for a fee, if seats are available. The fee varies depending on the route, with nonstop travel between certain cities costing less. Same-day confirmed changes must be requested during the check-in window for the original flight, and the new flight must depart on the same calendar day. Requests can be made during online or mobile app check-in, by talking to an airport customer service agent, or by calling Alaska Airlines reservations. Select guests qualify for waived same-day confirmed change fees, and customers with refundable tickets may request flight changes at any time for no change fee.
It's worth noting that some airlines may waive fees if your original flight is delayed, oversold, or affected by predicted bad weather. Refundable fares are typically eligible for same-day confirmed and standby travel at no additional cost. Additionally, purchasing a cheaper flight with the intention of changing to a more desirable same-day flight is a strategy used by some travellers.
When making same-day flight changes, it's important to be aware of any additional costs, restrictions, and exceptions that may apply. While some airlines offer flexibility, it's always a good idea to review the specific policies and procedures of your chosen airline.
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Cancelling your reservation
When cancelling a reservation, you may have the option to request a refund or use the value of your ticket for future travel. If you are eligible for a refund, the process may vary depending on the payment method used for the original purchase. For example, if you paid with a credit card, you may need to contact the airline's reservation sales department or submit a refund request form. Some airlines also offer the option to cancel and make changes online through their website or mobile app.
It is important to note that cancellation policies can differ based on the type of fare you have purchased. Basic economy fares, for instance, often have stricter policies and may not allow changes or cancellations. In some cases, you may be able to cancel without a fee within a certain timeframe, typically 24 hours after booking. After this period, cancellation fees may apply, and the amount can vary depending on how far in advance you cancel your reservation.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that some airports offer reservation systems for security checks, such as DEN Reserve at Denver International Airport. These systems allow travellers to pre-book a time slot for their security screening, helping to reduce wait times. Changes or cancellations to these reservations can often be made through the airport's website or mobile app, but it is recommended to review their specific policies.
Lastly, trip insurance is another factor to consider when cancelling a reservation. Trip cancellation coverage may provide a refund for prepaid, non-refundable payments if you cancel for a covered reason, such as an illness or injury. However, it is important to contact the trip insurance provider directly to understand their policies and make any necessary changes or cancellations to your coverage.
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Additional costs for changes
Some airlines offer more flexibility with low or no change fees, while others might charge higher fees. For instance, Frontier Airlines, an ultra-low-cost carrier, offers a flexible change and cancellation policy. However, these fees apply per direction, meaning that changing a round-trip flight will result in double the fees. Similarly, Delta Air Lines charges a change fee ranging from $0 to $400 for travel outside the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, depending on the origin location and type of fare. Their Basic Economy tickets are usually non-refundable and non-changeable.
Airlines typically offer two options for changing your flight time: standby and same-day confirmed change. Standby allows you to retain your current reservation and pay a fee to be placed on a waiting list for the next available flight to your destination. Same-day confirmed change requires forfeiting your current ticket and paying a fee to guarantee a seat on another flight. These options usually cost $100 or less. Additionally, if your new flight costs more than your original flight, you will need to pay the difference in price.
It is worth noting that most airlines allow you to change or cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking without incurring any fees. The US Department of Transportation mandates that airlines provide free changes within 24 hours of purchasing, as long as the ticket is bought at least seven days before departure. Therefore, it is advisable to carefully review the policies of your chosen airline and the specifics of your ticket to make informed decisions and avoid unexpected costs.
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Booking a security screening time
For instance, at Denver International Airport, passengers can use DEN Reserve, a free appointment-based reservation system with a dedicated lane on Level 6. Appointments are available daily from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. for flights departing between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. You can book your appointment up to 14 days before your flight or when you arrive at the airport.
Similarly, at MSP Airport, passengers can use MSP RESERVE to reserve a time at the TSA Security Checkpoint screening area for free. This service is optional and provides passengers with control over their airport journey while maintaining the same high-security standards as other TSA lanes.
Additionally, CLEAR is a membership-based service that offers expedited access to airport security processing through biometric technology at select airports. CLEAR+ members can use designated CLEAR+ Lanes without making a reservation, while the CLEAR RESERVE service at select airports requires booking your spot ahead of time.
When booking a security screening time, it's important to keep in mind that slots are limited and may fill up quickly, especially during peak travel times. Therefore, it's recommended to book your appointment as early as possible to secure your preferred time slot.
Furthermore, passengers are advised to follow specific guidelines, such as keeping their carry-on bags organized and being prepared for screening electronic devices and other items, to facilitate the security screening process and ensure a smooth and efficient experience.
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Changing your seat
American Airlines, for example, allows you to make changes or cancel for a refund within 24 hours of buying your ticket, provided you booked at least two days before departure. After 24 hours, refunds are not allowed for non-refundable fares. You can change your departure or arrival airport and date, but a difference in ticket price may apply.
Similarly, Delta Air Lines offers the option to upgrade your seat before or after ticketing. You can purchase a Delta One®, Delta Premium Select, Delta First, or Delta Comfort upgrade if available. However, these upgrades are typically non-changeable and non-refundable, depending on the fare rules of the original ticket. Upgrades are also not allowed once the check-in window for the flight has closed. If you cancel your flight before the 24-hour check-in window opens, you may receive an eCredit for the value of your seat purchase.
It is important to note that some Special Service Requests (SSR) may not be eligible for post-purchase upgrades, such as exit row seating, to ensure that customers are assigned a seat that meets their specific needs. Therefore, it is recommended to review the terms and conditions of your ticket purchase to understand the options available for changing your seat reservation.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can make changes to your reservation at the airport by talking to an airport customer service agent. You can also make changes online or over the phone. However, this may vary depending on the airline and the type of changes you wish to make.
Yes, you may be able to cancel your reservation at the airport, but this depends on the airline's policies and the type of ticket you have purchased. Some airlines allow cancellations and refunds within 24 hours of booking, provided it is at least 2 days before departure. After this period, refunds are typically not allowed for non-refundable fares.
Yes, you can make changes to your airport security reservation, such as DEN Reserve or MSP Reserve, by accessing your booking through the confirmation email or by scanning a QR code at the airport. However, changes are subject to availability, as these programs have limited appointments.
