Navigating Flight Changes: A Guide To Airport Switches

Changing flights at the airport can be a stressful experience, especially if you are unfamiliar with the airport layout and the city's transport system. It is important to be aware of the potential challenges and pitfalls that could arise when navigating different airports. In this article, we will introduce you to the process of changing flights at the airport, including the steps you need to take and the potential challenges you may face. We will also provide tips on how to ensure your travels go as smoothly as possible.

Changing a non-refundable ticket

First, it is essential to understand why non-refundable tickets are cheaper. By purchasing these tickets, you agree to fly on specific days and times, and any changes come with restrictions and fees. The cheapest airfares usually come with the most limitations, and airlines make money off these tickets by charging fees for any modifications.

However, there are ways to improve your chances of changing a non-changeable ticket. One successful strategy is to request an earlier flight on the same day. If there are available seats, and you are flexible with your itinerary, the gate agent may accommodate your request. It also helps to be pleasant and polite to the airline agents.

Another strategy is to highlight how changing your ticket could benefit the airline. For example, if changing your flight opens up revenue-generating seats on a more popular route, the airline may be more inclined to accommodate your request. Additionally, travelling with only carry-on baggage can increase your chances of changing your non-changeable ticket successfully.

It is worth noting that not all non-changeable tickets can be altered, and each airline has different policies and procedures for making changes. It is always a good idea to review the specific rules and restrictions of your ticket and the airline before attempting to make any changes.

Changing a refundable ticket

• Locate Your Booking Information: Find your booking confirmation code or log in to your airline account. This information is typically provided in the confirmation email sent after booking.
• Access Your Booking: Visit the airline's website or use their mobile app. Navigate to the "Manage My Booking" or similar section to access your reservation. You may need to provide additional details such as your last name and booking reference.
• Select the Flight to Change: Once you have accessed your booking, choose the specific flight that you want to change.
• Make the Necessary Changes: Depending on the airline's website or app, you may see options to "Change Flight" or "Change Trip." From there, you can modify your departure or arrival airport, date, or both. Select the new flight that suits your needs.
• Review and Confirm: Before finalizing the changes, carefully review the new flight details, including the date, time, and any additional fees or fare differences.
• Complete the Checkout Process: If there is a price difference, you will need to pay the additional amount. Some airlines may also charge a change fee, especially for international flights. Follow the checkout process and provide the necessary payment details.
• Receive Confirmation: After completing the changes and payment, you will receive a confirmation of your new flight details. This confirmation may be sent via email or displayed on the screen, and it is important to keep this for your records.

It is worth noting that the process may vary slightly depending on the airline. Some airlines allow changes to be made by calling their customer service line. Additionally, there may be specific rules and restrictions associated with your ticket, such as a deadline for making changes or limitations on certain types of fares. Therefore, it is always a good idea to review the terms and conditions of your ticket before initiating any changes.

Changing an award ticket

Award tickets are a great way to unlock discounts on first and business class seats and can offer significant advantages when changing or cancelling tickets. However, it's important to note that each frequent flyer program has unique rules and exclusions. For example, American Airlines AAdvantage® does not allow changes but does allow free cancellations as long as they are requested before the scheduled departure.

• Change and cancellation fees: Some airlines, like British Airways Executive Club, charge a flat fee for changing or cancelling an award ticket, while others, like Etihad Guest, charge a percentage of the miles required for the award. It's important to review the policies of the specific airline or frequent flyer program you're dealing with.
• Timing: Many airlines require changes or cancellations to be made within a certain time frame, such as 24 hours before departure or within a certain number of days before departure. It's important to act quickly if you need to make any changes to your award ticket.
• Elite status: Holding elite status in a frequent flyer program can often waive change and cancellation fees. However, this is not always the case, so be sure to check the specific terms of your membership.
• Partner awards: When dealing with partner awards, it's important to know the policies of the program you booked your ticket with, rather than the airline you're flying with. For example, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan allows free changes and cancellations, but charges a non-refundable $12.50 partner award booking fee per direction of travel.
• Basic economy: Basic economy tickets, including awards, are often non-changeable and may have different policies than other fare types. Be sure to review the terms and conditions of your specific ticket.
• Same-day changes: Some airlines, like Delta SkyMiles, offer same-day changes to a different flight for a fee. This can be a useful option if you need to make last-minute changes to your travel plans.
• Refund method: When cancelling an award ticket, you may be refunded in the original form of payment, or you may receive your miles back, also known as a redeposit. Some airlines, like JetBlue TrueBlue, will add your refund to a travel bank to be used toward a future flight.

It's always a good idea to review the terms and conditions of your ticket and frequent flyer program before making any changes, as policies can vary widely between airlines and programs. Additionally, some airlines may waive change and cancellation fees for tickets booked during the COVID-19 pandemic, so it's worth checking if this applies to your situation.

Third-party ticket changes

Third-party booking sites, such as Expedia, Skyscanner, or Kayak, are commonly used to book flights as they offer enticing deals and discounts, flexible search options, and the ability to compare multiple airlines and routes in one place. However, making changes to flights booked through third-party agents can be challenging.

One of the major drawbacks of using third-party booking sites is the potential for limited customer support. If changes need to be made, dealing with a middleman can make resolving issues more complex, as airlines may refer you back to the booking website, and vice versa, leading to frustrating delays. Additionally, when you book through a third party, you lose direct communication with the airline, which can make it harder to handle any issues that arise.

In some cases, airlines may not be able to make changes to bookings done through third-party companies. For example, a user on TripAdvisor mentioned that they contacted both the third-party booking site and the airline to make changes to their upcoming flights, but the airline was unable to help as they did not have access to the third-party booking. In this situation, an agent at the airline suggested calling them 48 hours before the flight, as they would then have access to the third-party booking and could assist in making the necessary changes. However, another user advised against waiting until the last minute, as it could be cutting it too close.

To avoid potential issues with third-party flight changes, it is recommended to use trusted and reputable platforms, review cancellation and refund policies, and compare prices directly with airlines before making a final decision.

Same-day confirmed changes

The cost of a same-day confirmed change varies depending on the airline and your ticket type. For example, on Alaska Airlines, same-day confirmed changes cost $25 for shuttle flights and flights within California, and $50 for all other flights. On Delta Air Lines, the same-day confirmed fee starts at $75, but is complimentary for Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion Members, as well as for those with refundable tickets.

Some airlines may waive the same-day confirmed change fee for certain customers. For instance, Alaska Airlines waives the fee for customers booked in First or Coach classes, as well as for MVP® Gold, MVP Gold 75K, and MVP Gold 100K Mileage Plan™ members. American Airlines also waives the fee for AAdvantage Executive Platinum and AAdvantage Platinum Pro members, as well as for military personnel and their dependents.

It's important to note that same-day confirmed changes are not available for all types of tickets. For example, Basic Economy fares are typically not eligible for same-day confirmed changes. Additionally, same-day confirmed changes may only be available for flights within certain regions, such as within the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, or the Caribbean.

Frequently asked questions