How much does it cost to change flight date?

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Altering your flight date often incurs fees. Domestic flights may cost as little as $25, while international changes can exceed $500. Factors influencing the cost include the airline, booking class, and the proximity to the original flight date.
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The Cost of Changing Flight Dates

Changing the date of your flight often comes with a fee, the amount of which can vary significantly depending on several factors. Understanding these factors can help you minimize the cost of making changes to your travel plans.

Domestic Flight Changes

Domestic flight date changes typically incur fees ranging from $25 to $200. Low-cost carriers such as Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines generally have higher change fees than legacy airlines like United Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

International Flight Changes

International flight date changes can be much more expensive, with fees often exceeding $500. This is because international flights involve additional costs such as fuel surcharges, airport taxes, and security fees.

Factors Influencing the Cost

The cost of changing a flight date is influenced by the following factors:

  • Airline: Different airlines have different fee structures for flight changes.
  • Booking Class: Passengers who book higher-priced fare classes, such as first class or business class, typically pay lower change fees.
  • Proximity to Original Flight Date: Changing a flight date closer to the original departure date generally results in higher fees.

Tips for Minimizing Change Fees

If you need to change your flight date, consider the following tips to minimize the cost:

  • Be flexible with your new flight date. Airlines often offer lower change fees for flights on less popular days or times.
  • Book early. Booking your flight well in advance typically gives you more flexibility for changes.
  • Consider the airline’s loyalty program. Some airlines offer change fee waivers or discounts to members of their loyalty programs.
  • Purchase travel insurance. Some travel insurance policies include coverage for flight change fees.

It’s important to carefully review the airline’s change fee policy before booking your flight. This will help you avoid unexpected expenses if you need to make changes to your travel plans.