- Book a refundable ticket
Check the difference in price between a refundable and non-refundable ticket. Sometimes “refundable tickets” are a lot more expensive than “non-refundable tickets” and other times they could be $30 more. If the flight is already pretty sold when you book you may end up inadvertently purchasing a refundable ticket on one or more legs of your flight as well.
- Fly airlines with no change fees
Southwest airlines is one that comes to mind since they are honest about NO change fees. Many shuttle services such as Delta shuttle flights also have no change fees. Do keep in mind that even without change fees you will still have to pay the difference in fare if the price of the flight went up- this is not a change fee.
- Do a same-day change
Instead of changing your flight ahead of time, wait 24 hours before either your desired flight or your original flight, depending on airline. If you have certain status with an airline they will waive your change fee, but if not the change can range from $50-$75, which is less than change fees. A same day change will confirm you on the flight, but you can also fly standby by showing up early although now you still will pay a fee on most airlines for doing so (only if you are admitted on your flight).
- Try calling in with a sob story and/or status
Depending on the airline, the person, the weather that day…etc you may have a chance if you give a sob story to the airline. If you have certain status with an airline, this will help you out as well or maybe even a credit card through them- haven’t tried that one yet but doesn’t hurt! A personal sob story was before my travel agent days when I had a zillion windows opened and booked my friend and I Portland to Las Vegas and back…was super shocked that two one ways were cheaper than a round trip. Yeah…that was me booking Portland to Vegas twice on separate days. The sales agent took pity on me and waived the change fee. Thanks Alaska air! Also if there is a death in the family, call and give funeral home address information and name of the dearly departed. Lets not lie about this one, that’s bad juju.
The below chart is for frequently traveled non-budget domestic flights in the United States. Prices are subject to change at any time, but the rules for when you bought the ticket will stand.
