Though often a point of stress for travelers, sometimes having to rebook a flight is completely unavoidable.
The reason could be a sudden personal matter that requires you to change your travel plans. Other times, it may be the result of an airline delaying or canceling flights. The need to rebook could even be prompted following flight diversion caused by an onboard security threat while your flight is already in the air.
Whatever the reason, the need to rebook a flight happens to many travelers at least once. And while there are circumstances in which a United States-based airline has to rebook your flight for free, there are other times when changing your travel arrangements – especially on short notice of departure – will cost a hefty price.
Below, scroll through cost-saving strategies to avoid extra fees when rebooking your flight. Just remember that if your need to rebook is prompted by a U.S. carrier’s cancellation or significant delay of your flight, you may hold certain rights.
What Are The Cheapest Ways To Change A Flight Without Paying Fees?
Avoid Booking Basic Fares
This tip varies from airline to airline. That said, booking a main or premium cabin can save you from paying rebooking fees if your itinerary changes. Though those airfares may be more expensive on the front end when compared to basic fares, booking them could save you hundreds on the back end, should you need to rebook.
Connect With Your Airline Before Taking Additional Steps
Airlines often offer customers complimentary rebooking under certain circumstances. It’s always worthwhile to check with your airline to see if you qualify. Currently, according to the Department of Transportation, 10 major U.S. carriers individually pledge to rebook their customers at no additional cost in cases of flight delays or cancellations that are within the airline’s control. Check whether you received rebooking information from the airline via email or the carrier’s app. You could also call a customer service hotline or speak to a representative at a designated airport counter.
Use A Waiver, Or Ask For One
Airport security lines at some airports across the country have been so long in recent weeks that travelers have missed their flights. In response, certain airlines have offered their customers helpful rebooking waivers. United offered select travelers the option to reschedule their trip with waived “change fees and fare differences.” Delta Air Lines had a similar waiver for select flyers.
Should you be caught up in a situation where major delays and cancellations are occurring, check if your airline offers a rebooking waiver. If it hasn’t disclosed that information to you directly, it’s also worthwhile to ask whether your carrier can offer a rebooking waiver.
Flex Your Status
Flexing airline loyalty status is a common way travelers avoid paying extra fees associated with rebooking that they might otherwise be required to pay. If the airline doesn’t automatically acknowledge your elite status and rebook you for free, it’s worth asking whether you qualify in that specific circumstance.
Let Travel Search Engines Do The Work For You
This tip can be particularly helpful if you’re looking to quickly rebook the cheapest or most convenient airfare option available, regardless of the airline. After plugging in your departure airport, destination, and travel date(s), online travel search engines like Skyscanner and Google Flights can quickly present you with comparable rebooking options. Then, you can sort through based on price. If you’re lucky, you may find a flight deal cheaper than the price you paid for your original flight.
