Open your booking
Find the confirmation code and ticket details. If you booked directly, start in the airline's official app or Manage My Trip section. If you used a travel agency, check its servicing instructions.
Flight changes & rescheduling
Need to change a flight? Start here.
Need a different departure date or time? Review the steps that matter before you change your ticket, especially if your flight leaves soon.
Discuss Flight Options ·Independent travel assistance, not an airline. Changes to existing tickets are not guaranteed; airline or ticket-seller rules and provider fees may apply.
Before you change a flight
Three things to check first
Flight change rules vary by airline, fare, ticket seller, route, and the time left before departure.
Check your ticket rules
Confirm whether your fare can be changed, the deadline for doing so, and whether a change fee applies. Basic or highly restricted fares may have fewer options.
Compare the total cost
Look at the available flights and the price difference, not just the change fee. Review any fare conditions and extra service charges before approving a new itinerary.
One important distinction: A waived change fee does not necessarily mean a free change. The new fare may cost more. The U.S. 24-hour airline cancellation/hold protection also does not generally require an airline to change your flight for free. Read the U.S. Department of Transportation guidance.
Departure coming up?
What if you need a different flight today or tomorrow?
When time is short, the next step depends on whether you want to change the ticket yourself or the airline changed your schedule.
You need to change your plans
Check the official airline booking page immediately for eligible same-day changes or earlier/later flights. Some airlines offer standby or same-day confirmed options, but restrictions and charges vary.
If you cannot find an eligible option, contact the airline or the agency that issued the ticket before departure, especially if your fare has a no-show rule.
The airline changed your schedule
Look for an email, app notification, or an alternative itinerary from the airline. When the airline cancels or significantly changes a flight, different rules may apply than when you voluntarily change it.
If you do not accept an offered alternative, you may have refund rights under U.S. rules. Check the official DOT refund information before agreeing to a paid alternative.
If the airline canceled your flight, read our canceled-flight checklist. If you need a separate ticket, compare your options with the new flight booking checklist.
Who handles the ticket?
Who should you contact for a flight change?
Booked directly with the airline?
Start with your airline's official website or app. Check your fare rules and contact the airline or the company that issued your ticket to confirm your options.
Booked through an agent or another website?
Check the confirmation email for the ticket issuer. Some reservations must be changed through the agency or seller that issued the ticket.
Independent assistance: A travel assistance agent may be able to discuss available flight options or a separate booking. Whether an existing ticket can be changed by a third party depends on who issued it and the applicable rules. Never assume a third-party service is your airline.
Common questions
Flight change questions, answered
Can I change my flight without paying a fee?
Sometimes. It depends on the airline and ticket type. A waived change fee does not remove any additional fare difference if the new flight is more expensive.
Can I change a Basic Economy ticket?
Some Basic Economy and similar restricted tickets cannot be changed, while others allow changes for a fee. Check the rules attached to your exact ticket before making plans.
Is a flight change free within 24 hours of booking?
Not necessarily. Certain airline bookings qualify for a 24-hour cancellation or hold option under U.S. rules, but that rule does not require free changes. See the DOT explanation.
What details should I have ready if I call?
Have the airline name, confirmation code, departure date, route, preferred new travel date, and any information about a schedule change. Do not share passwords or payment details on a website that is not the ticket issuer.
Talk about your options
Need help considering alternative flights?
You can call to discuss your travel situation and possible flight options with an independent travel assistance agent. The airline or original ticket seller may still need to make changes to an existing booking. Availability and any provider fees vary.
AirTripAssist is not affiliated with any airline. There is no guarantee that an existing ticket can be changed through a third-party provider.