by Rick Seaney | Contributor
Do you consider yourself the Family Travel Planner? Many of us have one—an efficient person who can tackle any travel-related task, from booking the perfect flight for a trip to Europe to snagging a great deal for Grandpa’s yearly visit during Thanksgiving.
However, some challenges arise when trying to secure affordable fares for family reunions, weekend getaways to Las Vegas with friends, or short beach trips with neighbors. And if you want to be by your sister’s side across the country for her new arrival, you’re facing a particularly tricky situation due to shifting dates.
Is it feasible to find a great deal when travel dates remain uncertain? Absolutely, but a common issue is landing a fantastic fare only to realize it conflicts with others’ schedules. If you then need to change your plans, you might face the dreaded change fee.
Change fees apply to modifications made to non-refundable tickets, which many of us opt for due to their significantly lower prices. However, any changes can result in fees ranging from $200 for domestic flights to up to $400 for select international routes—per ticket.
4 Strategies to Dodge Change Fees
1The 24-hour policy: If a deal catches your eye, you can purchase tickets, provided that everyone can confirm their travel plans within 24 hours. This grace period is enforced by the Department of Transportation. Should you hesitate beyond this window, you might incur a change fee.
Tip: Most U.S. airlines allow you to buy a ticket during the 24-hour grace period for a potential refund. For example, American Airlines allows you to hold a ticket for that duration, making it a safer option if you’re unsure instead of risking your credit card being charged.
2Fare locking: Continental Airlines pioneered the concept of allowing travelers to secure and hold fares for up to a week for a small fee, which can be beneficial if your travel plans are up in the air. Currently, United has FareLock, and American Airlines offers Extended Hold, with costs ranging from approximately $7 to $14. If you’re willing to gamble that fares may decrease, this can serve as a smart strategy.
3Choose Southwest: Southwest Airlines not only permits two free checked bags but is also the sole airline that does not impose change fees.
4Aim for elite mileage status: While this may seem challenging, achieving a higher status in the airline’s mileage program can lead to waiving change fees. Be sure to check the specific terms of your program for details.
Rick Seaney is the co-founder of FareCompare, an airfare search platform designed to help travelers discover the lowest flight prices. FareCompare also provides straightforward, practical tips to assist travelers in saving money at every stage of their journey.
