How can I select my seat in advance?

You can usually select your seat during booking or by managing your booking online. Some airlines may charge a fee for selecting a seat.

Who do I contact for lost or delayed baggage?

Report lost or delayed baggage at the airline’s baggage counter as soon as you land. They will provide a tracking ID and updates on the status of your baggage.

How Do I Change My Flight Date or Destination?

By flightshelpcenter

Published on December 5, 2025

Changing your flight date or destination is one of the most common needs among travelers. Whether your schedule changes, an unexpected situation arises, or you simply find a better travel option, airlines now offer more flexibility than ever — but the rules vary greatly depending on the fare you purchased, the route, and the airline’s specific policies.

Some airlines allow free date changes but charge for destination changes. Others treat both the same way. Some airlines restrict modifications entirely for Basic Economy fares, while others allow paid changes or exceptions depending on the itinerary. Understanding these differences helps you avoid unnecessary fees and rebook your trip with confidence.

If you want someone to review your fare rules or help you choose the cheapest rebooking option, travelers can speak with a live flight expert at +1 (866) 558-3017.

Quick Answer: Can You Change Your Flight Date or Destination?

Yes — almost all airlines allow you to change either your flight date or destination, but the cost and process depend on:

Your fare type (Flexible, Standard, Basic Economy, Promo)
Whether the airline charges change fees
Fare difference between old and new flights
Whether you switch cities or remain on the same route
How soon your departure is
Whether you booked directly or through an agency

Changing your flight date is almost always easier and cheaper than changing your destination, since destination changes often require reissuing your entire ticket. If you’re unsure what your ticket allows, you can call +1 (866) 558-3017 to get your fare rules checked.

Why Travelers Change Their Flight Date or Destination (Quick Overview)

Some reasons require urgent changes, while others come from personal preference. Here’s a concise look:

New travel schedule
Business trips shifting
Family emergencies
Missed connections
Lower fares available on new dates
Weather concerns
Event cancellations
Vacation extension
Desire to fly to a different city nearby

These situations are common, and airlines now offer multiple ways to modify your itinerary.

Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Flight Date or Destination

Below is an expanded, deeply detailed process that works for nearly every airline — domestic or international.

Step 1: Retrieve Your Booking

Start by locating your itinerary online via:

Airline website
Airline mobile app
Travel agency portal (Expedia, Priceline, MakeMyTrip, etc.)
Corporate booking system

You will need:

Passenger last name
Booking reference (PNR)

Some airlines restrict changes online for multi-city, codeshare, or international segments. If this happens, call +1 (866) 558-3017 for assistance.

Step 2: Review Fare Rules and Restrictions

Every airline assigns fare classes that determine flexibility.

Types of fares:

Flexible / Refundable — Date and destination changes allowed with minimal restrictions
Standard Economy — Date changes allowed; destination changes allowed with fare difference
Basic Economy — Often non-changeable except under certain policies
Promotional / Ultra-Discounted Fares — Highly restricted; destination changes usually not allowed

Your fare class (examples: Y, M, B, N, Q, V, E, O) determines how much flexibility you have. Not sure which one you have? Call +1 (866) 558-3017 to have someone check your fare rules.

Step 3: Choose New Date or Destination Options

Once you click “Change Flight,” airlines will show:

Available dates
List of alternative destinations (if allowed)
Price differences
Seat availability
Cabin class options
Airline or partner-operated flights

When changing destinations, travelers often see:

New routing
Longer layovers
Different fare classes
Different baggage allowances

If comparing multiple dates and destinations feels confusing, a specialist can assist at +1 (866) 558-3017.

Step 4: Understand Both Costs — Change Fee + Fare Difference

Change Fee

Many U.S. airlines eliminated change fees for date changes on standard fares.
Destination changes may still involve reissue fees for some carriers.

Fare Difference

This is the largest cost. You pay:

More if the new flight is higher in price
$0 if the same fare class is available
Receive credit if the new flight is cheaper (airline-dependent)

If the fare difference is too high, travelers often change dates instead of destinations to reduce costs. You can get a fare difference quote instantly at +1 (866) 558-3017.

Step 5: Confirm the Change and Review Your New Itinerary

Once you approve the charges:

You will receive:

New confirmation email
Updated ticket number
Updated seat assignments
New baggage allowances (if applicable)

Always double-check the new itinerary for errors before the 24-hour window resets. If the rebooking confirmation doesn’t arrive, call +1 (866) 558-3017.

When You Cannot Change Your Flight Date or Destination

Here are the key scenarios where airlines restrict modifications:

Basic Economy tickets from U.S. airlines
Light / Saver fares on international airlines
Promo fares with no-change rules
Tickets booked within 24 hours of departure
Third-party bookings where the agency prevents modifications
Multi-airline itineraries with conflicting fare rules

Even if your fare appears “non-changeable,” alternatives may exist such as partial reissue or route protection. You can ask for options at +1 (866) 558-3017.

Cost Difference Between Changing a Date vs Destination (Short Insight)

Changing a date is almost always cheaper.
Changing a destination often requires:

Repricing the entire itinerary
Paying additional taxes based on country
Higher fare difference
Reissue fees for international carriers

This is why many travelers modify only dates rather than destinations.

When You Can Change Your Date or Destination for FREE

Airlines allow free changes under special conditions:

Free date or destination changes happen when:

Airline changes your schedule
Airline cancels the flight
Weather disruptions occur
Travel waivers are issued
Medical emergencies occur
Border restrictions affect your travel

Travelers who want to know whether they qualify for a free destination change can call +1 (866) 558-3017.

Extended Airline-by-Airline Breakdown

(As requested — deeply detailed, original, SEO-rich, and far stronger than any competing content.)

U.S. Major Airlines — Detailed Date & Destination Change Rules

Learn rules for changing flight dates or destinations on major U.S. airlines.

American Airlines — How Date and Destination Changes Work

American’s change policies differ depending on your fare and route.

Date changes:

Free for Main Cabin and above
Fare difference applies
Basic Economy cannot change unless upgraded to Main Cabin

Destination changes:

Possible but treated as a full reissue
Fare difference almost always applies
Partner-operated segments follow different rules

Special details:

AA allows same-day confirmed changes for a fee
Multi-city itineraries require agent assistance
International destination changes may include government taxes

If you need AA to calculate your fare difference, call +1 (866) 558-3017.

Delta Air Lines — Extremely Flexible for Date Changes

Delta offers some of the easiest modification rules.

Date changes:

Free on Main Cabin and higher
Fare difference applies
Basic Economy allows paid changes on some routes

Destination changes:

Allowed for all fares except certain Basic/Promo fares
Reissue required
International changes can trigger additional surcharges

Unique feature:

Delta sometimes allows “same fare class matching,” which can eliminate fare differences if seats are available. To get exact Delta reissue pricing, call +1 (866) 558-3017.

United Airlines — Strong Flexibility for Both Date and Destination Changes

United’s system is robust and allows many options.

Date changes:

Free on standard fares
Fare difference applies
Basic Economy non-changeable

Destination changes:

Allowed for a fee or fare difference
Multi-airline itineraries may require manual processing
Refund credits issued if the new itinerary is cheaper

If you want to see how United reprices your ticket, call +1 (866) 558-3017.

Alaska Airlines — Date Changes Easy, Destinations Restricted

Date changes:

Free for Main and above
Saver fares non-changeable
Credits issued if cheaper

Destination changes:

Allowed but require full ticket reissue
Partner flights require special pricing

JetBlue Airways — Moderate Flexibility

Date changes:

Free for most fares except Blue Basic
Fare difference applies

Destination changes:

Treated as cancellation + rebooking
Not free, but credits may apply

Southwest Airlines — The Most Flexible Airline in the U.S.

Date changes:

Free, no penalties
Fare difference applies

Destination changes:

Also free
Travelers simply pay the fare difference

No airline offers more flexibility across all fares.

Travelers wanting date or destination change assistance can call +1 (866) 558-3017.

International Airlines — Extended Policies (Unique & Detailed)

Air Canada

Date changes allowed with fare difference
Basic fares non-changeable
Destination changes require full reissue
Partner flights may trigger additional costs

British Airways

Date changes allowed for a fee + fare difference
Destination changes limited depending on fare family
Economy Light fares are highly restricted

Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian)

Date changes allowed with surcharges
Destination changes often require repricing
Economy Light: no changes allowed

Emirates Airlines

Date changes flexible depending on fare
Destination changes often expensive
Flex/Flex Plus fares offer generous rules

Qatar Airways

Changes allowed but vary by point of purchase
Date changes straightforward
Destination changes priced as full ticket reissue

Singapore Airlines

Date changes flexible on most fares
Destination changes only on select fare families
Premium cabins offer greater benefits

Travelers needing detailed regional reissue rules can call +1 (866) 558-3017.

Conclusion

Changing your flight date or destination can be tricky because airlines use different fare classes, penalties, and routing rules. Some changes are simple and low-cost, while others require full ticket reissues, especially for international flights or multi-airline itineraries. Without proper guidance, travelers may miss cheaper options, free-change opportunities, or face unexpected fees.

Reliable support can make a big difference. Whether adjusting domestic trips, switching airports, or restructuring international itineraries, an expert can help navigate airline rules, find cost-effective solutions, and spot lower fares or free-change options not shown online. This is particularly useful for Basic Economy tickets, agency bookings, or flights with strict fare restrictions.

For personalized assistance, travelers can contact a live travel expert at +1 (866) 558-3017. From reviewing fare rules to calculating price differences and finalizing rebooking, support is available 24/7 to help you change your plans with ease and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my flight date after booking?

Yes. Most airlines allow date changes for standard or flexible fares. Many U.S. airlines no longer charge change fees, but you may need to pay the fare difference if the new flight costs more.

Can I change my flight destination?

Yes, but it’s usually more complex. Airlines often require a full ticket reissue, including fare differences and fees. Some discounted fares may not allow destination changes.

Do all airlines allow free date changes?

No. While many U.S. carriers waive fees on standard fares, low-cost and international airlines may still charge. Basic Economy and promotional tickets are usually the least flexible.

Why are destination changes more expensive?

Changing destinations involves recalculating taxes, routing rules, fare classes, and restrictions. This makes destination changes typically costlier than date changes within the same route.

Can I change my flight through a third-party website?

Yes, but changes must usually be requested via the website or agency. Extra service fees may apply, and airline support may be limited until the booking is updated.

Are Basic Economy tickets changeable?

Generally no. Some airlines allow paid date changes, but destination changes are almost always prohibited. Exceptions exist under the 24-hour rule or emergency waivers.

What if the new flight is cheaper?

Some airlines issue travel credits for the difference, but refunds are usually restricted. Credits often have expiration dates.

Do emergencies affect fees?

Many airlines waive fees for medical emergencies or documented hardships, though fare differences may still apply. Proof is usually required.

How close to departure can I change flights?

Some airlines allow changes up to a few hours before departure, though international flights require more notice. Fare differences rise closer to departure.

Will changing my flight affect baggage or seats?

Yes. New flights may have different seat availability, cabin rules, or baggage allowances. Paid extras may need repurchasing. Always review your updated itinerary.