How to Change Travel Date on Flight Booking – A Complete Guide
Changing your travel plans due to unforeseen circumstances is common, and airlines offer flexible options to reschedule your flight. But how exactly do you change the date of a flight ticket? What are the charges, eligibility rules, and refund possibilities?
This guide breaks it all down – whether you’re flying domestically or internationally from the USA, and even if you booked through third-party sites or travel agencies.
Can You Change the Date of a Flight Once Booked?
Yes, most airlines allow passengers to change the travel date on a flight booking, subject to availability and applicable charges. The rules vary depending on:
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Airline policy
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Type of ticket (refundable or non-refundable)
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Time remaining before departure
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Fare class and travel route
You can change the date of travel for flights booked:
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Directly via the airline website or app
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Through travel agencies or third-party sites
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Via customer support (phone or live chat)
How to Change the Flight Travel Date – Step-by-Step
Here’s how to change your flight travel date:
1. Visit the Airline’s Website
Login using your booking reference number and last name. Go to “My Trips” or “Manage Booking.”
2. Select the Flight to Modify
Choose the segment or the leg you want to change.
3. Select New Travel Date
Pick the new date. The system will show available flights and fare differences.
4. Pay the Fare Difference and Change Fee
Proceed with the payment (if applicable). Some airlines waive fees under flexible booking policies.
5. Confirm and Get Updated Ticket
Once processed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the new travel date and ticket.
Airline Date Change Policy Highlights (USA-Based Airlines)
✈️ American Airlines
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Fee: No change fee on most domestic and short-haul international flights.
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Only fare difference applies.
✈️ United Airlines
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No change fees for most economy and premium cabin tickets.
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You can change dates using the “My Trips” section.
✈️ Delta Air Lines
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No change fees for tickets originating in the U.S.
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Basic Economy fares are generally not changeable.
✈️ Southwest Airlines
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Offers no change fees at all.
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You can even reuse the full value if you cancel and rebook.
📌 Tip: Always check the exact airline fare rules on your ticket before making changes.
Can You Change Date on a Non-Refundable Ticket?
Yes. Most non-refundable tickets allow a one-time date change with a fee + fare difference. However, some low-cost airlines or basic economy fares may not allow any change.
Changing Flight Date via Travel Agencies or Third-Party Sites
If you booked through a travel agency or site like Expedia, Priceline, or Unpublished Flight Deal, contact them directly to initiate the date change. Some agencies may:
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Offer better rescheduling support
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Help you avoid higher fees
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Offer unpublished deals on rescheduled flights
How Much Does It Cost to Change a Flight?
Typical flight change costs in the U.S. range from:
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$0–$75 for domestic economy (if waived)
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$100–$300+ for international routes
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Only fare difference for flexible or elite travelers
Can You Change the Date of Flight After Check-In?
Generally, no. Once you’ve checked in, changes are restricted. You may:
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Have to cancel and rebook (if within airline rules)
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Lose the ticket value (in case of basic economy)
What If the Airline Reschedules the Flight?
If your flight is rescheduled or canceled by the airline:
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You’re entitled to change the date for free
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Or receive a full refund/voucher (depending on the policy)
Can I Get a Refund If I Change the Flight?
Not usually – unless your original fare was refundable or:
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The change was due to airline schedule modification
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You bought travel insurance with date-change coverage
How to Cancel or Reschedule a Flight Booking from the USA
You can easily cancel or reschedule flights booked through:
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Airline portals or mobile apps
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OTA websites like UnpublishedFlightDeal.com
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Travel agents or phone-based concierge support
Important: Make sure you cancel or request changes at least 24 hours before departure to avoid full fare forfeiture.
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Disclaimer
All fares and availability are subject to change based on airline rules and demand. Please verify all cancellation, change, and refund policies at the time of booking. This blog is for informational purposes only.
