General Steps to Request a Flight Change Online

Changing a flight online is often the fastest way to adjust your travel plans without waiting on hold with customer service. The exact workflow varies by airline, but most carriers follow a similar pattern. Before you begin, locate your booking reference (also called a confirmation number), the last name on the reservation, and any relevant payment details for potential fare differences. Having your itinerary readily available speeds up the process.

The core sequence typically involves logging in to your account on the airline's website or mobile app, navigating to the Manage Booking or My Trips section, and selecting the flight you want to modify. From there, the system will show eligible alternative flights on the same or adjacent dates. You will then be prompted to review the new fare, any change fees, and the total amount due before confirming the change. Many airlines also allow you to change your flight without logging in by entering your booking reference and last name on the homepage.

It's important to note that not all tickets can be changed online. Basic economy fares or tickets purchased through third-party travel agencies may have restrictions that require you to contact the airline directly. Additionally, if you are traveling internationally or on a codeshare flight operated by a partner airline, the online change tool may not display all options. In those cases, calling the airline's reservations line is often necessary.

Tip: Before attempting any change, check the fare rules associated with your ticket. They are usually available in the Manage Booking section under "Fare Details" or "Rules and Restrictions." Understanding whether your ticket allows changes and what fees apply will set the right expectations.

Airline-Specific Procedures for Online Flight Changes

Each major airline has its own interface and policy nuances. Below are step-by-step instructions and key considerations for some of the most frequently used carriers.

Delta Air Lines

Delta allows most main cabin and above fares to be changed online at delta.com or via the Fly Delta app. Log in, go to My Trips, select the trip you want to modify, and click Modify Flight. Delta displays available alternatives on a calendar view, showing the lowest-priced options per day. You can select a new flight, see the fare difference, and pay any change fee (Delta eliminated change fees for most domestic and many international tickets in 2020). If your ticket is a Basic Economy fare, changes are generally not permitted except under special circumstances, and you may need to cancel and rebook using the value of your ticket minus a cancellation fee. View Delta's current change policy.

American Airlines

American Airlines offers online changes at aa.com or through its mobile app. Navigate to Manage Trips, enter your details, select the flight, and click Change Trip. The system will show alternative flights and any applicable charges. American also eliminated most domestic change fees in 2020, but Basic Economy tickets remain non-changeable unless within the 24-hour risk-free cancellation window. For international itineraries, change fees may still apply, and the online tool may not support complex multi-city or partner bookings. Check American's change policies here.

United Airlines

United's online change process is accessible from the My Trips page on united.com or the United app. After selecting the booking, choose Change Flight. United displays a grid of alternative flights sorted by price and time. Like Delta and American, United waived change fees for most standard economy and premium cabin tickets in 2020. Basic Economy fares remain non-changeable. A notable feature: United's "Same-Day Change" option allows travelers with standard economy tickets to move to an earlier or later flight on the same day of travel for a fee (or free for elite status members). This can be done online within 24 hours of departure if seats are available. Read United's change rules.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest is unique in that it never charges change fees, even for its lowest-priced "Wanna Get Away" fares. Any fare difference (positive or negative) applies when you change to a new flight. If the new flight is cheaper, Southwest issues a travel credit for the difference. To change online, log in at southwest.com, navigate to My Trips, select the reservation, and click Change Flight. The calendar tool shows available options. Southwest's policy also allows changing up to ten minutes before departure. This flexibility makes it a favorite among travelers who need to adjust plans frequently.

JetBlue Airways

JetBlue permits online changes for most fare types via jetblue.com or the app. Log in to your account, go to Manage Trips, and select Change or Cancel. JetBlue's fee structure varies by fare: Blue Basic customers cannot change online (must cancel and receive a credit with a fee), while Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra, and Mint fares allow changes with no fee (only the fare difference is charged). Same-day switches are available for a reduced fee. JetBlue also offers a "Same-Day Switch" option that permits movement to an earlier or later flight on the same day for a flat fee, subject to availability.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines operates as an ultra-low-cost carrier, and its change policy is more restrictive. Online changes are available through the Manage Travel portal on spirit.com. However, change fees and fare differences are often significant, especially close to departure. Spirit does not offer fee-free changes; standard fees range from $50 to $119 per passenger per segment. Basic Economy tickets (which are all Spirit fares effectively) can be changed online but the total cost may be close to buying a new ticket. For this reason, it is often cheaper to cancel and rebook using a new reservation if the change fee plus fare difference is high. Always compare costs before confirming a change.

Ryanair (Europe)

Ryanair allows changes to flights via the My Bookings section on its website or app. Changes are subject to an administration fee (currently around €45–€60) plus any fare difference. The online tool only permits date and time changes; name changes must be done through customer service. Ryanair does not allow changes within 2 hours of departure. If you booked through an online travel agent, you must contact them rather than Ryanair directly. Due to the high fees, many travelers find it more economical to forfeit the original ticket and purchase a new one.

British Airways

British Airways offers online changes for most bookings made directly with BA. Log in to Manage My Booking, select your trip, and choose Change flights. The system shows available alternatives and associated costs. British Airways has eliminated change fees for most long-haul bookings made after a certain date, but short-haul and basic economy (Economy Basic) fares still incur fees. For bookings involving partner airlines (e.g., American Airlines codeshare), changes may need to be processed by phone. Same-day changes at the airport are sometimes possible for a fee, but online same-day changes are limited.

Understanding Change Fees and Fare Differences

When you change a flight, two types of costs typically apply: change fees (a flat charge per passenger for modifying the booking) and fare differences (the amount by which the new flight's price exceeds the original ticket's value). Since 2020, most U.S. legacy airlines (Delta, American, United) have eliminated change fees on domestic and many international routes for economy and premium cabins, but fare differences still apply. Budget carriers and international airlines often still charge both.

Fare differences are calculated based on the current price of the new flight compared to what you originally paid. If the new flight is cheaper, some airlines will issue a travel credit for the difference (e.g., Southwest, Delta, United), while others may not (e.g., Spirit keeps the difference). Always review the refund or credit policy before clicking confirm.

Another important consideration is that change fees and fare differences are per passenger. If you are traveling with a family of four, the costs multiply. Additionally, some airlines charge higher fees for changes made closer to departure (e.g., within 24–48 hours). The best way to minimize costs is to change as early as possible, ideally during the 24-hour risk-free cancellation period that applies to most U.S. airline tickets. Under U.S. Department of Transportation rules, airlines must allow you to cancel a non-refundable ticket within 24 hours of purchase and receive a full refund, provided the booking was made at least seven days before departure. This effectively gives you a day to change your mind without penalty.

Tips for Avoiding or Reducing Change Fees

While not all airlines have eliminated change fees, you can take steps to reduce or avoid them:

  • Book flexible fares: When purchasing a ticket, choose a fare class that allows free changes (e.g., Main Cabin vs. Basic Economy on Delta; Blue vs. Blue Basic on JetBlue). The extra upfront cost often pays for itself if plans shift.
  • Use airline status or credit card benefits: Elite members on many airlines receive waived change fees and access to same-day confirmed changes. Also, some premium travel credit cards (like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or American Express Platinum) offer fee credits for air travel changes or allow you to use points to offset costs.
  • Change within the same day: If you only need to shift to an earlier or later flight on the same calendar date, explore same-day change or standby options. These are often cheaper than a full date change, especially on airlines like United and American.
  • Monitor fare drops: Some airlines like JetBlue and Southwest will issue a travel credit if the fare decreases after you book (Southwest's "Low Fare Calendar" automatically applies). While not a change fee avoidance per se, it can give you flexibility to rebook to a cheaper flight.
  • Cancel and rebook: If change fees are high and the fare difference is minimal, consider canceling your original ticket (if a refund or credit is available) and purchasing a new reservation. On airlines like Spirit, this can be cheaper than paying a change fee plus fare difference.

When Online Changes Fail – Alternatives

Online self-service tools are convenient but have limitations. Common scenarios where you may need to use phone or airport assistance include:

  • Bookings made through third-party travel agencies or online travel agents (Expedia, Kayak, etc.) – these must often be changed by the agency.
  • Group bookings (10 or more passengers) – usually require phone contact.
  • Tickets involving partner airlines where the flights cross multiple carriers.
  • Basic Economy and other restricted fares that forbid online modifications.
  • Changes within a few hours of departure (airlines often disable online changes after a cutoff, typically 2–4 hours before flight time).
  • Award ticket changes – frequent flyer mile redemptions often have different rules and may require agent assistance.

If the online tool fails, your next step should be to call the airline's customer service line. Be prepared to wait, especially during peak hours. Alternatively, visit the airport ticket counter or a city ticket office if you are near a major airport. Some airlines like JetBlue and Southwest also offer live chat support via their apps, which can be faster than phone.

Special Cases: Award Tickets, Same-Day Changes, and Group Bookings

Award Tickets (Miles + Cash)

Changing an award ticket is similar to a revenue ticket but with its own nuances. Most airlines allow online changes for award flights, waiving the change fee for elite members or certain credit card holders. However, the number of miles required for the new flight may differ, and re-deposit fees may apply if you cancel an award entirely. For example, United MileagePlus allows you to change award flights online with no fee if you are a Premier Gold or higher, otherwise a fee may apply. Before modifying an award booking, check the mileage cancellation/change policy specific to your loyalty program.

Same-Day Changes and Standby

Many airlines offer same-day confirmed changes (SDC) or same-day standby (SDS) for a reduced fee or free for elites. These options let you move to an earlier or later flight on the same travel day without paying a full change fee. For example, Delta allows same-day confirmed changes for a fee (waived for Medallion members) if seats are available, while American offers same-day standby for a fee (free for AAdvantage elite members). These are best done online within 24 hours of departure using the airline's app or website. Always check availability before heading to the airport.

Group Bookings

If you booked flights for ten or more people under one reservation, airlines usually require you to contact their group travel desk. Online change tools typically don't support group modifications. The group booking contract specifies change or cancellation policies, which often differ from individual tickets. Some airlines allow changes with a fee based on the number of passengers changed, while others treat the group as a whole.

Conclusion

Requesting a flight change online is a straightforward process for most travelers, especially with the major U.S. carriers that have simplified their policies and eliminated many fees. By understanding your ticket's fare rules, planning ahead, and using the airline's digital tools, you can often complete changes in minutes without ever picking up the phone. For more complex bookings, restrictive fares, or situations involving partner airlines, be prepared to contact customer service or visit the airport. Keep in mind that the 24-hour risk-free cancellation rule (in the U.S.) gives you a grace period to reconsider, and flexible fare options are worth the investment if your itinerary is likely to shift. With the steps and airline-specific guidance provided here, you can navigate flight changes with confidence and minimize unexpected costs.