How To Change Return Flights: Understanding Travel Class Flexibility

When it comes to changing your return flight, the policies and associated costs can vary depending on the airline and the type of ticket purchased. Most airlines offer a range of cabin classes, including economy, premium economy, business, and first class, and the flexibility to change flights may differ between these classes. Basic economy tickets, for example, often have restrictions on changes and refunds, whereas higher-tier tickets may provide more flexibility. It's important to review the specific policies of your chosen airline and ticket type before assuming you can change your return flight. Additionally, some airlines may charge a change fee, which can range from $25 to $500 or more, and you may also be responsible for paying the price difference between your original and new flight. In some cases, you may be able to avoid change fees by modifying your flight within 24 hours of booking or waiting for the airline to make changes to your flight itinerary.

Basic Economy tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable

When it comes to air travel, combining different travel classes for outbound and return flights can be a way to experience premium cabins without paying full price for the entire journey. However, it's important to understand the restrictions and limitations associated with each travel class.

Basic Economy tickets, known for their low prices, typically come with several restrictions. One of the most significant limitations is that Basic Economy fares are generally non-refundable and non-changeable. This means that if your travel plans change or you need to cancel your trip, you won't be able to get a refund or make changes to your ticket without incurring additional fees.

With Basic Economy tickets, you usually have to accept the terms and conditions, which include limited flexibility. These tickets are designed for travellers who are certain of their plans and are willing to give up the option of making changes in exchange for a lower price. While it may be possible to upgrade your Basic Economy ticket to a higher fare class, the process can be complex and may not always be available.

Some airlines may offer exceptions or special circumstances where changes or cancellations are allowed for Basic Economy tickets, but these are typically limited and may involve additional fees or penalties. It's always important to carefully review the terms and conditions provided by the airline before purchasing any ticket, especially when considering Basic Economy fares.

Additionally, it's worth noting that combining different travel classes for outbound and return flights is usually possible, but it may require separate bookings for each class. This means that you would need to make two different reservations, one for the business class segment and another for the economy class segment. While this option provides flexibility, it can also result in added complexity when managing your travel plans.

Change fees for travel outside the US, Canada, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands

For travel outside the US, Canada, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, Delta Air Lines charges a change fee of $0-$400, depending on the origin location and type of fare. Basic Economy tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable in most cases.

United Airlines has eliminated change fees for Economy, Economy Plus, First, Business and Premium Plus tickets for international travel originating in the US. However, flight changes are not allowed for Basic Economy fares.

American Airlines has eliminated change fees for international flights originating from North and South America. However, if the trip originates outside of North or South America, fees can go up to $400.

Alaska Airlines has eliminated change and cancellation fees, but same-day confirmed changes incur a $50 fee, while flights within California or Alaska incur a $25 fee.

Frontier Airlines' change fees depend on how far in advance you make the change: 60 or more days prior to departure incurs no change fee; 7-59 days prior to departure is $49; and 6 days or less prior to departure is $99.

For Allegiant Air, you must change or cancel your flight at least 7 days before travel, and the airline charges a $25 fee per segment. Within 7 days of travel, no changes are allowed.

Hawaiian Airlines does not charge change fees for Main Cabin, Extra Comfort, First and Premium tickets or fares booked with HawaiianMiles. Main Cabin Basic tickets cannot be changed or cancelled.

For JetBlue, there is a $75 same-day change fee without paying a fare difference. Cancellation fees are $100 per person for travel within the US, Caribbean or Central America and $200 for all other fares.

Same-day confirmed changes

The fee for a same-day confirmed change varies by airline and your membership status. For example, Delta charges a fee starting at $75 USD, while American Airlines offers complimentary changes to AAdvantage Executive Platinum and AAdvantage Platinum Pro members.

It's important to note that same-day confirmed changes may not be available for all ticket types. For instance, Basic Economy fares are typically not eligible for same-day confirmed changes. Be sure to check the specific rules and restrictions of your chosen airline before assuming that same-day confirmed changes are available for your flight.

Mixed-class tickets

While OTAs and search engines like Google Flights rarely offer this option, it can be booked relatively easily on most airlines' websites. For example, Lufthansa and its partners (SWISS, Austrian, Brussels Airlines) usually display the next-highest booking class, allowing you to mix economy and business class on European flights. On long-haul routes, you'll need to select at least basic economy to combine it with a higher class.

British Airways offers a similar option, where you can combine economy and business on long-haul routes, but only with the economy standard. Meanwhile, Air France and KLM give you the freedom to mix and match as you please, from economy to business class.

If you're looking for a simple two-class system, TAP and Turkish Airlines offer just economy and business, which can be combined without restrictions.

Keep in mind that when booking mixed-class tickets, you'll need to make separate bookings for each class. This means you'll have different references, ticket numbers, and PNRs. While it's possible to tie these bookings together, any flight changes or cancellations will require speaking to a human agent to ensure you and your family or group stay together.

So, if you're looking to save some money, avoid jet lag, or simply want to experience a mix of luxury and practicality, mixed-class tickets are a great option to consider for your next trip.

Delta Air Lines change fees

Delta Air Lines has eliminated change fees for tickets originating from the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Caribbean to anywhere in the world. This excludes Basic Economy tickets, which are non-refundable and non-changeable in most cases.

For travel outside the above-mentioned regions, Delta charges a change fee of $0-$400, depending on the origin location and type of fare.

If you change your ticket to a more expensive flight, you will need to pay the difference in price. However, if you change to a cheaper flight, you will not be refunded the difference.

• Visit My Trips on delta.com and select the trip you wish to change.
• Click on "Change or Add Flights."
• View new flight options and select your preferred choice.
• Pay any applicable change fees and/or fare difference.
• Follow the remaining steps through the change process to receive confirmation of your new itinerary.

It is important to note that you must make changes prior to your departure. Tickets not changed or canceled before departure will have no remaining value.

Frequently asked questions