by Rick Seaney | Contributor
Are you the go-to Family Travel Agent? Most people have one—an organized individual who can handle tasks like securing the best flight for a European vacation or snagging a deal for Grandpa’s annual Thanksgiving visit.
Then there are the more complicated jobs like booking good fares for everyone attending the family reunion, planning the girls’ or guys’ getaway to Vegas, or coordinating a beach mini-break with the neighbors. Or perhaps you want to be there for your sister across the country when she has her baby. All these scenarios become challenging due to their unpredictable dates.
Is it impossible to find a deal when the dates are flexible? Not at all, but the main challenge arises when you find a fantastic deal only to realize the dates don’t work for everyone. If you need to adjust your plans afterward, you might get hit with the dreaded change fee.
Change fees apply to any modifications made to non-refundable tickets. Most of us opt for these tickets because they are significantly cheaper. However, changing your flight could cost you $200 for a domestic trip and up to $400 for specific international routes. That’s per ticket.
4 Strategies to Avoid Change Fees
1 The 24-hour rule: If you spot a great deal, you can purchase tickets, but only if you believe everyone can finalize their travel dates within 24 hours. This is a grace period mandated by the Department of Transportation. If you change your mind after 24 hours, you’re looking at a change fee.
Note: Most U.S. airlines allow you to purchase the ticket during this period, and then offer a refund; American Airlines even permits you to hold the ticket for 24 hours, so if you’re unsure, consider that option to avoid charging your credit card.
2 Fare locking: Continental Airlines pioneered the concept of letting customers find and reserve fares for up to a week for a small fee, which can be beneficial for uncertain travel plans. Today, United offers FareLock, and American Airlines has Extended Hold, both costing between $7 and $14. Tip: If you’re feeling lucky and think a fare might decrease, this is a way to hedge your bet.
3 Fly Southwest: Not only does Southwest Airlines allow you to check two bags for free, but it is also the only airline that does not have a change fee.
4 Become an elite miles member: This is easier said than done, but once you achieve a high status level, change fees may be waived. Check the fine print in your miles program for more details.
Rick Seaney is co-founder of FareCompare, an airfare search site dedicated to helping travelers find the lowest possible flight prices. FareCompare also provides practical, user-friendly information to assist travelers in saving money throughout their journey.
