by Rick Seaney | Contributor
Are you the designated Family Travel Agent? Chances are, many of us have someone in the family who plays this crucial role—an efficient planner capable of handling everything from securing the best rates for a European getaway to snagging a good deal for Grandpa’s traditional Thanksgiving visit.
However, some tasks can be more challenging, like obtaining a reasonable fare for the entire family heading to a reunion or organizing a getaway trip to Vegas with friends or a short beach vacation with neighbors. Perhaps you’d like to be by your sister’s side as she welcomes her baby across the country. Each of these situations can become complicated with fluctuating dates.
So, is it impossible to score a great deal with uncertain travel dates? Not at all, but a significant hurdle arises when you find an ideal fare only to realize the dates aren’t suitable for everyone involved. Making changes to your travel plans might then lead to the dreaded change fee.
Change fees apply to adjustments made to non-refundable tickets, which many of us purchase due to their significantly lower price. However, altering your itinerary might incur costs ranging from $200 for domestic flights to as high as $400 for certain international journeys. And remember, that fee is charged per ticket.
4 Strategies to Eliminate Change Fees
1The 24-hour rule: If you find a fantastic deal, you can secure tickets but only if you believe all travelers can finalize their plans within 24 hours. This grace period is a requirement set by the Department of Transportation. Once that time has lapsed, changes will likely lead to change fees.
Note: Many airlines in the U.S. allow you to purchase a ticket during this window and request a refund; for instance, American Airlines offers a 24-hour hold option, ideal for those who need extra time without charging their credit card right away.
2Fare locking: Continental Airlines set the precedent for fare locking, allowing customers to hold prices for up to a week for a small fee. This practice can be especially useful if your travel plans are still up in the air. Currently, United Airlines offers FareLock, and American Airlines has Extended Hold, typically costing between $7 and $14. Tips for the risk-takers: if you suspect that a fare might drop, this option allows you to play it safe.
3Choose Southwest Airlines: In addition to offering two free checked bags, Southwest is unique in having no change fees at all.
4Achieve elite mile status: While this path requires time and effort, attaining a higher status in a frequent flyer program often means you can have change fees waived. Be sure to check the specifics within your loyalty program for more information.
Rick Seaney is the co-founder of FareCompare, a site designed to help travelers find the most affordable flights. FareCompare provides user-friendly tools and practical tips to assist travelers in saving on every aspect of their journey.
