Flight Reschedule Meaning | How To Change Flight Date For Free?

Last Updated on Oct 4th, 2024 by Renu Dahiya, Leave a Comment

Travel plans can be unpredictable. Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, you need to change your flight itinerary. Whether it’s due to an unexpected event, a scheduling conflict, or a change in your plans, knowing how to reschedule flight can be a valuable skill for any traveler. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of ‘Can you reschedule a flight and how?’ – Explore the various ways to do it, and help you understand the associated charges that come with an unprecedented flight reschedule. 

Flight Reschedule By Airlines – Meaning

Sometimes, the airline itself can reschedule or cancel a flight due to many reasons, some of them being bad weather conditions, security concerns, missing crew members, or technical issues. As a passenger, even you can rebook flight or cancel it because of a sudden change in plan or some personal emergency. That’s all what flight rescheduling is about. 

However, flight rescheduling is different from flight cancellation as there is a scope for boarding the airplane later shortly when you reschedule it. If you cancel the flight, the scope of commencing the plan remains suspended for a considerable extended period.

Can You Reschedule A Flight?

Yes, you can reschedule or cancel a flight. However, you may need to pay a change or cancellation fee depending on the airline you booked with and the fare class of your ticket. 

However, every airline has its own rules and conditions to reschedule flight. In case you don’t have a flexible flight, you must understand these rules before you decide to reschedule your flight.

Tip: Also, know the tips to get a refund on a non-refundable flight ticket and save big.

How To Reschedule Flight? – Step-By-Step Guide

Here are some steps in general that will help you rebook flight easily –

Step 1: Head to the official airline website or your booking platform.

Step 2: Sign in with your credentials.

Step 3: Click “My Account” and select your booked flight.

Step 4: Look for the “Request Reschedule” option. Airlines usually allow you to change your whole ticket or specific parts. Choose accordingly.

Step 5: Modify your flight details and then submit your request.

Step 6: Keep an eye out for the confirmation notification. Once you receive it, your rescheduling is complete.

Note – Please note that while these steps provide a general overview, specifics may vary between airlines and booking platforms.

4 Ways To Reschedule Your Flight

Through Your PNR Number

To reschedule your flight, provide your PNR number and other required details on the airline or booking website. After entering these details, you’ll be directed to a page where you can make changes to your flight.

Via The Airline’s Official Website

If you have booked an Air India  USA to India flight, here’s the complete process of flight rescheduling –

Rescheduling Air India Flight- 

• Firstly, open the official website of Air India and click on the Manage Booking tab.
• Click on the Self Accommodation option and submit your PNR Number and other important details as asked.
• Once, all the details are filled, click on the Air India Change Flight option and reschedule your flight as per your wish. 
• Click on Finish.
• After all the steps are completed, you will receive an email confirmation on your registered email address. 

Note – However, these steps can differ according to different airlines.So, please visit the official website of your airline and go through their policies thoroughly before taking any decision. 

Through The Booking Website

• Go to the booking or third-party website where you made your reservation. 
• Sign in to your account. 
• Find the ‘My Account’ or similar section. 
• Locate the option to reschedule your flight. 
• Input your preferences and details. 
• Submit your rescheduling request. 

Or, directly contact the booking agent you’ve booked your flight with & inform them about your requirements. 

 By Visiting The Airport

If you prefer face-to-face communication, visit the airline’s ticket counter or customer service desk at the airport.

Tip: Planning to fly form USA to India? Must be aware of the updated list of non-stop flights between USA and India and travel smoothly.

Key Factors to Consider For Flight Rescheduling

It’s important to be aware of certain terms and conditions when rescheduling a flight  before proceeding to avoid last-minute complications:

• Rescheduling Fees: Some airlines may charge a fee for rescheduling your flight. However, if the airline cancels the flight or you change the departure time, there’s typically no extra cost.
• Date Changes: If you want to adjust your departure or arrival date, there may be additional charges imposed by the airline.
• Destination Changes: Rescheduling can also involve changing your destination. Check with the airline for any associated fees.
• Upgrades: Occasionally, airlines offer upgrades or better seating options when you reschedule. Be sure to review their terms and conditions before making changes.
• Availability: When altering your flight date, your preferred date may not be available. In such cases, it might be better to cancel your ticket and rebook your flight.
• Ticket Type: The type of ticket you’ve purchased (e.g., non-refundable, flexible) can impact your ability to reschedule without incurring hefty fees.

Note – The terms and conditions mentioned here aren’t the same for all airlines and can change. It is recommended to review the specific terms and conditions of the airline you’re using before making any modifications to your flight plans.

A Guide To Airline Policies To Reschedule Flight

Wondering, how much does it cost to reschedule a flight? Here’s a list of the major airlines along with their fees for flight rescheduling. 

Alaska Airlines Reschedule Flight Fee

Alaska Airlines has joined the ranks of airlines that have done away with their change and cancellation fees, and this applies to both regular and first-class fares. However, there are still some charges for same-day changes. 

• For standard and first-class flights, there’s a $25-$50 fee for same-day confirmed changes. 
• Good news for MileagePlan MVP Gold or 75K members – they can make same-day changes for free.
• Please note that Saver fares cannot be modified. For tickets bought on or after July 19, 2023: When you cancel Saver fares at least 14 days before the first flight, you can receive a credit for 50% of the ticket value.

American Airlines Reschedule Flight Fee

• For tickets issued on or after November 19, 2020, American Airlines permanently eliminated these fees for international flights originating from North and South America to Asia, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, South America, and the United Kingdom.
• Please note that Basic Economy fares purchased on or after April 1, 2021, cannot be refunded or changed. While fare differences may apply, if your new booking costs less, you’ll receive a travel credit for a future trip.
• If you need to make same-day flight changes, it’s available on select flights for a $75 fee. For same-day flight changes between New York (JFK) and London (LHR), there’s a $150 fee. However, customers can stand by for a same-day flight on flights within the U.S., to Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands for no additional charge.

Delta Reschedule Flight Fee

• Delta Air Lines has permanently eliminated many of its change and cancellation fees for tickets within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as for all international travel originating from North America, including SkyTeam and codeshare flights. 
• However, basic economy fares are not included in this new policy and cannot be changed or canceled. But, they may be canceled for a partial eCredit.
• If you have a ticket that can’t be refunded, you can switch your flight, but you’ll need to pay a change fee. The fee can be anywhere from $0 to $400, depending on your travel route plus the price difference. 
• Same-day flight confirmed changes incur a $75 fee. Delta Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion members are exempt from all same-day change fees.

Southwest Reschedule Flight Fee

Even before the pandemic, Southwest Airlines stood out as the only domestic airline that didn’t charge any change or cancellation fees. 

• If you need to change your Southwest Airlines ticket, you only pay the difference in fare. 
• If you cancel your flight, you’ll receive a travel credit, usually valid for one year from your booking date.
• For same-day flight changes, it depends on the type of ticket you bought – With a Wanna Get Away ticket, you’ll need to upgrade to the full Anytime fare to make same-day changes. But, if you’re a Southwest A-Lister, you’re in luck – you can make same-day changes for free.

United Airlines Reschedule Flight Fee

• For Economy, Economy Plus, First, Business, and Premium Plus tickets within the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), as well as flights from the U.S. to Mexico and the Caribbean, United Airlines has permanently removed change and cancellation fees. 
• However, if you have a basic economy fare, changing your flight isn’t allowed.
• For other international flights, there won’t be any change or cancellation fees as long as your ticket is issued by January 31, 2022. International flights that don’t originate in the US can be changed but change fees still applies.

Hawaiian Airlines Change Flight Fee

Hawaiian Airlines is joining other airlines in waving goodbye to many changes and cancellation fees. 

• If you have a main cabin, extra comfort, or first, or premium tickets, you won’t be charged any change fees. 
• Customers are allowed to make changes to their flight one hour before the original flight departure date.
• If you have access to an award ticket from HawaiianMiles points, you need not pay any charges.

Volaris Change Flight Fee

There isn’t a fixed charge for flight changes at Volaris Airlines. The fees vary based on the fare category’s policies. 

• If you wish to change your flight, you can easily do it by using My Trips to cover the difference in fares and the corresponding fees. 
• If you change or cancel your flight within 24 hours of the original ticket purchase, there won’t be any charges.
• For national routes: If you make changes more than 24 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure, it’s around $40 USD.
• If you make changes between 24 and 4 hours before the scheduled departure, it’s about $53 USD.
• For international routes: Changes made more than 24 hours before the flight cost $75 USD. 
• You cannot modify a flight within 4 hours of scheduled departure.

These rates hold true to the best of our knowledge. However, it is always advised to go through the official website of the airlines and their rules and policies thoroughly before making any changes to your flight schedule. 

Wondering what to do if airfare drops after purchase? Must know all the rules on what to do if airfares drop after purchase and the steps to follow to claim changes with different airlines.

Contacts of Airlines For Flight Rescheduling 

• British Airways Change Flight Contact: +44 8999 911094; 000800 050 3215
• KLM Change Flight Contact: 1800 4194 077
• American Airlines Number To Change Flight: 800-433-7300, 0124-601-4200 
• United Airlines Phone number To Change Flight: 1-8000-864-8331
• Singapore Airlines Change Flight Contact: 1800 121 212; +91 22 5016 6046

For more information on other airlines, simply check out their official website. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you reschedule a flight?

A: Yes, you can reschedule or cancel a flight, but there are usually a fee. The amount depends on the airline you chose and the type of ticket you bought. The good news is that during the coronavirus pandemic, many airlines have been kinder about changing fees. Some have even removed them completely.

Q: What can I do if the airline reschedules my flight?

A: Airlines sometimes have to reschedule flights for various reasons like bad weather or mechanical problems. You can choose to cancel your ticket and book a different flight if the new schedule is not convenient for you. In these situations, airlines typically would charge you any cancellation fees. 

Q: How to change flight date for free?

A: Many airlines allow you to make changes or cancel your ticket without any fees if you do it within this 24-hour window.

Q: Can I change my flight date for international flights?

A: How much does it cost to change an international flight

Q: How to change Qatar Airways flight?

A:  You can reschedule a flight with Qatar Airways by simply visiting their website. You can have a look at the steps mentioned above to have an idea of what a flight reschedule looks like.

Q: How to change Delta flight date?

A: You can change Delta flight date on the website of Delta Airlines after paying a change fee of  $0-$400. 

Q: How to change JetBlue flight date?

A: Usually JetBlue does not charge any hefty amount for change in dates except on Blue Basic. You can visit their website to change your flight date. 

Q: Does Emirates flight reschedule cost any change fee?

A: Yes, Emirates fees depend on the type of ticket you have purchased. For example, if you have a Flex or Flex Plus ticket, you can make unlimited changes to your booking without paying any fees. However, in case of a Special Ticket, if changes are made more than 7 days before departure, the change fee would be  USD 250 for short-haul flights and USD 450 for long-haul flights.

By understanding the process, knowing your airline’s policies, and following best practices, you can efficiently adjust your travel plans when needed. Whether it’s due to personal reasons, scheduling conflicts, or unexpected events, this guide equips you with the knowledge to navigate flight rescheduling with confidence. 

Still have any further questions? We’re here to help! Just drop your queries in the comments section below, and our dedicated team at MyTicketsToIndia will resolve all your queries at the earliest possible. 

As one of the leading travel agencies in the industry, we specialize in providing fantastic deals on flights from USA to India (and back) at the most competitive prices. If you’re planning to book USA-India air tickets, get in touch with our experienced travel experts today. We’re absolutely thrilled to help you save BIG on your travel plans. Yay! 😊