Can I Change My Flight On Expedia For Free

When it comes to booking flights online, Expedia Air Flights Tickets is one of the most popular platforms for travelers seeking convenience and competitive prices. However, plans can change, and one of the most common questions asked by travelers is: Can I change my flight on Expedia for free? The answer to this depends on a variety of factors, including the type of ticket you purchased, the airline’s policies, and the timing of your request. In this blog, we will break down the different scenarios and factors involved in changing a flight on Expedia, as well as provide tips on how to make the process as smooth as possible.

Understanding Expedia's Flight Change Policies

Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand how flight changes work when booked through Expedia. Expedia acts as an intermediary between you and the airline, meaning it does not have direct control over the airline's policies. In most cases, flight change requests need to be made according to the rules set by the airline that operates your flight. Therefore, whether or not you can change your flight for free largely depends on the type of ticket you bought.

Types of Tickets and Their Flexibility

When booking a flight on Expedia, you usually have several ticket options to choose from, and each comes with its own rules regarding changes and cancellations.

Non-Refundable or Basic Economy Tickets

The cheapest ticket options, such as non-refundable or basic economy tickets, often have the most restrictive policies. In most cases, these tickets are non-changeable or come with steep fees if you want to make changes. Many airlines, including those booked through Expedia, charge a substantial fee for changing flights on these types of tickets. Additionally, you may also be required to pay the difference in fare if your new flight is more expensive. Unfortunately, this means that changing your flight on Expedia for free may not be possible if you purchased a non-refundable or basic economy fare.

Flexible Tickets or Premium Fares

If you purchased a flexible or premium fare (such as a business or first-class ticket), you are more likely to be able to change your flight without paying a hefty fee. These types of tickets often allow for more flexibility when it comes to flight changes, and in some cases, the airline may waive change fees altogether. While you may still be responsible for paying the difference in fare, you generally have more leeway when it comes to making changes. These tickets are typically more expensive, but if you value flexibility, they are worth considering.

Refundable Tickets

Refundable tickets offer the highest level of flexibility. With these tickets, you are allowed to change or cancel your flight without incurring significant fees. If you need to change your flight, the airline will typically waive any change fees and only charge you the difference in fare (if applicable). Refundable tickets are generally the most expensive option, but they offer peace of mind for travelers who know their plans may change.

How to Change a Flight on Expedia

If you’ve purchased a ticket through Expedia and now need to make a change, here’s how you can go about it:

1. Log in to Your Expedia Account

The first step is to log in to your Expedia account. Once logged in, go to the "My Trips" section, where all your current and past bookings are listed. Find the flight you want to change and click on it.

1. Review the Change Policy

Once you've selected the flight, Expedia will typically display the airline's specific change policies. You’ll be able to see if the airline allows changes, and if so, what fees or penalties apply. In some cases, Expedia might also allow you to change your flight directly through their platform.

1. Make the Changes

If the airline allows changes and you’re eligible to modify your booking, you can proceed to make the changes directly on Expedia. You can usually select a new date, change the destination, or modify other flight details based on the airline's guidelines.

1. Pay the Change Fees (if applicable)

Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you purchased, you may need to pay change fees or the fare difference for the new flight. Some airlines have temporarily waived change fees for certain bookings, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this is not guaranteed and may vary depending on the airline and time of booking.

1. Confirm Your New Flight Details

Once the changes have been made, Expedia will send you a confirmation email with your updated flight details. Be sure to check the new itinerary and confirm that everything is correct.

Can I Change My Flight On Expedia For Free?

As mentioned earlier, whether you can change your flight on Expedia for free depends primarily on the airline’s policy and the type of ticket you purchased. For non-refundable or basic economy tickets, free changes are generally not possible. However, if you purchased a flexible or refundable ticket, you may be able to change your flight without paying any fees, apart from any fare differences.

That being said, Expedia often offers some flexibility, especially with its Expedia Travel Protection Plan. If you opted for this plan at the time of booking, you may be entitled to changes and cancellations at no extra cost, or at a significantly reduced rate, depending on the circumstances. Always check the details of your protection plan, as it can make a big difference in how much flexibility you have with flight changes.

When Can You Expect Fees to Be Waived?

In some cases, airlines have waived change fees for specific reasons or during certain periods. For instance, many airlines implemented a temporary policy to waive change fees in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While this policy may have been relaxed in many areas, there are still certain circumstances in which change fees may be waived:

• Flight Cancellations by the Airline: If your flight is canceled by the airline, you are usually entitled to a full refund or free rebooking without any penalties.
• Airline Schedule Changes: If there is a significant change to the schedule (e.g., a flight time change by more than a few hours), you may be entitled to change your flight at no cost.
• Special Promotions: Occasionally, airlines will run promotions that offer free changes on certain tickets or waive change fees for a limited time. It’s always worth keeping an eye out for these deals when booking flights.

Tips to Avoid Change Fees

While some tickets come with restrictive change policies, there are a few strategies you can use to minimize the risk of fees:

1. Opt for Flexible Fares: If you anticipate needing to change your flight, consider paying a little more for a flexible or refundable ticket. These tickets give you the freedom to change your plans without incurring high fees.
2. Purchase Travel Insurance: If your plans are uncertain, buying travel insurance that covers flight changes can protect you in case something unexpected happens.
3. Book Direct with the Airline: Sometimes, booking directly with the airline can provide more flexibility than booking through third-party platforms like Expedia, as airlines may offer additional options for changing flights.

Conclusion

So, can I change my flight on Expedia for free? The answer varies based on the type of ticket and airline policies. Non-refundable and basic economy tickets usually come with fees for any changes, while flexible and refundable tickets offer more leniency. To avoid surprises, always review the airline's change policy before booking, and consider purchasing travel insurance or opting for a flexible fare if you anticipate any changes to your plans.

By understanding the details and exploring your options, you can make the process of changing your flight on Expedia as smooth as possible, while potentially saving on fees. Remember, the key is to plan ahead, know your options, and stay informed about the latest policies from both Expedia and your airline.