Buy a full-fare ticket to minimize any fees incurred if you change or cancel your travel arrangements. Full-fare tickets aren't discounted, but they may save you money in the long run if your travel plans are uncertain and need to be changed. Full-fare tickets usually can be modified in advance and, in many cases, can be fully refunded. You sometimes can purchase full-fare tickets through travel websites and search engines, but you will find them most often on an airline's website.
Buy your ticket in advance and change dates or times in advance to avoid fees. Tickets bought in advance usually are much cheaper and often are easier to change than tickets bought at the last minute. Buying tickets in advance also facilitates making your changes as far in advance before the departure date as possible. The closer you are to the day you leave, the more it will cost you to make changes to your ticket.
Book directly through the airline even if you are not buying a full-fare ticket. Tickets bought directly through the airline website tend to have fewer change fees than tickets bought from a third-party company.
Opt for travel insurance if you are not sure of your travel plans and want to have some flexibility. You can buy travel insurance from third-party companies, but many airlines also will give you the option to pay an extra fee in advance to avoid paying change or cancellation fees in the event you cannot make your flight. Depending on the type of insurance you choose, travel insurance can reduce or eliminate change fees, rebooking charges or fully reimburse the cost of your ticket if you have to cancel.
