If you go to the website of the airline you are flying and look up your reservation, you will often find a button that allows you to change the reservation. You can look at the other flight options available and make your selection. You will be able to see if there is a difference in cost between the flight you have and the new flight you are booking before the changes are made.
Penalties for changing flights vary from airline to airline and for specific tickets within that brand. As of 2011, most major airlines have fees of about $150 for changes to domestic flights. A few airlines advertise that they charge a small fee -- $25 to $75 -- for change tickets. Rules change all the time, so check all when purchasing a flight and consider an airline with a smaller penalty if you are anticipating a change.
It may be worth it to buy another ticket if the cost to change is high. Since the airline may base the change fee on the cost of a new ticket plus a penalty, it's often cheaper to purchase an new ticket and take a credit -- if there is one -- for the old ticket. Ask how much a new ticket will cost. Check online and see if the new flight will cost less with another airline.
Travel insurance can reimburse you for costs associated with changing your flight arrangements in case of accident or illness. Some airlines allow you to purchase insurance from companies such as Access America when you buy your ticket. Read all the fine print -- trip insurance comes with specific conditions. Keep in mind that you will need to file a claim with the insurance company -- not the airline -- if you need a refund of the cost of changing a flight.
Airlines frequently wave change fees in times of inclement weather. This information is usually on the airline's website -- the dates of the original flight will be listed along with the new dates you are allowed to fly without penalty. You can often complete these changes online without any cost.
