Travel plans can be unpredictable, and sometimes, you may find yourself needing to change a flight after booking. If you’ve made your reservation through Expedia, the process of changing your flight is relatively straightforward, but it does require an understanding of the platform’s policies, the specific airline’s rules, and the potential costs involved. This guide will walk you through the steps of changing a flight on Expedia, helping you navigate the process smoothly and efficiently. For personalized assistance or if you encounter any issues, you can also reach out to Expedia’s customer service at 1-888-912-0061.
Understanding Expedia’s Flight Change Policy
Before diving into the steps, it’s crucial to understand the policies that may apply when you attempt to change your flight on Expedia. Several factors determine whether you can change your flight for free or if you will incur a fee:
1. Airline-Specific Policies
Expedia acts as an intermediary between you and the airline, meaning the policies regarding flight changes are primarily governed by the airline you’ve booked with. Each airline has its own rules, which can range from allowing free changes within certain time frames to imposing strict fees or restrictions on changes.
2. Ticket Type
The type of ticket you purchased plays a significant role in determining whether you can change your flight easily:
- Basic Economy Tickets: Typically, these are the most restrictive tickets. Many airlines do not allow changes to Basic Economy tickets, or if they do, the fees can be substantial.
- Standard Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First-Class Tickets: These tickets generally offer more flexibility. Depending on the airline, you may be able to change your flight without a fee or with a minimal fee.
- Refundable Tickets: If you purchased a refundable ticket, you have the most flexibility. Changes are usually allowed without any additional costs, although fare differences may still apply.
3. 24-Hour Free Cancellation
Expedia, like many travel platforms, adheres to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 24-hour rule. This rule allows you to cancel or change your flight within 24 hours of booking without incurring any fees, as long as the flight was booked at least seven days before departure. This is your best opportunity to make changes without penalties.
How to Change a Flight on Expedia: Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve decided to change your flight, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process on Expedia:
1. Log into Your Expedia Account
The first step is to log into your Expedia account. If you booked as a guest, you can still access your booking using the itinerary number and the email address associated with the reservation.
2. Navigate to “My Trips”
Once logged in, go to the “My Trips” section. This section lists all your current bookings, including flights, hotels, and car rentals. Locate the flight you want to change and click on it to view the details.
3. Select the Flight You Want to Change
After clicking on the flight, you’ll see your booking details, including the itinerary, ticket information, and options for managing your booking. Look for an option that says “Change Flight” or “Modify Booking” and click on it.
4. Review Your Options
Expedia will display the available options for changing your flight. Depending on the airline’s policy, you may see alternative flights on the same day, flights on different days, or even flights on different routes. Each option will show any applicable fare differences and fees.
5. Choose Your New Flight
Select the new flight that best suits your needs. Carefully review all details, including the departure and arrival times, the cost of the new flight, and any change fees that may apply.
6. Confirm Your Change
Once you’ve selected your new flight, you’ll be prompted to review the changes. This is your opportunity to ensure that all the details are correct before confirming. If everything looks good, proceed to confirm the change.
7. Pay Any Applicable Fees
If your flight change involves a fare difference or a change fee, you’ll need to pay this additional amount before the change is finalized. You can use the payment method you have on file with Expedia or enter a new one.
8. Receive Confirmation
After the change is confirmed, Expedia will send you a new confirmation email with your updated flight details. Make sure to review this email carefully to ensure all the information is correct.
9. Check for Refunds (if applicable)
If your new flight is cheaper than your original flight, you may be eligible for a refund of the difference. Check your booking details or contact Expedia customer service to inquire about any potential refunds.
What to Do If You Encounter Issues
If you run into problems while trying to change your flight, here are a few steps you can take:
1. Contact Expedia Customer Service
If you’re having trouble changing your flight online or if you’re unsure about any part of the process, don’t hesitate to contact Expedia’s customer service. Their representatives are available 24/7 to assist with any issues. You can reach them at 1-888-912-0061.
2. Check Airline Waivers
During times of crisis, such as severe weather events or global pandemics, airlines often issue waivers that allow passengers to change their flights without fees. If your flight falls within a waiver period, you might be able to change your flight without additional costs. Keep an eye on announcements from your airline or ask Expedia’s customer service about any applicable waivers.
3. Consider Refundable Tickets for Future Travel
If you find that you frequently need to change flights, consider purchasing refundable or more flexible tickets in the future. While they may be more expensive upfront, they can save you from paying high change fees later.
Are Expedia plane tickets transferable?
No, Expedia plane tickets are generally not transferable. This means that once a ticket is booked, you cannot change the name on the ticket to another person. Most airlines do not allow the transfer of tickets to another passenger, and this policy applies to bookings made through Expedia as well. If you need to cancel or change a booking, you may need to cancel the original ticket (subject to cancellation fees) and purchase a new one under the correct name. For more details or assistance, you can contact Expedia’s customer service at 1-888-912-0061.
Frequently Asked Questions About Changing Flights on Expedia
1. How do I change a flight on Expedia?
To change a flight on Expedia, follow these steps:
- Sign in to your Expedia account.
- Go to “My Trips” and select the flight you want to change.
- Click on “Change” and follow the prompts to choose a new flight date or time.
- Review any additional fees or fare differences.
- Confirm the changes and make the payment if required.
- Check your email for confirmation of the new flight details.
For assistance, call our toll-free number at 1-888-912-0061.
2. Can I change my flight date on Expedia?
Yes, you can change your flight date on Expedia by accessing your trip details through “My Trips” on the Expedia website or app. Select the flight you want to modify, click on “Change,” and follow the prompts to select a new date. Be aware that there may be change fees and fare differences.
For help, contact us at 1-888-912-0061.
3. Is there a fee to change a flight on Expedia?
Change fees may apply when modifying a flight on Expedia, depending on the airline’s policies and fare rules. The fee will be displayed during the change process, and you will need to pay any fare difference.
For more information, call our toll-free support at 1-888-912-0061.
4. How can I check if my flight change request was processed?
To verify if your flight change request was processed, log in to your Expedia account and check “My Trips.” You will see the updated flight details and a confirmation email will be sent to you once the change is confirmed.
For further assistance, reach out to our toll-free number at 1-888-912-0061.
5. Can I change my flight on Expedia if it’s within 24 hours of departure?
Changing a flight within 24 hours of departure may be restricted by the airline’s policies. You should contact Expedia customer service or the airline directly to inquire about available options and potential fees.
For urgent assistance, call 1-888-912-0061.
6. How do I change a flight booked with Expedia using a travel credit?
To use travel credits for changing a flight booked with Expedia, log in to your account, access “My Trips,” and select the flight you want to modify. During the payment process, you will have the option to apply your travel credit. Follow the prompts to complete the change.
For help with travel credits, contact our toll-free support at 1-888-912-0061.
7. What should I do if I encounter issues changing my flight on Expedia?
If you face issues changing your flight on Expedia, try refreshing the page or clearing your browser cache. If the problem persists, contact Expedia customer service for assistance.
Final Thoughts
Changing a flight on Expedia can be a simple process if you know the steps and understand the policies involved. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden change in plans or simply need to adjust your itinerary, following this guide will help you manage the process smoothly. Remember, if you ever need assistance or have any questions, Expedia’s customer service is available at 1-888-912-0061 to help you navigate any challenges.