The 2020 airline change fee elimination was a major win for travelers — but it's not universal, and it doesn't apply to all fare types. This guide tells you exactly what each major airline charges (or doesn't charge) for flight changes in 2026, and how to get your flight changed with the minimum possible cost. For immediate help changing any flight, call (833) 754-8013 — our agents handle flight changes on all 8 carriers, 24/7.

Change Fee Status — All Major Airlines 2026

AirlineBasic EconomyStandard EconomyBusiness/First
DeltaNo changes allowed$0 change fee$0 change fee
UnitedNo changes allowed$0 change fee$0 change fee
AmericanNo changes allowed$0 change fee$0 change fee
SouthwestN/A$0 — always$0 — always
British AirwaysNot changeableFee applies (£30–200)Flexible
LufthansaNot changeableFees vary by fareReduced fees
Air CanadaNo changes$0 change fee$0 change fee
Qatar AirwaysNot changeableFees vary ($50–200)Business Flex: $0

The "No Change Fee" Catch — Fare Differences

When Delta, United, or American say "no change fee," they mean the administrative fee is $0. However, you still pay the fare difference between your original ticket and the new flight. If the new flight is more expensive at the time of change (which is common for last-minute rebooking), you pay that difference. Example: Original ticket was $199; new flight is $289 at time of change — you pay $90.

If the new flight is cheaper, you receive a travel credit (not cash) for the difference.

How to Minimize Your Flight Change Cost

  1. Don't buy Basic Economy unless your plans are 100% certain — the no-change policy costs more than the ticket price difference
  2. Change as early as possible — prices for the new flight are lower further out from departure
  3. Ask for same-day change standby — often free if you want the same route, different time
  4. Call on Tuesday morning — fares are typically lowest then, so fare differences are smallest
  5. Request a schedule change waiver — if the airline changed your original flight, you can change without fee or fare difference

Changing International Flights — Special Considerations

For British Airways, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways — which still have structured change fees on restricted economy fares — our agents often find ways to minimize costs:

Frequently Asked Questions — Change Fees

Do airlines still charge change fees in 2026?
Most major US carriers — Delta, United, American, Southwest, and Alaska — eliminated change fees in 2020. However, Basic Economy tickets on Delta, United, and American still cannot be changed. British Airways, Lufthansa, and most international carriers still charge fees on restrictive economy fares.
What is the change fee on British Airways?
British Airways change fees depend on your fare class and route. Economy Light fares are non-changeable. Economy (standard) and above allow changes with fees ranging from £30–£200 depending on route. Business and First Class are generally more flexible.
Can I change a non-refundable flight?
On Delta, United, and American, yes — you can change a non-refundable Main Cabin ticket with no change fee, paying only the fare difference. On airlines that still charge fees (British Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar), you pay both the change fee and any fare difference.
What if the new flight is cheaper — do I get a refund?
On Delta, United, and American, if the new flight is cheaper, the difference is issued as a travel credit. On Southwest, you receive the difference back as travel funds. You do not receive cash back (except on fully refundable fares).

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Disclaimer: ProBookFlightsHub is an independent third-party travel service provider. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air Canada, or Qatar Airways. All flight policies described in this article are subject to change by the respective airline. Always confirm current policies directly. For assistance, call (833) 754-8013.