Flexible flight tickets can offer handy booking perks, but what's included varies. Here’s everything you need to know
What is a flexible flight ticket?
A flexible ticket is a flight ticket which offers the ability to cancel or amend aspects of your booking. Often the most basic tickets will not allow date, route or other alterations at all – you must simply book a new ticket and pay the full price again. With a flexible ticket, you will pay a slightly higher price at the point of purchase, but have the ability to make amends for a small fee – or even for free.
What do I need to know about flexible flight tickets?
Each airline has its own version of flexible tickets and it can be confusing. Some offer various fares at the point of purchase which including different levels of flexibility. Some offer bolt-ons at check out to cover any future changes.
Each option comes with different conditions, such as the time frame within which you can make changes, and limitations on the kind of changes you can make. They can also determine what kind of refund you may be entitled to should you cancel your ticket (i.e. a full refund, a percentage of the ticket cost or a voucher).
It’s worth noting that you may receive preferential flexibility options if you belong to an airline’s loyalty scheme, so it’s good to look into this before you book.
Read on to see what major airlines offer when it comes to flexible ticketing*.
Airline | Date, time, route and name change policies** | Cancellation fees*** | Time limits for changes/ cancellations |
|---|---|---|---|
Specific fare classes allow unlimited changes | Specific fare classes allow voucher or cash refunds | Must apply for a voucher at least 2 hours before flight | |
No changes permitted on basic fares, all other fares allow changes for a fee, fare difference or for free | More expensive fares offer full refunds, while Flex fares require a fee | Up to 2 hours before departure | |
Basic economy fares offer changes for a fee, higher fares offer free changes | Lowest economy fares are non-refundable, other fares are for a fee or free dependant | ||
Free within +/-1 day on Inclusive Plus fares | All tickets are non-refundable after 24-hours from booking | Up to 2 hours before departure | |
Flex Fare allows changes for a fee, Flex Plus fares allow changes for free | Flex Fare allows cancellations for a fee, Flex Plus fares allow cancellations for free | ||
Dependant on which of the three flexible ticket options you select | Dependant on which of the three flexible ticket options you select | All change/refund requests must be made more than 15 days from departure | |
No route changes allowed. Date and name changes for a fee | All flights are non-refundable | ||
Various depending on point of departure Free for Business and First class bookings | Various depending on point of departure | ||
Free for Platinum and Gold Privilege Club members Between 25 and 100 USD for Silver and Burgundy members Under three hours, no refund | Free for Platinum and Gold Privilege Club members Between 25 and 100 USD for Silver and Burgundy members Under three hours, no refund | Up to 3 hours before the flight | |
£45 if made online, £60 at airport or through call centre Name changes are £115 online, £160 through call centre | All flights are non-refundable | Up to 2.5 hours before departure | |
TUI have partnered with Ryanair. Refer to their policies | TUI have partnered with Ryanair. Refer to their policies | TUI have partnered with Ryanair. Refer to their policies | |
Various across their ‘flexible’ ticketing options | Various across their ‘flexible’ ticketing options | Depending on route and ticket type | |
Flex’ fares offer unlimited changes Regular fares have change fees which vary by class and route | Flex fares are fully refundable Regular fares have cancellation fees | Dependent on the change and ticket type | |
Unlimited date and routes (not name) changes with Wizz Flex 40-50 euros for date changes 70 euros for name changes | Full refund with Wizz Flex 30-120 euros | Up to 3 hours before departure |
Flexible flight FAQs
How to book flexible flights
Once you’ve found your flight, check the policy on the airline’s website before you book. You may well find they are still offering flexible, changeable or refundable fares free of charge
If not, consider a higher cabin class, or look to see if you can add extra flexibility. Despite blanket flexible policies being reversed, many airlines still offer changeable tickets for an extra fee
Flexible travel doesn’t stop at flights. You can book hotels and car hire with us, then amend later, too. Just hit the ‘Free cancellation’ filter option when you search on our website or app
*Be aware that ticket flexibility can depend on a range of conditions not covered in detail here, including arrival and departure points, routes, loyalty scheme benefits and whether you make the changes online or through a call centre.
**Even if you are not charged change fees, you will usually have to pay the difference in price for the new flight if it’s more expensive than the cost of the original flight.
***Most airlines will issue a full refund if you cancel within 24-hours of booking, regardless of the ticket type booked
