How Do I Change My Flight on British Airways? (Step-by-Step Guide)

Sometimes travel plans change and due to this you need to change your flight with them. Your important time can be saved by being fully aware about how to change British Airways flight, if you need to change your flight due to certain work or personal emergency. Changes to your flight can be made easily online, by contacting customer service or by simply going to the airline?s staff at the airport.

Continue reading below to know how to make changes via different methods, change fee and when you can avoid paying the fees.

Quick Answer: How to Change a British Airways Flight

For those pressed for time, the ?short? version is:

• On the British Airways website and app, click on Manage My Booking
• Insert your booking reference here and last name.
• Click 'Change flights' and pick your preferred times or dates
• Pay any fare difference or change charge (if applicable)
• Confirm and download your e ticket that has been updated.

Most of the changes take very little time of minutes if the new flight has seats in your fare class. If your booking is a little more complex ? for example a Codeshare, multiple passengers or a travel agent ? you may have to get in touch with either British Airways or your travel agent who arranged your booking.

British Airways 24-Hour Change & Cancellation Policy

Before the details of the fees come into your mind, it's important to know about the safety British Airways provides for each booking: British Airways 24 hour cancellation policy. This rule provides some space immediately following your reservation, in case you find an error or simply change your mind.

Free Changes Within 24 Hours of Booking

You can cancel the booking and get all your money back, no questions asked, if you book with BA and realize 24 hours later that it's not what you're looking for (wrong dates, wrong airport, wrong passenger name etc.). This will apply even for so-called non-refundable fares.

What's important to note is that it's really a cancellation refund right, not a "change" as you would typically use the word. In reality, most travelers employ it to cancel the initial flight booking and to simply rebook the proper flight, thus effectively producing the same impact as a free change.

There are a couple of restrictions:

• It needs to be booked through British Airways' website.
• The refund request has to be made within 24 hours of the initial purchase.
• Valid for cash bookings and cash Avios (points) bookings.

What Counts as a Direct Booking

Bookings that are done with the British Airways are the ones which qualifies for this 24 hour rule protection. This includes:

If you've booked through a travel agency then you'll have to return to the agency to make a cancellation or change, as British Airways typically are not able to make changes to your trip if it wasn't booked directly with them.

Exceptions (Same-Day Departures, Package Bookings)

The time limit of 24 hours is not all- inclusive. There are two exceptions to consider when moving ahead with the changes:

• Same-day departures: If booked for same day flights there is no buffer period of 24 hours before the flight, hence the free flight change window does not apply.
• Package bookings: Flights booked as a package through British Airways Holidays are booked separately and they will not fall under the terms and conditions as stated above.

If these factors apply to you you will need to check the specific fare rules at booking time or contact a British Airways representative for options regarding the circumstances.

How to Change Your Flight Using Manage My Booking

Changes are most easily and cheaply made through the airline's self-service portal, British Airways Manage My Booking, which can be accessed on its website and mobile app. The use of it step by step is:

• On the website of the British Airways, or the BA app, choose 'Manage My Booking' from the main menu.
• Please enter your booking reference and surname.
• Find the flight you wish to change, and click the "Change flights" button.
• Check for new flights; type in new dates or new destinations.
• Check the total cost (includes any change fee and charge between original and new fare).
• Input payment information and approve the modification.
• Please print or send an e-ticket and itinerary to yourself.

With just a few easy steps, you can easily manage your booking and ensure that your travel plans fit your requirements, whilst you are on the go or at home.

How to Change a Flight by Phone or at the Airport

There are two other options available when if it is a complicated booking, you are unable to actually make the booking change in Manage My Booking, or just like old times, you would prefer speaking with someone in person.

• By phone: Contact your regions British Airways reservations team. Be ready with your booking reference, passport information for international travel and your preferred new travel dates when making your call ? this will make your call a lot quicker! Phone agents can coordinate multiple booking passes, special assistant and other less common itinerary adjustments that might not be available through the web site.
• At the airport: You need to go to the airlines ticket desk or check in counter when you are already at the airport and want to make changes to your flight. Booking to the later flight on the same day depends on the availability of the seats at that time and on the rules imposed by the airline. Travelers are advised that they should not choose this option widely because it does not guarantee of the booking on the same day.

Be aware that the fees for changing via phone or at an airport can be similar to those for online changes and, sometimes, an additional fee is added for the agent-assisted channel compared to Internet-only changes.

British Airways Change Fees by Fare Type

The British Airways change flight fees largely depends on the fare type you purchased. Flexible tickets can allow for changes with minimal or no cost and fees; however lower priced fares or promotional fares may impose restrictions or change fees. The majority of flights, if the new flight is more expensive, will incur an applicable fare difference as well.

Discovering what kind of fare you are before asking for a change helps you avoid any unintentional expenses and to make better choices when traveling. Be sure to check the conditions of the fare on your ticket so you can understand the charges, leniency and if you're eligible to modify it.