Change your flights? Here's how to avoid paying exorbitant fees

Change your flights? Here's how to avoid paying outrageous fees, whether it's skipping discounted fare categories or making adjustments onlineYour ticket-specific rules should always be available before you book If you've booked directly with the carrier it is cheaper to make changes onlineMany budget carriers such as easyJet offer more flexible ticket options

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Posted: 10:53 BST, Aug 8, 2022 | Update: 11:16 BST, 08 Aug 2022

We've all been tempted by a great airfare, but what starts out as a flight might end up completing this will cost you hundreds in penalties if you want to change your plans.

If flexibility is important, avoid discount fare categories such as "Economy Light 'from Virgin Atlantic' or 'Basic Economy' from American Airlines, as they come with the higher fees.

The rules specific to your ticket must always be available before booking.

If in doubt, ask your travel agent or search online for your carrier's 'conditions of carriage'.

< p class="mol-para-with-font">If you booked directly with the airline, it is almost always cheaper to make changes online.

British Airways will generally charge £30 per ticket for changes made through their call center and £40 at the airport ticket office.

This is in addition to any other penalties incurred, which can run into the hundreds of pounds once the change fee and fare difference are added .

To make changes online, find the "Manage My Booking" section of the website.

Remember that many low-cost carriers also offer more flexible ticket options.