Airlines are charging for everything these days.
Things that used to be included in an airfare -- snacks, checked bags, seat selection, printed tickets -- are now "extras." But $2 for a soda pales in comparison to what airlines charge for changing a flight.
Nobody likes change fees -- except the airlines. In 2014, change fees brought in $3 billion for U.S.-based airlines, according to the Department of Transportation.
There are ways for passengers to avoid those fees, though. Next time you need to change an economy ticket, be prepared.
If you know you need flexibility, buy it ahead of time
When buying a ticket, it's important to be aware of what's included in the price.
JetBlue offers a multi-tiered ticketing system; The highest tier, called "Blue Flex," offers customers the ability to change flights without paying a fee. Similarly, purchasing a refundable ticket in lieu of nonrefundable may be more expensive (up to 350% more), but more prudent for indecisive travelers -- just make sure the refundable ticket costs less than an airline's change fee.
If you're trying to justify upgrading cabins, business and first class fliers usually get out of change fees free -- plus, you know, all those other perks.
Shout out to Christian at @JetBlue for waving my $50 change fee this am. Made going back to reality that much easier. #holidaytravel #thanks— Carly Petrone (@carlypea) January 4, 2016
You have 24 hours
All U.S. airlines are required under federal law to provide refunds within 24 hours. Airlines can either offer a free hold on the quoted price, or a no-penalty cancellation in the day after booking.
The only thing airlines agree on is 24-hour free cancellation -- anything more than that and the lines start to get blurry.
@AmericanAir disappointed you expect me to pay a change fee when you changed my flight time. I purposely booked the 5am flight for layover— Kelly Eull (@keull) January 4, 2016
Know your airline's policy
Delta, United and American all charge $200 to change a domestic flight. JetBlue and Virgin are slightly cheaper, with prices ranging form $70 to $150.
Changing an international flight is the most expensive, with prices ranging from $500 to $750. However, some airlines offer options for customers looking for a way around change fees.
United passengers can purchase FareLock, a $5 to $20 service that allows travelers put nonrefundable airfare on hold for up to seven days.
Allegiant offers a similar service called "Trip Flex." Customers may cancel without penalty up to a week before travel. Prices range from $8 to $20. If a passenger does not purchase "Trip Flex," a $75 change fee will apply.
Any time more than 60 days before departure, Alaska Air passengers can change reservations without fees.
Southwest remains the only American airline that does not charge any change fees -- customers only pay the difference in fare when changing a flight.
Thank you, @SouthwestAir, for making it so easy to change a flight and for not charging me a fee to do so. I even ended up with a $6 credit!— OfficeBoundTraveler (@3wks) December 30, 2015
Compare change fees to the cost of a new flight
If you are looking at paying a change fee, confirm that the fee -- and any difference in fare -- is less expensive than a completely new flight.
Sometimes travelers are better off eating the price of the original flight, and instead purchasing a completely new one to avoid shelling out more money than necessary.
Been a very loyal @Delta customer for years. Might be ending. Today changing a flight- "no fare increase, 200 DOLLAR change fee" 200! Gouge!— Steve H. Shunck (@SHUNCK) January 5, 2016
If all else fails, wait
In the event of mechanical issues or inclement weather, the airline may offer a get-out-of-change-fees free card in the form of a waiver for specific travel dates. It's not guaranteed by any means, but it's not a bad final resort.
And finally, there's one fairly foolproof way to get out of paying change fees: Dying.