Same Day Change fees by airline
Last verified: 2025-12-24This fee category is where airlines monetize confusion. Do not judge the fare in isolation; price the trip as fare plus likely add-ons.
Quick check: Check the airline page after this table to see how the rule behaves on your fare class and route.
Common way to avoid the fee: The best loophole is usually not cleverness. It is choosing a fare or airline that does not need rescuing.
What to watch: Watch route carve-outs, fare-family differences, and whether the fee is really a disguised upsell.
Published fees on this page: 3
Published fees and sources
| Airline | Amount | Applies to | Region / route | Timing | Conditions | Source | Last verified | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines (WN) | 0 USD | Choice / Choice Preferred / Choice Extra | All routes | day of travel | Free same-day change available only for Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, or Choice fares; Basic fares not eligible unless fare is upgraded | Source | 2025-12-24 | |
| American Airlines (AA) | Starts at $60; itinerary-priced USD | Eligible fares | Domestic | per request | Same-day confirmed change pricing varies by itinerary; starting at $60 | Source | 2025-12-22 | |
| Delta Air Lines (DL) | 75 USD | Eligible fares | Domestic | per request | Same-day confirmed change; waived for Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion members | Source | 2025-12-22 |
The Next step column moves from the fee row into the relevant calculator or airline-specific guide. For checked baggage, Price bags estimates the cash bill and Card break-even tests whether repeat first-bag fees can justify an eligible card on bag savings alone. For carry-on and seat rows, the next question is usually whether the fare restriction changes the real trip cost.