1-877-784-5049 | Alaska Airlines Same Day Flight Changes
Travel plans often shift unexpectedly, and many passengers find themselves needing to change their flights at the last minute. If you’re flying with Alaska Airlines, you have the flexibility of making same-day flight changes, which allow you to adjust your schedule without the hassle of rebooking a new flight at full price. Understanding Alaska Airlines same day flight change policies, fees, and eligibility criteria can help you manage these last-minute changes with ease. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about same-day flight changes with Alaska Airlines, including the process, fees, and eligibility. If you have further questions, Alaska Airlines’ toll-free customer service number, 1-877-784-5049, is available for assistance.
What Is Alaska Airlines’ Same-Day Flight Change Policy?
Alaska Airlines offers passengers the option of making a same day flight change. This policy allows you to confirm a seat on a different flight that departs on the same calendar day as your original flight. This flexibility is ideal for travelers who may want to catch an earlier or later flight on the same day due to scheduling changes.
Key aspects of the policy include:
- Confirmed Changes: Alaska Airlines allows you to confirm a same day change if there are available seats on a flight departing on the same day as your original booking.
- Same Day Standby: If a confirmed change is not available, passengers can opt for standby, which allows them to board the flight if seats become available at the last minute.
- Fees: While the same day confirmed change is subject to a nominal fee, the policy ensures that passengers won’t have to pay the full fare difference for a new ticket.
How Much Does an Alaska Airlines Same Day Flight Change Cost?
The fee for a same day confirmed flight change is relatively affordable compared to purchasing a new ticket. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
- Same Day Confirmed Change Fee: Alaska Airlines charges a $50 fee for making a confirmed same day flight change. This fee applies to most fare types except for First-Class fares, where the change is often free, depending on the ticket’s terms.
- No Fare Difference: One of the key benefits of the same day flight change policy is that you won’t be responsible for the fare difference between your original ticket and the new flight. You’ll simply pay the flat $50 fee, as long as seats are available.
- Elite Status Members: If you’re an MVP Gold or MVP Gold 75K Mileage Plan member, you can enjoy the benefit of free same day confirmed changes. This waiver of fees is one of the many perks Alaska Airlines offers to its elite frequent flyers.
It’s important to note that the $50 fee applies to one-way flights. If you need to change a round-trip itinerary, you’ll be charged $50 for each leg of your journey.
How to Make a Same Day Flight Change with Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines makes it easy for passengers to make same day changes either online, through the mobile app, or by calling customer service. Here’s a step-by-step guide for each method:
1. Change Your Flight Online
- Step 1: Visit www.alaskaair.com and log in to your Mileage Plan account. If you don’t have an account, you can enter your booking reference number and last name under “Manage Reservations.”
- Step 2: Select the flight you wish to change, and look for the option to make a “Same Day Change.”
- Step 3: Review available flights that depart the same day as your original flight. If a confirmed seat is available, you can choose the new flight and pay the $50 fee to finalize the change.
- Step 4: Once confirmed, you’ll receive a new booking confirmation via email with your updated itinerary.
2. Change Your Flight via Mobile App
- Step 1: Open the Alaska Airlines mobile app and log in to your account.
- Step 2: Access the “My Trips” section and select the flight you wish to change.
- Step 3: Look for the option to make a same day flight change. You’ll be presented with available flights that leave the same day.
- Step 4: Choose your preferred flight and pay the $50 change fee to confirm. Your new itinerary will be sent to your email.
3. Change Your Flight by Phone
- Step 1: Call Alaska Airlines’ toll-free number at 1-877-784-5049 to speak with a customer service representative.
- Step 2: Provide your booking reference number and explain that you’d like to make a same day confirmed change.
- Step 3: The representative will check for available flights and help you book a seat on the new flight for a $50 fee, provided there is availability.
- Step 4: You’ll receive a new confirmation email with the details of your updated flight.
4. Same-Day Standby Option
If there are no confirmed seats available on your preferred flight, you can opt for the same-day standby list. Here’s how it works:
- Check Availability: If the flight is full but you still want to try for an earlier or later departure, you can join the standby list at no additional charge.
- Boarding: If seats become available on the new flight, you will be cleared to board, typically after other passengers have been seated. Standby passengers are assigned seats on a first-come, first-served basis.
- No Extra Fee: Alaska Airlines does not charge an additional fee for standby changes.
Eligibility and Availability for Same Day Flight Changes
While Alaska Airlines offers same day flight changes for most passengers, there are some eligibility requirements and restrictions to consider:
Eligible Fare Types
- Main Cabin and First-Class Tickets: Passengers holding Main Cabin or First-Class tickets are eligible for same-day confirmed changes and standby.
- Saver Fares: Unfortunately, Saver fares are not eligible for same-day confirmed changes or standby. These deeply discounted fares come with strict limitations on changes and cancellations.
Time Restrictions
- Same Calendar Day: Alaska Airlines requires that the new flight must depart on the same calendar day as your original flight. For example, if your original flight is scheduled for 3 PM on a Wednesday, you can only make same-day changes for flights departing on that Wednesday. Changing to a flight on the following day is not permitted under this policy.
Availability of Seats
- Limited Seat Availability: Same day confirmed changes are only available if there are open seats on the desired flight. If the flight is full, you can opt for standby, but you are not guaranteed a seat.
- Within 24 Hours: Same day changes are generally allowed within 24 hours of your original departure time.
Mileage Plan Elite Members
- Elite Benefits: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members with elite status (MVP Gold and above) have additional privileges, such as waived same day change fees and priority boarding on standby lists. This makes last-minute adjustments even easier for frequent flyers.
Special Cases: Medical or Weather-Related Changes
In cases where flight changes are necessary due to medical emergencies or weather disruptions, Alaska Airlines may offer flexibility even beyond the standard same day change policy. If your flight is impacted by severe weather or other uncontrollable events, contact Alaska Airlines at 1-877-784-5049 to explore your options. In many cases, fees for changes may be waived, and passengers may be rebooked onto alternate flights at no additional cost.
FAQs: Alaska Airlines Same Day Flight Change
1. What is Alaska Airlines’ same day flight change policy?
Alaska Airlines offers a same day flight change for passengers who want to move to an earlier or later flight on the same day of their original departure. You can request a same day change starting 6 hours before your new flight. The fee is typically $50 for main cabin fares. First-class passengers can enjoy this service at no additional cost.
2. How much does it cost to change a flight on Alaska Airlines on the same day?
The fee for a same day flight change on Alaska Airlines is $50 for most main cabin tickets. However, for MVP Gold members and first-class passengers, this service is free. Always check your fare type to confirm any charges.
3. Can I change my Alaska Airlines flight on the same day for free?
Yes, MVP Gold and Gold 75K Mileage Plan members can change their flights on the same day for free. Additionally, first-class passengers are also exempt from the $50 same day change fee.
4. How do I change my Alaska Airlines flight on the same day?
To change your Alaska Airlines flight on the same day, you can visit the “Manage Trip” section on the Alaska Airlines website, use the mobile app, or call customer service at 1-877-784-5049. You can make changes up to 6 hours before the new desired flight.
5. What is the time window for a same day flight change on Alaska Airlines?
You can request a same day flight change starting 6 hours before the departure time of your desired new flight, and it must be on the same day as your original booking.
6. Does Alaska Airlines allow same day standby for flights?
Yes, Alaska Airlines offers same day standby options. If a seat is not available on your desired flight, you may still be able to fly standby. The same $50 fee applies unless you’re an MVP Gold or first-class passenger, in which case it’s free.
7. What is the toll-free number for Alaska Airlines same day flight changes?
For assistance with same day flight changes, you can call Alaska Airlines at 1-877-784-5049 for quick and easy support.
Conclusion
The Alaska Airlines same day flight change policy is a great option for passengers who need flexibility on the day of travel. With a $50 fee for confirmed changes and a free standby option, the airline offers affordable and convenient ways to adjust your schedule without breaking the bank. Whether you choose to make changes online, via the mobile app, or by calling 1-877-784-5049, the process is simple and user-friendly.
By understanding the eligibility criteria, fees, and availability of same day changes, you can make the most of Alaska Airlines’ flexible policies and manage your travel plans with ease.