Simple version of my question: Once a flight reservation has been changed, can the originally purchased itinerary be reinstated (without enormous fees)? Under what conditions can this be done? I am dealing with American Airlines and the trip has an international origin.


Long story: I reserved a flight for a foreign friend a few weeks ago (found the cheapest price - about $1,000), and he payed for the flight in cash at an American Airlines agency in his home country. He will be staying with me at my home and I am his visa sponsor (he is coming from a country that requires a visa). He has never been on an airplane and has no idea how to book a flight or how the system works. A few days ago, because of a miscommunication between myself and my friend (language barrier), he called the airline and changed his flight - to a different final destination (that we were planning on visiting together - but not where he should arrive). The international leg of the trip was not changed, just the domestic flight. I called the airline to try to change the flight, but they said the flight now costs more than $1,700 and I would have to pay the difference. I am a college student and I don't have the money to pay the difference, and my friend doesn't have this amount in his budget. Any suggestions? Thank-you!!