Originally Posted by orbitmic

+1 on all your answer. Few additional points:

- Change would not be possible if your Dad is flying on a promo award as those are not changeable. My guess is that he was put on the last flight of the day because it was the only one with availability and to me it makes it unlikely he is travelling on a flex award.

- Status makes no difference, either on the paid or award ticket. Rules on changes are the same for everyone.

- You say that your father tried to ring FB to change but 'no luck' can you be more specific? Did they just say it is not possible with his ticket, or that the flight is full? Also has your mother tried ringing to ask about her own paid ticket?

- Luggage clearly makes it harder (and airlines won't accept a change - even if allowable ticketwise - if baggage is checked and there is less than two hours between the moment the change is effected and the departure of the flight - e.g. if your mother's flight is changeable and she requests to be moved to your father's flight 1h30 before her flight but has checked luggage, it will normally be refused).

- I would recommend asking in SFO rather than waiting at AMS. The AMS people are typically not a flexible bunch and as mentioned the luggage will be an issue. If something is doable ticket wise, it may be easier to organise at SFO.