MOD220

This is what drives me crazy about airlines. Charging me a change fee in excess of the value of the ticket. Not to mention, since I purchased two one way tickets, its actually cheaper to buy a new ticket altogether. How can anyone rationalize a "fee" exceeding the cost of the "service?" Insane...Been Platinum with AA but a first time flyer with Jet Blue or Southwest gets treated better than someone who has logged hundreds of AA flights...sad

linglingfool

Precisely why I refrain from booking round-trips, where possible.

beachfan

If you booked this morning, can’t you cancel within 24 hours (unless it’s close in)?

JDiver

If you’re not traveling within seven days, why not choose to use your free 24 hour cancellation right and book what you need?

lds89

You're within 24 hours. Cancel it and get a full refund. Then book the new flight

ricktoronto

But if you actually took the trip you'd be bragging to everyone in earshot how you worked such a great deal on the flights.

But then when you want to modify dirt cheap restricted fares the airlines are pirates.

rjw242

Then fly JetBlue or Southwest. Take responsibility for your own choices.

cedric

This. Or purchase a flexible ticket if plans might change - that's exactly what they're there for!

jpsj

Not helpful

CPRich

You'd prefer if the ticket was $500? Were you unaware that the ticket would have a cancellation penalty? There wasn't a "I agree" to the T&C's of what you were purchasing? Are you upset the airline is applying the standard terms you agree to?

What exactly are you upset at the airline about?

Did I miss where Southwest provides complimentary upgrades to a "first time flyer" (thought that would be the same as, not "better than")

SamOF

Did I miss where AA provides complimentary upgrades to Platinums?

AAExecPlatFlier

bse118

Customer buys product. Either willingly ignores or thinks clearly published policies don't apply to him/her. Customer knows there are other airlines out there, that in customer's view offer better policies. Customer chooses not to use those airlines. Customer somehow thinks airline is in the wrong.

Nothing to see here. If OP is within the terms of the 24-hour cancellation rule - do it. Otherwise deal with the clearly expected consequences of your choices.

$200 change fee, and a fare that is $11 less than the originally purchased fare? That would show as an additional charge of $189 if using AA.com to change the ticket (IIRC).

(somehow, from the tone of the post, I don't think the OP is too concerned with terminology specifics of 'fare difference' vs 'change fee')

mvoight

Why not? I don't know about Jet Blue, but Southwest doesn't charge a fee for changes. You get full credit toward other flights.

mvoight

Then buy a new ticket. if you buy a $25 ticket, the change fee would still be $200.
If you don't like it, choose tickets that are refundable or fly another carrier.
This has been the norm for years.