We have tickets DEN-IAH that cost us about $420 each. However, we will need to change this to DEN-DFW and the cost of that right now is about $260.

So when we make the change, I assume we'll have to pay the $100 change fee per ticket, then do we get a credit for the fare difference of $160 each? Or do we lose that fare difference? If we get the credit, do we have to pay another $100 change fee to apply it toward a new ticket?

Thanks!

Is the $420 rate a fully-refundable "Y" class fare tkt, if so then the answer is no CF applies and you would be able to get a refund.

The dreaded "N" class (at that rate I highly doubt this applies) does not allow any changes, so if you miss your flight...you are SOL.

If the tkt is anything but those two classes, then you answered your own question only partially correct. The $100 CF applies, but there is no refund on the difference.

If the tkt is not fully-refundable, I'd recommend that you purchase the new lower priced tkt and hold on to the unused tkt for another time. Just be sure to retain the original tkt number in order to reapply it. You will have up to 365 days (one year) from the original travel date to apply it toward future travel--keep in mind any fare difference and the CF. As long as you apply the value for a tkt just under the $420 range you only have to worry about the CF.

Check with reservations to confirm this. YMMV. Sorry for not responding earlier, I wanted to ask at the station just to get consensus before responding.

LAX Gambit is absolutely correct on all points - unfortunately, the system isn't so cut and dry as other airlines' - there is no refund on the difference in fare.

Definitely hold on to your original ticket number (also known as a "VCR" - Virtual Coupon Record) because your PNR (aka "confirmation number") will be purged after about a week after your flight.

Thanks for the info! The tickets are not fully-refundable, so I think we will do as suggested - purchase the new ticket and save the unusued tickets for a more expensive fare.