Bolivian Airlines: Ticket Change Fees And What To Expect

If you're looking to fly to Bolivia, you'll want to know about change fees. Change and cancellation fees vary by airline, and some have eliminated them altogether. For example, Southwest Airlines has long been the only domestic airline that doesn't charge change or cancellation fees, and it still doesn't. Meanwhile, Delta, United, and American Airlines have permanently eliminated change and cancellation fees for economy fares and higher.

For international flights, change fees can range from $100 to $500. For instance, JetBlue charges a $100 to $200 cancellation fee, while British Airways publishes a range of $100 to $500 for change and cancellation fees.

If you're flying within Bolivia, Boliviana de Aviación charges a fee for changing flights, but the amount depends on the ticket class and route.

To avoid change fees, consider booking with an airline that has eliminated them, or make any changes within 24 hours of booking, as many airlines allow free changes within this time frame.

Change fees for international flights can be as high as $500

Change fees for international flights can be extremely expensive, with some fees as high as $500. However, it is important to note that the cost of changing a flight depends on various factors, including the airline, the type of ticket, and the specific terms and conditions of your booking.

Some airlines have introduced greater flexibility in response to the pandemic, waiving change fees or allowing free changes for a limited time. For example, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines have all permanently eliminated change fees for certain types of fares, such as standard or economy fares. In addition, some airlines may waive change fees in specific circumstances, such as in cases of personal injury, illness, or the death of a family member.

To avoid high change fees, it is generally recommended to change or cancel your ticket as soon as possible after booking. Many airlines allow free changes within 24 hours of booking, and some may even allow free changes up to a week before departure. Additionally, it is worth considering the potential cost of changing a round-trip flight versus a one-way flight. Round-trip fares typically incur higher change fees than one-way fares, so it may be more affordable to book a new one-way flight instead of paying the cancellation fee for a round-trip ticket.

When changing an international flight, it is essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of your booking, understand the specific policies of the airline, and be prepared to provide any necessary documentation to support your request for a change. By staying informed and proactive, you can help minimize the financial impact of changing your travel plans.

Change fees for domestic flights can be as low as $25

Other airlines, such as American Airlines, have eliminated change fees for domestic flights, while Southwest Airlines has never charged change fees. However, some airlines, like Frontier Airlines, charge higher fees for changing flights, with costs ranging from $49 to $99 depending on how far in advance the change is made.

International change fees, on the other hand, tend to be much higher, often ranging from $100 to over $500.

Change fees may be waived in the event of a family emergency

Bolivia Airlines has a cancellation policy that allows passengers to cancel their flight ticket within 24 hours of booking. If you forget to cancel your ticket, you can do so up to 1 hour before your flight's departure, but a small cancellation fee will be charged.

In certain circumstances, such as a medical emergency, Bolivia Airlines may waive cancellation fees or offer other accommodations. It is always best to contact the airline directly to discuss your options.

If you cancel your flight at least 60 days prior to departure, or within 24 hours as long as it departs at least 7 days later, you will be entitled to a full refund. Additionally, if your flight is delayed by at least 2 hours, or if it is rescheduled and the new flight does not suit you, you can also receive a full refund.

To cancel your flight, you can either log into your account on the Bolivia Airlines website and navigate to the "My Trips" section, or call their customer service hotline.

If you are facing a family emergency and need to change or cancel your flight, it is recommended to contact Bolivia Airlines directly to discuss your options and find out if any change fees can be waived.

Change fees may be waived in the event of a schedule change

While change fees are typically charged by airlines when you adjust your itinerary, there are some circumstances in which these fees may be waived. One such scenario is when there is a schedule change by the airline.

Airlines often change flight schedules, which can be inconvenient for passengers. Even if the schedule change seems minor or does not affect you significantly, you may be able to use this as an opportunity to waive any cancellation fees. This is especially true for confirmed passengers who booked directly with the airline. If you do not accept the new schedule, you may be able to cancel your flight without a fee. However, it is important to note that airlines generally do not allow cancellations without a fee if the schedule change is minor. More leeway is usually given if the new flight schedule significantly impacts your plans.

For example, let's say you booked a flight with Boliviana de Aviación, and they changed your flight schedule by moving your departure time earlier. In this case, you could choose to reject the new schedule and request a cancellation without incurring a change fee. However, you may need to provide a valid reason for rejecting the new schedule, such as a conflict with your plans or a significant impact on your travel arrangements.

It is worth noting that the decision to waive change fees in the event of a schedule change is ultimately at the airline's discretion. Each airline has its own policies and procedures for handling schedule changes and change fees, so it is important to review the specific rules of the airline you are travelling with. Some airlines may have more flexible policies than others, and it is always a good idea to familiarise yourself with their terms and conditions before booking your flight.

Additionally, it is important to act promptly if you wish to take advantage of a schedule change to waive your change fees. Airlines may have time limits or restrictions on when you can make changes to your reservation without incurring fees. Therefore, it is advisable to monitor your flight details closely and be proactive in contacting the airline if any schedule changes occur.

Change fees may be avoided by purchasing a flexible ticket

Change and cancellation fees can be a real headache for travellers, and they can be very expensive. However, there are some ways to avoid these fees, and it all starts with purchasing a flexible ticket.

The 24-hour rule

Airlines are required by law to offer free 24-hour holds or refunds within 24 hours of booking, as long as the flight is more than seven days in the future. This gives travellers time to double-check their itinerary and make sure all the details are correct. It also allows for some flexibility if travel plans change suddenly.

Travel waivers

Airlines will sometimes issue travel waivers during times of anticipated delays or cancellations. This could be due to bad weather or natural disasters. Travel waivers allow travellers to change or cancel their flights without incurring fees. Airlines may also email travellers directly if they are eligible for a travel waiver, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on your inbox before travelling.

Schedule changes

If there is a change to your flight's schedule, such as a change in departure or arrival time, you may be able to change or cancel your flight for free. Many airlines will offer a full refund if your flight's departure or arrival time is changed by 90 minutes or more. However, schedule change policies vary from airline to airline, so be sure to check with your specific carrier.

Credit card coverage

If you used a credit card to pay for your booking, you may be able to take advantage of trip cancellation and interruption insurance. This protection may cover any change or cancellation fees you incur, as well as other eligible non-refundable expenses. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers up to $10,000 in reimbursement per trip if you have a covered reason for cancelling or changing your trip.

Elite status

Having elite status with an airline can come with some perks, including waived change fees. Certain tiers with select carriers will waive change fees on same-day changes, giving you added flexibility if you need to move to an earlier or later flight.

Other tips

• Know the airline's cancellation policy before booking. Some airlines, like Southwest, have very flexible change and cancellation policies, while others are much stricter.
• Book round-trip flights whenever possible. If you book two one-way tickets and your plans change, you could end up paying a change or cancellation fee for both.
• Be sure of your plans before booking. Triple-check that your flight itinerary is correct and that you are committed to your travel plans.

Frequently asked questions