Is it possible to take an earlier flight somewhere without being billed extra?

[Scarpozzi]

I have to fly tomorrow and there are approximately 7 open seats on the flight...small plane, so it's a higher percentage than you think. I called the airline and they told me it would cost $100 to change my flight. What are my odds of showing up before the flight and sweet-talking an agent (I sure hope it's not a guy) into letting me take the earlier flight, if there's space?

 

[Scarpozzi]

By the way, it's American Airlines....

 

[Savij]

Show up early and ask. If they have empty seats they'll usually let you. You risk being stuck at the airport for longer, but I've had it work out for me multiple times (with Southwest and Delta).

 

[neutralizer]

I think it's carrier dependent. I know with Southwest if switch to an earlier flight and it's the same price as the one that you bought, it costs you nothing to switch. Otherwise you pay the difference.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Originally posted by: neutralizer
I think it's carrier dependent. I know with Southwest if switch to an earlier flight and it's the same price as the one that you bought, it costs you nothing to switch. Otherwise you pay the difference.

I never had a problem switching with smaller airlines...it always seems to be the big ones that are just plain mean about it.

 

[jimmyjam]

Most airlines will let you fly stand-by for free, so you aren't guaranteed a seat.

 

[D1gger]

You should be good if you just show up and see if there is an open seat.

 

[kranky]

What might be in your favor is if the flight you are booked on is full or overbooked. A friendly gate agent might waive the $100 to let you on the less-than-full earlier flight (if it actually ends up with unsold seats) as they could potentially sell another seat on the later flight.

I think all you can do is go early and try.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Most airlines will let you fly stand-by for free, so you aren't guaranteed a seat.

I will be if I can tie someone else from that flight up in teh bathroom and lock the door on my way out.

 

[neutralizer]

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
I will be if I can tie someone else from that flight up in teh bathroom and lock the door on my way out.

LMAO. That'd be hilarious.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Originally posted by: neutralizer

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
I will be if I can tie someone else from that flight up in teh bathroom and lock the door on my way out.

LMAO. That'd be hilarious.

That sure would beat trying to fly in the lavatory seat...

 

[doze]

It usually depends on what kind of ticket you bought and ho wmany frequent flyer miles you have. If you have the super cheapo ticket and little miles then the answer is almost definitely no. The airlines couldn't give a crap about customer service anymore and most of them are broke.

 

[DainBramaged]

It won't hurt to show up early and ask unless you are averse to spending a little extra time at the airport.

 

[DieselUV]

i thought it depends on if there are seats avail and how nice the person at the desk is.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Same day will usually not cost you a fee if you are at the airport gate and they have an open seat after boarding starts.

Trying to officially rebook may cost youi.