Changing flights last minute...

[dale62676]

Hi folks,
This question is actually for a trip to DLR next month. But it's a general airfare question. I booked a roundtrip flight on Jetblue to Long Beach Airport when they had a 1-day sale. Each way only cost $80 from Boston, and with a flight credit, it only ended up costing me $70 roundtrip. Really good deal!
But now I'd like to add a day to my trip, but Jetblue has a $100 fee for any changes or cancellations. I don't want to pay that fee, on top of paying another night at the hotel, and the higher cost of the new flight (on a really tight budget). Would anyone go ahead and book the new flight, and not cancel the old one, leaving the reservation stand with that seat empty? Technically, I'm losing $35 by not canceling the flight and not flying on it, but that's better than $135, right?
Anyone have experience with changing flights and fees with Jetblue (or any other airline)? Thanks!

 

[Kathymcbain]

Sure, I would leave the seat and book another flight if that works out better for you. The airline doesn't care - the seat was paid for.

Here's the deal though - are you talking about the outbound or return flight on your trip? If you don't show up for the first flight on a round trip ticket, the airline WILL cancel your remaining flights. I believe it's a security measure, but it's happened to me.

So, let's say you're flying from BOS to Long Beach on June 1
Returning to BOS on June 6

Now you want to leave on May 31, so you buy a new ticket and don't show up on June 1 because you already flew. When you show up in Long Beach to catch your flight home, it most likely will have been canceled because you never showed up for the original flight.

If you booked two one way tickets, this shouldn't be a concern.

 

[dale62676]

Yikes, I didn't realize that! It is my first flight that I want to change.
I just read that Jetblue is going to change their policy, that if you want to cancel or change a flight that cost under $100, the new fee will be $50. But the change doesn't occur until August 1st!
I think I might just have to stick with the flights I have.