Flexible flights give you peace of mind when schedules change. Many airlines now offer options to switch dates or destinations with ease. Here's everything you need to know about booking flexible flights.
Everything you need to know about flexible flights
Flexible flights is a pretty broad term, so what does it mean and how can it help you? Here’s information that can help explain flexible flights and how to book them.
What is a flexible flight?
A flexible flight is a ticket that allows you to change your travel dates, times, or sometimes even your destination without paying the usual high fees. It gives travellers more freedom to adjust plans if something unexpected comes up. Flexible flights are often more expensive than the base fares, which tend to only allow flight changes for a fee.
To find out the true cost of changing your ticket you'll need to consider the fare difference plus the change fee.
Can I buy a plane ticket without a set date?
You need to set a date when you book most flights. However, if you buy a flexible ticket, you can move the flight date and time until the ticket’s validity period ends. However, you may have to pay the difference in fare, depending on the ticket’s terms and conditions.
What are open airline tickets?
Whilst tickets with flexible policies still have a set departure date that could be subject to change depending on circumstances, open tickets have historically been flight tickets with a set departure date but a flexible return date. These are becoming less common as airlines focus on fine-tuning their flight schedules and filling their seats.
Can I buy flexible flight tickets for last-minute flights?
Yes, many airlines offer flexible airfare tickets even for last-minute flights. However, they may cost more than standard fares, so it’s best to compare options before booking.
Can I buy flexible plane tickets for direct flights?
Yes, you can buy flexible tickets for direct flights. Some airlines may also offer changes or cancellations on both legs of a flight with a stopover. Just check each airline’s policy carefully before you book.
Airlines offering flexible flight tickets
Airlines vary when it comes to flexible flights. Some offer free flight changes as part of their lowest-level fare, while others only offer this as part of a higher fare. You'll almost always have to pay the difference (or may even be refunded) between the original ticket and your updated ticket.
Here are a few major airlines current policies as of September 2025.
Airline | Policy |
|---|---|
Air New Zealand | Flexi: Allows free flight changes and fully refundable fare with no refund fee for cancellations. Domestic flights have a FlexiChange (no change fee) and FlexiRefund (fully refundable) options. |
Emirates | Flex Plus for economy flights includes free flight changes and flight cancellation. |
Jetstar | Flex and Flex Plus waive change fees and provide a credit voucher for cancellations. |
Qantas | Flex allows for free flight changes and cancellation for a flight credit or refund. |
Singapore Airlines | Flexi fare conditions allow for free flight changes. Cancellations come with a fee. |
Virgin Australia | Flex fares allow for free flight changes. Cancellations come with a fee. |
How to book flexible airline tickets
Almost all airlines offer flexible airline tickets usually for a higher price than their base level fare.
Search for flights on the Skyscanner website or Skyscanner App.
Once you see a flight you like, click on it. You'll be redirected to the airline or online travel agent to complete your booking.
If you're provided with multiple ticket options, prioritise the ticket with a flexible change or cancellation options. Be sure to read the fine print to see if changing or cancelling your ticket will come with a fee, or if you'll only be paying for the fare difference.
Complete your booking.
Flexible travel doesn’t stop at flights. You can book hotels and car hire with Skyscanner, then amend later, too. Just hit the 'Free cancellation’ filter option when you search on the website or app.
Consider buying travel insurance with airline fare coverage should your plans change due to changes in your circumstances.
