If you've booked a flight with Emirates and need to make changes to your itinerary, you may be wondering about the Emirates change fee. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about the Emirates flight change fee, including what it is, how much it costs, and how to avoid paying it.

What is the Emirates Change Fee?

The Emirates change fee is a fee that Emirates charges customers who need to make changes to their flight itinerary after booking. The fee is in place to cover the administrative costs associated with making changes to a booking, such as updating the airline's reservation system and issuing new tickets.

The change fee varies depending on a few factors, such as the type of ticket purchased, the destination, and the time of the change. It's important to note that the Emirates change fee is separate from any difference in fare that may apply if the new flight is more expensive than the original one.

How Much Does the Emirates Change Fee Cost?

The cost of the Emirates change fee depends on the type of ticket you've purchased, as well as the time of the change. Generally speaking, the earlier you make the change, the lower the fee will be.

If you've purchased a Flex or Flex Plus ticket, you can make unlimited changes to your booking without incurring a change fee. If you have an Saver ticket, the change fee will depend on how far in advance you make the change.

For changes made more than 7 days before departure, the change fee for Saver tickets is USD 200 for short-haul flights and USD 300 for long-haul flights. For changes made within 7 days of departure, the change fee increases to USD 250 for short-haul flights and USD 400 for long-haul flights.

If you've purchased a Special ticket, the change fee is higher. For changes made more than 7 days before departure, the change fee for Special tickets is USD 250 for short-haul flights and USD 450 for long-haul flights. For changes made within 7 days of departure, the change fee increases to USD 300 for short-haul flights and USD 500 for long-haul flights.

How to Avoid Paying the Emirates Change Fee?

There are a few ways you can avoid paying the Emirates change fee. The first is to purchase a Flex or Flex Plus ticket, which allows you to make unlimited changes to your booking without incurring any fees. These tickets are more expensive than Saver and Special tickets, but they offer more flexibility.

Another way to avoid paying the Emirates change fee is to make changes to your booking well in advance of your departure date. If you need to make changes within 7 days of departure, you'll be charged a higher fee than if you make changes further in advance.

You can also avoid paying the Emirates change fee by booking directly with the airline. Third-party travel agents may charge their own change fees, in addition to the Emirates change fee, so booking directly with Emirates can save you money.

Finally, consider purchasing travel insurance that includes coverage for flight changes or cancellations. Depending on the policy, your insurance may cover the cost of the change fee.

Final Thoughts

The Emirates change fee is an important consideration if you need to make changes to your flight itinerary. While the fee can be expensive, there are ways to avoid paying it, such as purchasing a Flex or Flex Plus ticket or making changes well in advance of your departure date.

If you do need to make changes to your booking, be sure to check the Emirates website for the most up-to-date information on change fees and policies. And remember, booking directly with Emirates can save you money and hassle in the long run.