V-Flyer

I am flying out tomorrow JFK-LHR and would prefer to take an earlier flight. Does VA allow same day flight changes for no or nominal fee? Has anyone done this? If so, did you do so by calling VA or by going to the ticket counter early at JFK?

Bottom line - not unless it suits them. Same for all transatlantic European travellers. If you want flexible you pay for flexible otherwise no point in paying for it.

What fare code is your ticket?

If Y, W, or J, then no problem, just ring them up and if there's a seat you'll be able to change.

Even on other fare codes, also give them a ring, I've changed non-flex tickets for same day earlier flights before, although not sure whether this is allowed or 'I got away with it'!

No harm in asking but be prepared for a 'no' and not to specify which earlier flight you want. Ask 'is it possible ... ?' or 'I was wondering if ... ?' and if they say no leave it at that

Hi vandyalum

Welcome to V-Flyer.

I have done it on a New York flight on an "inflexible ticket" and they charged me $275 as I recall. I had to do this as I had an unplanned connecting flight to catch.

If you can risk it, it may be worth turning up very early and simply asking at check-in. I have a colleague who has done this several times with BA on flights back to the UK and if they have had space available they have just given him a boarding pass for the earlier flight.

The main with this risk being that the earlier flight is full.

It depends on how strong your preference/need to fly earlier is.