A reissue is when your existing ticket is exchanged for a new one with a different date, time or route. It is one of the most common requests at our ticketing desk, especially around Eid, visa delays and family emergencies. Here is how the cost is calculated and how to keep it low.
1. The two parts of a reissue cost
Every date change has two possible charges: the airline’s change fee and the fare difference. The change fee is fixed by your fare rules. The fare difference is the gap between what you originally paid and the price of the new flight today. Even “free change” fares still charge the fare difference if the new date is more expensive.
2. Change fees on popular airlines
flydubai charges AED 150 to rebook a Value fare, allows free rebooking on Flex and does not permit rebooking on Lite. flynas charges SAR 350 on Light and SAR 150 on Value for flights to and from Pakistan, with free changes on Plus. Air Arabia’s Value fare includes one free modification up to 24 hours before departure, and Ultimate includes two up to 8 hours before.
Full-service airlines work the same way. Saudia Guest Flex changes are free, Guest Basic and Semi Flex pay a fee, and Guest Saver cannot be changed voluntarily. PIA charges USD 60 for a change of booking on travel from Pakistan to Europe, plus any fare difference.
3. Deadlines and no-shows
Change before the flight departs. Many low-cost airlines stop allowing changes 24 hours, 12 hours or 4 hours before departure, depending on the fare. After departure, a missed flight is a no-show, which may cancel your return flight and attract a higher penalty.
4. Route changes and name changes
Changing the destination is usually treated as a new fare calculation and can cost much more than a date change. Airblue, for example, allows exchanges on the same sector only. Name changes to a different person are not allowed; only minor spelling corrections are possible.
5. How to pay less for a reissue
- Buy a flexible fare if your dates depend on a visa, exams or medical appointments.
- Change early, while cheaper seats are still available on the new date.
- Be flexible by a day or two on the new date to reduce the fare difference.
- Keep the same route and cabin; changing both increases the cost.
Summary
Message us your ticket number and new dates, and we will price the reissue before anything is charged, including the change fee and the exact fare difference.
BookMyFlight Travel Desk
Written by the ticketing and visa team at O.S Travel & Tours, Blue Area, Islamabad, which books flights, Umrah and visas for travellers across Pakistan. Read more guides on the O.S Travel blog.
