> In the USA, nearly all airfares are changeable, even those that are sold as "non-changeable". The vast majority of tickets sold in the USA have restrictions

> In the USA, nearly all airfares are changeable, even those that are sold as "non-changeable". The vast majority of tickets sold in the USA have restrictions on changes. > An airline industry that didn't overbook would be one where either everyone pays significantly more for their tickets, or where most tickets become truly non-changeable, as in you have to buy a totally new ticket if you change your travel date or time. This is a legacy from time long past and it wasn't the best decision back then. If you put a little thought into most airline policies you can come up with something that is both more effective and provides a better customer experience while reducing costs or increasing profits. There is simply not enough competition in the industry to force change.