Ticket Question

[sp001]

Hi All,
I am new here. I recently booked a round trip ticket online. I got a great price and was really excited about my trip. Something came up and I need to change my departure to an earlier time.
Imagine my surprise when I go online and it says I can't do that!! Come to find out my tickets are value rate tickets and you cannot change the date or time! WHY??? I am willing to pay the difference if there is one! This is crazy!!
I can't cancel either because I would have to pay a 25% cancel fee!!

This is unbelievable!! Is there anything else I can do??? I really need to leave earlier.
TIA

 

[SubwayNut]

Nope, not without sacraficing 25% of your intial ticket value. (This is better than the cheapest airline tickets that don't let you change the tickets at all).

I normally spend the few extra dollars and book the more expensive Flexible tickets so I can change my plans and departures (I do this fairly frequently actually), or just cancel if I need too.

 

[sp001]

If I had realized ALL the restrictions I would have booked the more expensive ticket. I just don't understand what they are gaining by not letting me change the time! Makes no sense to me!!

 

[sp001]

What happens if I bid to upgrade and get it, then can I change the time?