Does Emirates allow date changes for any reason?

This is for 2 Sri Lankan nationals. The below route can be booked 2 ways (this is a weekly route). One is through Google Flights (which takes you to emirates website) and one is through Emirates website directly.

Emirates Website through Google Flights: 
Ticket #1: CMB to DXB to GRU to PTY - $3600 
Ticket #2: PTY to NAS - $550

Emirates Website directly: 
Ticket #1: CMB to DXB to GRU to PTY to NAS - $7800

Route:

Legend: CMB - Sri Lanka, DXB - Dubai, GRU - Brazil, PTY - Panama, NAS - Bahamas

                 CMB      DXB      GRU      PTY      NAS
      03/26      02:55    05:55                                 Emirates
                          09:05    17:20                        Emirates
      03/27                        01:30    06:24               Copa
                                            07:48    11:42      Copa

How come Google Flights doesn't show the complete flight (CMB to NAS) but Emirates website does (advanced search)?
Which ticket is better? I would think the cheaper ticket is better even though it would result in 2 separate tickets. Brazil requires transit without VISA if onward ticket in on a single ticket.
Does Emirates allow date changes for any reason? In case we are unable to get the PCR test result in time, we would need to push back the trip by 1 week (we would know 24 hours before the trip starts).

Best Answer

If you book the first - cheaper - version, you have two independant tickets, and it is your problem to make the connection. If your arriving flight is late - for whatever reason - you lose the second ticket, and will be stranded (and have to buy a new one, typically no refunds).
Emirates (and most others) do normally not easily offer such separate bookings, to avoid angry customers that don't understand what they do, and because they prefer to sell the higher priced ticket.

Also, booking separate tickets means your luggage does not get checked through - you need to leave the secure area, pick up your luggage, and check-in again. This takes significant time, and potentially requries a visa (!), a COVID test, and/or other things, as you are entering the country - doesn't matter that you plan to leave again right away. Consider it as you are immigrating into that country - for half an hour.
Looking at your times, you will for sure NOT be able to connect in PTY in the short time if you have separate tickets - you need to take a later flight for the last leg.

That being said, if you are sure you can manage / avoid the visa issue, and have enough time between flights, you can save the money and book two tickets. It might be a good plan to leave a day inbetween, or be ready to buy a second ticket for the connection (still cheaper...).
I have done such splits often, and it always worked, but sometimes it got really tight; it is not for the faint of heart. Still saves a lot.

Flight changes: it depends on your ticket class. Probably not for free, but it's guesswork without seeing the details.

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Can I change dates on my Emirates flight?

Yes, you can make any changes to your booking on emirates.com through Manage your booking(opens in the same window). You can also keep your ticket and contact us when you're ready travel again if your flight has been impacted by COVID\u201119. See your ticket options(Opens in the same window).

How much does it cost to change dates on Emirates flights?

Emirates' change fee depends on your route, travel class, and fare conditions. It ranges from USD 75\u2013200 for Economy Class, USD 300\u2013400 for Business Class, and USD 250\u2013400 for First Class. However, if you're holding a Flex Plus fare across any travel class, you can make flight changes free of charge.

Can I change my travel dates?

If you need to change your flight dates, destinations, or times, your ticket must be reissued. In some cases, airlines will charge a fee for exchanging a ticket.

Can I change a travel date of booked ticket in flight?

For domestic bookings, customers can make any changes or cancellations free of charge within 24 hours of booking, if booked at least 7 days before the travel dates. If any cancellations to Bookings are undertaken through IndiGo's call centre, an additional fee of INR 250 per person per sector will be levied by IndiGo.

How to Change Emirates Flight: Change Policy \u0026 fee

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