When you're flying with a small, specialized carrier like Gem Air, the experience is a world away from the sterile, automated nature of major airlines. Serving the rugged and beautiful landscapes of Idaho—from Salmon and Boise to McCall and Stanley—Gem Air operates more like a community lifeline than a rigid corporation.

However, because they fly smaller planes with limited seating, their Gem Air Date Change Policy is built around a "flexible but firm" philosophy. If your plans shift, whether you're heading out for a rafting trip on the Middle Fork or returning from a backcountry hunt, here is exactly how the rules and fees work for rescheduling your flight.

The Core of the Gem Air Date Change Policy

Gem Air understands that backcountry travel is unpredictable. Weather, trail conditions, and river levels don't always check your itinerary before they change. Their policy is designed to give you options without being buried in fine print.

• The Standard Fee: For most scheduled routes, there is a $50.00 fee per person to change or cancel a flight.

• Fare Difference: If the new date you select has a higher ticket price than your original booking, you will be responsible for paying that gap in addition to the $50 change fee.

• Shared On-Demand Nature: Many of Gem Air's flights are "shared on-demand," meaning the schedule can shift slightly based on the needs of the group or the conditions of the day. This requires a bit of flexibility on your part, too.

Timeline: When Can You Make a Change?

In the world of bush flying, timing is everything. Because these planes (like the Quest Kodiak or Cessna 206) only hold a handful of passengers, a last-minute change can leave a seat empty that someone else desperately needed.

Standard Notice

To avoid losing the full value of your ticket, it is best to initiate a date change as soon as you know your plans are shifting. While they don't have a strict "48-hour" cutoff in the same way a massive airline might, the sooner you call, the more likely they can accommodate the new date.

The No-Show Risk

If you don't show up for your scheduled flight and haven't contacted them to change the date beforehand, you will likely be marked as a No-Show. In this case, the ticket value is usually forfeited, and you won't be able to apply that money toward a future date. Always call—even if it's just a few hours before—to see if a "change" is still on the table.

Flight Rescheduling Fees by Route

While the $50 fee is the standard benchmark, here is how it typically applies across their most popular routes:

• Boise to Salmon (One-Way or Round Trip): $50 change fee applies.

• Boise to Stanley: $50 change fee applies.

• Boise to McCall: $50 change fee applies.

• River Round Trips: If you are changing one leg of a multi-stop "river trip" (e.g., Boise to Salmon and then McCall back to Boise), the $50 fee usually applies to the specific segment being modified.

How to Reschedule Your Flight

You won't find a complicated "Manage Booking" portal with dozens of checkboxes on the Gem Air website. They prefer the human approach.

1. The Phone Call (Preferred Method)

The most effective way to change your date is to pick up the phone.

• Call: (208) 756-7382

• Because their staff is often "on the ground" at the hanger or helping passengers board, you might get a more immediate answer by calling their main office in Salmon.

2. Email Communication

If your change isn't urgent (more than a week away), you can reach out via email.

• Email: info@gemairflights.com

• Be sure to include your name, original flight date, and the new date you are hoping for. This creates a paper trail for your request.

What If Gem Air Changes the Date?

In Idaho, "Mountain Time" is often dictated by the clouds. If Gem Air has to reschedule your flight due to weather, mechanical issues, or pilot safety:

• No Change Fees: You will never be charged a fee if the airline initiates the change.

• Flexible Rebooking: They will work with you to find the next safe window to fly.

• Communication: They are known for calling or emailing passengers as soon as they see a weather front moving in that might disrupt the schedule. Keep your phone handy on travel days!

Passenger Options and Flexibility

Gem Air offers a few unique "passenger-first" perks that help mitigate the stress of rescheduling.

Child Pricing Flexibility

If you are changing a date for a ticket bought at the Kid's Price (for children 12 and under), the $50 change fee still applies, but they will maintain the 50% discount on the new ticket as long as the child is still traveling with a full-price adult.

Baggage and Extras

Remember that your baggage allowance (usually 35 lbs for free) stays with the ticket. If you change your date, your weight allowance moves with you. However, if you have extra weight or specialized gear (like propane or oversized rafts), you must re-confirm that the new flight has the space and weight capacity for those items.

Tips for a Stress-Free Date Change

• Avoid "Peak" Days if Possible: If you're trying to move a flight to a Friday or Sunday during rafting season, those flights fill up months in advance. You'll have better luck moving to a Tuesday or Wednesday.

• Mention Your Connections: If you are changing your Gem Air flight because your Alaska Airlines or Delta flight into Boise was delayed, tell them! They are very used to "airline-to-backcountry" logistics and will do their best to sync up with your new arrival.

• Be Early: Gem Air asks you to show up 30 minutes prior to your flight. If you're running late, a quick call to let them know can often prevent them from marking you as a no-show, potentially saving you from losing the ticket value.

The Gem Air Date Change Policy is a breath of fresh air compared to major carriers. While the $50 fee is there to protect their small-scale operations, the personal touch of their office in Salmon makes the process of rescheduling much more of a conversation than a transaction.