Customers of BC Ferries can now change their reservations up to one hour before sailing time, but doing so will cost them, the company announced Friday.

Until now, customers lost their entire booking fee of between $15 and $17 if they didn't make it to their boat on time, said BC Ferries President David Hahn.

Under the new scheme, which took effect Friday, people can change their reservation by phone or online for a $9 fee.

People on tight schedules, often related to family events, were being dinged under the old system, and the company wants to give these folks some flexibility, said Hahn.
 
BC Ferries takes reservations only on its three main routes between the mainland, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.

Reservations are not required but have become popular as the aging ferry fleet struggles to cope with growing traffic, leading to long waits for weekend sailings.