HOUSTON -- Continental Airlines Inc. said Thursday that it will give more options to customers making last-minute flight changes on restricted tickets, but for a fee.

The airline said customers changing flights within 24 hours of their scheduled departure would be able to pick another flight within 12 hours of making their change request. Before, changes were limited to a three-hour window.

Customers will pay $50 for the change, or $25 if they are elite members of Continental’s frequent-flier program.

The fee will apply on flights operated by Continental, Continental Express, Continental Connection and Continental Micronesia. The fee won’t be charged to customers traveling on unrestricted tickets or fares without penalties for making changes.

Continental shares fell 93 cents, or 7.8 percent, to $11 in afternoon trading.