Cancelling A Flight: Fees And Policies

Flight Cancellation Fees by Airline

Tony Hanseder

Reviewed by: Maura Huntz

Updated: September 3, 2024

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Key Topics:

• General Guidelines
• American Airlines Cancellation Fees
• Delta Airlines Cancellation Fees
• United Airlines Cancellation Fees
• JetBlue Cancellation Fees
• Southwest Airlines Cancellation Fees
• Spirit Airlines Cancellation Fees
• Frontier Airlines Cancellation Fees
• Alaska Airlines Cancellation Fees
• FAQ: Flight Cancellation Fees by Airline

As many of you might have seen, airline cancellation policies can be quite varied and I'm always confused which carrier has what policy. Some airlines are generous, offering full refunds, while others only provide credits or allow rebooking within a certain timeframe. It really depends on the ticket type and the reason for cancellation. Lets see here if we can make some sense of it all, as my research seems to have found the answers...

General Guidelines

• Full Refunds: If you cancel within 24 hours of booking, most airlines will give you a full refund. This has saved me a few times when my plans changed unexpectedly.
• Credits: Sometimes, instead of a refund, airlines will give you a credit for future travel. I've found this helpful, especially when my travel dates were flexible.
• Fees: The fees for canceling a ticket can range widely. It’s a good idea to check the specific policy for your ticket type.

I've listed here the top US airlines' policies. Clearly there are many more but honestly becuase things change so much its almost imposiible to track, so your best bet is if your carrier isnt listed go right to their site.

American Airlines Cancellation Fees

American Airlines has been my go-to for many international flights. They allow you to cancel and request a refund based on the ticket type. For non-refundable tickets, I've had to pay a fee to rebook, but refundable tickets are straightforward—you get your money back. You can check their detailed policies here.

Delta Airlines Cancellation Fees

Delta Airlines offers a convenient 24-hour window for full refunds. Beyond that, if you've bought a non-refundable ticket, you're looking at paying a cancellation fee. I’ve received a travel credit from them, which is valid for a year. It's handy for those unexpected changes. For more details, visit Delta's cancellation policy.

United Airlines Cancellation Fees

United Airlines has a similar policy with full refunds if you cancel within 24 hours. However, non-refundable tickets can be tricky. Sometimes you may not get a refund at all, just a credit, which can be a bit frustrating. For specifics, check out United's policy.

JetBlue Cancellation Fees

I've found JetBlue's policy to be quite clear. You can cancel without fees within 24 hours, but for their Blue Basic Fare, there's no refund option, and a cancellation fee applies if you want to reuse the ticket. For those buying Basic Economy tickets, the cancellation fee is typically $100. More information is available here.

Southwest Airlines Cancellation Fees

Southwest is fantastic for flexible travel plans. They offer full refunds or credits if you cancel within 24 hours. Even for non-refundable tickets, they’ll give you a credit to use within a year. This flexibility has been a lifesaver for me on several occasions. For their full policy, visit Southwest’s refund page.

Spirit Airlines Cancellation Fees

Spirit Airlines has a straightforward cancellation policy, though they are known for having some of the most budget-friendly fares. You can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund. However, if you cancel after this period, you may incur a fee. It’s best to review their specific policies for the most up-to-date information.

Frontier Airlines Cancellation Fees

Frontier Airlines offers a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of booking. Beyond that, cancellation fees apply based on your ticket type. Frontier is known for its low-cost fares, but it's important to be aware of the fees that may apply if changes need to be made.

Alaska Airlines Cancellation Fees

Alaska Airlines allows cancellations within 24 hours for a full refund. For cancellations beyond this window, the policies vary based on the fare type. Alaska Airlines is known for their excellent customer service, and they often offer flexible options for changing travel plans.

Note: When booking through third-party sites, the refund process can be a bit more complicated. I've had mixed experiences here, but generally, the agency can help process refunds.

For more detailed information, always refer to the airline’s website or give them a call. It’s worth the effort to understand the specifics before making any travel changes.