The fees associated with changing or canceling a flight differ from one airline to another. Each airline has its own policy on flight modifications, which determines the cost of changes or cancellations. In some cases, you can make changes to your itinerary with no fee.
Most major U.S. airlines, except for Southwest Airlines, typically charge penalties for changing or canceling economy-fare flights. These fees range from as little as $25 for domestic flights to over $400 for international flights.
How much does it cost to change flights?
With a non-refundable ticket, you can change your flight when you pay a change fee of $0-$400, depending on your travel route, plus the price difference. As a reminder, Basic Economy tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable in most cases, but may be canceled for a partial eCredit.
Is it free to change flights?
If you need to change your flight booked with a non-refundable ticket, here’s what you need to know:
Change Fees: United charges a change fee for altering the details on your non-refundable ticket. This fee can range from $0 to $400, depending on your specific travel route.
Fare Difference: In addition to the change fee, if the new flight you choose is more expensive than your original booking, you will need to pay the difference in fare.
Airline flight change fees for economy fares
|
Carrier
|
Domestic change
|
International change
|
Same-day change
|
|
Air New Zealand
|
$50
|
$100
|
$0-$50
|
|
Alaska Airlines
|
$0 (except Saver fares)
|
N/A
|
$25-$50
|
|
Allegiant
|
$25
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
American Airlines
|
$0
|
$0-$650
|
Starting at $50
|
|
ANA
|
$0-$500
|
$0-$500
|
$0-$500
|
|
British Airways
|
$0- $35
|
$0- $35
|
N/A
|
|
Cathay Pacific
|
$0-$90
|
$0-$90
|
$0-$90
|
|
Delta Air Lines
|
$0
|
$0
|
$75
|
|
easyJet
|
£25- £54
|
£25- £54
|
£25- £54
|
|
El Al
|
$0- $50
|
$0- $50
|
$0- $50
|
|
Emirates
|
Not specified
|
Not specified
|
Not specified
|
|
Etihad Airways
|
Not specified
|
Not specified
|
Not specified
|
|
Frontier Airlines
|
$0-79
|
$0-79
|
$79
|
|
Hainan Airlines
|
Not specified
|
$200-$250
|
Not specified
|
|
Hawaiian Airlines
|
$0 (excluding Main Cabin Basic fares)
|
$0 (excluding Main Cabin Basic fares)
|
Not specified
|
|
JetBlue
|
$0–$100
|
$0–$200
|
$75 (waived for Mosaic customers)
|
|
Korean Air
|
$30
|
$30
|
N/A
|
|
Norwegian Air
|
$0-$65
|
$0-$65
|
$0-$65
|
|
Qatar Airways
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$0-$25
|
$0-$25
|
$0-$100
|
|
Ryanair
|
$45-$60
|
$45-$60
|
$45-$60
|
Alaska Airlines change fees
Alaska Airlines has permanently removed change and cancellation fees for all standard and first-class tickets. However, fees for same-day changes still apply.
A fee of $50 is charged for same-day confirmed changes on standard and first-class flights, except for flights within California or on Alaska’s shuttle routes, which have a reduced fee of $25. Members of MileagePlan MVP Gold or 75K enjoy the benefit of making same-day changes at no cost.
For the most current details, visit the Alaska Airlines website.
Allegiant Air change fees
Allegiant Air, as an ultra-low-cost carrier, enforces a strict policy on flight changes and cancellations. Changes or cancellations must be made at least seven days before travel, Including Trip Flex at the time of booking gives you the flexibility to make a change or cancel your reservation up to 1 hour before departure without fees. Without Trip Flex, a change fee of up to $75 per person each way will apply, and within 7 days of travel, no changes are permitted and no credit will be issued. Allegiant does not refund any difference in fare, carrier charges, or other booking fees. Instead, you'll receive a voucher that is non-refundable and non-transferable, valid for future travel for up to two years from the original booking date. Changes are prohibited within seven days of travel, and no credit is issued unless you have purchased Allegiant's "Trip Flex" add-on when booking.
Visit the Allegiant Air website for the latest information.
American Airlines change fees
American Airlines has significantly increased the flexibility of its policies by permanently removing change and cancellation fees on several routes. This includes all flights within the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Additionally, American has scrapped fees on international flights from North and South America to destinations in Asia, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, South America, and the United Kingdom. However, fees up to $750 may apply for flights originating outside of North or South America.
It's important to note that Basic Economy fares are non-refundable and cannot be changed. If you rebook to a cheaper flight, the difference will be given as a travel credit for future use. American also offers same-day changes on select flights starting at $75, and allows customers to stand by for same-day flights within the U.S., to Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands at no extra cost.
Delta Air Lines change fees
With a non-refundable ticket, you have the option to alter your flight by paying a change fee ranging from $0 to $400, depending on your travel route, in addition to any fare difference. It's important to note that Basic Economy tickets are typically non-refundable and non-changeable, though they may be canceled for a partial eCredit in certain instances.
For same-day confirmed changes, a fee of $75 applies. However, Delta Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion members are exempt from this fee.
Frontier Airlines change fees
Frontier Airlines, an ultra-low-cost carrier, provides a relatively flexible policy for changes and cancellations compared to its peers. It's important to note that the fees are applied per direction, so changing both legs of a round-trip flight will cost twice the amount specified below:
- More than 60 days before departure: No change fees.
- Seven to 59 days before departure: $75.
- Six days or less before departure, including same-day changes: $99.
You will need to pay any fare difference if the new ticket is more expensive. If the new itinerary costs less, you will not receive a refund for the difference. Cancellations result in a travel credit, minus any applicable charges.
Purchasing THE WORKS bundle at booking allows for a full refund if you cancel more than 24 hours before your flight. This bundle also includes additional benefits not offered with Frontier’s basic fares, such as a carry-on bag, checked bag, seat selection, and priority boarding.
Hawaiian Airlines change fees
Hawaiian Airlines has eliminated many of its change and cancellation fees, aligning with the practices of numerous other domestic carriers. There are no change fees for Main Cabin, Extra Comfort, First, and Premium Class tickets. If your new ticket costs more, you will need to pay the fare difference. However, if the new ticket is cheaper, you will not receive a refund for the difference. Main Cabin Basic tickets are not eligible for changes or cancellations.
Pualani Platinum and Gold members, as well as corporate customers, can make same-day standby changes to flights between the Hawaiian islands at no additional cost. Other passengers, however, are not eligible for standby changes.
JetBlue change fees
JetBlue has waived change and cancellation fees for most of its fares, except Blue Basic fares. For Blue Basic, the fees are $75 per person for changes or cancellations on flights within the U.S., Caribbean, Mexico, or Central America, and $150 for all other destinations.
A $75 same-day change fee applies to all passengers except Mosaic members, and this fee does not require an additional fare difference payment. To avoid an extra $25 per person fee for making changes or cancellations over the phone or through chat, passengers are encouraged to use the online self-service options.
Southwest Airlines change fees
Generally, If you change your Southwest flight within 24 hours of booking, Southwest then the Southwest ® fare comes with no change fees and only the fare difference applies. But, With a non-refundable ticket, you can change your flight when you pay a change fee of $0-$400, depending on your travel route, plus the price difference. As a reminder, Basic Economy tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable in most cases but may be canceled for a partial eCredit.
Spirit Airlines change fees
Spirit Airlines has a tiered fee structure for changes and cancellations based on how far in advance of your departure date you make them:
- 0-6 days before departure: $150 fee
- 7 to 30 days before departure: $120 fee
- 31 to 59 days before departure: $99 fee
- 60 or more days before departure: No fee
These fees vary to provide flexibility as your travel date approaches.
United Airlines change fee
United Airlines charges a $250 fee to change the date and time of a flight after the initial 24-hour period. However, if your itinerary is within the United States and Canada, there is no fee for changing your flight. For assistance or to make changes, you can contact their support at (+1.888.)
Cancel flight tickets in 24 hours to avoid fees
To avoid fees, you can change or cancel a flight for free within 24 hours of booking. Beyond this period, you could wait to see if the airline itself alters any flight details—such as the departure time or the aircraft—which may entitle you to a refund if you decide to cancel or change your flight. Additionally, some airlines, like Southwest, allow you to cancel flights without a fee under any circumstances. In cases of a family emergency or if you have elite status with an airline, you may also be exempt from change or cancellation fees.
Common reasons airlines waive change fees
Airlines sometimes waive change fees for nonrefundable tickets under certain circumstances, allowing travelers to change or cancel their flights without penalty. Common scenarios where airlines may waive these fees include:
- Personal injury or illness
- Jury duty
- Natural disasters
- Death in the family
- Military deployment
If you find yourself in one of these situations, you should contact the airline’s customer service to discuss your case. Be prepared to provide documentation as proof of your circumstance, as airlines typically require evidence to process such requests.
Depending on the airline's policy and your specific situation, you may receive a travel credit or a monetary refund. Typically, if a change fee is waived, the airline will issue a travel credit valid for use within one year of the original booking date.
Award ticket change and cancellation policy
If you've booked your tickets using credit card points, you may still incur a change or cancellation fee. Many airlines impose fees to either change award travel bookings or require you to cancel and redeposit your miles.
Keep in mind that the policies for award programs differ significantly between airlines. Additionally, the rules can vary if you transfer points from a general credit card rewards program. To clarify the specific policies of your program or airline, it's advisable to contact their customer service directly and discuss your options with a representative.
Quick tips to avoid cancellation or change fees
Here are some effective strategies to cancel or change your flight without incurring fees, or at least reduce the costs associated with change or cancellation fees:
- Change or cancel your ticket within 24 hours of booking
The most straightforward method to avoid change fees is to modify or cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking. According to the Department of Transportation, airlines are required to allow consumers to change or cancel their flight without a fee within this window, provided the ticket was purchased at least seven days before the flight date. Once this 24-hour period expires, your ability to alter your itinerary without a fee will depend on the type of ticket you have purchased.
- Wait to see if the airline changes or cancels your flight
After the 24-hour window, if you've booked a basic economy fare, these tickets are typically nonrefundable. However, you can potentially change your ticket without a fee by waiting for the airline to make alterations to the flight. If the airline significantly shifts the flight time or changes the aircraft type, you may become eligible for a refund or free change.
- Make smaller changes
Opting for a round-trip ticket may lead to steeper change or cancellation charges compared to one-way tickets. Should you require altering the departure leg of your round-trip flight, your most feasible option could involve paying the alteration fee and securing a fresh booking? Conversely, modifying the return leg alone might prove more economical by purchasing a new one-way flight instead of settling the cancellation fee.
Adjustments to a single-leg ticket could be more cost-effective depending on the cancellation fee levied by your airline. Sometimes, the cancellation fee itself exceeds the expense of securing a new flight entirely. Additionally, airlines factor in fare disparities when purchasing a new ticket. For instance, if your initial ticket costs $150 and the present fare for that route stands at $275, you'll need to cover the $125 variance on top of any cancellation charges.
Tip: Most airlines cancel the entire round trip if you miss the first leg
While purchasing a new flight instead of paying a modification fee may be more economical, it's crucial to recognize this airline policy. Therefore, this approach is recommended solely for one-way flights or the return legs of round trips. If you opt for this route, it's wise to compare fares across various airlines to secure the most affordable one-way flight between your origin and destination.
- Consider standby
If you're seeking to adjust your flight schedule to an earlier or later time, airlines typically provide two alternatives: standby and same-day confirmed change, often priced at $100 or less. Opting for a same-day confirmed change entails relinquishing your existing ticket and paying a fee for a guaranteed seat on a different flight. Conversely, standby involves paying a fee to join a waiting list for the next available flight to your destination while retaining your current reservation.
Frequently asked questions
Can you reschedule a flight?
Yes! you can reschedule or cancel a flight by dialing the customer service number (...........)However, you may need to pay a change or cancellation fee depending on the airline you booked with and the fare class of your ticket. Luckily since COVID-19, many airlines have reduced change fees or waived them altogether.
How much does it cost to change a flight?
The cost of changing a flight will depend on the particular airline you’re booked with and which fare class you purchased. Many airlines have currently waived change fees for economy fares and higher, but still require change fees for basic economy fares. These fees can range from $75 to $400+, depending on the airline’s policy.
How much does it cost to change flight dates?
If you want to change a ticket, you only have to pay the difference in fare. Refunds on canceled flights are given as a travel credit, which can typically be used within one year of the booking date.
