The Latest on Every US Airline Change, Cancellation Policy11.03.2021 TRAVELPULSE:https://www.travelpulse.com/gallery/airlines/the-latest-on-every-us-airline-change-cancellation-policy.html?image=11The Latest on Every US Airline Change, Cancellation PolicyMarch 10, 2021
Post-Pandemic PoliciesThe coronavirus pandemic and resulting uncertainty forced airlines to do away with pesky flight change and cancellation fees, and while those unwelcome charges are permanently gone for main economy tickets in most cases, this spring—many carriers have set the expiration date at March 21, 2021—will see the return of fees on most basic economy bookings. Here's a look at where every major U.S. airline currently stands on change and cancellation fees. Alaska AirlinesAlaska Airlines passengers purchasing tickets between February 27, 2020, and March 31, 2021, for travel between February 27, 2020, and February 28, 2022, can cancel or change their flight without a fee. However, the new travel date must be within a year of the original travel date. Travelers who purchase Saver fares cannot make itinerary changes but can cancel their trip and have the funds deposited into their My Account wallet or receive a credit certificate for future travel. Non-refundable First Class, main and award tickets qualify for fee-free cancellations and changes; however, a fare difference may apply to the new itinerary. Allegiant AirAllegiant customers can make a one-time flight change without penalty with travel valid one year from the original booking date. Travelers can also cancel their reservation and receive full credit in the form of an Allegiant voucher for future travel that's good for up to two years from the date of the initial reservation. American AirlinesAmerican Airlines will continue to waive change fees for all new flights booked by March 31, 2021. The offer includes basic economy fares and AAdvantage award tickets. For customers with a ticket that expires between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, the value of the unused ticket can be used for travel through December 31, 2021. American eliminated all change fees for first, business, premium economy and main cabin tickets for all domestic and short-haul international routes for tickets issued on or after August 31, 2020. Delta Air LinesDelta is allowing customers with flights booked prior to April 17, 2020, for travel through March 31, 2021, to cancel or rebook their itineraries for no fee, for new travel taking place by December 31, 2022. Tickets issued between April 17, 2020, and March 31, 2021, can also be changed without penalty but are only valid one year from the original ticket issue date. Meanwhile, any ticket purchased through March 30, 2021, can be canceled or changed without any fees. The new travel plans must be completed within one year of the original ticket issue date, and a difference in fare may apply if customers move to a higher-cost flight. Frontier AirlinesUltra-low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines will continue to waive change and cancellation fees for travel through March 31, 2021, so long as they're made prior to the required check-in time (45 minutes prior to scheduled departure for domestic flights; 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure for international flights). Generally, Frontier allows free itinerary changes when they're requested 60 days or more prior to departure. Customers can expect to pay a $39 change fee when making changes 59-7 days before departure and $59 for changes made within six days of their flight. Hawaiian AirlinesHawaiian Airlines will not charge change fees for flights booked through March 31, 2021. Changes can be made within one year of the original purchase date and two years for flights booked by December 31, 2020. JetBlueJetBlue customers are able to change or cancel tickets booked through March 31, 2021, for no fee. Beginning April 1, 2021, passengers can take advantage of no change or cancellation fees for Blue, Blue Plus and Mint fares on all routes and same-day switches for $75 (without paying a fare difference). What's more, there'll be no change or cancellation fees and free same-day switches for Blue Extra fares. Lastly, starting next month, Blue Basic fares can be changed or canceled for travel within the U.S., Caribbean, Mexico or Central America for a $100 fee and $200 for all other routes. Same-day confirmed switches can be made for a $75 fee (no fee for Mosaic members), without paying a fare difference. Southwest AirlinesAn industry outlier, Southwest Airlines will continue its well-established and popular policy of never charging fees to change or cancel flights. Travelers with new and existing bookings can cancel their flight and receive a credit valid for 12 months from the original purchase date. Spirit AirlinesBudget-friendly Spirit Airlines is waiving change and cancellation fees for travel booked by March 31, 2021. Travel credits issued after May 31, 2020, will expire on September 30, 2021, the date on which all rebooked travel must be completed. United AirlinesUnited Airlines passengers purchasing any ticket by March 31, 2021, can cancel or change their flight without a fee but travel must commence on or before March 31, 2022. The carrier is permanently eliminating change fees for most economy and premium cabin tickets for travel within the U.S. and between the U.S. and Mexico or the Caribbean. However, change and cancellation penalties will apply to basic economy tickets beginning April 1, 2021. |