Last Updated on December 11, 2021 by
The cost to modify or cancel a trip is contingent on the specifics of an airline’s policy that differ according to the airline. In certain instances it is possible to make modifications to your flight without charge.
An easy way to modify or cancel a flight without having to pay an additional fee is to do it at least 24 hours prior to making the booking. After that time then the next step is waiting for your airline to announce any changes to the flight, for example, the timing of departure, time of departure, the aircraft or the aircraft, etc.
This will automatically give you a refund in the event that you cancel or change your plans. If you do not, you can cancel without cost for flights operated by Southwest or if you can provide evidence of a family crisis or in certain circumstances the case of elite status with the airline.
If you plan to cancel your flight because of COVID-19, several airlines are making allowances to eliminate cancellation fees. United Airlines was the first major U.S. airline to permanently end cancellation and change charges and the other airlines did the same. Although there are some warnings it’s now easier than ever to change your flight itinerary. We review how cancellations are handled by the 10 largest U.S. airlines, and the modifications they’ve implemented as a result of the epidemic.
What is the cost to alter an airline ticket?
Each significant U.S. airline (except Southwest Airlines) is charged a penalty fee to cancel or change the flight that is priced at economy. The charges, however, may range from as little as $75 for domestic flights, and up to over $500 for flights to international destinations. If you’re an elite passenger with one particular airline but you are not elite, you could most likely alter your flight at no cost or at a lower cost. Below, we’ve listed the charges for the top 10 U.S. airlines.
Alaska Airlines change fees
Alaska Airlines is among many airlines that have completely removed its cancellation and change fees. The same applies to first class and standard rates. However, change fees for same-day departures remain in place. For first and standard flights, confirmed changes on the same day cost $50 and flights within California or the shuttle market in Alaska will cost the cost of $25. MileagePlan MVP Gold and 75K members can take advantage of the same-day changes for free.
Alaska Airlines coronavirus change fee policy
Alaska Airlines is currently offering their “Peace of Mind” waiver which allows for no cancellation or change fees for any tickets (including savings rates) that are purchased between March 31st, 2021. You may receive a credit to the balance of your Alaska Airlines account or receive credits for any future travel.
Tickets purchased within when the Peace of Mind waiver expires (or on or after April 1st, 2021the change fee will remain removed on First and Main Class tickets. The main change that comes into the market is that savings tickets cannot be canceled or changed.
If your trip is scheduled within the next few days If you travel after these dates, the Alaska Airlines website will provide up-to-date information about the coronavirus outbreak.
Allegiant Air change fees
Allegiant Air has a stringent change and cancellation policy that should come as no surprise since it is an ultra-low-cost airline. You have to cancel or change your flight no later than seven days prior to departure, and Allegiant will charge $75 per segment, which means that the cost for changing each leg of a round trip flight would be $150. Allegiant does not offer a refund of the difference, nor will it refund the carrier charges or additional booking fees. Instead, you’ll be issued a non-refundable, and non-transferable ticket for your next trip within two years of the date of your original booking. Within seven days of your travel, there are no modifications permitted and no credit will be provided unless you bought the Allegiant “Trip Flex” add-on at the time of making the booking.
Allegiant Air coronavirus change fee policy
Customers are able to make one-time changes to their flight with no cost, but you’ll be accountable for any price difference. If you cancel your flight, you’ll be given a flight voucher that covers the entire amount of your current itinerary. This voucher is valid for 2 years from the date of the original reservation.
For up-to-date information, check for the most up-to-date information on Allegiant Air website.
American Airlines change fees
American Airlines has also revamped several of its cancellation and change fees, providing more flexibility than before. For tickets that were issued in or after August. 31 in 2020 American Airlines has permanently removed its cancellation and change charges for flights within those areas: the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Tickets issued in or after November. 19 2020. American will also eliminate permanently charges for cancellations and changes for international flights that originate out of North as well as South America to Asia, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, South America and the United Kingdom.
If you make either of these amendments with either amendment, all fares other than basic economy will be applicable. The differences in fares will be applicable however if the new itinerary is more affordable than the original, you’ll be able to claim an amount of credit towards the next trip.
The option of making changes to your flight on the same day is available on certain flights for an additional $75. For same-day changes on flights in between New York (JFK) and London (LHR) will cost the cost of $150. Customers are able to wait to be seated on the same day for routes within the U.S., to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for absolutely no cost.
American Airlines coronavirus change fee policy
For existing tickets as well as new tickets booked before December. 31st 2020, the change fee are exempt — this includes basic economy tickets and award tickets. Customers must pay for any additional fare in the event that it is applicable when they purchase tickets the new price. You will have until December. 31st, 2021 to use your voucher on future travel.
For up-to-date information, check for the most up-to-date information on American Airlines website.
Delta Air Lines change fees
Delta Air Lines has permanently removed a number of its cancellation and change fees that were previously set at $ 200 per ticket. The airline has eliminated charges for changing tickets in of the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and for international travel that originates out of North America, including SkyTeam and codeshare flights. But, the basic economy fares aren’t included in the new policy and can’t be changed or cancelled.
Changes that occur on the same day as flights are subject to the cost of $75. It’s also $75 for same-day standby change and you’ll only be charged when your standby request is approved. Delta Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion members are exempt from the same-day standby and change charges.
Delta Air Lines coronavirus change fee policy
Delta’s Peace of Mind purchasing waiver is now extended to March 30th, 2021. This will allow customers to alter any flight at no cost including the basic economy. If you’re cancelling your trip, you’ll be issued an electronic credit, valid up to one year after the initial date of issue.
For the most up-to-date information, visit the most up-to-date information, visit Delta Air Lines website.
Frontier Airlines change fees
While Frontier Airlines is an ultra-low-cost airline, it provides an incredibly flexible cancellation and change policy when compared with its competitors. Remember that these charges are in each direction, which means that changing a round-trip ticket will be charged twice the amount in the table below:
- 60 or more days prior to departure: Incur no change fees
- from 7 to 59 calendar days prior to the departure date: $39
- 6-days or less before departure (including the same-day adjustments): $59
The passenger is accountable for any fare variation. If your new itinerary is more expensive than the original one You will not be able to receive any refund of the difference in price. The cancellation of your flight will be refunded in the form of a travel credit.
If you bought THE WORKS bundle during the time of booking, you’ll be able to receive a full refund of the ticket. The WORKS offers additional benefits that aren’t offered by Frontier’s basic services like baggage allowance, checked bag, seat choice along priority onboarding.
Frontier Airlines coronavirus change fee policy
Frontier Airlines is waiving all fees associated with cancellations or changes for any travel booked up to January. 7th, 2021. Any cancellations must be done prior to when you check in. The fare difference applies to change of flight, and you’ll be credited a travel credit should you choose to change your booking.
For the most up-to-date information, visit for the most up-to date information, visit the Frontier Airlines website.
Hawaiian Airlines change fees
Hawaiian Airlines has dropped many of its cancellation and change fees, along with many domestic airlines. There is no need to pay any charges for the main cabin, additional comfort, premium, and first tickets. Basic tickets for the main cabin cannot be rescinded or changed.
Pulani Platinum Gold and Platinum members and corporate customers can avail of same-day standby change to neighboring flights for free. The rest of the passengers won’t be eligible for standby.
Hawaiian Airlines coronavirus change fee policy
Hawaiian Airlines currently is waiving charges for cancellation and change on flights booked until December. 31st, 2020 on any flight including the basic tickets to the main cabin. If you cancel your ticket it is required to rebook the ticket or make use of the travel credit in two years from the date of purchase.
Additional information can be found via the Hawaiian Airlines website.
JetBlue change fee
JetBlue Airways has different changes and cancellation fees depending on the ticket type. The airline hasn’t yet implemented some permanent modifications to its policies. The changes are the fees for cancellations and changes when Coronavirus’s travel permit runs out in February. 28th, 2021 and any additional fare differences:
- Blue Basic Tickets: Ineligible for change or cancellation
- Blue, and Blue Plus tickets: JetBlue charges a change and cancellation fee that is based on the ticket’s price. For tickets priced $200 or higher, JetBlue charges a $200 fee. For prices between $150 and $199 JetBlue is charged $150. For fares between $100 and $149.99, JetBlue charges a $100 fee. If the price is less than $99.99, JetBlue charges a $75 fee.
- Blue Extra tickets: No change or cancellation fees
- Mint tickets: Requires $200 change fee
- All changes on the same day: $75 per person
