Here’s what every major U.S. airline will—and won’t—give you when you cancel a flight.
Life happens: a work emergency pops up, a family member gets sick, or maybe you just booked the wrong dates. Whatever the reason, there’s a good chance you’ll need to cancel a flight at some point—and when that moment arrives, you’ll want to know exactly what you’re entitled to.
The good news: most major U.S. airlines have dropped their cancellation fees in recent years. The not-so-good news: “no fee” doesn’t always mean “full refund,” and the rules vary wildly depending on the carrier, your fare type, and when you cancel. Basic economy passengers, in particular, often face a patchwork of restrictions and penalties.
Here are the cancellation policies for every major U.S. airline so you know what to expect before you book—and before you bail. (Note: these policies apply to regular passengers without status, on standard reservations not booked with points or miles.)
Alaska Airlines
Cancel within 24 hours of booking (for travel starting more than 24 hours out) and you’ll get a full refund. After that window, there are no cancellation fees, and all fare types get some form of credit. Main Cabin and first-class fares receive a certificate for the full amount paid, valid for 12 months from your original ticket date or 30 days from cancellation—whichever is longer. Saver fares get a 50% credit, but you must cancel at least 14 days before departure. Want an actual refund to your card? You’ll need to purchase a fully refundable fare upfront.
Allegiant Air
Allegiant plays hardball. You must cancel at least seven days before departure, and you’ll still pay a fee—typically $75 per segment, though it’s been reduced to $25 lately. You’ll receive a voucher for the remaining amount, valid for one year from your original booking date. Cancel within seven days? You lose everything.
American Airlines
American lets you cancel without a fee on all fare types except basic economy. For basic economy, AAdvantage members flying within the 50 states pay a $99 fee deducted from their ticket value. Trip credits expire one year from the original ticket date for members, but only six months for non-members. As AAdvantage membership is free, this alone is reason enough to sign up.
Delta Air Lines
For flights originating in the U.S. or Canada, most fares can be canceled without a fee—except basic economy. Basic economy cancellation fees are $99 for flights to the Caribbean, Central America, or Mexico, and $199 for all other routes. (Basic economy flights originating in Mexico cannot be canceled at all.) Non-refundable fares receive an eCredit valid for one year from the ticketing date—that’s a “book by” date, so you can travel after it expires as long as you’ve booked by then.
Frontier Airlines
Canceling costs $99 per direction, and your credit expires in just 90 days. One workaround: change your flight instead of canceling. Changes made 60 or more days out are free; within that window, fees range from $49 to $99 depending on timing.
Hawaiian Airlines
The standard 24-hour full-refund rule applies (for flights booked at least seven days in advance). After that, Main Cabin, first-class, and business-class fares can be canceled without a fee—but here’s the catch: if you rebook a cheaper flight, you forfeit the difference. Main Cabin Basic fares get no credit at all. Even “fully refundable” fares come with a $25–$100 fee to get your money back; you can dodge this by taking a travel credit instead, which somewhat defeats the purpose. Credits are valid for one year from issuance.
JetBlue Airways
No cancellation fees for any fare type except Blue Basic. Non-refundable fares receive a JetBlue Travel Bank credit valid for 12 months from booking. Blue Basic fares incur a $100 fee for North America, Central America, and Caribbean routes, or $200 for all other routes. You’ll still get a credit for the remainder.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest remains the gold standard for flexibility. Cancel at least 10 minutes before departure and you’ll receive a full credit—no fee. Anytime and Business Select fares are fully refundable to your original payment method. The only caveat: credits for basic economy fares expire after six months instead of one year.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit offers trip credits on most fare types, but they expire in just 90 days and aren’t transferable. Spirit’s “Go” fares (their basic economy) carry a $99 cancellation fee and change fees ranging from $59 to $99.
United Airlines
Cancel without a fee on almost all fares for travel within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, or on international flights originating in the U.S.—except basic economy, which only qualifies for a partial refund. Non-refundable fare credits expire one year from the date the credit was issued.
Twist’s Take: Before you book, know the cancellation rules. If your plans are even slightly uncertain, consider a more flexible airline or fare class—the peace of mind is worth it.