Airline cancellation and change fee policies vary significantly by carrier, fare type, and booking conditions, with most U.S. airlines offering more flexibility than in previous years. The majority of major airlines—including Delta, United, American, and Southwest—now allow free cancellations or changes for standard economy fares (excluding basic economy), though refunds are typically issued as travel credits rather than cash for nonrefundable tickets. A universal 24-hour risk-free cancellation window applies across nearly all airlines, permitting full refunds if canceled within one day of booking, provided the flight departs at least seven days later. Basic economy fares remain the most restrictive, often incurring fees or being entirely non-changeable, while premium cabins and refundable tickets offer the greatest flexibility.

Key findings from the policies:

• Southwest Airlines stands out as the most flexible, allowing free cancellations and changes for all fare types (except Basic) with no blackout dates, though travel funds now expire ^[1][5].
• Delta, United, and American Airlines have eliminated change fees for most standard economy and premium fares originating in North America, but basic economy tickets remain restrictive ^[2][6][9].
• International flights and basic economy fares often incur fees ranging from $50 to over $500, with some airlines like Frontier and Allegiant maintaining stricter policies ^[2][7].
• Award tickets generally allow free cancellations with miles redeposited, though some airlines charge service fees (e.g., $25 for phone cancellations) ^[8].

Current Airline Cancellation and Change Fee Policies in 2025

Standard Economy and Premium Fare Policies

Most U.S. airlines have permanently eliminated change fees for standard economy and premium cabin tickets on domestic and many international routes, though fare differences still apply. This shift began during the pandemic and has largely remained in place, though basic economy fares are explicitly excluded from these benefits. Nonrefundable tickets typically convert to travel credits or vouchers upon cancellation, while refundable fares allow cash refunds to the original payment method.

• Delta Air Lines waives change fees for all tickets originating in the U.S. and Canada, except Delta Main Basic (basic economy), which cannot be changed at all. Cancellations within 24 hours of booking qualify for a full refund, while later cancellations for nonrefundable fares result in eCredits ^[6]. International tickets may incur fees depending on the origin and fare type.
• United Airlines allows free changes for Economy, Economy Plus, and premium cabins on domestic flights and select international routes (Mexico, Caribbean, flights originating in the U.S.). Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed unless upgraded to a higher fare class. Cancellations within 24 hours are fully refundable, and nonrefundable fares convert to travel credits ^[9].
• American Airlines has removed change fees for all domestic and short-haul international flights (excluding basic economy). Passengers must pay any fare difference, and cancellations for nonrefundable tickets result in trip credits valid for one year ^[5][7].
• JetBlue permits free changes and cancellations for all fare types except Blue Basic, which incurs a $100 cancellation fee for flights within the U.S., Caribbean, or Latin America. Refundable fares (Blue Flex) receive cash refunds, while nonrefundable fares provide travel credits ^[5][7].
• Alaska Airlines offers free changes and cancellations for Main and First Class fares, while Saver fares (basic economy) are nonrefundable and non-changeable. Cancellations within 24 hours qualify for a full refund ^[3][7].

Award tickets (booked with miles/points) generally follow similar rules, with most airlines allowing free cancellations and redeposit of miles, though some charge service fees for phone cancellations (e.g., $25) ^[8].

Basic Economy and Restrictive Fare Policies

Basic economy fares are consistently the least flexible across all airlines, often prohibiting changes entirely or charging substantial fees. These tickets are designed for cost-sensitive travelers who prioritize price over flexibility, and they typically come with additional restrictions like no seat selection or carry-on baggage. Cancellations for basic economy fares, when permitted, usually result in partial credits or no refund at all.

• Southwest Airlines’ "Wanna Get Away" fares (their basic economy equivalent) are the sole exception, allowing free cancellations and changes, though the resulting travel funds now expire after one year ^[1][5].
• Frontier and Allegiant Airlines maintain some of the strictest policies:
• Frontier charges $99 to change or cancel a flight, even for standard fares, and basic economy fares ("Economy") cannot be changed at all ^[3]. Cancellations within 24 hours are fully refundable, but afterward, only a partial credit is issued ^[7].
• Allegiant imposes a $75 cancellation fee per segment for standard fares and does not permit changes to basic economy ("Trip Flex") tickets ^[7].
• Spirit Airlines allows changes for a fee (typically $90–$110) but does not permit cancellations for basic economy fares. Standard fares can be canceled for a fee, with the remaining balance issued as a credit ^[3].
• Hawaiian Airlines basic economy fares are nonrefundable and non-changeable, while standard fares permit changes for a fee (typically $100–$200) ^[1].

For travelers booking basic economy, the only guaranteed way to avoid fees is to cancel within the 24-hour risk-free window, which applies to all airlines per U.S. Department of Transportation regulations ^[3][7].