The cost to change or cancel a flight depends upon the specific details of an airline’s policy, which vary by airline. In some cases, you can make changes to your itinerary with no fee.
A simple way to change or cancel a flight without paying a fee is to do so within 24 hours of booking. After this window, the next option is to wait for the airline to make a change to the flight — the departure time, the aircraft, etc. — which will automatically grant you a refund if you change or cancel. Otherwise, you can cancel at no cost if your flight is with Southwest, if you have proof of a family emergency or, in some cases, if you hold elite status with an airline.
If you intend to cancel a flight due to COVID-19, many airlines are making special exceptions to waive cancellation fees. United Airlines was the first major U.S. airline to permanently eliminate change and cancellation fees — and other airlines quickly followed suit. While there are a few exceptions to be wary of, it’s easier than ever before to adjust your itinerary. We detail the cancellation policies of 10 major U.S. airlines, and changes they have made to these policies in reaction to the outbreak
How much does it cost to change a flight?
Every major U.S. airline (except Southwest Airlines) charges penalty fees to change or cancel an economy fare flight. The fees, however, can vary from as low as $75 on a domestic flight to more than $500 on an international flight. If you have elite status with a particular carrier, however, you can likely change your flight for free or for a reduced cost. Below, we’ve broken out the fees for these 10 major U.S. airlines.
Virgin Airlines change fees
Alaska Airlines is among many airlines that have permanently eliminated its change and cancellation fees, applying to both standard and first class fares. However, same-day change fees will still apply. For standard and first class flights, same-day confirmed changes incur a $50 fee, while flights entirely within California or Alaska’s shuttle markets will incur a $25 fee. MileagePlan MVP Gold or 75K members can make free same-day flight changes.
Virgin coronavirus change fee policy
Virgin Atlantic change flight is currently offering their “Peace of Mind” waiver, offering no change or cancellation fees for all tickets (including saver fares) purchased through March 31, 2021. You can receive a refund on your Alaska Airlines account or receive a credit for future travel.
For tickets purchased after the Peace of Mind waiver expires — on or after April 1, 2021 — change fees remain permanently eliminated on Main and First Class tickets. The major change that will take into effect is that saver fares cannot be changed or canceled.
