The cost to change or cancel a flight can vary significantly based on the airline and the specifics of your booking. This guide will break down the typical costs and offer some tips for avoiding these fees altogether. In some cases, you might even be able to make changes to your itinerary without any fee at all.
Airline Change and Cancellation Fees for Economy Fares
U.S. Domestic Airlines: The fees for changing or canceling an economy fare can range from as low as $25 on domestic flights to over $500 for international flights.
Tips to Avoid Change and Cancellation Fees
1. Cancel Within 24 Hours of Booking: A straightforward way to avoid fees is to cancel or change your flight within 24 hours of booking. The U.S. Department of Transportation requires airlines to allow free changes within this period if the ticket is booked at least seven days before the flight.
2. Wait for Airline-Initiated Changes: If the airline makes a significant change to your flight, such as changing the departure time or the aircraft type, you may be entitled to a refund or a fee-free change.
3. Consider Your Airline: Some airlines, like Southwest, allow free cancellations, and others may waive fees for specific reasons like family emergencies or if you hold elite status.
Learn more:- How to Change a Delta Air Lines Flight
Credit Card Travel Insurance
Credit cards can be a valuable tool for handling flight changes or cancellations. Many cards offer travel insurance that covers trip cancellations or interruptions. Check your card’s benefits to see if you can get reimbursed for non-refundable expenses.
Examples of Credit Cards with Travel Insurance
Card | Trip Interruption/Trip Cancellation Insurance | Annual Fee |
Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip | $550 |
Chase Freedom Flex℠ | Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip | $0 |
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip | $95 |
United Club℠ Infinite Card | Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip | $525 |
United℠ Explorer Card | Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip | $0 Intro for the First Year, then $95 |
World of Hyatt Credit Card | Up to $5,000 per person and $10,000 per trip | $95 |
Common Reasons Airlines Waive Change Fees
Airlines may waive change fees for the following reasons:
Personal injury or illness
Jury duty
Natural disasters
Family death
Military deployment
Be prepared to provide documentation to support your claim when requesting a fee waiver.
Award Ticket Change and Cancellation Policies
If you booked your flight with points, you might still have to pay a change or cancellation fee. Policies vary by airline and rewards program, so check with your airline for specifics.
Quick Tips to Avoid Fees
1. Change or Cancel Within 24 Hours: Use the 24-hour window to make changes for free.
2. Monitor for Flight Changes: Stay alert for any changes the airline makes to your flight, which might qualify you for a free change.
3. Consider One-Way Tickets: Sometimes, buying a new one-way ticket can be cheaper than paying a change fee on a round-trip ticket.
4. Use Standby or Same-Day Changes: For a small fee, you can often change to another flight on the same day.
FAQs
Can You Cancel a Flight Within 24 Hours?
Yes, most airlines allow free cancellation within 24 hours of booking.
Can You Reschedule a Flight?
How Much Does It Cost to Change a Flight?
How Much Does It Cost to Cancel a Flight?
Which Airlines Don’t Charge Change Fees?
By staying informed about airline policies and utilizing travel insurance benefits, you can minimize or even avoid the costs associated with changing or canceling your flight. For more tips and travel information, visit Delta Skyzone.
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