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Airlines Policy to change or cancel a flight in 2023
Changing or canceling a flight is not free. The cost of changing or canceling a flight in 2023 depends on several factors such as the type of ticket, and the time frame in which you want to make changes. For flexible or refundable tickets, you may receive a full refund without changing the flight. But for non-refundable and non-flexible tickets you may have to pay additional charges.
There are different rules and regulations for canceling or changing a flight. Here are some of the best ways to avoid change or cancellation fees altogether. The cost of changing or canceling a flight depends on the specific airline you are flying with. There are chances you can make changes or cancel without any fee.
1 - American Airlines:
American Airlines has a flexible travel policy which makes it a favorite airline of many travelers. Passengers are allowed to change their flight up to 24 hours before departure for free. However, if the new flight is expensive, passengers will need to pay the difference in fare. The cost of changing a non-flexible flight ticket ranges from $200 to $750. For canceling a non-refundable ticket passenger will receive a credit for future travel instead of a refund.
2 - Delta Airlines:
Delta Airlines also has a flexible change policy that allows passengers to make changes for free up to 24 hours after booking. After the 24-hours you have to pay the charges of around $200 to $500 to change the flight. Delta also offers a Same-Day Confirmed option, which allows passengers to make a same-day change to their flight by paying a fee of $75 to $150. The fee charges depend on the route and type of ticket. For canceling non-refundable tickets, the passenger will get credit for future travel.
3 - JetBlue Airways:
JetBlue Airways allows passengers to change their flight for free up to 24 hours after booking. After the 24-hours’ time is crossed you will be charged to change a flight. The cost ranges from $75 to $200. They also have a Same-Day Change option for a fee of $75 to $150, depending on the route. For non-refundable tickets, for canceling a ticket you will receive a credit for future travel.
4 - Southwest Airlines:
No matter what type is your ticket, Southwest Airlines allow passengers to change their flight for free. If the new flight is more expensive, passengers will only have to pay the difference in fare. If the new flight is less expensive, then passengers will receive a credit for future travel. For canceling a non-refundable ticket they do not provide a refund but credit for future travel.
5 - United Airlines:
Passengers of United Airlines are eligible to change their flight for free up to 24 hours after booking. After 24 hours, passengers can change their flight by paying around $200 to $500, depending on the route and the type of ticket. The same-Day Change option is also available with United Airlines for a fee of $75 to $125. For non-refundable tickets, cancellation is allowed but in return, you will not receive the refund but the credit for future travel.
Basic tips to avoid cancellation or change fees:
Keep in mind these useful tips to cancel or change your flight without paying any fee at all.
Change or cancel your ticket within 24 hours of booking
The best way to avoid paying any charges is to make changes or cancel your flight within a day after the booking. Airlines provide free changes to passengers within 24 hours of purchasing the ticket if the purchase is made at least seven days before a flight. Once the 24-hour window is closed you need to pay for change or cancel the flight.
Wait for the airline to change their schedule
Once the 24-hour window is closed you can wait for the airline. Basic economy fares are often nonrefundable so it is best to wait and see if the airline makes some changes. If the same happens then you might be eligible for a refund.
Make small moderations
In case you are flying round trip and want to change the first leg then change the flight and pay the change fee. If your ticket is one-way then the best way to change your flight is to skip the current ticket and buy a new fare.
