Alaska Airlines has a solid loyalty program and has been recognized for its customer satisfaction, so you may have already booked (or are planning to book) a flight on it. With COVID-19, travel flexibility is more important than ever. Here’s how to cancel Alaska flights.
Can you cancel your Alaska Airlines flight?
Not all Alaska Airlines flights can be canceled with refunds. Saver fares, which offer low prices but come with a lot of restrictions, can be canceled only within the first 24 hours after booking and only if you bought your ticket at least 24 hours before departure. Other fare types let you change or cancel your flight with certain restrictions, but for nonrefundable tickets, you won’t get your money back — just a credit toward future travel.
If you’re wondering how much it costs to cancel an Alaska Airlines flight, the answer varies. For a refundable flight, it costs nothing. For most other flights besides Saver fares, you can’t get the cash price refunded starting 24 hours after booking, though you can get a credit for future travel. For changes made during the check-in window (from the time check-in opens up until the flight departs), fees can run $25 to $50.
Alaska Airlines’ flight cancellation policy
Here are the main things to know about canceling or changing your flight on Alaska Airlines.
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For tickets purchased more than 24 hours before the scheduled departure, all flights can be canceled within 24 hours of booking for a full refund.
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For tickets purchased more than 24 hours before the scheduled departure, main cabin and first class fares can be changed within 24 hours of booking with no change fee (although you’ll be responsible for any increases in fare price or taxes). Saver fares at least 24 hours before departure can’t be changed, though they can be canceled and rebooked within 24 hours of booking.
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If you purchased a refundable ticket, you can request a refund to your original form of payment online or by speaking with a customer service representative.
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Except for Saver fares, you can cancel or change your reservation up until the flight’s departure. If you booked a nonrefundable ticket and want to cancel, you’ll receive a credit for a future flight.
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Same-day confirmed changes can be made during the check-in window for a fee that ranges from $25 to $50. But if you have MVP Gold or MVP Gold 75k status with the airline, the change fee is waived.
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For award tickets, as long as you notify the airline (either online or through a customer service representative) before departure, you can receive your Mileage Plan miles back in your account.
These rules are subject to change. Check the Alaska Airlines website for the fare class you’re booking before purchasing a flight that you may want to change or cancel.
How to cancel your Alaska Airlines flight
To cancel your flight by phone, call Alaska Airlines at 800-252-7522.
Figuring out how to cancel an Alaska flight online is straightforward. Find your flight using the Manage Reservation page and select “Cancel.” You’ll receive an email confirmation and a refund or a future travel credit.
Consider changing your Alaska Airlines flight instead
For all non-Saver fares purchased directly through Alaska Airlines, you can change or rebook your flight online through the Manage Reservation page. Enter your confirmation number and last name, choose the flight you want to change then pick a new flight. If your new flight costs more or less than your original, you’ll see the fare difference or credit due on that page.
Are you an Alaska Airlines credit card holder who booked a trip using your discounted companion fare benefit? Changing these tickets is also pretty easy. To change a companion fare, start at the Manage Reservation page and choose “Make changes to this trip.” Your companion discount will apply to your new flight.
If you used Alaska Mileage Plan miles to book a flight on a partner airline and you made the reservation on or after May 1, 2021, you can change your flight from the Manage Reservation page. If you booked the partner award before that date, call 800-252-7522 to make changes.
If you purchased through a third party like Expedia, contact the site directly to change or cancel.
How to get a refund on Alaska Airlines
Want a refund of the cash or Mileage Plan miles you paid for your ticket? Here’s what you need to know.
For flights booked with cash
If you booked your flight with cash, you can get a refund only if:
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You purchased the ticket more than 24 hours before departure and request a refund within 24 hours after booking.
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You purchased a refundable ticket.
To request a refund, use Alaska Airlines’ website or call customer service.
For flights booked with miles
You can cancel many award tickets online, although some award tickets (particularly partner awards) may need to be canceled via a phone call with a customer service representative.
If you need to cancel an Alaska Airlines flight
Alaska Airlines makes it relatively easy to cancel flights booked directly through the airline. For the safest full refund, cancel your Alaska flight within 24 hours of booking. If that window has passed, certain restrictions kick in — especially for Saver fares.
Before you book, check the type of fare you’re purchasing, as Saver fares have less-friendly cancellation policies.
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