Alaska Airlines is generally regarded as one of the more customer-friendly U.S. carriers, and its cancellation policy reflects that. Most of its fares can be cancelled without a fee. As with every airline, though, "no fee" does not always mean "cash back". What you actually receive depends on the fare you chose, how you paid and how far ahead you cancel.
The outline below describes Alaska's general approach. Fare rules are revised periodically, so confirm the terms shown on your own reservation.
Alaska's Cancellation Policy at a Glance
- Within 24 hours of booking: Tickets purchased at least 24 hours before departure can be cancelled within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund, whatever the fare type. See our page on the 24-hour cancellation option for how this works on agency bookings.
- Refundable fares: Returned in full to the original form of payment.
- Main and First Class non-refundable fares: No cancellation fee. The value of the ticket is issued as a credit for future travel.
- Saver fares: Alaska's lowest-priced fare is the most restricted. After the first 24 hours it generally cannot be changed, and cancellations made well ahead of departure may return only a partial credit. Close to departure, the fare may have no remaining value.
- Award tickets: Miles are normally redeposited and taxes refunded, subject to the fare rules.
Cancellations must be made before the flight departs. If you do not cancel and do not board, the ticket is usually forfeited.
Cancelling an Alaska Flight Online
- Go to Alaska's website or app and open the manage-trip section.
- Enter your confirmation code and last name, or sign in to your Mileage Plan account.
- Select the trip and choose the cancel option.
- Review the refund or credit amount displayed.
- Confirm the cancellation.
- Save the confirmation email for your records.
Credits are stored in your Alaska account wallet or sent by email as a certificate, with an expiration date. If you booked through a travel agency, the cancellation is usually handled by the agency. SkySparrows customers should contact our support team with their booking reference, and we will confirm what the fare allows before anything is cancelled.
Changing Instead of Cancelling
If you still intend to travel but on a different flight, a change is often the better choice. Alaska does not charge change fees on Main and First Class fares. You pay the fare difference if the new flight is more expensive, and receive a credit if it is cheaper. Saver fares are generally not changeable after the 24-hour window.
Alaska also offers same-day confirmed changes on eligible fares for a fee, or free for some elite members, when seats are available between the same cities. If you need help comparing alternatives, start an Alaska Airlines flight change search to see current fares.
When Alaska Cancels Your Flight
If the airline cancels your flight or makes a significant schedule change, you have options:
- Accept the replacement flight Alaska offers.
- Ask to be moved to a different Alaska flight, or in some cases a partner airline, at no extra cost.
- Decline to travel and request a full refund to your original payment method. This applies to all fares, including Saver.
Under U.S. rules, a significant change includes a shift of three hours or more for domestic flights and six hours or more for international flights, a different airport or additional connections. For disruptions within the airline's control, Alaska's customer commitments include meals during long waits and hotel accommodation for overnight delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it cost to cancel an Alaska Airlines flight?
There is no cancellation fee on Main and First Class fares. Saver fares may lose part or all of their value depending on when you cancel.
Can I cancel online?
Yes, through the manage-trip section of Alaska's website or app, for tickets bought directly from the airline.
Will I receive a refund?
You receive a cash refund on refundable fares, within the 24-hour window, or when Alaska cancels the flight. Otherwise, the value is normally returned as a travel credit.
Can I change my flight on the day of travel?
Same-day confirmed changes are available on eligible fares when seats are open. Saver fares are excluded.
What if Alaska cancels my flight?
You can be rebooked at no charge or request a full refund.
How late can I cancel or change?
Any time before the scheduled departure. After the flight has left, the ticket generally has no value.
Final Thoughts
Alaska's policy is generous on standard fares and strict on Saver fares. Before you book, decide how certain your plans are. If there is a reasonable chance of a change, the small extra cost of a Main fare can save you the entire price of the ticket.
