Reputation not only for good service but for a cancellation policy that allows for peace of mind travelers. Whether you’re flying for business, taking a vacation or making a last-minute change, here’s what you need to know about Alaska Airlines cancellation policy.
1. 24-Hour Cancellation Guarantee
All ticket types can be cancelled within 24 hours with Alaska Airlines. If you cancel within 24 hours of booking and your flight departs more than 24 hours from the time of purchase, you’ll be fully refunded to your original method of payment.
Key Points:
- Valid on all fare types, including Saver
- No charge for cancellation 24 hours before schedule.
- Must be booked directly from Alaska Airlines (website, app or call center)
2. Saver Fare Cancellation Policy
Saver fares are Alaska’s least expensive tickets, but they have the most restrictions attached.
Cancellation Rules:
- Refundable and changeable fares are available, but saver fares — the lowest-priced options — cannot be changed (nor can they be refunded) after 24 hours from booking.
- There is no credit or refund for cancellations made outside that period.
- Purely for those with rock-solid plans who won’t change.
3. Main, First, and Premium Class Fares
If you book Main, First, or Premium Class fares, Alaska has a flexible cancellation policy:
- You may cancel at any time prior to your flight and get a travel credit (commonly referred to as a wallet credit).
- There are also no change or cancellation fees on these fares, provided the cancellation is done before departure.
Refunds:
If you have a refundable ticket, you will get a full cash refund to your original form of payment upon cancellation.
4. How to Cancel an Alaska Airlines Flight
In the case of Alaska Airlines, cancelling a flight is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
- Mobile App: Go to your itinerary and tap on “Cancel”..
- Call Center: Call a customer service representative for assistance.
- In Person: Go to an Alaska Airlines ticket counter in the airport.
5. Flight Credits and Wallet Funds
If you cancel an eligible flight, Alaska Airlines will generally post a credit to your account in the form of wallet funds (the credits you will be able to use for any ticket purchase) or a credit certificate (which usually isn’t eligible for use for most award bookings).
How it works:
- You can apply travel credits to future flights on Alaska Airlines.
- The funds are usually valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
- Credits can be managed and viewed under your My Account > Wallet section of the Alaska Airlines website.
6. Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Tickets
Refundable Tickets:
- More expensive, but with ultimate flexibility.
- Can be canceled anytime for a complete cash refund.
- Perfect for those whose travel plans are up in the air.
Non-Refundable Tickets:
- May be canceled for future travel credit (with the exception of Saver fares).
- No cash refunds, unless it is within the 24-hour risk-free period.
7. Award Ticket Cancellations (Mileage Plan)
If you booked your flight with Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan miles:
- Most award tickets can be canceled without a fee.
- The miles are deposited back to your Mileage Plan account.
- Any taxes or fees remitted are returned to your original form of payment.
- Saver award tickets work similarly to cash Saver fares — non-refundable after 24 hours.
8. Same-Day Flight Changes or Cancellations
Alaska Airlines provides same-day changes, which are ideal for guests who may want to leave earlier or later on the day of travel.
Eligibility:
- Must be requested on the same calendar day as the original flight.
- Membership has an annual fee (typically about $25–$50), waived for elite Mileage Plan members.
- It does not apply to flights operated by different airlines between the same cities and in the same fare class.
9. COVID-19 and Travel Disruption Policies
Alaska sometimes provides travel waivers during significant situations like the COVID-19 pandemic or inclement weather that permit free changes or cancellations (even for fares that are generally nonrefundable).
To find out whether your itinerary qualifies, visit the Alerts & Advisories section on Alaska’s website.
10. How to Request a Refund
If you are entitled to a refund (within 24 hours or on a refundable ticket), you can request one:
- Online at the Alaska’s Refund Request page.
- By calling customer support.
- Refunds are usually issued within 7–10 business days.