How Much Does It Cost to Cancel an Alaska Airlines Flight?
By flightshelpcenter
Published on August 30, 2025
Travel plans don’t always go as expected. Suddenly, any emergencies, urgent work changes your schedule and you are restless to make your journey .And you know money always interrupts in such a case for the traveler: “Do you know How much does it cost to cancel an Alaska Airlines flight?”
Alaska Airlines has a reputation of being more flexible than most of the U.S.air services but the cancellation rules vary according to when and how you cancel. In this guide, we will step down the Alaska Airlines cancel flight policy, fees, the eligibility of a refund, and the steps to make the process easy.
Alaska Airlines 24-Hour Cancel Flight Policy
Like most U.S. airlines, Alaska follows the Department of Transportation (DOT) requirement. That means:
- If you booked directly through Alaska Airlines (website, app, or call center), you can cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking and get a full refund.
- The flight must be at least 24 hours away from departure when you cancel.
This Alaska Airlines cancel flight window is essentially risk-free. For example, if you book a ticket today and change your mind tomorrow, you won’t pay any fee.
Pro Tip: Use this 24-hour policy as a “free hold” if you’re still finalizing travel plans.
Alaska Airlines Cancel Flight Fees by Fare Type
Alaska Airlines offers different fare options, and the cancel flight fees vary depending on the ticket you purchased. Let’s break them down:
1. Saver Fares (Basic Economy)
- Nonrefundable beyond the 24-hour grace period.
- For tickets purchased on/after July 19, 2023:
- Cancel at least 14 days before departure → receive 50% of your fare as credit.
- Cancel within 14 days → entire ticket value is forfeited.
Saver fares are the cheapest but most restrictive under the Alaska Airlines cancel flight rules.
2. Main Cabin Fares
- No cancel flight fee after the 24-hour period.
- The ticket value goes into Alaska Wallet as travel credit.
- Credits can be reused within 12 months of original purchase.
This makes Main Cabin the most flexible for travelers who may need to cancel or reschedule.
3. First Class Fares
- No cancellation fee, similar to Main Cabin.
- Depending on whether your ticket is refundable, you may receive a full refund or travel credit.
4. Award Bookings (Mileage Plan)
- Canceling award flights usually doesn’t involve fees.
- Miles are redeposited into your Mileage Plan account.
- Taxes and fees are refunded to your original payment method.
Refund vs. Travel Credit – What Happens When You Cancel?
When you cancel an Alaska Airlines flight, the outcome depends on the ticket type.
Full Refund
You’ll qualify for a full refund if:
- You cancel within the 24-hour booking window.
- You bought a refundable fare.
- Alaska Airlines itself cancels your flight, and you don’t want to rebook.
Refunds typically return to your payment method within 7–20 business days.
Travel Credit
For most nonrefundable tickets:
- The amount becomes a Wallet Credit.
- Valid for 12 months from purchase date.
- Can be used to book future Alaska Airlines flights.
Many travelers who search “Alaska Airlines cancel flight options” end up with Wallet Credit unless they had a refundable ticket.
What If Alaska Airlines Cancels Your Flight?
If the airline cancels your flight for operational reasons (like weather, staffing, or maintenance), the rules work in your favor.
Alaska Airlines will typically:
- Rebook you on the next available flight at no charge.
- Offer you a full cash refund if you don’t want to travel.
- Sometimes provide discount codes, points, or compensation for inconvenience.
Remember: If Alaska cancels your flight, you’re entitled to a cash refund, not just credits.
How to Cancel an Alaska Airlines Flight (Step by Step)
Here’s how to use the Alaska Airlines cancel flight option:
- Go to AlaskaAir.com or open the mobile app.
- Log in with your confirmation code or Mileage Plan number.
- Navigate to Manage Trips.
- Select your booking and click Cancel Flight.
- Review whether you’re eligible for a refund or credit.
- Confirm cancellation and check your email for confirmation.
Alaska Airlines Cancel Flight Fees – Quick Reference Table
Fare Type | Cancel Within 24 Hours | Cancel After 24 Hours |
---|---|---|
Saver (Basic) | Full refund | 50% credit ≥14 days; none if <14 days |
Main Cabin | Full refund | No fee; credit issued |
First Class | Full refund | No fee; refund/credit |
Award Tickets | Full refund | Miles + taxes refunded |
Airline-Initiated Cancel | Full refund or rebook | Full refund or free rebook |
Final Thoughts
Let me tell you, Alaska Airlines cancel flight policy is much better than other U.S. airline industries. The 24-hour free cancellation window and no fees for Main and First Class fares make it easier for travelers to book without worry.
However, fares are still restrictive — so if your travel plans are uncertain, it might be better to pay a little extra for flexibility.
Learning these rules in advance saves money, saves stress and makes smarter travel decisions at the time you book with Alaska Airlines.