Alaska Airlines offers a flexible and customer-friendly cancellation policy, designed to accommodate the diverse needs of travelers. This guide will walk you through the key aspects of the policy, including the different types of fares, how to cancel or change your flight, and what fees you might incur. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, understanding these rules can save you time, money, and stress.
Saver fares are the most restrictive type of ticket offered by Alaska Airlines. These tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable. If you need to cancel a Saver fare, you will forfeit the entire cost of the ticket. However, you can still cancel the ticket and retain the value as a credit for future travel, minus a cancellation fee, depending on when the cancellation occurs.
For Main and First Class fares, Alaska Airlines provides greater flexibility. These tickets are fully refundable if canceled within the first 24 hours after booking. After this 24-hour window, cancellations will result in the issuance of a credit that can be used for future travel. If you purchase a refundable Main or First Class ticket, you can cancel at any time before departure and receive a full refund to your original payment method.
When booking with Mileage Plan miles, the cancellation policy is generally the same as for cash bookings. Award tickets can be canceled with no fee if done 60 days or more before the scheduled departure. For cancellations made within 60 days of departure, a fee may apply, depending on your Mileage Plan status.
Canceling or changing a flight on Alaska Airlines can be easily done online. Follow these steps:
Visit the Alaska Airlines website.
Log into your account using your Mileage Plan number or email.
Navigate to "Manage Reservations."
Select the flight you wish to cancel or change.
Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm your cancellation or make changes.
If you prefer to cancel your flight over the phone, you can contact Alaska Airlines' customer service. Ensure you have your confirmation number ready. Note that phone cancellations may take longer and could involve additional fees compared to online cancellations.
Alaska Airlines strives to keep cancellation fees transparent and fair. Here’s what you can expect:
Saver Fares: Non-refundable and non-changeable; the ticket value is forfeited upon cancellation.
Main and First Class Fares: No fees for cancellations made within 24 hours of booking. Afterward, the ticket value is held as a credit for future travel.
Mileage Plan Award Tickets: No fee if canceled 60 days before departure; a fee applies within 60 days of departure unless you have elite status.
Refunds are typically issued to the original payment method. For refundable tickets, you can expect the refund to be processed within 7-10 business days. For non-refundable tickets, the value is credited to your account for future travel, which must be used within one year from the original purchase date.
Alaska Airlines allows same-day changes and standby options for a fee. If you need to make changes within 24 hours of your flight, you can opt for this service. The same-day change fee is generally lower than the standard change fee and can be a convenient option for last-minute adjustments.
Considering travel insurance is always a wise choice, especially if your travel plans are subject to change. Many travel insurance policies cover cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances, providing additional peace of mind.
Understanding Alaska Airlines' cancellation policy is crucial for making informed travel decisions. By knowing the types of fares, the process of cancellation, and the fees involved, you can navigate changes to your travel plans with ease and confidence. Always consider the benefits of refundable tickets or travel insurance, especially if your plans are uncertain.