Airline Change Fees
Fees
Which airlines still charge change fees, how Basic Economy restricts your flexibility, and the difference between waiving the fee and waiving the fare difference.
Most major U.S. airlines eliminated change fees on standard economy and above during the pandemic. But “no change fee” does not mean “free to change.” It means the airline waives the penalty. You still owe the difference in fare if your new flight costs more. And on the cheapest fare class at every carrier, the old restrictions remain.
- Legacy carriers (Delta, American, United) waived change fees on Main Cabin and above. Basic Economy remains restricted.
- Southwest charges no change fees on any fare type, the only major carrier with this policy across all fare classes
- “No change fee” means no penalty. You still owe the fare difference if the new flight costs more.
- Budget carriers (Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant) charge for changes on their lowest fares or do not allow them at all
A comparison of change and cancellation policies across every major U.S. airline.
How Major U.S. Airlines Compare
| Airline | Standard Economy+ | Basic / Lowest Fare | Cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest | No change fee (all fares) | Basic: changes require fare upgrade only | No cancel fee. Flight credit (Basic) or refund (Choice Extra). |
| Delta | No change fee | Main Basic: no changes allowed | Main Basic: cancel for partial eCredit minus $99 |
| American | No change fee | Basic Economy: nonrefundable, limited changes | Basic Economy: flight credit for future travel |
| United | No change fee | Basic Economy: no changes after 24 hr window | Basic Economy: nonrefundable after 24 hr window |
| Alaska | No change fee | Saver fare: limited changes | Cancel for future travel credit |
| JetBlue | No change fee (Blue and above) | Blue Basic: $100 domestic / $200 international | Blue Basic: $100/$200 fee. Blue+: free cancel. |
| Frontier | No change fee (Economy and above) | Basic: nonrefundable, no changes | Economy+: 12 month flight credit |
| Spirit | Varies (restructuring in progress) | Nonrefundable. Changes subject to fees. | Future travel credit (subject to restructuring) |
| Allegiant | Change fees apply | Trip Flex add on avoids fees | 24 hr refund if booked 7+ days out. After: credit minus fees. |
| Breeze | Free cancel up to 15 min before | Nice: free cancel, credit as BreezePoints | 24 hr full refund. After: BreezePoints (2 yr expiration). |
| Avelo | Free cancel up to 15 min before | Free cancel, credit as Travel Fund | 24 hr full refund. After: Avelo Travel Fund credit. |
| Sun Country | Change fees may apply | Changes allowed with fare difference | 24 hr full refund. After: travel credit minus fees. |
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Change Fee vs Fare Difference
This is the distinction most travelers miss. A change fee is a penalty the airline charges for modifying your ticket. A fare difference is the gap between what you originally paid and what the new flight costs. When airlines say “no change fees,” they mean no penalty. You still owe the fare difference.
If you booked a $200 flight and want to switch to a $350 flight, “no change fee” means you pay the $150 difference. It does not mean the change is free. If the new flight costs less, most airlines issue the difference as a travel credit rather than a refund to your card.
Southwest is the only major carrier where the fare difference can work in your favor. If the price drops after you book, you can cancel and rebook to capture the difference as a flight credit with no fee. This is one of the few genuine advantages Southwest still holds over every competitor.
Basic Economy Change Rules
Basic Economy is where change fees still live. Every legacy carrier restricts changes on its cheapest fare class. The details vary but the pattern is the same: you sacrifice flexibility for a lower base price.
Delta Main Basic: No changes allowed. Cancel for a partial eCredit minus a $99 fee. United Basic Economy: No changes after the 24 hour cancellation window. Nonrefundable. American Basic Economy: Nonrefundable with limited change options. JetBlue Blue Basic: $100 to change on domestic routes, $200 on international. Southwest Basic: Changes require upgrading to a higher fare class.
On budget carriers, the restrictions are similar. Frontier Basic: Nonrefundable, no changes. Spirit: Nonrefundable with fees for changes. Allegiant: Changes incur fees unless Trip Flex is purchased. Breeze and Avelo stand out by allowing free cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure, though the refund comes as airline credit, not cash.
Same Day Changes and Standby
Same day confirmed changes and same day standby are separate from standard changes. Same day confirmed lets you switch to an earlier or later flight on the same route on the same day. Same day standby lets you wait at the gate for an open seat on a different flight without paying the fare difference.
Delta, American, and United offer free same day confirmed changes for elite members and on higher fare classes. JetBlue includes same day switches and standby on Blue Extra fares. Southwest offers same day changes on Choice and above. Basic Economy and equivalent lowest fares are typically excluded from same day change options on all carriers.
The 24 Hour Rule
The DOT requires all airlines to allow a full refund to the original form of payment if you cancel within 24 hours of booking, provided the departure is at least 7 days (168 hours) away. This applies to every airline and every fare class including Basic Economy. It is the one universal protection that applies regardless of the carrier’s own change policy.
After 24 hours, the airline’s own rules take over. On nonrefundable tickets, you typically receive a travel credit or flight credit rather than a cash refund. The value and expiration of these credits varies by carrier. Some credits expire in 12 months. Others (like BreezePoints) expire in 24 months.
Common Flight Change Mistakes
Assuming “no change fee” means free changes. You still owe the fare difference. On popular routes, the new flight can cost significantly more than your original ticket.
Booking Basic Economy when your plans might change. The savings on Basic Economy are typically $30 to $80. Losing the ability to change or cancel without a fee can cost much more if your plans shift.
Not checking same day options. If your plans change on the day of travel, same day confirmed changes or standby can get you on a different flight without paying the full fare difference.
Letting travel credits expire. Most travel credits from cancelled tickets expire in 12 months. Set a reminder before expiration to use or rebook with the credit.
Missing the 24 hour window. The DOT 24 hour refund rule is the strongest consumer protection available. If you are uncertain about a booking, the clock starts at purchase. Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund to your card.
FAQ
Which airlines have no change fees?
Delta, American, United, Alaska, JetBlue, and Frontier on standard economy and above. Southwest has no change fees on any fare. Basic Economy fares still have restrictions on most carriers.
Does no change fee mean the change is free?
No. No penalty fee, but you still owe the fare difference if the new flight costs more.
Can I change a Basic Economy ticket?
On most airlines, no or only with significant restrictions. Delta: no changes. United: no changes after 24 hrs. American: nonrefundable. JetBlue: $100/$200 fee. Southwest: requires fare upgrade.
What is the 24 hour cancellation rule?
DOT requires full refund within 24 hours of booking if departure is 7+ days away. Applies to every fare class on every airline.
What is the difference between a refund and a travel credit?
Refund: money back to your card. Travel credit: balance for future flights on that airline only. Credits usually expire in 12 months.
Does Southwest charge change fees?
No. No change fees on any fare. You can cancel and rebook at a lower fare to capture the difference as a flight credit.
For more airline coverage including baggage fees, boarding groups, and carrier guides, see the Airline Travel Guides hub.