How to Change or Cancel a Flight Booking

Plans change. Here's what typically happens when you need to change or cancel a flight you've already booked, and how to keep costs down.

The 24-hour rule

Most US airlines allow free cancellation within 24 hours of booking, as long as the flight is at least a week away. If your plans change right after booking, this is the cheapest way out — cancel within that window for a full refund.

Changing a flight after 24 hours

Outside the 24-hour window, most fares fall into one of these categories:

• Basic Economy: usually no changes allowed at all.
• Standard fares: changeable, often for a fee plus any fare difference (many major US airlines have dropped change fees on domestic standard fares, but always confirm).
• Refundable fares: fully changeable/cancellable, at a higher upfront price.

Cancelling for a credit vs. a refund

If your fare isn't refundable, cancelling usually gets you a travel credit (sometimes minus a fee) rather than money back. Refunds to your original payment method are typically only available on refundable fares or when the airline cancels/significantly changes your flight.

If the airline changes or cancels your flight

You generally have stronger rights here: if an airline cancels your flight or makes a significant schedule change, you're usually entitled to a full refund if you choose not to travel — even on a "non-refundable" fare.

How to make the change

1. Find your reservation code from your confirmation email.
2. Go to "Manage Booking" or "My Trips" on the airline's site or app, or call to make the change with an agent.
3. Compare the change fee (if any) plus fare difference against simply booking a new ticket — sometimes a new booking is cheaper.

If your itinerary is complicated or you're not sure which option applies to your fare, talking it through by phone can save you from an expensive mistake — see the call box below.