Travel plans can change at the last minute, and knowing how to cancel your Alaska Airlines flight properly can make a big difference in saving money. Whether you booked a refundable fare, a non-refundable ticket, or an award flight, it’s essential to understand your options before making a move.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through cancelling an alaska airlines flight, refund policies, and the best ways to handle cancellations without unnecessary costs.
1. The 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation Rule
One of the best perks of booking with Alaska Airlines is their 24-hour cancellation window. If you cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking, you’re eligible for a full refund—no questions asked.
✔ Who qualifies?
- Any passenger who booked directly through Alaska Airlines.
- Flights must have been purchased at least 24 hours in advance of departure.
✔ How do you get a refund?
- The refund is processed back to your original payment method and typically takes 7-14 business days to appear.
This is the best time to cancel if you’ve had a sudden change of heart about your trip!
2. Cancellation Policy by Fare Type
Not all tickets are created equal. The cancellation rules depend on which type of fare you purchased.
Main Cabin and First-Class Tickets
✅ Can be canceled at any time before departure.
✅ You won’t get a cash refund, but you’ll receive an Alaska Airlines credit for future use.
✅ Travel credits remain valid for 12 months from the date of original booking.
Saver Fare Tickets
🚫 Non-refundable and non-changeable after the 24-hour cancellation window.
🚫 If you cancel outside the 24-hour window, you lose the entire ticket cost.
💡 Tip: Only book Saver Fares if you’re 100% certain about your trip plans.
Award Tickets (Booked with Mileage Plan Miles)
⭐ No cancellation fees.
⭐ Miles are returned to your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account if you cancel.
⭐ Any taxes and fees paid are refunded to your original payment method.
3. How to Cancel an Alaska Airlines Flight
A. Cancel Online (Fastest Method)
1️⃣ Go to the Alaska Airlines website.
2️⃣ Click on “Manage Reservations”.
3️⃣ Enter your confirmation code and last name.
4️⃣ Select “Cancel Flight” and confirm.
B. Cancel via the Mobile App
📱 Open the Alaska Airlines app and navigate to your trip details.
📱 Tap “Cancel Flight” and follow the instructions.
C. Cancel by Calling Customer Support
☎ Call Alaska Airlines customer service and provide your confirmation details.
☎ Be prepared for wait times during peak travel seasons.
D. Cancel at the Airport
🏢 Visit an Alaska Airlines ticket counter and request cancellation in person.
💡 Pro Tip: Online and app cancellations are the quickest and easiest ways to cancel a flight!
4. What Happens After You Cancel?
Your refund or credit depends on your fare type and cancellation timing.
- Refundable Tickets: Cash refund to the original payment method.
- Non-Refundable Tickets (Main Cabin & First-Class): Receive flight credit valid for 12 months.
- Saver Fares: If canceled after 24 hours, the ticket is forfeited.
- Award Tickets: Miles are refunded back to your Mileage Plan account.
5. What If You Miss Your Flight?
🚨 No-show policy: If you miss your flight and didn’t cancel ahead of time, your entire ticket value is forfeited.
However, if you inform Alaska Airlines before departure, you may receive a partial credit.
🔹 How to avoid losing your ticket:
✔ Cancel or modify your booking in advance, even if it’s last minute.
✔ Consider booking a refundable fare if you anticipate changes.
6. What If Alaska Airlines Cancels Your Flight?
If Alaska Airlines cancels your flight due to weather, mechanical issues, or operational disruptions, you’re entitled to:
✅ A free rebooking on the next available flight.
✅ A full refund to your original payment method.
✅ A travel credit for future use if you prefer.
Alaska Airlines typically notifies passengers of cancellations via email or text. Always check your flight status before heading to the airport.
7. How to Save Money When Cancelling a Flight
✅ Cancel within 24 hours – Full refund, no penalties.
✅ Book refundable fares if you’re unsure about your plans.
✅ Use travel credits before they expire (valid for 12 months).
✅ Avoid Saver Fares unless you’re absolutely certain about your travel plans.
✅ Consider travel insurance for added flexibility.
Final Thoughts on Alaska Airlines’ Cancellation Policy
Alaska Airlines offers a flexible and traveler-friendly cancellation policy, especially for Main Cabin and First-Class fares.
✔ No fees for most cancellations.
✔ Full refunds within 24 hours of booking.
✔ Award ticket miles are returned without penalties.
✔ Saver Fares are strictly non-refundable after 24 hours.
By understanding these policies, you can avoid unnecessary costs and maximize your refund or travel credit when canceling a flight. Always check your booking details and act quickly to get the best outcome!
