What is Alaska Airlines Cancellation Policy? — Fees & Refund

What is Alaska Airlines Cancellation Policy? — Fees & Refund Travel plans can be unpredictable, and sometimes, the need arises to cancel a flight. Understanding Alaska Airlines’ cancellation policy can help alleviate stress and ensure you know what to expect in terms of fees and refunds. This comprehensive guide will cover the essential aspects of Alaska Airlines’ cancellation policy, the process for canceling a flight, and what to anticipate in terms of fees and refunds.

Overview of Alaska Airlines’ Cancellation Policy

Alaska Airlines offers a customer-friendly cancellation policy compared to many other airlines. They provide flexibility through different fare types and policies designed to accommodate a variety of travel needs. Here are the key points of their cancellation policy:

1. 24-Hour Cancellation Policy: Alaska Airlines allows passengers to cancel their flight within 24 hours of booking without incurring any cancellation fees. This policy applies to all ticket types, including non-refundable fares, as long as the booking was made at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure.
2. Non-Refundable Tickets: For cancellations beyond the 24-hour window, non-refundable tickets can still be canceled, but passengers will receive a credit for future travel instead of a cash refund. This credit is valid for one year from the date of the original purchase.
3. Refundable Tickets: Refundable tickets offer the most flexibility. Passengers can cancel these tickets at any time before the flight and receive a full refund to their original payment method.
4. Award Tickets: Tickets booked with Mileage Plan miles can also be canceled. The miles will be redeposited into your account, and any taxes or fees paid will be refunded, usually without a fee if canceled more than 60 days before travel.

How to Cancel a Flight with Alaska Airlines

Canceling a flight with Alaska Airlines can be done through their website, mobile app, or by contacting customer service. Here’s a step-by-step guide for each method:

1. Online:
   • Visit the Alaska Airlines website.
   • Log in to your account or navigate to the “Manage Reservations” section.
   • Enter your reservation details (confirmation code and last name).
   • Select the flight you wish to cancel and follow the prompts to complete the cancellation.
   • If applicable, the system will inform you of any credits or refunds due.
2. Mobile App:
   • Open the Alaska Airlines app on your smartphone.
   • Log in to your Mileage Plan account.
   • Access your booking through the “My Trips” section.
   • Select the flight you need to cancel and follow the cancellation steps.
3. Customer Service:
   • Call Alaska Airlines customer service at 1-800-252-7522.
   • Provide your booking details to the representative and request the cancellation.
   • The representative will guide you through the process and inform you about any applicable refunds or credits.

Cancellation Fees and Refunds

Understanding the fees and refund options associated with your cancellation is crucial. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Non-Refundable Tickets:
   • Cancellations beyond the 24-hour grace period will not receive a cash refund.
   • Passengers will receive a travel credit, which can be used within one year from the original purchase date.
   • A cancellation fee may apply, typically around $125 for domestic flights. However, as of the last update, Alaska Airlines has waived change and cancellation fees for Main and First Class fares (excluding Saver fares).
2. Refundable Tickets:
   • These tickets allow for cancellations at any time before the flight.
   • Passengers receive a full refund to the original payment method.
   • No cancellation fees apply.
3. Award Tickets:
   • For cancellations made more than 60 days before travel, no fees are charged, and miles and taxes are refunded.
   • If canceled within 60 days of travel, a redeposit fee of $125 may apply.
4. Saver Fares:
   • These are the least flexible tickets and are generally non-refundable and non-changeable.
   • No refunds or credits are provided unless the cancellation is made within the 24-hour booking window.

Special Considerations

There are some additional scenarios and protections that might apply:

1. Travel Insurance:
   • If you purchased travel insurance, check the policy for covered cancellation reasons. Insurance may cover cancellation costs under certain conditions, such as illness or emergency.
2. Schedule Changes:
   • If Alaska Airlines changes your flight schedule significantly, you may be entitled to a full refund, regardless of the ticket type.
3. Medical or Family Emergencies:
   • In cases of medical emergencies or family bereavement, contact customer service. While not guaranteed, airlines sometimes offer flexibility in such situations.