Flight plans change. Whether it’s a shift in your schedule or something unexpected, having the flexibility to change your flight without paying a penalty can make all the difference.
Since the pandemic, many airlines have adapted to offer more flexible booking options, but understanding the fine print still matters.
In this guide, we’ll explain which airlines don’t charge change fees, what exceptions apply, and how you can book flights that give you room to adjust.
Change fees are extra charges airlines used to apply when you needed to change your travel date or time. These fees could be steep, especially for international or long-haul flights.
Today, most major airlines have removed change fees for many fare types, but that doesn’t mean it’s always free to change your flight.
Updated for 2026
The table below shows which airlines offer no change fees, which fares qualify, and what conditions apply for 2026. It’s designed to help you quickly compare your options before you book, especially if your travel plans might change.
| Airline | No change fees | Conditions and notes (2025/2026) |
|---|---|---|
| United Airlines | Yes | No change fees on most paid fares, excluding basic economy. Fare difference may apply. |
| Delta Air Lines | Yes | No change fees on most standard fares in the U.S. and Canada. Basic economy is excluded. |
| American Airlines | Yes (selected fares) | Flexible or refundable tickets allow free changes. Basic economy tickets may not qualify. |
| Alaska Airlines | Yes | Most fares can be changed without a fee. Saver and basic economy fares may be restricted. |
| JetBlue | Yes (most fares) | No change fees on most fare types, except Blue Basic. |
| Southwest Airlines | Yes, traditionally | Historically no change fees on all fares, with fare differences applying. Some policy changes are expected in 2025 and 2026. |
| Spirit Airlines | Yes, under conditions | No change fees if changes are made far enough ahead of departure, typically 60 days or more. Restrictions apply. |
| Breeze Airways | Yes (selected fares) | Nice, Nicer and Nicest fares include free itinerary changes. No Flex fares do not. |
| Air India | Yes (selected fares) | Selected flexible fare types allow free date changes. |
| Qatar Airways | Yes (selected fares) | Free date changes are available on eligible flexible fare classes. |
| Emirates | Yes (selected fares) | Certain tiered flexible tickets allow changes without additional airline fees. |
| Lufthansa | Yes (selected fares) | Free date changes apply to eligible flexible fare categories. |
| British Airways | Yes (selected fares) | Flexible ticket types allow date or time changes without additional airline charges. |
Before you try to change your ticket, here are five important things to understand about how airline change fee policies really work:
If you book with Alternative Airlines, we can help you manage any changes. We make it easy to handle flight changes by providing clear fare rules before you book and dedicated support if your plans shift.
You don’t need to deal directly with the airline - we do that for you.
Booking a flexible flight with Alternative Airlines is simple. Follow these five steps:
Everything you need to make an informed decision is shown clearly before you book.
Sometimes, even flexible fares aren’t flexible enough. That’s where Cancellation Protection from Alternative Airlines comes in. Add it at checkout to get a full refund if you need to cancel your flight for unexpected reasons.
Cancellation Protection covers situations that airline policies typically don’t. You’re protected in cases like:
It’s an extra layer of flexibility that gives you more control, no matter what life throws your way.
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Booking through Alternative Airlines gives you more than just access to flights. It gives you peace of mind, flexibility and choice at every step of the journey.
Yes, many airlines now waive change fees on most fare types, especially main cabin or above. That means you can change your date or time without a penalty, though you'll still be responsible for paying the fare difference if your new flight costs more.
Airlines like Alaska, Delta, United and American (for Main Cabin and above) have no change fees on most fares. That said, Basic Economy tickets are typically excluded, so always check the fare conditions before booking.
You can, as long as your fare class allows it. Return flight changes follow the same rules as your outbound flight. If there’s no change fee, you’ll just need to cover the fare difference, if any.
It depends on the airline and fare type. Many major carriers now allow changes on international tickets without a fee, but lower-cost fares or Basic Economy options may still have restrictions. Fare difference still applies.
Most airlines let you cancel a flight within 24 hours of booking and receive a full refund, provided the departure is at least 7 days away. This applies to most fare types and is especially helpful if you change your mind soon after booking.
If you miss your flight, it’s usually treated as a no-show, and the value of your ticket could be lost. Some airlines offer a same-day standby or flat-fee reschedule option, but this is rarely free.
If you made your booking through Alternative Airlines and miss your flight, please contact our Customer Service team as soon as possible.
Yes. Refundable fares let you cancel your flight for any reason and get your money back, but they typically cost more. They’re a good option if you want maximum flexibility without relying on credits or rebooking windows.
In many cases, yes. A growing number of loyalty programs have dropped change and cancellation fees on award bookings, though you may still have to pay taxes or reissue fees. Check your program’s specific policy.
When you book through Alternative Airlines, we show fare rules clearly after you select your flight. You'll be able to see whether changes are allowed, if fees apply and any other conditions before you reach the checkout.
Most airline policies don’t offer refunds for personal reasons like illness or unexpected events. But if you add Cancellation Protection when booking through Alternative Airlines, you can get a full refund for covered scenarios, including sickness, weather disruptions or family emergencies.
