After the pandemic, many airlines were helping passengers fly flexible — allowing tickets to be changed or cancelled without fees — but is that still the case? We checked carrier policies to find out.
Remember how everyone was wondering if airlines would go back to their old ways with all those change fees once the pandemic was over? Well, good news! Many airlines have actually stuck with their flexible ticket, fee-free policies. Usually, the cheapest basic economy tickets are still pretty rigid. But often, if you bump up to the next fare class, you can change your flight without an extra fee.
Here are a handful of flexible ticket policies from major US-based airlines and how to book flexible flights on these carriers.
Airlines offering flexible tickets
Airline | Airline policy |
|---|---|
Delta has eliminated change and cancellation fees for flights originating in the US and Canada for Delta Main Classic tickets or above. These fees still apply in some regions, and basic economy tickets (Delta Main Basic) are, in most cases, non-changeable and non-refundable. | |
United has said goodbye to change fees for Economy, Economy Plus, and premium cabin tickets for flights within the US, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands; between the US and Mexico or the Caribbean; and international destinations originating in the US. | |
JetBlue will charge a $25 per-person fee for changing or canceling a flight over the phone or through chat. However, that fee is not applied if changes are made by the passenger online. Otherwise, there are no change or cancellation fees on most fares, except Blue Basic. | |
American Airlines sells tickets as either non-refundable or refundable. The latter allows passengers to change or cancel without a fee. A change fee will be charged for non-refundable tickets. Changes are not allowed on Basic Economy fares. | |
Southwest doesn’t charge change or cancellation fees. In order to make changes to a Basic fare, it’s necessary to upgrade to a higher ticket class. | |
Hawaiian Airlines does not charge a change fee, but most fares are non-refundable. A ticket cancellation fee will be charged for restricted refundable fares. |
Information is current as of July 11, 2025.
How to fly flexible
Want to know how to book flexible flights? Take these easy steps:
Find your ideal flight and then head to the airline's website. Check their flexible ticket policy to see if change and cancellation fees are part of the fare class you want to purchase.
If you aren’t able to change or cancel for free, consider booking a higher cabin class to unlock those benefits.
Remember flexible travel doesn’t stop at flights. Review the policies of the hotels and rental car you’re planning to book too.
Consider buying travel insurance to protect against the unexpected.
FAQs about how to fly flexible
Final thoughts: Flying flexible on US airlines
Although the pandemic-era elimination of change and cancellation fees seemed like a temporary policy, many airlines have opted to keep their flexible ticket options. In some cases, you’ll need to buy or upgrade to a higher fare class to achieve maximum fee-free flexibility. Check the airline's policy before booking your ticket to avoid any surprises later on.
Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels, and car rental deals for your next trip.
