Consider this your go-to guide for canceling flights.
Imagine this: It’s the night before your flight, and the loved one you’re planning on visiting calls you and says, “Hey, is there any way you can reschedule your trip?” But there’s one problem—you just checked into your flight online, meaning you confirmed your presence on that outbound flight. Is it too late to walk back on that virtual promise?
As anxiety ripples through your mind, you may scroll through the FAQs on the airline’s website in search of an answer to whether or not you’d be able to get a refund or transferable flight credits. As it turns out, the cancellation policy isn’t the same for every airline—and it requires a lot of reading between the lines.
Ahead, we share a few helpful tips on how to navigate canceling your flight after checking in online. We even break down the cancellation policy for five major airlines so you don’t have to scramble for a solution at the last second. But first, here’s a quick refresher on why you almost always want to check in early.
Why Do Most Airlines Allow You to Check in the Day Before Your Departure?
If you’re an avid traveler, then you know the drill when it comes to flying: Check-in is technically a two-step process. Most airlines will send out an email at least 24 hours in advance of take-off and let you confirm your flight and, in some instances, get your seat assigned (if it wasn’t already).
The second and most important part of the check-in process is physically showing up at the airport. This is when your boarding pass gets scanned or printed by a representative at the airline’s reservations desk or self-service kiosks.
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The question is, why is it standard to do both steps? As it turns out, there is quite a bit of value in checking in the day before flying. Apart from getting first dibs on your seat assignment, checking in early allows you to bypass that particular checkpoint at the airport—especially if you don’t have a checked bag. It can be a time-saver in this regard.
Early check-in also helps to alert you of any flight schedule changes, such as delays or even gate changes. Both pieces of information can help you make sure you get to the airport at the appropriate time. But let’s say you don’t make it past that second step for whatever reason. Then what?
What to Expect When You Cancel Your Flight After Checking In
Unsurprisingly, this protocol looks a little different across all major carriers, with each one detailing its own set of procedures to follow. Here’s a brief rundown of five major airlines’ cancellation policies:
American Airlines
While the airline clearly states on its website that you cannot change your flight reservation online after you’ve checked in, you can call the reservations desk to discuss canceling it. An American Airlines representative confirmed that cancellations are allowed up until the flight departs. Once the aircraft has lifted off the ground, you are no longer eligible for getting money back or flight credits.
In most cases, if you cancel with enough time, you can transfer the value of that ticket to flight credits to use at a later date. Or, you may be able to use your funds to buy a new ticket right away.
INSIDER TIPRescheduling to another flight the same week may be notably pricier, meaning you’d have to pay the difference out of pocket. There may also be fees for changing your travel plans at such late notice.
Delta Air Lines
Similar to American Airlines, a representative from Delta said that guests can cancel their flights after checking in so long as the flight hasn’t taken off. However, there’s something else to keep in mind when flying Delta. If you purchased a non-refundable seat in the main cabin or higher, and your flight takes off within the U.S., Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, Canada, Europe, or Africa, you won’t be charged a fee. You will also get your money back in the form of an eCredit. (If you bought a refundable ticket, then you can get your money back on the original form of payment.
If, however, you have a non-refundable basic economy ticket, you’re subject to a fee of at least $99. The fee varies based on your itinerary, the website states. Of course, you’ll still get your money back in the form of eCredit if you have to cancel, but the fee will just be deducted from that original value. Details about the potential fees associated with your flight can be found under the “Fare Rules” part of your ticket.
JetBlue
When it comes to canceling your flight with JetBlue ahead of take-off, you might want to do it yourself online. Why? If you call to cancel (or change) your ticket, you’ll automatically be charged $25 just for talking to a representative. And, if you bought a non-refundable ticket, a cancellation fee may be incurred. Then, the remaining money will be transferred to JetBlue travel credits. If you purchase a refundable ticket, you’ll be able to dodge any fees and get your money back on your credit card.
The airline also offers something called the “same-day switch,” which just means you can transfer to a different flight that same day (if seats are available) for a flat fee of $75. So if, for whatever reason, you can no longer make your early morning flight, you might still be able to get out the same day—without a hefty upcharge.
United Airlines
If you’ve found it challenging to read up on United Airlines flight cancellation protocol, know that you’re not alone. The refund policies aren’t very clear on the company website. In most instances, if you want a refund credited back to your original form of payment, you’ll have to fill out a refund request form. Otherwise, it will likely be given back to you as flight credit to use at a later date. To make things even more confusing, some reservations can be canceled online, whereas others may require a phone call.
Southwest
On Southwest’s website, you’ll see that you can cancel your flight up to 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time—whether you checked in or not. If your ticket falls under Business Select fares or Anytime fares, you can get a full refund by canceling within that time frame. But if you have either iteration of Wanna Get Away fares, you’ll be eligible for flight credits (as long as you cancel 10 min before the plane is scheduled to leave). The best part? There aren’t any cancellation fees with Southwest.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Plane Ticket
It may sound dark to think about the worst-case scenario when you’re booking your trip, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry—meaning out of cash. There are a few things you can do to set yourself up for success if you end up having to ditch your flight just hours before you are expected to leave.
Learn More About the Type of Ticket You’re Buying
Every airline offers different tiers of tickets, some are refundable and others aren’t. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the cancellation policy of your ticket so you know if you’ll be subject to fees and eligible for a refund—either by way of flight credits or back on your original form of payment.
INSIDER TIPIt may be wise to look up when flight credits expire, just in case that option applies to your ticket. For many airlines, these credits seem to be valid for about one year.
Buy Travel Insurance Along with Your Ticket
Travel insurance carriers, such as Allianz, can help ensure you get a refund when you voluntarily cancel your flight. However, the trick here is to make sure the reason for your cancellation is covered by the insurance. For example, Allianz flight cancellation insurance will accept any of the following reasons:
– You or someone traveling with you becomes very ill.
– A family member who isn’t going on your trip becomes seriously ill or injured.
– A family member or your travel buddy passes away.
– One of your family members is giving birth and you want to be in attendance.
– The place you’re flying to (or where you live currently) is deemed uninhabitable.
Unfortunately, pet emergencies aren’t usually covered under travel insurance or airlines’ cancellation policies. Buying travel insurance can also be helpful if the airline cancels your flight and doesn’t offer a proper refund.