Alaska Airlines Cancellation Policy: A Complete 2024 Guide

Plan to travel can sometimes change at the last minute. That’s why it’s so important to know an airline’s cancellation policy before you book a flight. Alaska Airlines, one of the most customer-friendly airlines with award-winning service, has a flexible cancellation policy that allows passengers to cancel different fare types according to different travel situations.

Whether you’re booking for a domestic or international flight, this ultimate guide to Alaska Airlines cancellation policy will break down everything you need to know—refundable vs. non-refundable tickets, same-day changes, eCredits and the cancellation process and refund timelines.

1. Alaska Airlines 24-Hour Cancellation Policy

Similar to most large U.S. carriers, Alaska Airlines provides a 24-hour cancellation period, meaning you can cancel your flight for a full refund within 24 hours of booking, no matter the type of fare you purchased.

Conditions:

• The ticket needs to be booked at least 24 hours prior to the date of departure.

• Cancellation must be made no more than 24 hours after making the initial reservation.

• Valid on all classes of service including Saver fares.

This approach to cancelation makes them feel more secure booking travel.

2. Understanding Alaska’s Fare Types and Their Cancellation Rules

Before we dive into Alaska Airlines’ cancellation policy, let’s break down the airline’s three main fare classes.

2.1. Saver Fare (Most Restrictive)

Saver fares are Alaska’s equivalent to Basic Economy, and they offer little flexibility.

• Once 24-hours, non-refundable/non-changeable.

• Changes or cancellations not permitted unless the airline issues a travel waiver (for example, weather or public health emergencies).

• – Full refund when canceled within 24 hours of purchase.

In addition, available Main Class or First Class fares may be purchased for travel plans that could change instead of a Saver fare.

2.2. Main Cabin & First Class (Non-Refundable)

These are Alaska’s standard and premium tickets, which are more flexible.

• And can be changed or canceled without change fees.

• Should it be canceled, the value of the ticket is stored as an eCredit.

• eCredits are applicable to future Alaska flights and usually are good for a year from when you are issued it.

2.3. Refundable Tickets

These tickets are the least restrictive, but also the priciest.

• With zero monthly fees, you can cancel anytime for a complete refund to your original payment method.

• Great for business travelers or those with unclear plans.

If you want to book a refundable fare, be sure to check the “Refundable” filter in your search for flights on Alaska’s website or app.

3. How to Cancel an Alaska Airlines Flight

Alaska offers several easy options for canceling your flight:

Online (Website or App):

1. Go to “Manage Reservations”.

2. In the confirmation code and the last name.

3. Find your trip and select Cancel Thank you.

4. Verify your cancellation and check if you’re getting a refund, or an eCredit.

Via Phone:

• Contact Alaska Airlines customer service at 1-800-252-7522.

• This comes in handy for complicated itineraries or adjustments to award travel.

4. Same-Day Changes and Cancellations

The Alaska Airlines Same-Day Change policy allows travelers to change their flight to an earlier or later flight on the same calendar day of travel for a flat fee or free depending on fare type and elite status.

Same-Day Confirmed Change Fee:

• $25–$50 (depending on route and type of fare)

• Complimentary for MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75K Mileage Plan members

Requirements:

• Must be the same route, with same departure and arrival cities

• Changes cannot occur more than 6 hours from the new flight’s departure

Saver fares are not eligible for same-day changes.

5. Flight Cancellations by Alaska Airlines

If Alaska Airlines cancels your flight because of weather, technical issues or other operational reasons, you have the right to:

• Full refund, irrespective of your ticket type

• A complimentary rebooking to another flight

• Potential further compensation (travel credits, meal vouchers, hotel accommodation depending on the situation)

The carriers will notify you by email, text or app notifications, and you can handle your rebooking or refund online, or with customer service.

6. Alaska Airlines eCredits and Refunds

Alaska has this weird way of giving you eCredits to your account when you cancel a non-refundable ticket.

Key Points About eCredits:

• TRAVELLERS MUST HAVE 3 months’ validity on the passport of the people from the UK Valid for 12 months from the original date of issue.

• Can book flights for you or other travelers.

• Automatically attach to your Alaska Mileage Plan account (if you’re logged in at the time of booking).

• Expiration cannot be extended, so it’s best to keep tabs on them.

Refund Timeline:

• Credit Card Refunds: Within 7 business days

• Debit cards, cash, or check: As long as 20 business days

• eCredits: Typically visible in your account in within 24 hours

To check your eCredits:

• Go to your Alaska Airlines account’s “Wallet” section.

7. Award Ticket Cancellation (Mileage Plan Members)

Unlike most loyalty programs, Alaska Airlines has a generous cancellation policy for award travel:

• Award tickets canceled at least 24 hours before departure incur no cancellation or redeposit fees.

• Miles are fully redeposited and taxes/fees are credited to the original form of payment.

• Elite MVP members have even more flexible policies, including same-day redeposit of miles.

Saver awards are subject to the same rules as Saver fares and cannot be changed or canceled after 24 hours, unless waived by Alaska.

8. Travel Protection and Insurance

Alaska Airlines offers optional protection at checkout in partnership with Allianz Travel Insurance. This plan covers:

• Trip cancellations for covered reasons (such as illness, injury)

• Travel delays

• Emergency medical coverage

• Baggage loss or delays

If you’re paying for non-refundable fares or international travel, it can be a sensible investment to buy protection.

9. Alaska Airlines Waivers and Travel Advisories

(While large disruptions such as natural disasters, health emergencies or major weather events typically prompt Alaska to issue travel waivers, this one is not for that reason.) These allow:

• Free cancellations

• FREE Change (even for Saver fares)

• Full refunds in certain cases

Always check Alaska’s homepage Travel Advisories section before and during your trip to be up to date.

10. Tips for Hassle-Free Cancellations

• If your travel plans are in doubt, book refundable fares.

• Cancel sooner if you suspect your plans may be changing — you can get a rebooking that’s more favorable and refunds can go through much easier.

• Are you traveling on Alaska? Use the Alaska app for up-to-date notices, trip changes and eCredit tracking.

• When booking, log into your Mileage Plan account to make it easier to handle changes and store credits.