Top 10 USA Airlines: Policies

Travel is more than just reaching your destination — it’s about comfort, convenience, and peace of mind throughout the journey. One essential part of a hassle-free trip is being informed about each airline’s policies on bookings, cancellations, refunds, and flight changes. In this detailed guide, we break down the top 10 U.S. airlines, highlighting their key features and explaining how you can easily manage your reservations or request refunds when plans shift.

9/11/20245 min read

Delta Air Lines

Overview: Recognized as a top player in the aviation sector, Delta Air Lines stands out for its vast flight network and exceptional service quality.

Booking Policies: Delta provides multiple fare options, including Basic Economy, Main Cabin, and Delta One. Basic Economy fares are restrictive, offering no refunds or changes. Other fare types offer more flexibility, such as complimentary changes and cancellations under certain conditions.

Refund Policies: You’re eligible for a full refund on Main Cabin or higher fares if you cancel within 24 hours of booking. Post 24-hour period, only refundable fares or cancellations initiated by Delta qualify for a refund.

Cancellation Policies: Refundable tickets can be cancelled anytime for a full refund. Non-refundable fares can be cancelled for a travel credit, minus any applicable fees.

Change Policies: Delta has removed change fees on most domestic and international flights, excluding Basic Economy. You’ll only pay any fare difference if your new flight costs more.

American Airlines

Overview: American Airlines is a top choice for many due to its extensive route coverage and robust loyalty rewards.

Booking Policies: You can choose from various fare types, such as Basic Economy, Main Cabin, and First Class. Basic Economy offers limited flexibility, whereas other fare classes allow changes and seat selection.

Refund Policies: All tickets qualify for a full refund within 24 hours of purchase. Refundable fares can be reimbursed beyond that, while non-refundable tickets may only be refunded in the event of a schedule change or airline-initiated cancellation.

Cancellation Policies: Non-refundable fares may be cancelled for travel credit use later. Refundable tickets can be cancelled at any time for a full refund.

Change Policies: American Airlines no longer charges change fees on most flights, excluding Basic Economy. You’ll only pay the difference in fare if applicable.

United Airlines

Overview: United Airlines is widely respected for its international connectivity and premium service offerings, particularly on long-haul routes.

Booking Policies: United offers various fare categories ranging from Basic Economy to Polaris Business Class. While Basic Economy comes with strict limitations, higher fares offer greater flexibility.

Refund Policies: You can receive a full refund within 24 hours of booking. After this window, only refundable tickets or flights cancelled by United are eligible for reimbursement.

Cancellation Policies: Fully refundable fares can be cancelled at any time. Non-refundable tickets may be cancelled in exchange for a travel credit, less any relevant fees.

Change Policies: United has removed change fees for most domestic and international flights that begin in the U.S., excluding Basic Economy fares. Only fare differences apply when rebooking.

Southwest Airlines

Overview: Known for its customer-centric approach, Southwest Airlines attracts travelers with no change fees and free checked bags.

Booking Policies: Southwest simplifies the process by offering refundable tickets and open seating. Passengers board by check-in time instead of assigned seats.

Refund Policies: All fares are fully refundable within 24 hours. If a non-refundable fare is cancelled, the value is credited for future travel.

Cancellation Policies: You can cancel any ticket type without penalties. Refundable fares return as cash, while non-refundable fares turn into travel credits with no expiry.

Change Policies: Southwest allows unlimited flight changes with no fees. You’ll only pay if your new fare is higher than the original.

Alaska Airlines

Overview: Alaska Airlines is praised for top-notch customer service and strong regional service, especially on the U.S. West Coast.

Booking Policies: Alaska offers Saver (low-cost), Main, and First Class fares. Saver fares come with more restrictions, while other classes offer added flexibility.

Refund Policies: All tickets can be refunded within 24 hours of booking. After that, only refundable fares qualify for full refunds, while non-refundable tickets may be turned into travel credits.

Cancellation Policies: Refundable fares can be cancelled for a full refund. Non-refundable tickets qualify for travel credits if cancelled.

Change Policies: Alaska has removed change fees on all fares except Saver. Fare differences apply when rebooking a more expensive ticket.

JetBlue Airways

Summary: JetBlue is favored by many domestic travelers for its roomy seating and complimentary in-flight entertainment.

Booking Options: JetBlue features various fare types, including Blue Basic, Blue, and Mint. Blue Basic tickets come with limitations on changes and cancellations, while other fare classes are more accommodating.

Refund Rules: All fares are eligible for a refund if cancelled within 24 hours of purchase. After that, only fully refundable tickets qualify for reimbursement.

Cancellation Policy: Most JetBlue fares (except Blue Basic) can be cancelled for a fee, with the value returned as travel credit.

Change Rules: Change fees are waived for all fares except Blue Basic. Passengers only need to pay the difference in fare, if applicable.

Hawaiian Airlines

Summary: Hawaiian Airlines is a popular option for flights to Hawaii, offering direct service from numerous U.S. cities.

Booking Options: The airline provides Main Cabin, Extra Comfort, and First Class fares. Main Cabin Basic has the most restrictions, while other fare types offer greater flexibility.

Refund Rules: Tickets are fully refundable within 24 hours of booking. After this period, only refundable fares qualify for a refund unless Hawaiian cancels the flight.

Cancellation Policy: Fully refundable tickets can be cancelled anytime for a refund. Non-refundable fares can be cancelled for a credit toward future travel.

Change Rules: Change fees are eliminated on all fares except Main Cabin Basic. Travelers only pay the fare difference, if applicable.

Spirit Airlines

Summary: Spirit is recognized for its ultra-low-cost fares, allowing travelers to customize and pay for only the services they use.

Booking Options: Spirit’s "Bare Fare" covers just your seat, with extras like bags, seat selection, and snacks available for an additional cost.

Refund Rules: Cancellations within 24 hours of booking qualify for a refund. After that, only certain tickets may be refunded, typically due to airline-initiated cancellations.

Cancellation Policy: A fee applies to all cancellations. Non-refundable fares will result in travel credits minus the cancellation fee.

Change Rules: Spirit charges for flight changes, though the fees are lower if done in advance. Travelers must also pay any increase in fare.

Frontier Airlines

Summary: Frontier is a budget airline offering basic fares with optional add-ons, ideal for cost-conscious travelers.

Booking Options: Standard fares include only the essentials, with extra charges for services like bags and seat choices. The WORKS bundle provides added flexibility, including refunds and free seat selection.

Refund Rules: Refunds are available within the first 24 hours of booking. Beyond that, refunds are only available to WORKS package holders or if the airline cancels the flight.

Cancellation Policy: Cancelling a flight incurs a fee unless you purchased the WORKS package. Non-refundable fares are credited for future use.

Change Rules: Change fees apply unless covered by the WORKS bundle. Fare differences must also be paid if the new flight costs more.

Allegiant Air

Summary: Allegiant Air connects smaller cities with vacation destinations via low-cost, nonstop flights.

Booking Options: Allegiant provides basic fares with optional services like baggage and seat selection. The Trip Flex add-on allows greater flexibility.

Refund Rules: Bookings can be refunded within 24 hours. Afterward, refunds are typically unavailable unless Allegiant cancels the flight.

Cancellation Policy: Cancelling a flight incurs a fee unless Trip Flex is purchased. Without Trip Flex, cancellations result in credit for future use.