Top 10 USA Airlines: Policies
Traveling isn't just about getting from A to B—it's about the experience, convenience, and peace of mind. A key aspect of ensuring a smooth trip is understanding the booking, refund, cancellation, and change policies of the airlines you fly with. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover the top 10 U.S. airlines, detailing not only what makes them great, but also how you can manage your bookings and get refunds if your plans change.
9/11/20246 min read
1. Delta Air Lines
Overview: Delta Air Lines is a leader in the aviation industry, known for its extensive network and high-quality service.
Booking Policies: Delta offers a range of fare classes, including Basic Economy, Main Cabin and Delta One. While Basic Economy fares are nonrefundable and nonchangeable, other fare classes offer more flexibility, including free changes and cancellations on certain tickets.
Refund Policies: Refunds are available for Main Cabin fares or higher if you cancel within 24 hours of booking. After 24 hours, refunds are only available for refundable tickets or if Delta cancels your flight.
Cancellation Policies: Delta allows cancellations with full refunds on refundable tickets. For non-refundable tickets, you may cancel and receive a travel credit, less any cancellation fees.
Change Policies: Delta has eliminated change fees on most domestic and international flights, except for Basic Economy fares. You may change your flight and pay only the fare difference if applicable.
2. American Airlines
Overview: American Airlines offers an expansive route network and a strong loyalty program, making it a popular choice for many travelers.
Booking Policies: American Airlines provides several booking options, including Basic Economy, Main Cabin, and First Class. Basic Economy tickets have restrictions, such as not allowing changes or seat selection, while other fare types offer more flexibility.
Refund Policies: Refunds are available within 24 hours of booking for all fare types. Refundable tickets may be refunded after this period, while non-refundable tickets may only qualify for a refund if there is a schedule change or flight cancellation by American Airlines.
Cancellation Policy: You may cancel non-refundable tickets and receive a travel credit for future use. Refundable tickets may be cancelled for a full refund at any time.
Change Policies: American Airlines has eliminated change fees on most domestic and international flights, except for Basic Economy. You will only be required to pay the fare difference if applicable.
3. United Airlines
Overview: United Airlines is known for its global reach and premium services, especially on long-haul international flights.
Booking Policies: United offers a variety of fare classes, from Basic Economy to United Polaris Business Class. Basic Economy fares have restrictions on changes and cancellations, while higher fare classes offer greater flexibility.
Refund Policies: Refunds are available within 24 hours of booking. After that, only refundable tickets or under certain circumstances, such as a flight cancellation by United, are eligible for refunds.
Cancellation Policies: Refundable tickets may be cancelled for a full refund. Non-refundable tickets may be cancelled for a travel credit, less any applicable fees.
Change Policies: United has eliminated change fees for most economy and premium class tickets for travel within the U.S. and international travel originating in the U.S., except for Basic Economy. You will only pay the fare difference if there is one.
4. Southwest Airlines
Overview: Southwest Airlines is a customer favorite for its fee-free policies and generous baggage allowances.
Booking Policies: Southwest is unique in its approach, offering only one type of ticket: refundable. However, the airline does not offer assigned seating; instead, passengers board in groups based on their check-in time.
Refund Policies: All Southwest tickets are refundable if cancelled within 24 hours of booking. If you cancel a non-refundable ticket, you will receive a travel credit.
Cancellation Policies: You can cancel your flight without fees and receive a travel credit that never expires (for non-refundable tickets) or a full refund (for refundable tickets).
Change Policies: Southwest does not charge any change fees, allowing you to change your flight as many times as necessary without penalty. You will only be required to pay any difference in the fare.
5. Alaska Airlines
Overview: Alaska Airlines is known for its excellent customer service and strong presence on the West Coast.
Booking Policies: Alaska offers several fare classes, including Saver (similar to Basic Economy), Main, and First Class. Saver fares have restrictions, while Main and First Class tickets offer more flexibility.
Refund Policies: Refunds are available for all ticket types within 24 hours of booking. After that, only refundable tickets are eligible for refunds, although non-refundable tickets may be converted to travel credits.
Cancellation Policy: Refundable tickets may be cancelled at any time for a full refund. Non-refundable tickets may be cancelled for a travel credit, which can be used toward future travel.
Change Policies: Alaska Airlines has eliminated change fees for all fare types except Saver Fares. You will only have to pay the fare difference if your new flight is more expensive.
6. JetBlue Airways
Overview: JetBlue is celebrated for its spacious seats and free inflight entertainment, making it a popular choice for domestic travelers.
Booking Policies: JetBlue offers several fare classes, including Blue Basic, Blue, and Mint. Blue Basic fares have restrictions on changes and cancellations, while higher fare classes offer more flexibility.
Refund Policies: Refunds are available within 24 hours of booking. After this period, only refundable tickets are eligible for refunds.
Cancellation Policies: JetBlue allows cancellations for a fee on most fare types except Blue Basic. Canceled flights result in a travel credit for future use.
Change Policies: JetBlue has eliminated change fees for all fares except Blue Basic. You can change your flight and pay the fare difference if applicable.
7. Hawaiian Airlines
Overview: Hawaiian Airlines is the preferred airline for travelers heading to the Hawaiian Islands, offering nonstop service from many U.S. cities.
Booking Policies: Hawaiian offers Main Cabin, Extra Comfort, and First Class fare options. Each offers different levels of flexibility, with Main Cabin Basic having the most restrictions.
Refund Policies: Refunds are available within 24 hours of booking. After that, refundable tickets are eligible for refunds, while non-refundable tickets can only be refunded if the airline cancels the flight.
Cancellation Policy: Refundable tickets may be cancelled for a full refund. Non-refundable tickets may be cancelled for a travel credit, which can be used on a future flight.
Change Policies: Hawaiian Airlines has eliminated change fees on all flights except Main Cabin Basic fares. You will only be required to pay the fare difference if you change to a more expensive flight.
8. Spirit Airlines
Overview: Spirit Airlines is known for its ultra-low fares, allowing travelers to pay only for the services they need.
Booking Policies: Spirit's Bare Fare approach means your ticket covers only the seat. Everything else, including luggage, seat selection and refreshments, is available for an additional fee.
Refund Policies: Refunds are available within 24 hours of booking, but after that, only certain fare types are eligible for refunds, usually due to flight cancellations by Spirit.
Cancellation Policy: Spirit allows cancellations for a fee. If you cancel a non-refundable ticket, you will receive a credit for future travel, less the cancellation fee.
Change Policies: Spirit charges fees to change your flight, although these fees are lower if you make changes in advance. You will also pay any difference in fare between the original and new flights.
9. Frontier Airlines
Overview: Frontier Airlines offers low-cost flights with a la carte pricing, making it a good choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Booking Policies: Frontier fares cover only the basics, with additional fees for services such as baggage, seat selection and onboard services. The WORKS package offers more flexibility, including the ability to obtain refunds and select seats.
Refund Policies: Refunds are available within 24 hours of booking. After that, refunds are only available if you purchase the WORKS package or if Frontier cancels your flight.
Cancellation Policies: Frontier allows cancellations for a fee, unless you have purchased the WORKS package, which includes free cancellations. Non-refundable tickets will result in a travel credit.
Change Policies: Frontier charges fees for changing flights, although these are waived with the WORKS package. You will also be required to pay any fare difference.
10. Allegiant Air
Overview: Allegiant Air specializes in connecting smaller cities to popular vacation destinations with non-stop, low-cost flights.
Booking Policies: Allegiant offers low base fares with additional fees for services such as baggage, seat selection and trip flex, allowing for more flexibility.
Refund Policies: Refunds are available within 24 hours of booking. After that, refunds are generally not available unless Allegiant cancels the flight.
Cancellation Policies: Allegiant charges a fee for cancellations unless you have purchased trip flex. Cancellations without trip flex will result in a travel credit for future use.
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