[Updated With AA Basic Economy Waiver] AA, Alaska, Delta, JetBlue, And United Extend Their Window To Book Tickets Without Change Fees Through July 31st

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Update, 7/14: American is now including basic economy tickets in their change fee waiver for new tickets, regardless of when you fly. Previously they were only waiving change fees on basic economy tickets if you were flying by 9/30.

Update, 7/1: American has finally extended through 7/31 as well, however they exclude award tickets and basic economy from that policy unless you complete travel by 9/30.

Update, 6/30: [Now live on United’s site] United media relations has informed me that they will also extend their free change policy through 7/31 as well. You will be able to book tickets in July for travel on any date with free changes and if you bought tickets before March 3 for travel in 2020 you can make free changes on those through 7/31. 

Update, 6/30: Delta and JetBlue have now extended through 7/31 as well.

Alaska has blinked first and updated their free change policy to include new bookings through 7/31. This post will be updated when other airlines match that policy, but as it stands now, June 30th is the last day to book AA awards and have free cancellations, it’s the last day to book Delta, JetBlue, and United tickets with free changes, and it’s the last day to make free changes on previously purchased United tickets for travel through the end of the year.

If your flight is cancelled or is significantly changed, you can receive a cash refund per DoT regulations.

That’s why I don’t recommend cancelling a flight before it’s close to the time of departure. 

However, assuming your flight is operating, these are the cancellation options on major domestic airlines:

• Alaska:
  • All tickets purchased on or before 2/26 for travel through 12/31 can be changed free of charge for travel or funds can be redeposited into your Alaska wallet for future travel. Award tickets will be refunded free of charge. The difference in fare will still apply.
  • All tickets purchased between 2/27-7/31 can be changed free of charge or funds can be redeposited into your Alaska wallet for future travel. Award tickets will be refunded free of charge. The difference in fare will still apply.

• American:
  • All tickets for travel through 9/30 can be changed one time free of charge. The difference in fare will still apply. This policy does apply to award tickets and basic economy tickets. Awards can also be redeposited for free.
  • All tickets purchased between 3/1 through 5/31 can be changed one time free of charge. This policy does apply to award tickets and basic economy tickets. Awards can also be redeposited for free. The difference in fare will still apply.
  • Tickets purchased between 6/1-6/30 can be changed free of charge, but this does not apply to basic economy tickets. Awards can be redeposited for free. The difference in fare will still apply. You may be able to call American to request an exception for basic economy tickets.
  • Tickets purchased between 7/1-7/13 can be changed free of charge, but this does not apply to basic economy or award tickets. The difference in fare will still apply. You may be able to call American to request an exception for basic economy tickets.
  • Tickets purchased between 7/14-7/31 can be changed free of charge, but this does not apply to award tickets. The difference in fare will still apply.
  • Awards booked on or before 6/30 for travel anytime can be redeposited for free. The new fee schedule that eliminates free date changes goes into effect for award tickets booked as of 7/1.

• Delta:
  • All tickets purchased between 3/1-7/31 can be changed one time free of charge for travel for one year. The difference in fare will still apply. Awards can be redeposited for free.
• JetBlue:
  • All tickets purchased between 2/27-7/31 can receive a refund to your JetBlue travel bank for use by anyone within 2 years of the redeposit date. Awards can be redeposited for free.
• Southwest:
  • Southwest always allows for free flight changes. The difference in fare will still apply, though exceptions are occasionally available online. Travel funds for cancellations from 3/1/20-9/7/20 or funds that would have expired in that timeframe will be valid through 9/7/22. Alternatively, you can refund tickets into points at the same rate it would cost to buy your flights. Points never expire and have no cancellation fees. Awards can always be redeposited for free.
• United:
  • All tickets purchased between 4/1-7/31 can be changed free of charge for travel within 1 year. If the new flight is priced lower, the customer may change for free but no residual value will be given under this waiver. The difference in fare will still apply. Alternatively, United.com will also allow you to request a voucher valid for 2 years.
  • All award travel for travel through 12/31 can be redeposited for free as long as they’re cancelled at least 30 days before travel.
  • If you purchased a ticket on or before 3/2 for travel by 12/31/20, you can cancel for free by 7/31 and use the funds within 2 years.
  • All tickets purchased between 3/3-3/31 can be changed free of charge for travel within 2 years. If the new flight is priced lower, the customer may change for free but no residual value will be given under this waiver. The difference in fare will still apply. You can also request a voucher valid for 2 years.
  • See more here about United flight credit vs. an electronic travel certificate.
  • Click to cancel an itinerary to have the option between future flight credit or an electronic travel certificate valid for 24 months:
• You can discuss coronavirus and how it’s affecting your life on the dedicated COVID-19 board on DDF here.