Alaska Airlines Refund Policy: Complete Guide to Refunds

Travel plans don’t always go as expected, which is why understanding the Alaska Airlines refund policy is important. Whether you purchased a refundable or nonrefundable ticket, Alaska provides flexible cancellation and change options. Below, we answer the most common questions travelers ask.

TL;DR – Alaska Airlines Refund Policy in Short

• Cancel within 24 hours of booking → full refund to original payment.

• Refundable fares → money back anytime you cancel.

• Nonrefundable fares → receive travel credits instead of cash.

• No change fees on most tickets, but fare difference applies.

• Refunds usually take 7–20 business days to process.

• If Alaska cancels your flight, you’re entitled to a full refund or free rebooking.

• Main Cabin (standard) → mostly nonrefundable, but refundable options exist.

What is the cancellation policy for Alaska Airlines?

The cancellation policy for Alaska Airlines allows you to cancel flights online, in the app, or by phone. If you cancel within 24 hours of booking, you’ll receive a full refund. After that period, your refund or credit depends on the type of ticket you purchased.

Need help in Refunds? Call +1-866-679-5070 to speak with a travel expert at Tours N Travel Pro.

If you’re planning international travel, you may also want to read our guide on the Emirates Airlines Refund Policy to understand cancellation rules for Emirates flights.

Is Alaska Airlines refundable or nonrefundable?

Alaska offers both refundable and nonrefundable fares:

• Refundable fares: Cancel anytime for a full refund.

  
  

• Nonrefundable fares: You won’t get cash back, but you’ll receive a credit certificate or future travel credit for the unused ticket.

  
  
  
  

Does Alaska still have free cancellation?

Yes, Alaska Airlines offers free cancellation in two cases:

• Within 24 hours of booking for all fares.

  
  

• If you booked a refundable ticket.

  
  

For nonrefundable tickets, you won’t pay a fee to cancel, but you’ll receive credit instead of cash.

What is Alaska's 24-hour cancellation policy?

The Alaska Airlines refund policy 24 hours rule follows federal regulations. If you cancel within 24 hours of purchase (and your flight departs at least 24 hours later), you’ll receive a full refund to your original payment method.

What is a covered reason for trip cancellation on Alaska Airlines?

If you purchased trip insurance with Alaska Airlines, covered reasons often include:

• Illness, injury, or death of a passenger or family member

  
  

• Severe weather or natural disaster

  
  

• Jury duty or required court order

  
  

• Military orders or deployment

  
  

Your insurance policy will explain the specific covered reasons.

What are zero cancellation charges?

“Zero cancellation charges” means you can cancel your flight without paying a penalty. With Alaska Airlines, this applies if:

• You cancel within the 24-hour window.

  
  

• You purchased a refundable fare.

What happens if I need to cancel my Alaska Airlines flight?

If you cancel your Alaska Airlines flight:

1. Go to the Alaska Airlines website or mobile app.

   
   

2. Open your booking under Manage Reservation.

   
   

3. Select Cancel and review if you’re eligible for a refund or credit.

   
   

Refundable fares are returned to your payment method, while nonrefundable fares usually become a credit certificate.

Is a Main Cabin flight on Alaska refundable?

Most Main Cabin fares are nonrefundable. If you cancel:

• Within 24 hours → full refund.

  
  

• After 24 hours → you’ll get credit, not cash.

  
  

Only Main Cabin Refundable tickets qualify for full refunds.

How to change a flight on Alaska Airlines?

You can change your Alaska Airlines flight easily:

1. Visit the Alaska Airlines website or app.

   
   

2. Enter your booking under Manage Reservation.

   
   

3. Choose Change Flight and pick new dates.

   
   

There are no change fees for most fares, but if your new flight costs more, you’ll need to pay the difference.

How long does Alaska Airlines take to process refunds?

Refunds to your original payment method typically take 7 to 20 business days, depending on your bank or credit card provider. Future travel credits, however, are applied to your Alaska Airlines account almost instantly after cancellation.

What is Alaska Airlines' no-show policy?

If you don’t show up for your flight without canceling in advance, Alaska will mark you as a no-show. In this case:

• Refundable tickets → You may still receive a refund.

  
  

• Nonrefundable tickets → You’ll lose the value of your ticket unless you cancel before departure.

  
  

It’s always better to cancel ahead of time to preserve your fare value.

✈️ Frequent flyer with Alaska? Don’t miss our detailed update on the Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards 2025 Loyalty Program to learn about the latest benefits and rewards.

Does Alaska Airlines refund taxes and fees?

Yes, if you cancel a ticket and are not using it, Alaska Airlines will refund any unused government taxes and fees associated with your booking, even on nonrefundable fares.

Can I get a refund if Alaska Airlines cancels my flight?

Absolutely. If Alaska Airlines cancels your flight, you are entitled to:

• A full refund to your original payment method.

• Rebooking on the next available Alaska Airlines flight at no additional cost.

  
  

This applies regardless of your fare type.

Does Mileage Plan award tickets following the refund policy?

Yes. If you booked with Alaska Mileage Plan miles:

• Taxes and fees are refundable under the 24-hour cancellation rule.

• If canceled after 24 hours, miles are redeposited into your account, and you may receive a credit for taxes and fees.

  
  

Final Thoughts on Alaska Airlines Refund Policy

The Alaska Airlines refund policy is flexible, especially with its 24-hour cancellation policy and no change fees. Whether you booked a refundable or nonrefundable ticket, you’ll either get your money back or receive future travel credit.

For quick help with the Alaska Airlines ticket refund policy, call +1-866-679-5070 or visit www.toursntravelpro.com. Our team at Tours N Travel Pro is available to guide you through cancellations, refunds, and flight changes with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions about Alaska Airlines Refund Policy

Can I get a full refund if I cancel my flight?

Yes, Alaska Airlines offers a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of booking or if you purchased a refundable fare.

Do you get a refund if you cancel a flight with miles?

When you cancel an award flight, miles are redeposited to your account and taxes/fees are refunded if canceled within 24 hours.

How much will I get as a refund if I cancel my flight ticket?

Refundable fares get full refunds, while nonrefundable fares usually receive a future travel credit.

Are miles always refundable?

Not always. Alaska usually returns your miles, but taxes and fees may be credited if canceled outside the 24-hour window.

Author Bio

Andrew Son is an Airline Policy Specialist with over 8 years of experience helping travelers navigate refund rules, baggage fees, and cancellation policies. His goal is to simplify airline fine print so passengers can make informed travel decisions.