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flight cancellation fees explained
Flight cancellation fees explained: which fares charge them and what refunds return.
Quick answer
Cancellation fees apply mainly when a non-refundable fare is cancelled for credit — refundable fares return cash without fees, and the 24-hour post-booking window (US, tickets a week+ out) is free. What you get back depends on fare class more than on anything else.
Outcomes by fare type
- Refundable: cash back, no fee
- Non-refundable: credit, sometimes minus a fee
- Basic economy: often no value returned at all
- Airline-cancelled flights: refund paths generally open
Before you cancel
Confirm which of the four cases you are in, and price the change alternative — sometimes preserving the ticket's value through a change beats taking the credit.
Related topics: domestic airfare · flight booking assistance