{"id":26214,"date":"2026-06-25T22:10:03","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T22:10:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=26214"},"modified":"2026-06-25T22:10:03","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T22:10:03","slug":"24-hour-cancellation-policies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/airlines\/24-hour-cancellation-policies\/","title":{"rendered":"Airline 24-Hour Cancellation Policies: When You Can Cancel for a Full Refund"},"content":{"rendered":"

The United States Department of Transportation requires U.S. airlines to allow travelers the opportunity to hold or cancel an airline ticket<\/a> during the 24-hour period immediately following the booking of a flight without penalty.<\/p>\n

The agency requires airlines to provide a full refund in the original form of payment should a traveler wish to cancel their ticket, as long as the reservation has been made seven days or more prior to the flight\u2019s scheduled departure time.<\/p>\n

However, each airline adheres to these rules in its own manner, as the DOT doesn't provide strict requirements but rather general guidance. Since there is no defined standard, it\u2019s critical to know the nuances of the different policies. After all, you might need to cancel for various reasons, including if you set up a flight price tracker<\/a> and find a better fare.<\/p>\n

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Major U.S. Airline Policies<\/span><\/h2>\n

American Airlines<\/span><\/h3>\n

American allows free cancellation<\/a> within 24 hours of booking for revenue tickets in all fare classes for flights within two days of departure. However, American also offers a free 24-hour hold option for select flights<\/a> departing at least seven days later. This allows you to hold your seat at a given fare price for up to 24 hours before confirming and paying. If you don't finish booking before the 24 hours is up, your trip will be automatically cancelled.<\/p>\n

United Airlines<\/span><\/h3>\n

United Airlines allows free changes or cancellations<\/a> within 24 hours of booking which begins at the time of purchase. United also offers a paid hold option called FareLock<\/a>. These holds range in price depending on the fare and can last three, seven or 14 days. Additionally, Basic Economy fares are not eligible for changes within 24 hours, but they still qualify for full refunds if canceled within that time frame.<\/p>\n

Delta Air Lines<\/span><\/h3>\n

With Delta's risk-free 24-hour cancellation policy<\/a>, Delta issues full refunds for tickets purchased directly with them and canceled by midnight of the day after purchase or midnight of the departure date of the first flight\u2014whichever comes first.<\/p>\n

Alaska Airlines<\/span><\/h3>\n

Alaska is quite generous with its 24-hour cancellation policy<\/a> by allowing both free changes and cancellations within the first 24 hours of a ticket purchase, as long as the travel booked is more than 24 hours away from the time of purchase.<\/p>\n

For cancellations within 24 hours of ticket purchase, you'll get a full refund. If you'd rather change your flight in this same time period, you're able to do so once without paying a change fee. However, you'll still be responsible for any fare increases.<\/p>\n

Moreover, the airline notes that Saver fares canceled beyond the 24-hour window are only eligible for a 50% credit, as long as the cancellation is done at least 14 days before departure.<\/p>\n

Related:<\/strong> Alaska Airlines Made It Easier to Get a Refund for a Schedule Change or Flight Cancellation<\/a><\/p>\n

Southwest Airlines<\/span><\/h3>\n

Southwest still<\/em> lets you cancel a reservation at least 10 minutes before departure<\/a>, but there are some important caveats.<\/p>\n