Overview
Alaska Airlines, a major American carrier, offers a flexible flight change policy to accommodate passengers needing to modify their travel plans. Changes can be made online through the Manage Reservation portal on the Alaska Airlines website or app, via the Customer Service Center, or at airport ticket counters, subject to fare rules and availability. The policy is designed to provide flexibility, particularly for Main and First Class fares, with specific restrictions for Saver fares.
Key Policy Highlights
- Risk-Free Period: Changes or cancellations are free within 24 hours of booking for tickets purchased directly through Alaska Airlines’ website, app, or Customer Service Center, provided travel is more than 24 hours from booking. This applies to all fare types, including Saver fares, but not group bookings or certain award tickets (e.g., Cathay Pacific or LATAM Mileage Plan awards).
- Eligible Tickets: Main and First Class fares can be changed without fees, while Saver fares are non-changeable except for same-day confirmed changes. Refundable fares offer the most flexibility, allowing changes or cancellations with a full refund to the original payment method.
- Fare Difference: For Main and First Class fares, if the new flight is more expensive, passengers pay the fare difference. If cheaper, a credit is issued to the passenger’s My Wallet for future travel. Saver fares cannot be changed, but cancellations may yield a 50% credit if canceled at least 14 days before departure (for tickets purchased on or after July 19, 2023).
- Change Fees: No change fees apply for Main and First Class fares. Same-day confirmed changes incur a fee for most routes, waived for MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K, MVP Gold 100K Mileage Plan members, American AAdvantage ConciergeKey, Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro members, and passengers booked in J (First) or Y (Coach) classes. Saver fares are ineligible for changes except for same-day confirmed changes with a fee.
- Same-Day Changes: Same-day confirmed changes are allowed during the check-in window (1 to 24 hours before departure) for Main, First Class, and Saver fares, subject to availability in the same cabin. The new flight must have the same origin, destination, and connection cities, departing on the same calendar day. Same-day standby is not allowed for Saver fares.
- Name Changes: Full name changes or ticket transfers are not permitted. Minor corrections for spelling errors or legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage) are allowed with documentation, typically free within 24 hours of booking.
- Third-Party Bookings: Tickets booked through travel agencies or third-party platforms must be changed through the original booking source, and Alaska Airlines’ policy may not fully apply.
- Time Restrictions: Changes must be made before the flight’s departure to retain ticket value. Per the no-show policy, failure to change or cancel before departure results in cancellation of the entire reservation, with no credit for non-refundable fares, including Saver fares.
- Codeshare Flights: For flights operated by partners like American Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines, the operating carrier’s change policy applies, which may differ from Alaska Airlines’ rules.
How to Change Your Flight
Online:
- Visit the Alaska Airlines website or app and navigate to the “Manage Reservation” section.
- Enter your six-character confirmation code and last name to retrieve your booking.
- Select the flight to modify, choose a new date or time, and review any fare differences or fees.
- Complete the payment process, if applicable, and receive confirmation via email.
Offline:
- Contact Alaska Airlines’ Customer Service Center via phone for assistance.
- Visit an Alaska Airlines ticket counter or kiosk at the airport for in-person changes.
Special Circumstances
- Airline-Initiated Changes: If Alaska Airlines cancels or significantly delays a flight (e.g., over three hours), passengers can rebook on another flight without fees or request a refund. For flights booked on Alaska’s ticket stock, the airline notifies the booking agency of schedule changes, and passengers are re-accommodated on the next available flight. EU/UK passengers may be eligible for compensation under EC 261/2004 for delays or cancellations within the airline’s control, unless caused by extraordinary circumstances like weather.
- Medical or Bereavement: In cases of serious illness or bereavement, Alaska Airlines may waive fees or offer refunds with documentation (e.g., medical or death certificate), subject to approval via customer service. A special policy may apply for bereavement-related changes.
- Mileage Plan Award Tickets: Award tickets can be changed without fees, but fare differences may apply. Changes must be made through the Mileage Plan account online or via customer service.
Additional Notes
- Non-Transferable Services: Extras like seat selection or baggage allowances may not transfer to the new flight and may need to be repurchased. If unavailable, these services are not refunded.
- Eligibility for Online Changes: Online changes are not available for reservations with Saver fares (except same-day changes), government fares, group bookings with more than seven guests, reservations with more than eight flight segments, or those with special service requests (e.g., pet accommodations).
- My Wallet Credits: Credits from changed or canceled non-refundable tickets are deposited into the passenger’s My Wallet, valid for one year for future Alaska Airlines flights. Credits are not tied to the original passenger and can be used for others.
- Check-In Requirements: Online check-in is available 1 to 24 hours before departure. Airport check-in closes 30 minutes before domestic flights without baggage, 45 minutes with baggage, and 60 minutes before international flights.
