Change of plans? 5 airlines that offer refundable flights

July 9, 2025

Booking a flight can feel like a gamble, especially when your plans aren’t set in stone. For business travelers juggling tight schedules and last-minute changes, flexibility is especially key. Knowing if you can cancel a flight and get a refund can save you time, money, and stress.

In this guide, we’ll explain refundable flights, how they differ from non-refundable fares, and which airlines offer the most flexible options.

Are plane tickets refundable?

In the United States, federal regulations allow you to cancel within 24 hours for a full refund if you book a flight at least seven days before departure. This rule applies to most airlines and all fare types, whether you book directly through the airline or through a travel agency.

Outside of that 24-hour window, things get a bit more complicated. Each airline has its own refund policy, and whether a ticket is refundable often depends on the fare class. Before booking, it’s important to check the airline’s cancellation policy. Some carriers will give you your money back (with a fee), while others offer a travel credit instead of a cash refund.

How do refundable tickets work?

Refundable tickets are typically more expensive than standard fares but offer added flexibility. With a refundable fare, you can cancel your trip and get your money back, no questions asked, as long as you follow the airline’s rules.

Fully refundable fares are an option with most major U.S. airlines, usually under the label “refundable,” “flex,” or “flexible.” But it’s crucial to read the fine print before booking—some tickets labeled as “flex” only allow fee-free changes, not refunds.

Even with refundable fares, airlines might apply restrictions. Keep these considerations in mind:

Timeframe: Refunds may only apply before the flight’s scheduled departure.
Credits versus full refund: Some tickets are refundable to your original payment method, while others may be returned as a travel credit, often with an expiration date.
Processing time: Refund processing timelines can vary, often taking 7–10 business days.
Fare type: In some cases, main cabin or economy fares are non-refundable, while the airline offers full refunds for business class tickets or above.

Refundable vs. non-refundable tickets

Here’s what to consider before hitting the “confirm” button for the plane tickets in your cart.

Price

The upfront price of refundable tickets is usually higher than that of non-refundable options—peace of mind comes at a cost. Non-refundable tickets are typically cheaper, but they may have restrictions beyond just refundability.

Flexibility

Refundable tickets offer flexibility. If a meeting gets moved or a trip gets canceled, you can usually get your money back. Cancelling a non-refundable ticket for those same reasons will only get you a travel credit, often with a fee attached.

Risk

Non-refundable tickets are risky if your travel plans aren’t set in stone because canceling usually means losing a chunk of money. With refundable tickets, you can cancel without worry.

Example: A refundable American Airlines ticket from New York to Chicago might cost $450, while a non-refundable fare is a much more tempting $250. If your plans change, that $200 difference could mean getting your money back instead of losing the fare.

5 airlines with refund policies

Several major U.S. airlines offer refundable tickets or flexible refund policies. Here’s what you need to know.

1. American Airlines

American Airlines offers refundable fares that can be fully reimbursed to your original payment method if canceled before departure. For this option, select the “refundable” fare when booking. If you need to cancel, you can request a refund online or by calling customer service.

Expect your refund within seven business days if you paid by credit card; refunds for other payment methods can take up to 20 business days to process. The 24-hour cancellation rule applies if you book at least two days before your flight, allowing you to change your mind without penalty, even if you didn’t buy a refundable fare.

2. Southwest Airlines

Southwest doesn’t offer traditional refunds for non-refundable fares, but you’ll receive a flight credit or Transferable Flight Credit™ if you cancel. For refundable fares like Business Select® and Anytime tickets, you can get a full refund to your original payment method if you cancel at least 10 minutes before departure.

This airline also follows the 24-hour rule, giving you a full refund if you cancel within one day of booking.

3. JetBlue Airways

JetBlue offers refundable fares, previously known as Blue Flex, now marked as "Refundable.” These tickets can be canceled before departure for a full refund to your original payment method.

Non-refundable JetBlue tickets usually result in a Travel Bank credit, though fees may apply depending on your fare class. Refunds for credit card purchases are typically processed within 7–10 business days.

4. Delta Airlines

Delta’s refundable fares are available in most fare classes, including Main Cabin and First Class. If you cancel before your scheduled departure, you’re entitled to a full refund to your original form of payment.

For non-refundable fares, cancellations typically result in an eCredit, depending on the route and class. Refund requests are available through Delta’s website.

5. United Airlines

United sells both refundable and non-refundable tickets, which are clearly marked during the booking process. If you opt for a refundable fare, you can cancel and receive your money back, often within a week. United also provides credits for non-refundable tickets if you cancel before departure. Refunds are processed via United’s online refund form.

Important notes for all airlines

All five of the airlines mentioned here follow the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 24-hour rule, which allows you to cancel a booking within 24 hours for a full refund, provided the flight is at least seven days away (or two days away, in the case of American Airlines). A ticket’s refundability often depends on fare class, with Basic Economy fares generally being non-refundable. If you cancel a non-refundable ticket, most airlines will provide a travel credit or eCredit for future use.

If an airline cancels or significantly delays your flight, you’re typically entitled to a full refund, regardless of whether your ticket was non-refundable. “Significant delay” isn’t universally defined, but many airlines consider it to be a delay of two or more hours. But keep in mind that if you voluntarily cancel a flight due to a delay that doesn't meet the airline’s threshold, you may only receive a travel credit—it's worth checking the airline's contract of carriage or refund policy in advance, especially if you're booking a tight itinerary.

Travel with flexibility with Engine

Understanding refund policies helps business travelers stay agile when meetings shift or plans evolve. That’s why Engine offers Flex coverage—an easy add-on for both flights and hotels—which lets you cancel or modify plans without any fuss.

With Flex for Flights, you can cancel a non-refundable fare up to two hours before takeoff and receive an Engine Travel Credit. Flex for Hotels allows you to cancel or shorten a hotel reservation (even outside the typical cancellation window) and receive a refund or travel credit so you only pay for the nights you actually stay.

Whether you’re flying or checking in, Engine’s Flex tools help you avoid last-minute fees, unexpected charges, and stress. To travel with confidence and control, book with Engine for your next business trip.