What is a nonrefundable ticket?
A nonrefundable ticket is a fare that gives you airline credit, not cash, when you cancel it yourself. This cheat sheet covers how to think about one and what to check before you buy. The detail is further down.
How to think about it
- Cancel before departure. At Delta and JetBlue, a nonrefundable ticket that isn't changed or canceled before departure loses all of its value.
- The credit expires. Delta's eCredit expires one year from purchase unless the ticket terms say otherwise. JetBlue's travel credit is valid for 12 months from the original ticketing date.
- The airline's cancellation is different. If the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight, US rules require a full refund, even on a nonrefundable ticket, when you turn down the rebooking and any credit offered.
- You get 24 hours. US airlines must let you hold a reservation or cancel it without penalty for at least 24 hours after booking, if you book a week or more before departure.
What to check
- Basic fares. The lowest fare types carry extra change and cancellation charges. JetBlue charges $150 per person to change or cancel a Base fare, and Delta's no-change-fee policy excludes Basic tickets.
- Paid extras. JetBlue refunds checked bag and seat fees to the original payment if you cancel before departure. If you don't, they are forfeited with the fare.
- Who issued the ticket. Delta says changes to a ticket it didn't issue may carry additional fees, and it sends refund requests for agency group bookings back to the agency.
Nonrefundable vs. refundable ticket
| Nonrefundable ticket | Refundable ticket | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront price | Typically cheaper | Usually higher |
| If you cancel before departure | A travel credit, minus any cancellation fee | A full refund to the original form of payment |
| If you change flights | Fare difference, plus any change fee | Fare difference, no change fee |
| If the airline cancels or significantly changes the flight | Full refund if you decline the rebooking and any credit | Full refund |
How it works on Engine
On Engine, you can add Flex at checkout to select nonrefundable fares and cancel up to two hours before your first flight, with the value returned as Engine Travel Credit. Flex for flights is available on most major US airlines and select international carriers. When you book a flight, review the fare rules shown during booking, since airline terms vary by itinerary and fare.
Questions
Can you get a refund on a nonrefundable ticket?
Yes, in two cases. Under US rules, airlines must either let you hold a reservation without payment or cancel it without penalty for at least 24 hours after booking, if you booked at least a week before departure. And if the airline cancels or significantly changes the flight, you are owed a full refund when you decline the rebooking and any credit.
What happens if I don't cancel a nonrefundable ticket before the flight?
You usually lose it. Delta says nonrefundable tickets not changed or canceled before departure have no remaining value, and JetBlue forfeits the fare and any extras.
Is basic economy nonrefundable?
Generally, yes. Delta lists both its Classic and Basic tickets as nonrefundable, and JetBlue charges $150 per person to change or cancel a Base fare.
What counts as a significant change to my flight?
Under US rules, it includes a departure 3 or more hours earlier or an arrival 3 or more hours later on a domestic itinerary, 6 or more hours on an international one, a change of origin or destination airport, more connections than the original itinerary, or a downgrade to a lower class of service.
How fast does an airline have to refund me?
When a refund is due, within 7 business days for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for cash, check, debit card or other forms of payment.
Sources
- Delta Air Lines, Cancel or Refund Your Flight, accessed November 2, 2026.
- Delta Air Lines, Change Your Flight, accessed November 2, 2026.
- JetBlue, Our Fares, accessed November 2, 2026.
- US Department of Transportation (eCFR), 14 CFR Part 260: Refunds for Airline Fare and Ancillary Service Fees, accessed November 2, 2026.
- US Department of Transportation (eCFR), 14 CFR 259.5: Customer Service Plan, accessed November 2, 2026.
- Engine, Change of plans? 5 airlines that offer refundable flights, accessed November 2, 2026.
- Engine, When plans change, we make sure your budget doesn't., accessed November 2, 2026.
- Engine, Business Flight Booking With Engine, accessed November 2, 2026.