In some cases, you can make changes to your itinerary with no fee. Every major U.S. airline (except Southwest Airlines) typically charges penalty fees to change or cancel an economy fare flight. The fees can vary from as low as $75 on a domestic flight to more than $400 on an international flight.

The penalty for canceling a ticket in 2026 varies drastically depending on the airline, the fare class, and the timing of the cancellation. For "Basic Economy" or "Promo" fares, the penalty is often 100% of the ticket price, meaning no refund is given. For standard "Economy" tickets, fees typically range from $100 to $400 per person, though many major airlines have moved toward offering "Future Flight Credits" instead of charging a direct cash penalty. If you have a "Refundable" or "Flex" ticket, there is usually no penalty, and you get a full refund to your original payment method. In the UK and Europe, if the airline cancels the flight, you are entitled to a full cash refund with no penalty. It is a high-value strategy to cancel your flight at least 24 hours before departure; many carriers now allow a "24-hour grace period" after booking where you can cancel for free. Always check the "Fare Rules" in your confirmation email to see the specific dollar amount or percentage that applies to your booking.