When looking at airline loyalty programs, one factor to consider is the fees charged to cancel or change an award reservation. The more flexibility… the better! Nobody likes having to pay $$$$ when their travel plans change…

Here are the award change / cancellation fees charged by several popular airline loyalty programs…

Alaska Mileage Plan

Alaska Mileage Plan has gotten rid of change or cancellation fees for award tickets.

When you book a partner award through Alaska Mileage Plan, however, you pay a non-refundable fee of $12.50 per passenger.

American AAdvantage

American AAdvantage no longer charges a change or cancellation fee on award tickets.

British Airways Executive Club

British Airways Executive Club change / cancellation fees depend on the country you live. (or your BAEC account 😉  )  North American members will pay $55. Continental European members will pay €42.50.  British members will pay £35.

If the amount you paid in taxes and surcharges is lower than the cancellation fee, however, you merely forfeit the taxes / surcharges paid.

Delta SkyMiles

Delta SkyMiles no longer has any change or redeposit fees on SkyMiles reservations, but only if your trip originates in North America.  A redeposit fee of $150 still applies for award tickets originating outside of North America.

Iberia Plus

Iberia Plus charges a €25 change / cancellation fee for awards booked in “Blue” class (Saver Economy), Premium Economy and Business Class on Iberia and British Airways.

Any other partner award – including Vueling, American Airlines, etc. – is COMPLETELY NON-REFUNDABLE.

United MileagePlus

United MileagePlus recently announced that it will no longer have any change or cancellation fees for award tickets.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club change / cancellation fees depend on the country you live. (or your Flying Club account 😉  )  North American members will pay $50. British members will pay £30.

If the amount you paid in taxes and surcharges is lower than the cancellation fee, however, you merely forfeit the taxes / surcharges paid.

Bottom Line

Luckily, the days of paying outrageous amounts to change or cancel an award flight are now behind us, unless you still use Avianca Lifemiles, Air Canada Aeroplan…

Does the cost to cancel or change an award flight impact on your choice of airline loyalty program? Let us know in the comments section…