Airline Change Fees Comparison 2026: Which Airlines Are Fee-Free?
Updated: January 10, 2026 | By Mark Thompson, Fare Expert | 5 min read
Quick Answer
Southwest = always free. Delta/United/American = free for Main Cabin+, still charge for Basic Economy. Spirit/Frontier = $99+. You still pay fare difference on all airlines. 1-844-656-7300.
US Airlines Change Fee Comparison
| Airline | Basic Economy | Main Cabin+ |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest | FREE | FREE |
| Delta | No changes allowed | FREE |
| United | No changes allowed | FREE |
| American | No changes allowed | FREE |
| JetBlue | $100 | FREE |
| Alaska | No changes allowed | FREE |
| Spirit | $99+ | $99+ |
| Frontier | $99+ | $99+ |
?? Remember: "No change fee" doesn't mean free changes. You still pay the fare difference if the new flight costs more!
International Airlines
| Airline | Change Fee |
|---|---|
| British Airways | $0-$300 depending on fare |
| Lufthansa | $0-$250 depending on fare |
| Air France | $0-$200 depending on fare |
| Ryanair | �40-�65 |
| Emirates | $0-$300 depending on fare |
How to Avoid Change Fees
- Book Southwest - Always free changes on any fare
- Skip Basic Economy - Pay a bit more for flexibility
- Use the 24-hour rule - Free cancellation within 24 hours of booking
- Book refundable fares - For high-stakes travel
- Get elite status - Many programs waive change fees for elites
Need to Change Your Flight?
Our experts can find the cheapest way to change your booking.
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FAQs
Which airlines have no change fees?
Southwest has always been fee-free. Delta, United, American eliminated change fees on most domestic fares (except Basic Economy).
Do I still pay fare difference?
Yes. Even with no change fee, you pay the difference if the new fare costs more. No refund if cheaper.
What about Basic Economy?
Most airlines don't allow changes to Basic Economy at all. The ticket is use-it-or-lose-it. Only Southwest offers true flexibility on their lowest fares.
Can I get a fare difference refund?
Usually no. If your new flight is cheaper, you lose the difference. Southwest credits you the difference for future travel.