When booking a flight, many travelers prioritize lower-cost airfare. The convenience of potentially canceling and getting a full refund may also be top of mind. While refundable tickets tend to be more expensive, they offer peace of mind if plans change. If you're unsure about your travel dates, booking a refundable airline ticket could be worth the extra cost.

Here’s a look at five major U.S. airlines that o🍨ffer refundable tickets and what you ne🐻ed to know about their policies.

Are Plane Tickets Refundable?

By law, plane tickets are fully refundable within the first 24 hours of booking if you book at least seven days in advance. After the 24-hour window, refundable tickets remain an option, but they typically come with higher prices compared to non-refundable tickets. Each airline has a different policy for refunding airfare.

Most airlines offer a mix of refundable and non-refundable ticket options. Refundable tickets give you the flexibility to change your plans without losing your money. However, depending on the airline and fare class, even refundable tickets may havꦕe some restrictions, such as specific cancellation windows or fees.

Non-refundable tickets are often cheaper, but they do carry risks. In most cases, you won't get your money back if you don't use it, but you may be able to get another flight with the same airline. Another drawback is that a reused non-refundable ticket is non-transferable, which means you can only apply that amount toward a new ticket for yourself—not for another person.

Refund Policies at Major Airlines

Every airline has a different refund policy. That's why it's important to know what your options are by asking any airlines you plan to book with or by verifying the details online. Here’s a quick breakdown of the refund policies for five major U.S. airlines:

1. Southwest Airlines

Some tickets offered by Southwest Airlines (LUV) are refundable with no penalties. This includes the airline's Business Select fares and Anytime fares. A 100% refund applies if you cancel your ticket at least 10 minutes before the flight's scheduled departure time.

澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:Southwest's Wanna Get Away tickets are the cheapest ones available and are non-refundable. However, their cost may be applied toward future travel during a specific time if you cancel at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

2. JetBlue Airways

JetBlue Airways (JBLU) does not charge a change or cancellation fee for most of its airline tickets, including Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra, and Mint fares on all routes. If you want to change your flight, you are responsible for any difference in ticket costs.

The exception is Blue Basic. If you want to cancel or change a Blue Basic ticket, you will likely have to pay a $100 fee for travel in the Caribbean, Central America, or North America and a $200 fee for travel to other regions.

3. Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines (DAL) offers refundable and non-refundable tickets for domestic and international flights. It typically does not charge fees for changing your tickets, except for Basic Economy. Tickets purchased under this category are usually non-refundable and non-changeable, but may be canceled for a partial eCredit.

Delta has some cancellation or change fees to consider with non-refundable tickets. For domestic travel, Delta charges a cancellation or change fee of $0 to $400, depending on the travel route. You will also have to pay the difference in any flight costs.

4. United Airlines

United Airlines (UAL) tickets are generally non-refundable, although some fares allow refunds. Depending on the fare type (there are dozens), you may need to pay a cancellation fee. With certain tickets, you may be eligible for a travel credit if you need to cancel.

Refunds and changes are not permitted with Basic Economy tickets. United does permit cancellations or changes for any ticket without a penalty if the flight is canceled or changed within 24 hours of booking, as is required by law.

5. American Airlines

American Airlines' (AAL) policy is similar to United and Delta in that it offers refundable and non-refundable tickets. Cancellation fees vary, though, based on the type of cabin you choose. These fees vary from no charge to up to $750 based on where you travel.

With certain fares🦹, including Basic Economy, you may be eligible for a trip credit for future travel as long as you cancel before scheduled departure.

How Refundable Tickets Work

Refundable tickets provide flexibility if your travel plans change. These tickets can be fully refunded—or in some cases, partially refunded—if you cancel for any reason, though some ai🌸rlines may charge a fee.

Whether it's better to book a refundable or a non-refundable ticket depends on your needs and budget. If you're 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:traveling for business, you may not need a refundable ticket because your plans may be less likely to change than if you were 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:planning a vacation.

Refundable tickets are typically best for travelers with uncertain p෴lans or those𒊎 who anticipate needing to change their flight. However, they come at a premium price.

Before booking a refundable ticket, consider whether the cost difference is worth it. Some airlines charge a fee to issue a refund, while others have a strict cancellat🎃ion policy. In the latter case, you may only have a certain window of time during which you can request a refund.

Other Considerations for Non-Refundable Tickets

Even if you book a non-refundable ticket, there are some situa⛎tions where you might still be entitled to a refund:

• 24-Hour Cancellation Rule: If you book a flight at least seven days in advance and cancel within 24 hours, you are entitled to a full refund, regardless of ticket type.
• Canceled or Changed Flights: If you bought a non-refundable ticket that is canceled or changed by an airline, you're entitled to a refund. If canceled, the airline may attempt to book you on another flight, but you may request a refund instead.
• Delayed Flights: If there is a significant change or delay (3 hours for domestic travel, 4 hours for international travel) to your trip and you decide not to rebook, you are entitled to a full refund.
• Flight Vouchers: Some airlines may offer travel credits or vouchers for non-refundable tickets, which can be applied to future flights.
• Travel Agency Bookings: For tickets purchased through an online travel agency, you must communicate with the agency rather than the airline for refunds. Some agencies may have charges associated with flight changes or cancellations.
• Travel Insurance: A Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance benefit can ensure that you're able to recoup a certain portion of the money you've paid for a non-refundable ticket. And it doesn't matter why you have to cancel the flight.
• Using Miles: If you use frequent flyer miles to travel, you may be able to get a refund (or change your flight), but a fee may be involved. Check before committing your miles to a flight if getting a refund is a must.
  

The Bottom Line

Whether you opt for a refundable or non-refundable plane ticket largely depends on your travel plans and how much flexibility you need. If you're uncertain about your trip or need to make changes, a refundable ticket could be a wise investment. Be sure to read and understand the airline's refund and cancellation policies before booking to avoid surprises.