Cancelling or Changing Award Travel in 2025
Description
We dive into the complex world of changing and canceling award travel, sharing real experiences and practical strategies to help save your trip when plans change.
• Domestic carriers like American, Alaska, and Southwest generally don't charge fees for award ticket changes
• International airlines like Air France/Flying Blue, British Airways, and Singapore typically charge significant change fees
• A personal saga of spending three hours changing Air France flights reveals important distinctions between calling the airline versus the loyalty program
• Waiting for airline schedule changes can sometimes qualify you for fee-free changes or cancellations
• Premium credit cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X offer valuable trip protection benefits
• An annual travel insurance policy (like Allianz) can provide additional protection for under $500 for a family of five
• Booking one-way flights provides more flexibility and potentially lower change fees when plans shift
• When evaluating change fees, consider whether the improved experience justifies the cost
• Clearing cookies when searching for award availability can sometimes reveal better options
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