When you cancel a flight booked with miles, you can generally expect to have your miles reinstated and any associated taxes and fees refunded, often without incurring a cancellation fee.
Key Outcomes When Canceling an Award Flight
Canceling a flight booked with frequent flyer miles typically results in a straightforward process where your investment is largely returned. Here's a breakdown of what usually occurs:
| Aspect | What Typically Happens |
|---|---|
| Cancellation Fee | Most airlines do not charge a cancellation fee for flights purchased using miles. This means you generally won't pay extra simply for canceling your award reservation. |
| Miles Reinstatement | Your redeemed miles are usually reinstated to your frequent flyer account. This allows you to use them again for future travel plans. |
| Taxes and Fees Paid | Any additional taxes and fees that you paid in cash when booking the flight (e.g., security fees, international departure taxes) will usually be refunded to your original form of payment. |
Important Considerations
While the process is generally favorable, it's always wise to be aware of a few nuances:
- Airline Policies Vary: Although the general trend is fee-free cancellations and full refunds, specific airline policies can differ. Always check the terms and conditions of your particular airline or loyalty program before canceling.
- Timing of Reinstatement/Refunds: The time it takes for miles to reappear in your account and for cash refunds to process can vary. It might take a few days to a few weeks.
- Non-Refundable Taxes/Fees: In rare instances, very specific taxes or fees might be non-refundable, but this is uncommon for most standard award bookings.
Understanding these points can help you confidently manage your travel plans when using miles.
