Award Ticket Change and Cancellation Fees

By Bryce Casson, Founder · Cardocrat · Updated July 2026
The short answer: Several major U.S. airline programs now let you change or cancel most award tickets and redeposit the miles for free, while many foreign programs still charge a redeposit fee. Because a flexible cancellation policy is a real safety net for irreversible point transfers, the program you book through matters as much as the price in miles.

Why the cancellation policy matters

An award booking is only as flexible as the program behind it. If plans change, you want your miles back without a penalty, and if you transferred points to make the booking, a free cancellation is the difference between recovering your miles and losing their value. So the redeposit policy is not a footnote; it is part of the true cost of the award. See award ticket fees to avoid.

The current landscape

Broadly, several large U.S. programs eliminated award change and redeposit fees in recent years, so canceling and getting your miles back is often free on your own airline's flights. Many international programs still charge a redeposit fee, sometimes a meaningful one, and close-in booking or phone-booking fees can apply on top. Because these policies shift, confirm the current terms with the program before you book, especially for a partner award, where the rules can differ from the program's own metal.

Book through the flexible option

When the same award is available through more than one program, the one with free or cheap cancellation is usually worth booking through, even at a slightly higher mileage price, because the flexibility protects you. Check the redeposit fee before you transfer points, not after. See holding an award before you transfer.

See exactly what an award costs

Stop guessing at point values. Look up the real award price and live availability for a specific trip before you transfer.

Search award flights on seats.aero →

Frequently asked questions

Can I get my miles back if I cancel an award?
Often yes. Several major U.S. programs redeposit miles for free on most award tickets, while many foreign programs charge a fee. Check the specific program's policy before booking, since it varies widely.
Are award change fees still a thing?
Less than they used to be. Several large U.S. carriers dropped award change and redeposit fees in recent years, but international programs and close-in bookings can still carry fees. Always confirm the current terms.
Does the cancellation policy affect which program I use?
It should. When the same seat is bookable through multiple programs, a free-cancellation program is safer, especially if you are transferring points to book, since the transfer itself cannot be undone.

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Bryce Casson

Written by Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. About the author and how we rank cards.