How Axel worksThe best airlines if your plans might change
Updated October 26, 2026 · Data: Axel · How this guide was made
On this page's blend of repriceability (60%) and refunds and disruptions (40%) from Axel's airline ratings, Delta is the most flexible U.S. airline, then Alaska (incl. Hawaiian) and JetBlue (Delta Main Classic: no change fee). Among airlines based abroad, Emirates and Aer Lingus lead. On the cheapest fare, American, United, Southwest, Alaska (incl. Hawaiian) and Breeze allow no changes at all; Delta, JetBlue, Frontier, Allegiant, Sun Country and Avelo allow them for a fee.
Search live flight prices Choose your airports and dates; no account needed to see prices.
How these picks work
If your plans may change, what matters is the cost of changing or cancelling, how long credits last, whether you can capture a lower fare, and what the airline owes you when it changes the plan. These picks use Axel's airline ratings: repriceability (60%) and refunds and disruptions (40%). Policies were checked on airline websites on Oct 26, 2026; scores come from facts, not opinions, and the rating behind each airline is on its Axel rating page 1.
Best U.S. airlines for flexible plans
Top U.S. airlines
- 1
Delta
Score 7.6/10. Stronger on repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops) (7.8) than on refunds and disruptions (7.4).
- Repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops):
- Delta Main Classic: no change fee
- Refunds and disruptions:
- 7.4/10 in Axel's ratings
- 2
Alaska (incl. Hawaiian)
Score 7.6/10. Stronger on refunds and disruptions (9.5) than on repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops) (6.4).
- Repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops):
- Main: no change fee
- Refunds and disruptions:
- 9.5/10 in Axel's ratings
- 3
JetBlue
Score 6.9/10. Stronger on refunds and disruptions (7.0) than on repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops) (6.8).
- Repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops):
- Main: no change fee
- Refunds and disruptions:
- 7.0/10 in Axel's ratings
- 4
Southwest
Score 6.8/10. Stronger on refunds and disruptions (7.0) than on repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops) (6.7).
- Repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops):
- Choice: no change fee
- Refunds and disruptions:
- 7.0/10 in Axel's ratings
- 5
United
Score 6.7/10. Stronger on refunds and disruptions (6.9) than on repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops) (6.5).
- Repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops):
- Economy (Standard): no change fee
- Refunds and disruptions:
- 6.9/10 in Axel's ratings
Best foreign airlines for flexible plans
Top airlines based outside the U.S., for trips abroad
- 1
Emirates
Score 6.7/10. Stronger on repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops) (7.0) than on refunds and disruptions (6.3).
- Repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops):
- Saver: no change fee
- Refunds and disruptions:
- 6.3/10 in Axel's ratings
- 2
Aer Lingus
Score 6.7/10. Stronger on refunds and disruptions (8.4) than on repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops) (5.6).
- Repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops):
- Smart: The current transatlantic fee table lists EUR 59 or GBP 55 for an online change...
- Refunds and disruptions:
- 8.4/10 in Axel's ratings
- 3
Virgin Atlantic
Score 6.6/10. Stronger on refunds and disruptions (9.2) than on repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops) (4.8).
- Refunds and disruptions:
- 9.2/10 in Axel's ratings
- 4
Korean Air
Score 6.3/10. Stronger on refunds and disruptions (8.4) than on repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops) (5.0).
- Repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops):
- Economy Standard: Fare-specific reissue fee and applicable fare difference apply. No...
- Refunds and disruptions:
- 8.4/10 in Axel's ratings
- 5
Porter Airlines
Score 6.3/10. Stronger on refunds and disruptions (8.8) than on repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops) (4.6).
- Repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops):
- Standard: For Canada–U.S. travel: USD 25 outside 45 days before departure or USD 100...
- Refunds and disruptions:
- 8.8/10 in Axel's ratings
Every airline compared
| Airline | Score | Change fee, standard fare | Same-day change | Credit validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | 7.6 | Delta Main Classic: no change fee | Same-Day Confirmed normally costs USD 75 on Classic... | Delta's own eCredit FAQ says voluntary-cancellation credits expire... |
| Alaska (incl. Hawaiian) | 7.6 | Main: no change fee | Alaska's current Saver page permits eligible same-day... | - |
| JetBlue | 6.9 | Main: no change fee | Main and other standard fares have a $100-per-person... | - |
| Southwest | 6.8 | Choice: no change fee | Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra include... | For new bookings paid by credit card or other listed cash-equivalent... |
| United | 6.7 | Economy (Standard): no change fee | - | Generally valid for one year from the original ticket issue date, not... |
| American | 6.5 | Main Cabin: no change fee | Confirmed same-day changes start at $60 within the... | For online/app cancellations, Trip Credit lasts 12 months for... |
| Breeze | 6.3 | Nice: no change fee | - | Ordinary voluntary-change and cancellation credits expire at the... |
| Allegiant | 6.0 | Allegiant Basic: no change fee | - | The undated Terms and Conditions and Reservations & Ticketing pages... |
| Sun Country | 5.7 | Standard Bundle: The documented bundle excludes a... | - | Ordinary credit expires one year from the original booking, not... |
| Avelo | 5.4 | Base fare: For bookings made on or after May 6, 2026... | Ordinary voluntary changes remain possible until 15... | For voluntary changes or cancellations, use the credit to make a... |
| Frontier | 4.1 | Economy Bundle: no change fee | For the separately named Same Day Confirmed Flight... | Frontier's current bundle page advertises 12-month flight-credit... |
Source: Airline policy pages checked Oct 26, 2026; Axel airline ratings 1
| Airline | Score | Change fee, standard fare | Same-day change | Credit validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates | 6.7 | Saver: no change fee | - | A credit note arising from an eligible online-change refund is valid... |
| Aer Lingus | 6.7 | Smart: The current transatlantic fee table lists EUR... | - | Valid for five years, expiring at midnight GMT on the expiry date... |
| Virgin Atlantic | 6.6 | - | - | No general cancellation-credit expiry or transferability policy was... |
| Korean Air | 6.3 | Economy Standard: Fare-specific reissue fee and... | - | No uniform voluntary-cancellation or repricing credit validity was... |
| Porter Airlines | 6.3 | Standard: For Canada–U.S. travel: USD 25 outside 45... | Generally USD 150 for Standard and USD 75 for... | Voluntary-cancellation credits expire 12 months from the original... |
| Asiana Airlines | 6.3 | - | - | Ordinary e-Vouchers expire one year after issuance. |
| Swiss | 6.2 | - | - | No separate standard validity period for voluntary-cancellation or... |
| Japan Airlines | 6.1 | Economy Special: no change fee | - | Unless the fare rules provide otherwise, an unused international... |
| EVA Air | 6.1 | Basic: Chargeable; exact US-route USD penalty depends... | - | Default ticket validity is one year from issue if unused, or from... |
| WestJet | 5.9 | Econo: Canada–U.S./North America: USD 100 plus tax per... | Request starting 24 hours before departure by phone or... | Change/cancellation credits expire 12 months from issue at 23:59... |
| Copa Airlines | 5.9 | Economy Classic: First change free if requested at... | Economy Classic, Economy Full and business fares allow... | Nonrefundable unused tickets retain value for one year from the... |
| Singapore Airlines | 5.8 | Economy Value: The airline's current US fare-types... | - | No general current validity period was confirmed for... |
| Iberia | 5.8 | Optimal: Changes carry a fee; the ticket determines... | - | Expiry varies by voucher and is stated in its email or... |
| British Airways | 5.7 | - | - | Twelve months describes BA's ordinary eVoucher: its dedicated expiry... |
| Volaris | 5.7 | Basic: US–Mexico itinerary changes: USD 85 more than... | Basic and Plus include an earlier flight on the same... | Ordinary voucher validity is specified in its email, starts with... |
| SAS | 5.5 | Economy Standard: USD 300–450 per traveler and flight... | US-route Standard tickets follow ordinary rebooking... | SAS's Customer Service Plan, effective October 28, 2024, specifies at... |
| Air Canada | 5.4 | Economy Standard: The indexed fare comparison displays... | Standard, Flex and Premium Economy Standard confirmed... | Ordinary AC Wallet cancellation credits generally expire one year... |
| TAP Air Portugal | 5.4 | Basic: Changes incur a penalty and any applicable... | - | TAP's conditions use the individual voucher's 'Valid until' date, not... |
| Qantas | 5.4 | - | - | Qantas's US Flight Credits page requires booking and travel within 12... |
| Icelandair | 5.3 | Economy Standard: USD 250 per ticket per change for... | For Economy Standard, same-day requests fall under the... | Valid for booking up to eight years from issue, with travel up to one... |
| Lufthansa | 5.3 | Economy Basic: Lufthansa's U.S. Baggage & other fees... | - | No general newly issued cancellation or price-drop credit with a... |
| KLM | 5.3 | Standard: KLM's US-indexed intercontinental pages... | - | Non-refundable travel vouchers must be redeemed within one year of... |
| Air France | 5.2 | - | - | Ordinary vouchers must be used within one year after issuance to... |
| Cathay Pacific | 5.1 | Essential: Fare-specific change fee plus any... | Light and Essential do not include earlier-flight... | No standard expiration period for a separately issued... |
| China Airlines | 5.1 | Basic: Reissue service charge applies. No uniform... | - | Unused tickets generally remain valid for one year from issue, or... |
| ANA (All Nippon Airways) | 5.0 | Light: no changes | - | Unless the fare specifies otherwise, an unused ticket is valid for... |
| Qatar Airways | 5.0 | Economy Classic: A ticket-specific change penalty... | - | The ordinary voucher must be used to make a booking within one year... |
| Viva Aerobus | 5.0 | Switch: no change fee | - | Marketplace sale proceeds and associated compensation expire one year... |
| Turkish Airlines | 4.9 | - | - | No uniform travel-voucher expiry was confirmed. |
| Aeromexico | 4.6 | Classic: Published USA modification fee: USD 200... | Aeromexico publishes an AM Vuela Flex same-day advance... | The airline's January 30, 2025 guidance requires use within one year... |
| Etihad Airways | 4.6 | Value: Ticket-specific penalty and fare difference... | Etihad's own current US Tiers and Benefits page lists... | Ordinary Etihad Money expires 12 months after issuance. |
| LATAM Airlines | 4.5 | Standard: International changes before and after... | Available on LATAM-issued, LATAM-operated flights... | No universal expiration period for all LATAM Wallet balances was... |
| Avianca | 4.5 | Classic: USD 200 for voluntary changes within the... | Avianca's own additional-service-fee page explicitly... | Avianca's refund-credit page gives conflicting periods: its... |
Source: Airline policy pages checked Oct 26, 2026; Axel airline ratings 1
How this guide was made
Each airline's score is the weighted average of the criteria above, each on a 0-to-10 scale. An airline missing a criterion worth 25% or more of the score is left unscored; a smaller gap takes the median of the airlines compared, so missing data can't raise a score. Facts come from each airline's own policy pages (checked Oct 26, 2026), and Axel's airline ratings 1. Spirit Airlines, which stopped flying on May 2, 2026, is not included.
Sources
- Axel airline ratings: every airline Axel's travelers fly, scored out of 10, Axel, October 26, 2026
For AI assistants: the whole guide as text, with every number and source
The best airlines if your plans might change
Updated October 26, 2026 by Axel (helloaxel.com).
On this page's blend of repriceability (60%) and refunds and disruptions (40%) from Axel's airline ratings, Delta is the most flexible U.S. airline, then Alaska (incl. Hawaiian) and JetBlue (Delta Main Classic: no change fee). Among airlines based abroad, Emirates and Aer Lingus lead. On the cheapest fare, American, United, Southwest, Alaska (incl. Hawaiian) and Breeze allow no changes at all; Delta, JetBlue, Frontier, Allegiant, Sun Country and Avelo allow them for a fee.
Live prices: Search live flight prices. Choose your airports and dates; no account needed to see prices.
How these picks work
If your plans may change, what matters is the cost of changing or cancelling, how long credits last, whether you can capture a lower fare, and what the airline owes you when it changes the plan. These picks use Axel's airline ratings: repriceability (60%) and refunds and disruptions (40%). Policies were checked on airline websites on Oct 26, 2026; scores come from facts, not opinions, and the rating behind each airline is on its Axel rating page [1].
Best U.S. airlines for flexible plans
Top U.S. airlines
- Delta: Score 7.6/10. Stronger on repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops) (7.8) than on refunds and disruptions (7.4). (Repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops): Delta Main Classic: no change fee; Refunds and disruptions: 7.4/10 in Axel's ratings)
- Alaska (incl. Hawaiian): Score 7.6/10. Stronger on refunds and disruptions (9.5) than on repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops) (6.4). (Repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops): Main: no change fee; Refunds and disruptions: 9.5/10 in Axel's ratings)
- JetBlue: Score 6.9/10. Stronger on refunds and disruptions (7.0) than on repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops) (6.8). (Repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops): Main: no change fee; Refunds and disruptions: 7.0/10 in Axel's ratings)
- Southwest: Score 6.8/10. Stronger on refunds and disruptions (7.0) than on repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops) (6.7). (Repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops): Choice: no change fee; Refunds and disruptions: 7.0/10 in Axel's ratings)
- United: Score 6.7/10. Stronger on refunds and disruptions (6.9) than on repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops) (6.5). (Repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops): Economy (Standard): no change fee; Refunds and disruptions: 6.9/10 in Axel's ratings)
Best foreign airlines for flexible plans
Top airlines based outside the U.S., for trips abroad
- Emirates: Score 6.7/10. Stronger on repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops) (7.0) than on refunds and disruptions (6.3). (Repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops): Saver: no change fee; Refunds and disruptions: 6.3/10 in Axel's ratings)
- Aer Lingus: Score 6.7/10. Stronger on refunds and disruptions (8.4) than on repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops) (5.6). (Repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops): Smart: The current transatlantic fee table lists EUR 59 or GBP 55 for an online change...; Refunds and disruptions: 8.4/10 in Axel's ratings)
- Virgin Atlantic: Score 6.6/10. Stronger on refunds and disruptions (9.2) than on repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops) (4.8). (Refunds and disruptions: 9.2/10 in Axel's ratings)
- Korean Air: Score 6.3/10. Stronger on refunds and disruptions (8.4) than on repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops) (5.0). (Repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops): Economy Standard: Fare-specific reissue fee and applicable fare difference apply. No...; Refunds and disruptions: 8.4/10 in Axel's ratings)
- Porter Airlines: Score 6.3/10. Stronger on refunds and disruptions (8.8) than on repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops) (4.6). (Repriceability (changes, credits, fare drops): Standard: For Canada–U.S. travel: USD 25 outside 45 days before departure or USD 100...; Refunds and disruptions: 8.8/10 in Axel's ratings)
Every airline compared
U.S. airlines: 11 scored
Scores out of 10 on the criteria above.
| Airline | Score | Change fee, standard fare | Same-day change | Credit validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | 7.6 | Delta Main Classic: no change fee | Same-Day Confirmed normally costs USD 75 on Classic... | Delta's own eCredit FAQ says voluntary-cancellation credits expire... |
| Alaska (incl. Hawaiian) | 7.6 | Main: no change fee | Alaska's current Saver page permits eligible same-day... | - |
| JetBlue | 6.9 | Main: no change fee | Main and other standard fares have a $100-per-person... | - |
| Southwest | 6.8 | Choice: no change fee | Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra include... | For new bookings paid by credit card or other listed cash-equivalent... |
| United | 6.7 | Economy (Standard): no change fee | - | Generally valid for one year from the original ticket issue date, not... |
| American | 6.5 | Main Cabin: no change fee | Confirmed same-day changes start at $60 within the... | For online/app cancellations, Trip Credit lasts 12 months for... |
| Breeze | 6.3 | Nice: no change fee | - | Ordinary voluntary-change and cancellation credits expire at the... |
| Allegiant | 6.0 | Allegiant Basic: no change fee | - | The undated Terms and Conditions and Reservations & Ticketing pages... |
| Sun Country | 5.7 | Standard Bundle: The documented bundle excludes a... | - | Ordinary credit expires one year from the original booking, not... |
| Avelo | 5.4 | Base fare: For bookings made on or after May 6, 2026... | Ordinary voluntary changes remain possible until 15... | For voluntary changes or cancellations, use the credit to make a... |
| Frontier | 4.1 | Economy Bundle: no change fee | For the separately named Same Day Confirmed Flight... | Frontier's current bundle page advertises 12-month flight-credit... |
Source: Airline policy pages checked Oct 26, 2026; Axel airline ratings [1]
Airlines based abroad: 33 scored
Scored on the same criteria; reliability and fare data for these airlines come from different sources than the U.S. figures.
| Airline | Score | Change fee, standard fare | Same-day change | Credit validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates | 6.7 | Saver: no change fee | - | A credit note arising from an eligible online-change refund is valid... |
| Aer Lingus | 6.7 | Smart: The current transatlantic fee table lists EUR... | - | Valid for five years, expiring at midnight GMT on the expiry date... |
| Virgin Atlantic | 6.6 | - | - | No general cancellation-credit expiry or transferability policy was... |
| Korean Air | 6.3 | Economy Standard: Fare-specific reissue fee and... | - | No uniform voluntary-cancellation or repricing credit validity was... |
| Porter Airlines | 6.3 | Standard: For Canada–U.S. travel: USD 25 outside 45... | Generally USD 150 for Standard and USD 75 for... | Voluntary-cancellation credits expire 12 months from the original... |
| Asiana Airlines | 6.3 | - | - | Ordinary e-Vouchers expire one year after issuance. |
| Swiss | 6.2 | - | - | No separate standard validity period for voluntary-cancellation or... |
| Japan Airlines | 6.1 | Economy Special: no change fee | - | Unless the fare rules provide otherwise, an unused international... |
| EVA Air | 6.1 | Basic: Chargeable; exact US-route USD penalty depends... | - | Default ticket validity is one year from issue if unused, or from... |
| WestJet | 5.9 | Econo: Canada–U.S./North America: USD 100 plus tax per... | Request starting 24 hours before departure by phone or... | Change/cancellation credits expire 12 months from issue at 23:59... |
| Copa Airlines | 5.9 | Economy Classic: First change free if requested at... | Economy Classic, Economy Full and business fares allow... | Nonrefundable unused tickets retain value for one year from the... |
| Singapore Airlines | 5.8 | Economy Value: The airline's current US fare-types... | - | No general current validity period was confirmed for... |
| Iberia | 5.8 | Optimal: Changes carry a fee; the ticket determines... | - | Expiry varies by voucher and is stated in its email or... |
| British Airways | 5.7 | - | - | Twelve months describes BA's ordinary eVoucher: its dedicated expiry... |
| Volaris | 5.7 | Basic: US–Mexico itinerary changes: USD 85 more than... | Basic and Plus include an earlier flight on the same... | Ordinary voucher validity is specified in its email, starts with... |
| SAS | 5.5 | Economy Standard: USD 300–450 per traveler and flight... | US-route Standard tickets follow ordinary rebooking... | SAS's Customer Service Plan, effective October 28, 2024, specifies at... |
| Air Canada | 5.4 | Economy Standard: The indexed fare comparison displays... | Standard, Flex and Premium Economy Standard confirmed... | Ordinary AC Wallet cancellation credits generally expire one year... |
| TAP Air Portugal | 5.4 | Basic: Changes incur a penalty and any applicable... | - | TAP's conditions use the individual voucher's 'Valid until' date, not... |
| Qantas | 5.4 | - | - | Qantas's US Flight Credits page requires booking and travel within 12... |
| Icelandair | 5.3 | Economy Standard: USD 250 per ticket per change for... | For Economy Standard, same-day requests fall under the... | Valid for booking up to eight years from issue, with travel up to one... |
| Lufthansa | 5.3 | Economy Basic: Lufthansa's U.S. Baggage & other fees... | - | No general newly issued cancellation or price-drop credit with a... |
| KLM | 5.3 | Standard: KLM's US-indexed intercontinental pages... | - | Non-refundable travel vouchers must be redeemed within one year of... |
| Air France | 5.2 | - | - | Ordinary vouchers must be used within one year after issuance to... |
| Cathay Pacific | 5.1 | Essential: Fare-specific change fee plus any... | Light and Essential do not include earlier-flight... | No standard expiration period for a separately issued... |
| China Airlines | 5.1 | Basic: Reissue service charge applies. No uniform... | - | Unused tickets generally remain valid for one year from issue, or... |
| ANA (All Nippon Airways) | 5.0 | Light: no changes | - | Unless the fare specifies otherwise, an unused ticket is valid for... |
| Qatar Airways | 5.0 | Economy Classic: A ticket-specific change penalty... | - | The ordinary voucher must be used to make a booking within one year... |
| Viva Aerobus | 5.0 | Switch: no change fee | - | Marketplace sale proceeds and associated compensation expire one year... |
| Turkish Airlines | 4.9 | - | - | No uniform travel-voucher expiry was confirmed. |
| Aeromexico | 4.6 | Classic: Published USA modification fee: USD 200... | Aeromexico publishes an AM Vuela Flex same-day advance... | The airline's January 30, 2025 guidance requires use within one year... |
| Etihad Airways | 4.6 | Value: Ticket-specific penalty and fare difference... | Etihad's own current US Tiers and Benefits page lists... | Ordinary Etihad Money expires 12 months after issuance. |
| LATAM Airlines | 4.5 | Standard: International changes before and after... | Available on LATAM-issued, LATAM-operated flights... | No universal expiration period for all LATAM Wallet balances was... |
| Avianca | 4.5 | Classic: USD 200 for voluntary changes within the... | Avianca's own additional-service-fee page explicitly... | Avianca's refund-credit page gives conflicting periods: its... |
Source: Airline policy pages checked Oct 26, 2026; Axel airline ratings [1]
How this guide was made
Each airline's score is the weighted average of the criteria above, each on a 0-to-10 scale. An airline missing a criterion worth 25% or more of the score is left unscored; a smaller gap takes the median of the airlines compared, so missing data can't raise a score. Facts come from each airline's own policy pages (checked Oct 26, 2026), and Axel's airline ratings [1]. Spirit Airlines, which stopped flying on May 2, 2026, is not included.
Sources
- Axel airline ratings: every airline Axel's travelers fly, scored out of 10, Axel, October 26, 2026