Alaska Mileage Plan increasing award change and cancellation fees

US$125 fee will apply to all changes and cancellations of award tickets.

If you’re holding on to Alaska Mileage Plan miles, you’ll know that award changes and cancellations are free up till 60 days before departure. Any changes or cancellations within the 60 day period attract a fee of US$125.

However, from 5 June 2018, Alaska will charge the US$125 fee regardless of time to departure. If you’re used to KrisFlyer’s low service fees (even after the new structure came into place), you’ll find this pretty steep, although it’s still lower than other US airlines.

Japan Airlines Business Class, bookable with Alaska Mileage Plan

The upshot of this is it’s no longer realistic to book a speculative Mileage Plan award and keep kicking it down the road before the 60 day period.

Aaron Wong
Aaron Wong
Aaron founded The Milelion to help people travel better for less and impress chiobu. He was 50% successful.

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David

How do you interpret these 2 sentences though?

“This policy update will be effective for tickets purchased or last exchanged on or after June 5, 2018.” – tickets bought before 5 Jun continue to enjoy free changes effected more than 60 days before travel?

“Change/cancellation fees do not apply to refundable fares, whether purchased, award, or Money & Miles.” – award tickets generally aren’t affected by the change?