How to Get Money or Miles Back When Your Flight Price Drops 

Booking a flight can feel like a game of chance: buy too early and you risk overpaying, wait too long and the price might spike.

I want to briefly show you a little-known trick savvy travelers use!  Airlines don’t advertise it, but many of them will give you a travel credit or miles back if your flight drops in price after you book.

I’ve done this successfully three times recently!

The process varies by airline, but it usually takes just a few minutes to check… and get your refund!

Can You Get a Refund If Your Flight Price Drops?

If your airline offers flexible booking policies and your fare class allows changes, you may be able to cancel and rebook your flight at the lower price, pocketing the difference as:

• A travel credit
• Refunded miles (for award bookings)

Not all airlines allow this, and most Basic Economy fares are excluded.

If you’re flying a main cabin or higher ticket, it’s worth checking.  

How to Check for Airline Price Drops After Booking

If you see a cheaper price on the same airline, same date, and route, you may be able to cancel and rebook at the lower rate.

Here’s what to do after you book your flight:

Set Up a Price Alert

Use tools like:

• Google Flights
• Hopper
• Kayak Price Alerts

These tools monitor your route and send alerts when fares drop.  

Or, Log In & Check

On the airline’s website, go to the area usually called “My Trips,” and click on the button that says “Change Flight” or “Change or Cancel.”

Here’s an example from a flight on Delta:

If the Price Dropped…

You’ll see the price difference posted in either dollars or miles, depending on how you booked.

Here are two examples.

First, a Delta flight I’d booked on miles dropped by thousands, and the difference appeared as “miles redeposited.”

Second, an American flight I’d booked dropped in price by $85.   That $85 became a credit in my American account, which I have a year to use.

Here’s what the website will look like after clicking “Change Flight.” It brings up the new flight prices, which may have increased, decreased, or remained the same:

Check Your Airline’s Policy

Before you make any moves, verify that:

• Your fare type is eligible. Basic Economy doesn’t usually qualify. You had to have booked Main Cabin or above.
• There are no change fees.
• You can rebook without losing your seat or perks.

Airlines That Let You Get a Credit or Refund If Prices Drop

✈️ Southwest Airlines

• Policy: Always lets you rebook at a lower fare. If your flight price drops, just rebook, and the difference becomes travel funds or refunded points.
• Eligible Fares: All fares.

✈️ Alaska Airlines

• Policy: Offers a “price guarantee” if the fare drops after you book. You’ll receive a credit if you rebook the lower fare at least 24 hours before your flight.
• Eligible Fares: Main and First Class (Saver fares are not eligible).

✈️ JetBlue

• Policy: If your fare drops, rebook and receive a travel credit.
• Eligible Fares: All except Blue Basic.

✈️ Delta Air Lines

• Policy: If the fare drops, cancel and rebook to receive a credit for the price difference or miles redeposited.
• Eligible Fares: Main Cabin and above.

✈️ United Airlines

• Policy: Rebook at the lower fare and receive the difference as a flight credit.
• Eligible Fares: Main Cabin and up.

✈️ American Airlines

• Policy: Cancel and rebook to get a credit for the fare difference.
• Eligible Fares: Main Cabin and above.

Airlines That Don’t Offer Price Drop Credits

Unfortunately, ultra-low-cost carriers like:

• Spirit
• Frontier
• Allegiant

…typically don’t allow any fare changes without significant change fees, which usually cancel out any savings from rebooking.

Recap: Refunds or Credits When Your Flight Price Drops

• Book Main Cabin or higher. Basic Economy fares usually don’t allow changes or credits.
• Act quickly. Airlines may only allow changes up to a certain deadline before departure.
• Be prepared to call. If you don’t see the lower fare or run into issues, a quick call to customer service can help.

Also, I’m not sure if it matters, but I usually do this in an incognito window.  I’m fairly certain it doesn’t make a difference, but it’s still an extra step I take.

Will these policies always be around? Who knows!

For now, know your airline’s rules, and don’t be afraid to rebook when prices drop. That extra travel credit could fund your next trip!