Since 2024, US airlines have had to give you your money back, not a voucher, when they cancel or significantly change your flight and you decide not to travel. Here is what counts, how fast the money must arrive, and what to do if it does not.
Who it covers
The rule applies to US airlines, and to foreign airlines on flights to, from or within the United States. It covers non-refundable tickets as well as refundable ones, and it applies whatever caused the cancellation or change, including weather.
When you are owed a refund
You are entitled to a refund if the airline cancels your flight, or makes a significant change to it, and you do not accept the alternative it offers or a travel credit instead. A significant change includes:
- Departure or arrival moved by three hours or more on a domestic flight, or six hours or more on an international flight. That includes a delay on the day.
- A different departure or arrival airport.
- More connections than you booked, or a connection at a different airport.
- A downgrade to a lower class of service.
- For passengers with a disability, a change of aircraft or connecting airport that makes the trip significantly less accessible.
If you accept the rebooking and fly, or accept a travel credit, you are not also owed the refund. See refund or rebooking: which to choose.
What the refund includes
- The fare, including taxes and fees, for the flights you did not take.
- Extras you paid for but did not get, such as seat selection, Wi-Fi, or a checked bag fee for a flight you did not take.
- Checked bag fees for significantly delayed bags: if your bag is not delivered within 12 hours of a domestic flight's arrival (longer limits apply to international flights) and you file a report.
How it must be paid
- To your original form of payment, in cash terms, not as a voucher or credit, unless you agree to take one.
- Promptly: within seven business days for credit card purchases, and within 20 calendar days for other forms of payment.
- Without a fight: the airline has to refund you once you decline the alternative. It cannot make you jump through hoops or insist on a credit first.
If you are offered a credit, you can say no. See travel credit or cash refund.
How to get it
- When you are told about the cancellation or change, decide whether you still want to travel. If not, decline the alternative clearly: "I won't be traveling. I'd like a refund to my original form of payment."
- Use the refund option in the airline's app or website if there is one. If you booked through a travel agent or booking site, you may need to go through them.
- Keep the cancellation or change notice and a record of your refund request.
If the refund does not arrive
- Follow up with the airline in writing, citing the date of the cancellation or change and your request.
- File a complaint with the DOT. See how to file a complaint with the DOT.
- If you paid by credit card, you can also dispute the charge with your card issuer.
What the rule does not cover
- Cash compensation for the delay itself. The US has no such rule. See flight delay compensation in the US.
- Meals and hotels. Those come from each airline's own commitments. See meal and hotel vouchers.
- Cancelling for your own reasons. If you cancel a non-refundable ticket yourself, the fare rules decide what you get back, usually a credit.
For what to do on the day, see what to do when your flight is delayed and what to do when your flight is cancelled.
This guide is general information for US travelers, not legal advice. Rules and airline commitments change; check with your airline or the US Department of Transportation for your specific situation.