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If your flight is canceled or changed a lot and you don’t want the airline’s alternative, U.S. rules say you’re owed cash, not a voucher. Most travelers don’t know it.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s refund rule took effect on October 28, 2024, and turned several long-standing policies into hard deadlines. Here’s what it covers.
When a refund is owed
| Situation | What you’re entitled to |
|---|---|
| Your flight is canceled and you decline the alternative offered | A refund of the ticket and related fees |
| A significant change to your flight, and you decline it | A refund |
| Your checked bag is significantly delayed | A refund of the bag fee |
| You paid for an extra, like Wi-Fi or seat selection, that you didn’t get | A refund of that fee |
A significant change includes a departure or arrival time moved by more than 3 hours for a domestic flight or 6 hours for an international flight, a different departure or arrival airport, more connections than the original itinerary, a downgrade to a lower class of service, or connections through different airports.
Refunds must go back to your original form of payment within 7 business days if you paid by credit card, or 20 calendar days for other methods. The rule also covers tickets bought through travel agencies.
The 24-hour rule
For bookings made at least seven days before departure, U.S. rules require airlines to let you cancel within 24 hours without a penalty, or to hold the fare for 24 hours without payment. It’s a free cooling-off period; use it to double-check dates and names.
What isn’t required
Unlike the European Union’s rules, U.S. law doesn’t require airlines to pay compensation for delays. Meals, hotel rooms and rebooking on another airline depend on each carrier’s own commitments for delays and cancellations within its control. DOT publishes those commitments on its airline customer service dashboard, so check it when you’re stuck.
Travel tip
Before you accept a voucher at the gate or in an app, ask whether you’re eligible for a refund instead. Once you accept travel on a different flight or a credit, the refund right can end.
If the airline doesn’t pay
- Request the refund in writing, citing the cancellation or change.
- Keep screenshots of the original itinerary and the change notice.
- If you paid by credit card, consider a billing dispute; see paying abroad and card protections.
- File a complaint with DOT’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection.
Parts of the rule have been under review by the agency, so check DOT’s current guidance before relying on a specific detail. For everything that can go wrong on a trip that a refund won’t fix, see travel insurance basics, and make sure your ID won’t be the problem: REAL ID and airport ID rules.
Before you go
- If an airline cancels or significantly changes your flight and you decline the alternative, you’re entitled to a refund to your original form of payment.
- A significant change includes a departure or arrival moved by more than 3 hours on domestic flights or 6 hours on international ones.
- Refunds are due within 7 business days for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.
- U.S. law doesn’t require cash compensation for delays; meals and hotels depend on each airline’s own commitments.
Travelers also ask
Q: Do I have to accept a travel credit?
A: No. When the refund rules apply, the airline must give you a refund unless you choose a credit or another flight instead. Read any offer carefully before accepting it, because accepting can end your right to a refund.
Q: What about nonrefundable tickets I cancel myself?
A: The automatic refund rules cover changes the airline makes. If you cancel a nonrefundable ticket yourself, the fare rules apply, apart from the 24-hour rule for qualifying bookings.
Q: Where do I complain if an airline won’t pay?
A: First ask the airline in writing. If that fails, file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection.
Fees, processing times and agency rules change, and airline and hotel policies vary. This guide is general information for travelers in the U.S.; confirm the current rules with the agency, airline or hotel before you travel.
