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If the airline cancels a flight to, from, or within the U.S., you’re entitled to a ticket refund if you decline replacement travel and any voucher, credit, or other compensation offered instead. Nonrefundable tickets can qualify. If you booked through an agency, check who charged you.
- Applies to
- Flights to, from, or within the U.S. that the airline cancels, significantly delays, or significantly changes.
- Official source
- U.S. DOT passenger refund guidance ↗
- Checked
Airline cancellations · Flights to, from or within the U.S.
Rebook, request a refund, or take the credit?
If the original flight is still operating and you choose to cancel, check your fare’s cancellation terms.
U.S. DOT refund guidance ↗What counts as a significant flight change?
A significant delay or change can qualify for a refund if you decline the changed flight and any alternatives offered in place of the refund. Compare the original and revised itineraries.
| Change | U.S. domestic | Covered international |
|---|---|---|
| Earlier departure | 3 hours or more | 6 hours or more |
| Later arrival | 3 hours or more | 6 hours or more |
A different origin or destination airport, extra connections, or a cabin downgrade can also qualify. Additional criteria cover certain changes that affect travelers with disabilities.
Flying after an involuntary downgrade? If you take the flight, DOT says the airline must refund the difference between the original fare and the downgraded fare.
Federal definitions and accessibility criteria ↗What if only my flight number changed?
DOT has temporarily paused enforcement of certain refund and notification requirements when the airline successfully rebooks you on the renumbered flight and it operates without a significant change or delay. Compare your original and revised itineraries before deciding what to do.
Read the July 2026 Federal Register notice ↗Who issues the refund if I booked through an agent?
Check your payment statement. If the airline charged you, start with the airline. If the agency charged you, request the ticket refund from the agency. For a separate fee for an optional service you didn’t receive, contact the airline.
Message to your airline or ticket seller
My flight [flight number and date] was cancelled by the airline. I’m declining replacement travel and any voucher or credit. Please confirm the ticket refund to my original payment method and send me a refund reference.U.S. DOT guidance for bookings through agents ↗
How long should a flight refund take?
The airline refund clock
When does the clock start?
- You decline the replacement and other offersKeep the date you declined. The refund is due within the applicable period after rejection.
- You never respond and don’t take the offered flightThe rule treats this differently. A refund becomes due when the offered flight departs without you. Check any response deadline in the offer.
- Credit card
- 7 business days
- Debit card, cash, check, or other payment
- 20 calendar days
Federal rule: 14 CFR § 260.2 and § 260.6
Eligible airline refunds are automatic when the airline charged you. If no alternative is offered after a cancellation, the rule also provides for an automatic refund. If an agency charged you, request the refund through that agency.
Federal definition of a prompt refund ↗What should I save before responding?
Save the original itinerary, the airline’s cancellation or change notice, your response to any offer, and any refund reference. If the refund is overdue, follow up in writing with the company that charged you. If the issue remains unresolved, you can file a complaint with the U.S. DOT.
U.S. DOT complaint form ↗Flight refund FAQs
Can I get a refund if weather caused the cancellation?
Yes, if the airline cancelled a covered flight and you decline replacement travel and any offer made instead of a refund. The cancellation reason doesn’t change the ticket refund rule.
Does this apply to foreign airlines flying into the U.S.?
Yes. The rule covers eligible flights to, from, or within the U.S., including those operated by foreign carriers.
What if the airline rebooked me automatically?
Check the response deadline. If you want the refund, decline the offer and save your response. If you never accept and don’t fly on the replacement, an automatic refund may still be due.
Can I get a refund after accepting a voucher?
Accepting a voucher offered instead of the refund generally takes you out of this rule. Check the offer terms and ask the airline whether it can reverse your choice.