Updated Nov 13, 2026
Flight cancelled? When you get a cash refund (US rules)
When are you owed a refund?
✓ You get a refund
- Airline cancels for any reason
- You don't take the replacement flight
- You decline vouchers, credits or miles
- You had a nonrefundable ticket
✗ No refund owed
- You accept the rebooking and fly
- You accept a voucher or credit
- You cancelled the flight yourself
The key point: accepting the replacement flight or a credit ends your refund right. If you're not sure you want to fly, don't click "accept" on that rebooking email yet.
What gets refunded?
The airline must refund everything you paid: the fare, government taxes and fees, and any paid extras like seat selection, bag fees or priority boarding. This applies to all flights to, from or within the US, on any airline, for any reason the flight was cancelled.
How fast is the refund, and is it automatic?
Under the DOT's automatic refund rule, refunds are automatic. You shouldn't have to ask multiple times. The deadlines:
- Credit card: 7 business days
- Other payment methods: 20 calendar days
If you don't respond to a rebooking offer and don't take the new flight, that counts as declining—and the refund should still happen automatically.
Refund vs travel credit
Airlines may offer you a travel credit or voucher instead of a refund. You don't have to take it. Under 14 CFR 260.6, the airline must tell you a cash refund is available before offering a credit, and any credit must be valid for at least 5 years with no fees.
A refund gives you your money back now. A credit locks you into that airline for future travel. Choose based on what works for you.
What if I booked through Expedia or a travel agent?
The "merchant of record"—whoever charged your credit card—handles the fare refund. If Expedia charged your card, contact Expedia. If a travel agent did, contact them.
Extras you paid directly to the airline (like bag fees or seat upgrades) still go through the airline for refund.
What a refund doesn't cover
A refund gets your ticket money back. It doesn't include:
- Cash compensation for the inconvenience: US airlines don't owe this. DOT formally withdrew the proposed cash-compensation rule in November 2025.
- Meals, hotels, or rebooking on partners: These are airline commitments, not law. They apply only when the airline caused the cancellation (not weather or ATC). Check the DOT's Cancellation and Delay Dashboard to see what each airline promises.
Check your flight
Enter your flight number below to see if it's been cancelled and what your options are.
Frequently asked questions
The airline cancelled my flight. Can I get a refund?
Yes. If you don't fly and don't accept a rebooking, credit, voucher or miles, the airline must refund your fare, taxes and paid extras to your original payment method.
Do airlines have to refund cancelled flights?
Yes, under DOT rules. This applies to all flights to, from or within the US, on any airline, for any reason the flight was cancelled.
How long does a refund take?
7 business days if you paid by credit card, 20 calendar days for other payment methods. Refunds are automatic—you shouldn't have to ask repeatedly.
Should I take a refund or travel credit?
That's up to you. A refund gives you your money back. A credit locks you into that airline. If the airline offers a credit, they must tell you a refund is available first, and the credit must be valid for at least 5 years.
What if I bought a nonrefundable ticket?
You're still owed a refund if the airline cancels. 'Nonrefundable' only applies when you cancel—not when they do.
I booked through Expedia/a travel agent. Who refunds me?
The merchant of record—whoever charged your card—handles the fare refund. That's usually the booking site or agent. Bag fees and other airline extras still go through the airline directly.
Related guides
- Flight delayed: what you're owed in the US
- Flight cancelled: what to do in the next 30 minutes
- The DOT automatic refund rule, explained
Last checked against DOT rules: 2026-11-13