Travel help

My flight was cancelled: the refund rule and your options

A cancellation is stressful, but you have clear choices. You can take the airline's rebooking, or, if you'd rather not travel, US rules say you're owed a cash refund to your original form of payment, whatever the reason for the cancellation. Here's how it works.

6 official sources, listed at the end Checked October 25, 2026
Photo: "rooster133", Public domain
In this article · 5 sections
  1. The short answer
  2. The DOT automatic refund rule
  3. What the airline does for you while you wait
  4. A calm plan for the moment it happens
  5. Keep reading

The short answer

When a flight is cancelled, you generally have two paths:

  • Fly later. Accept the airline's rebooking, or pick another flight in the app. DOT notes most airlines will rebook you on their first flight to your destination with space.4
  • Don't fly, and get your money back. If you'd rather not travel, or the new options don't work for you, US rules say you're entitled to a refund, whatever the reason for the cancellation.1

You don't have to decide in a panic at the gate. Take a breath, look at your options in the app, and pick the one that suits you.

The DOT automatic refund rule

In 2024, DOT issued a rule that made refunds automatic and clearer.2 In plain English:

  • Who it covers: flights to, from or within the United States.1
  • When you're owed a refund: the airline cancels your flight, or significantly delays or changes it, and you choose not to travel or not to accept rebooking, travel credits or other compensation.1
  • "Significant change" includes: departing 3+ hours earlier or arriving 3+ hours later on a domestic itinerary (6+ hours on international), a different departure or arrival airport, more connections, or a downgrade to a lower class of service.1
  • How you're paid: to your original form of payment, not as a voucher, unless you choose one.1
  • How fast: within 7 business days for credit card purchases and within about 20 days for other payment types.1
  • Extras count too: fees for optional services you paid for but couldn't use because the airline cancelled, such as seat upgrades or Wi-Fi, are refundable as well.1
  • Credits must last: if you accept a travel credit or voucher instead, it must be valid for at least five years.1
  • If you take the new flight, you've accepted the alternative, and the refund no longer applies.1

DOT's refunds page has the full detail, including tickets bought through travel agents.1

What the airline does for you while you wait

There's no federal requirement for meals or hotels during a cancellation; DOT says each airline sets its own policy.4 But many large US airlines have made public commitments for cancellations within their control, such as maintenance or crew problems, including rebooking at no extra cost, meal vouchers and hotels for overnight disruptions.

The DOT Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard shows each airline's commitments side by side.3 If your airline has a commitment, ask for it politely and specifically. Gate and phone agents handle these requests all day.

A calm plan for the moment it happens

  1. Open your airline's app first. It often rebooks you automatically or lets you choose a new flight faster than the line.
  2. Call while you queue. The airline contact directory has official contact pages.
  3. Decide: fly later or refund. Either is fine. If you want a refund, ask for it clearly and keep a record.
  4. Ask about meals or a hotel if the cause is within the airline's control, and check the dashboard.
  5. Keep receipts and screenshots of messages from the airline.
  6. Stuck? If you can't resolve a refund, you can file a complaint with DOT.6

If you need a room or a car for the night, our hotel and rental car help page links each company's official help pages.

The calm takeaway: a cancellation changes your plans, not your rights. You can rebook or get your money back to your original payment method, and the DOT dashboard shows what your airline has promised along the way.

Keep reading

Quick answers

Am I entitled to a refund if my flight is cancelled?

Yes. Under DOT rules, if an airline cancels a flight to, from or within the US, for any reason, and you choose not to travel or not to accept rebooking, credits or other compensation, you're entitled to a refund to your original form of payment.

How quickly must an airline refund me?

DOT rules require refunds within 7 business days for credit card purchases and within about 20 days for other forms of payment, after the airline learns you don't accept the alternative.

Do I have to accept a travel credit?

No. You can choose a refund instead. If you do accept a travel credit or voucher instead of a refund, DOT rules say it must be valid for at least five years.

Does the airline have to give me a hotel if my flight is cancelled?

There's no federal requirement, but many large US airlines commit to hotels or meals when a cancellation is within their control. DOT's Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard shows each airline's commitments.

Sources

(6)
  1. U.S. DOT, Refunds
  2. U.S. DOT, What airline passengers need to know about DOT's automatic refund rule
  3. U.S. DOT, Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard
  4. U.S. DOT, Fly-Rights: A Consumer Guide to Air Travel
  5. U.S. DOT, Ticket refunds (rules and guidance)
  6. U.S. DOT, File a consumer complaint

Facts last checked against these sources: October 25, 2026.