Airline Refund Rules: A Simple Guide to Your Rights for Delays and Cancellations

Since 2024, new federal rules have made it much easier for airline passengers in the United States to get their money back when travel doesn't go as planned.

Here is a simple guide to your rights if your flight is canceled or significantly delayed.
 

1. Automatic Refunds: No More Fighting for Your Money

The biggest change is that refunds are now automatic. You no longer have to jump through hoops or argue with customer service to get your money back.
 

• Credit Card Purchases: You must be refunded within 7 days.
• Other Payments (including miles): You must be refunded within 20 days.

Airlines cannot force you to take travel vouchers or credits instead of cash unless you specifically agree to it.
 

2. When Are You Owed a Refund?

You are entitled to a full refund—even if you bought a "non-refundable" ticket—if your flight is canceled or if there is a "significant change" and you choose not to take a different flight.

A "significant change" includes:
 

• Time Delays: A delay of more than 3 hours for domestic flights or more than 6 hours for international flights.
• Airport Changes: If the airline moves your departure or arrival to a different airport.
• Extra Stops: If they add more connections to your trip.
• Downgrades: If you are moved to a lower class of service (e.g., from First Class to Coach).
• Accessibility Issues: If the aircraft is swapped for one that is less accessible for passengers with disabilities.

 

3. The Choice: Rebook or Refund?

If your flight is canceled or significantly changed, the airline will likely offer to rebook you on a different flight for free.
 

• If you take the new flight: You generally lose your right to a refund.
• If you decline the new flight: The airline must give you your money back.

 

4. Baggage Fees and Extra Services

You are also entitled to a refund for extra fees if the airline fails to provide the service you paid for:
 

1. Delayed Bags: If your bag doesn't arrive within 12 hours (domestic) or 15–30 hours (international), the airline must refund your checked bag fee. You must file a "mishandled baggage report" to start this process.
2. Missing Services: If you paid for Wi-Fi, seat selection, or in-flight entertainment and it wasn't available, you are owed a refund for those fees.

 

5. What About Hotels and Meals?

While the government now guarantees refunds for the ticket itself, it does not legally require airlines to pay for your hotel, meals, or ground transportation.

However, most major airlines have their own "customer service plans" where they promise to provide these amenities if the delay is their fault (like a mechanical issue or crew shortage).

You can check these specific policies on the U.S. Department of Transportation website to see what your specific airline offers.
 

Summary

If your flight is canceled or delayed by more than 3 hours (domestic) or 6 hours (international), you have the power. You can either let the airline find you a new flight, or you can walk away with a full, automatic refund.

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