Flight Cancelled? Your Rights on US Flights
A cancellation can upend your whole trip. The good news is that the US has a clear federal rule about refunds, and most large airlines publish commitments for meals and hotels. Here is what applies, in plain language.
The DOT automatic refund rule
Under the US Department of Transportation's refund rule (14 CFR Part 260), if an airline cancels a flight to, from, or within the US, for any reason, the airline must offer a refund under the DOT rule when:
- The airline doesn't offer you an alternative flight or other compensation, or
- You reject the rebooking and any voucher, credit, or other compensation offered, or
- You don't respond to the offer, and the rebooked flight leaves without you.
The refund includes the fare, taxes, and fees for paid extras you couldn't use. It goes to your original payment method, not as a travel credit, unless you choose a credit. It's due within 7 business days for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment types. It applies to nonrefundable tickets too.
What ends the refund right: accepting the rebooked flight, flying the changed itinerary, or accepting a voucher or credit.
The same rule covers "significant" changes and delays: 3+ hours for domestic flights, 6+ hours for international, a different airport, extra connections, or a downgrade.
Note on renumbered flights: through July 7, 2027, the DOT is not enforcing the refund rule when a flight is only given a new flight number, as long as the flight operates without a significant change. Significant changes are still covered.
Meals and hotels: what airlines commit to
Federal law doesn't require US airlines to provide meals or hotels. Most large airlines, however, list commitments on the DOT Airline Customer Service Dashboard for cancellations within the airline's control:
- Meal or meal voucher for a 3+ hour wait: Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, United
- Hotel and ground transportation for overnight cancellations: all of the above except Frontier
- Cash compensation: no listed airline commits to it
Weather and air traffic control usually fall outside these commitments.
Cancelled in Europe or the UK?
For flights departing the EU or UK, EU261 or UK261 may provide fixed compensation for cancellations announced less than 14 days before departure, unless extraordinary circumstances apply. See our EU261 page.
What to do, step by step
- Screenshot the cancellation notice and the reason given.
- Decide: refund or rebook. Don't tap "accept" on a new flight or credit until you've decided.
- Ask for meal and hotel vouchers if the cause is controllable.
- Keep receipts for reasonable meals, hotels, and rides.
- Put it in writing. A clear letter with your booking details, timeline, and the rules you're relying on.
- Escalate if needed with a complaint to the US DOT.
FAQ
The airline gave me a voucher. Can I still ask for a refund? If you haven't accepted or used the voucher, you can generally decline it and request a refund. If you already accepted it, the airline may treat that as your choice.
Does the refund rule apply to weather cancellations? Yes. The refund rule applies to cancellations regardless of the reason. Meal and hotel commitments usually don't.
How long does a refund take? 7 business days for credit card purchases, 20 calendar days for other payment methods.
Do I get cash compensation for a US cancellation? There's no federal requirement, and no airline on the DOT dashboard commits to it. Some airlines offer credits, vouchers, or miles.
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