Can I get a refund if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Currently, you are entitled to a refund if your flight is cancelled for whatever reason. But airlines don't always offer that up front. New rules announced today will ensure that starting this fall, refunds will be the default for cancellations and you can also get refunds for flights with lengthy delays.

Consumer alerts

April 24, 2024

Photo by Maria Tyutina | Used by permission

What are the new rules around refunds and flight cancellations and delays?

Big news for anyone who has had a flight cancelled or delayed and wondered – can I get a refund?

Yes for cancellations. Soon for delays.

Passengers already have the right to ask for a refund if their flight was cancelled for any reason. But those refunds can be a pain to get – airlines can and often do offer rebooking or credits first and many consumers may not realize a refund is an option.

The rules announced today will ensure that, starting this fall, refunds are the default option when a flight is cancelled for any reason.

In addition, starting this fall, refunds will also be possible for flights delayed more than 3 hours (domestic flight) or 6 hours (international flight).

Consumers can always choose to accept a rebooking or continue on with their trip but they’ll at least know that a refund is available.

Additionally, the U.S. DOT rules will require more transparency around fees (bag, cancellation, etc), eliminate fees parents may need to pay to sit with their child and expand the rights for people in wheelchairs.

Check out our airline travel tips you shouldn’t fly without.