What can I do after the airline cancels my flight?

You can compare the replacement offered with the refund path. For a covered cancellation, declining the changed flight and alternatives can preserve the refund right; meals, hotels and extra compensation are separate questions.

What this answer depends on

  • The flight is scheduled to, from or within the United States.
  • The airline charged you directly for the relevant ticket or fee.
  • The refund processing period starts from the date defined by the current rule or from a valid refund request, depending on the situation.
  • The entity named on your payment statement usually identifies who charged you.
  • A temporary DOT DOT exception does not change the underlying refund rule.
  • Airline-specific promises for controllable disruptions are separate from federal refund rights.

Important exceptions

  • Do not apply this rule to a voluntary cancellation of an operating, unchanged flight.
  • Some DOT guidance uses different wording for the processing period. Check the current regulation and the payment method before relying on a deadline.
  • Responsibility for ancillary fees may differ from responsibility for airfare.
  • A narrow temporary DOT exception applies to a mere flight-number change.
  • Ordinary refund mandates remain applicable when a significant delay or change accompanies the renumbering.
  • Other legal regimes and individual airline policies require separate review.

What to do next

  1. Review the replacement option

    Compare any alternative flight or compensation offer with the original itinerary.

  2. Choose your next action

    Record whether you accept the alternative or decline it and pursue the applicable refund path.

  3. Preserve the notices

    Keep the cancellation notice, original booking, receipts and later correspondence.

Sources and last checked