When does a U.S. passenger refund rule apply?

A cancellation or major schedule change can trigger a refund for a covered trip when you decline the changed flight and the alternatives offered. A voluntary cancellation of an unchanged flight is different.

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 trip otherwise meets the current U.S. refund requirements.
  • 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.

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.

What to do next

  1. Identify what happened

    Compare the original itinerary with the cancellation, delay or schedule-change notice.

  2. Identify who charged you

    Check the payment statement and booking record before selecting the refund request path.

  3. Keep the request record

    Save the request, confirmation and any response from the airline or ticket seller.

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