The short answer
When an airline cancels or significantly changes a flight and the passenger does not accept the alternative transportation or compensation offered, a refund is generally due under current U.S. DOT rules. Ordinary delays do not create a general federal cash-compensation payment. Meals, hotels and rebooking commitments vary by airline and are summarized by the DOT dashboard.
When a refund may be due
DOT guidance covers airline-cancelled flights and specified significant changes when the passenger declines the alternative. Significant changes can include substantial schedule shifts, airport changes, additional connections, a cabin downgrade or a less accessible replacement aircraft for a passenger with a disability. Accepting and travelling on the alternative can change the refund answer.
Refund timing
The DOT states that owed refunds must be issued within seven business days for credit-card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods. A refund should cover the unused transportation and applicable fees for services not provided.
Delay care depends on airline commitments
U.S. law does not create a general federal cash payment for an ordinary delay. The DOT dashboard compares airline commitments for controllable disruptions, including rebooking, meals, hotels and ground transportation. Weather and air-traffic events can be treated differently from events within an airline’s control.
Baggage-fee refunds are separate
A paid checked-bag fee can be refundable when baggage is declared lost or significantly delayed and the required mishandled-baggage report is filed. DOT currently defines significant delay as over 12 hours for domestic travel, over 15 hours for an international flight of 12 hours or less, and over 30 hours for a longer international flight, subject to listed exceptions.
Common questions
When is a cancelled-flight refund due in the United States?
A refund is generally due when an airline cancels or significantly changes a flight and the passenger declines the alternative transportation or compensation offered.
Does the United States require cash compensation for a flight delay?
No general federal cash-compensation rule applies to an ordinary delay. Airline commitments for controllable disruptions can still cover things such as rebooking, meals, hotels or ground transportation.
How quickly must an owed refund be paid?
The DOT says an owed refund must be issued within seven business days for credit-card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.
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