What the airline owes you depends on why you're cancelling and which airline you booked with

Airlines are not required to refund tickets you cancel yourself. Most tickets sold in the United States are non-refundable — you get a credit toward a future flight instead. The exception is if the airline cancels the flight, significantly changes the time, or you booked a refundable fare. When the airline makes the change, you have the right to a cash refund, not just a credit. Refundable tickets cost more upfront but give you money back if you don't fly.

The rules differ between domestic and international flights, and between U.S. carriers and foreign airlines. U.S. Department of Transportation rules apply to flights departing the United States. International flights may fall under different rules depending on where you're flying to and which country's airline operates the flight.

Key Takeaways

  • Most airline tickets are non-refundable, meaning you lose the money if you cancel — you get a credit toward a future flight instead.
  • If the airline cancels your flight or changes the departure time by more than one hour, you can request a cash refund from the airline directly.
  • Refundable tickets cost more but give you your money back if you don't use them; check your confirmation email to see which type you bought.
  • The airline must respond to a refund request within a set timeframe — typically 7 to 30 days depending on the airline and payment method.
  • If the airline refuses a refund you're may have access to to, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation or your state's attorney general.

How to tell if your ticket is refundable or non-refundable

Your confirmation email from the airline states the fare type. Look for language like "non-refundable", "refundable", "basic economy", or "main cabin". If you see "non-refundable" or "basic economy", the airline will not give you cash back if you cancel — you'll receive a credit instead. If it says "refundable" or "flexible", you can cancel and get your money back.

You can also log into your airline account and view the booking details. Most airlines show the fare rules on the same page as your flight information. If you're unsure, call the airline's customer service line with your confirmation number and ask them to read the fare rules to you.

The price difference matters: refundable fares typically cost 20 to 50 percent more than non-refundable ones on the same flight. You pay extra for the option to get your money back.

When the airline must refund you in cash

The airline owes you a cash refund — not a credit — if the airline cancels your flight, or if it changes your departure time by more than one hour. This applies to all tickets, refundable or not. The U.S. Department of Transportation requires this for domestic flights and flights departing the United States.

A "significant schedule change" also triggers a refund right on some airlines. This usually means a departure time shift of more than one hour, but some airlines define it as two hours or more. Check your airline's policy on its website under "Schedule Changes" or "Cancellations".

If the airline offers you a different flight at a similar time and you accept it, you waive your right to a refund for that cancellation. If you reject the new flight, you can request the refund.

How to request a refund from the airline

Contact the airline directly through its website, phone line, or app. Most airlines have a "Refund Requests" or "Manage Booking" section where you can submit a form. You'll need your confirmation number and the reason for the refund request. If the airline cancelled the flight or changed the time, state that clearly.

Keep a copy of everything you send. Take a screenshot of the form submission or save the confirmation email the airline sends you. If you called, note the date, time, and the name of the representative you spoke with.

The airline will respond within 7 to 30 days, depending on the airline and how you paid. Refunds to credit cards typically take 5 to 10 business days after the airline processes them. Refunds to debit cards or bank accounts may take longer — up to 30 days. Some airlines are slower than others; check your airline's policy.

What happens if the airline denies your refund request

If you believe the airline owes you a refund and it refuses, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Go to the DOT's Aviation Consumer Protection Division website and submit a complaint form. Include your confirmation number, the airline's response (if any), and the reason you believe you're may have access to to a refund.

The DOT investigates complaints and can pressure airlines to comply with refund rules. The process takes weeks or months, but the DOT has authority over U.S. carriers and foreign airlines operating flights from the United States.

You can also file a complaint with your state's attorney general office, which has consumer protection authority. Some states have taken action against airlines for refusing refunds. Include the same documentation: confirmation number, airline response, and your explanation.

Refunds for international flights

International flights have different rules depending on where you're flying. Flights to Europe are covered by EU Regulation 261/2004, which requires cash refunds if the airline cancels or significantly delays the flight. Flights to Canada fall under Canadian Transportation Agency rules. Flights to other countries may have no mandatory refund requirement.

If you booked a non-refundable ticket on an international flight outside the EU or Canada, the airline typically will not refund you if you cancel. The airline's own policy applies. Check your confirmation email for the terms.

For EU flights, the airline must offer a refund or rebooking. You can also use a third-party refund service that specializes in EU flight compensation, though these services take a percentage of the refund as a fee.

Credits versus refunds: what you can do with an airline credit

If you receive a credit instead of a cash refund, you can use it to book a new flight with that airline. Credits typically don't expire, though some airlines set an expiration date — usually one to three years from the original booking date. Check your airline's policy.

Credits are usually non-transferable, meaning you can't give them to someone else. Some airlines allow you to transfer a credit to a family member or friend, but most do not. The person whose name is on the original ticket must use the credit.

If you never use the credit, you won't get the money back. The airline keeps it. This is why a cash refund is more valuable than a credit — you have the option to use it elsewhere if you don't fly with that airline again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I just changed my mind about the trip?

No, not in cash. If you bought a non-refundable ticket and cancel because you no longer want to travel, the airline will give you a credit toward a future flight, not your money back. If you bought a refundable ticket, you can cancel and receive a refund to your original payment method.

What if I'm sick or have a family emergency?

Airlines do not automatically refund non-refundable tickets for illness or emergencies. You receive a credit. Some airlines waive change fees if you provide medical documentation or a death certificate, but they still won't refund the ticket price — only let you rebook without paying a fee. Check your airline's bereavement or medical policy.

How long does it take to get a refund after I request one?

The airline typically processes the request within 7 to 30 days. The refund then takes 5 to 10 business days to appear in your account if you paid by credit card, or up to 30 days for debit cards and bank transfers. Some airlines are faster than others. Contact the airline if you don't see the refund within 30 days of your request.

Can I use a third-party refund service to get my money back?

Third-party services can file a claim on your behalf, but they take a percentage of the refund — usually 25 to 50 percent. You're better off requesting the refund directly from the airline first. Use a third-party service only if the airline refuses and you want help filing a complaint with the DOT or pursuing legal action.

What if I paid through a travel website like Expedia or Kayak?

Contact the travel website first, not the airline. The travel website is responsible for processing refunds on tickets it sold. If the travel website refuses, you can then contact the airline directly. Keep all confirmation emails from both the travel website and the airline.