Airline Refund for a Cancelled Flight in the US (DOT)

If a US airline cancels your flight, or changes it significantly, and you choose not to travel on the alternative offered, you are owed a refund to your original form of payment, cash, not a voucher. This applies regardless of the reason for the cancellation, including weather. This guide explains the federal right and how to claim the cash refund the airline may not volunteer.

Reviewed by Corey Musa, Founder·Last reviewed June 2026·LinkedIn

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Your rights

Under US Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, reinforced by DOT's 2024 final rule on automatic refunds, airlines must provide a prompt refund to the original form of payment when the airline cancels or significantly changes a flight and the passenger chooses not to accept the alternative transportation or a travel credit offered. DOT defines a 'significant change' to include a departure or arrival time that moves by three hours or more for a domestic flight (six hours or more for an international flight), a change to the departure or arrival airport, an added connection, a downgrade to a lower class of service, or a change to a less accessible aircraft for a passenger with a disability. The entitlement applies even when the cancellation was due to weather or other causes outside the airline's control. Refunds must be to the original payment method (not a voucher you're forced to accept) and issued promptly, generally within seven business days for credit-card purchases and within 20 calendar days for other payment methods. Airlines must also refund fees you paid for ancillary services you didn't receive (such as seat, bag, or Wi-Fi fees). If the airline won't comply, you can file a complaint with DOT's Office of Aviation Consumer Protection at the DOT website, and credit-card purchases can additionally be disputed under the Fair Credit Billing Act. DOT rules apply to flights to, from, or within the US on covered US and foreign carriers; separate tarmac-delay and disability rules also apply.

Step by step

1Confirm the airline cancelled or significantly changed your flight, and decline the rebooking or voucher by clearly requesting a refund to your original payment method.
2Submit the refund request through the airline's official refund channel in writing, citing DOT's refund rule and listing your confirmation code, flights, fare, and any paid ancillary fees (seats, bags, Wi-Fi) for services not provided.
3Keep records of the cancellation notice, your refund request, and any voucher pushed on you; note the date so you can track the seven-business-day (credit card) or 20-calendar-day (other) deadline.
4If the airline stalls, offers only a voucher, or misses the deadline, file a complaint with DOT's Office of Aviation Consumer Protection and, if you paid by credit card, dispute the charge under the FCBA.

What they'll say, and your comeback

“The cancellation was due to weather, so you only get a voucher.”

Comeback, DOT's refund rule applies regardless of the reason, including weather. When the airline cancels and I don't accept the rebooking, I'm entitled to a refund to my original payment method, not a voucher.

“We rebooked you on another flight, so no refund is due.”

Comeback, I'm not obligated to accept the alternative. Because the airline cancelled or significantly changed my flight and I'm declining the rebooking, DOT requires a refund to my original form of payment.

“Your ticket was non-refundable.”

Comeback, Non-refundable rules apply when the passenger cancels. When the airline cancels or significantly changes the flight and I decline the alternative, DOT's refund entitlement overrides the fare's non-refundable status.

FAQ

What counts as a 'significant change' that triggers a refund?

Under DOT's rule, a significant change includes a departure or arrival time moving by three or more hours for a domestic flight (six or more for an international flight), a change to the departure or arrival airport, an added connection, a downgrade in class of service, or a change to a less accessible aircraft for a passenger with a disability. If your change fits, you can decline it and request a cash refund instead of traveling.

Can I get back the bag and seat fees too?

Yes. DOT requires airlines to refund fees you paid for ancillary services you didn't receive, such as a checked bag, paid seat assignment, or Wi-Fi, when the flight is cancelled or the service isn't provided. List those fees explicitly in your refund request.

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A self-serve tool, not a law firm. General information, not legal advice.