Changed or Canceled Flight? Understand Your Right to a Refund

As of October 28, 2024, Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations on airline ticket refunds aim to better protect travelers affected by changed or canceled flights. Now, airlines must adhere to clear standards for when and how refunds are provided, making it easier for travelers to receive refunds quickly and conveniently. The regulations—which also mandate refunds for other circumstances where air travel did not meet consumers’ expectations—apply to all flights to, from, and within the US.

The DOT policy outlines travelers’ rights in four distinct situations:

1. Flight Cancelations and Significant Changes

If a flight is canceled or significantly altered, travelers are now entitled to an automatic refund from the airline, including taxes and fees, even if the changes are due to uncontrollable factors like the weather.

With these regulations, the DOT has defined “significant” for the first time. Flights are considered significantly altered if:

• Your departure or arrival time changed by more than 3 hours for domestic flights, or more than 6 hours for international flights
• You are now departing from or arriving at a different airport
• Your trip now includes more connections
• Your ticket was downgraded to a lower class of service
• Your itinerary now includes airports or planes that are less accessible to you as a person with a disability

Airlines must notify customers experiencing a changed or canceled flight of the right to a refund and refund travelers within 7 business days, if they purchased the flight with a credit card. All other payment methods will be refunded within 20 calendar days. This policy applies to tickets purchased directly from the airline, as well as from travel advisors and third-party platforms like Expedia. It’s important to note the cash refund requirement only applies if a traveler doesn’t accept an alternative itinerary or travel vouchers (or they aren’t available).

2. Delayed Baggage

If a traveler paid to check bags and they are delayed for more than 12 hours after a domestic flight or more than 15 to 30 hours after an international flight (depending on the length of the flight), the traveler is entitled to a refund of any baggage fees. The traveler must file a report with the airline to qualify for this refund.

3. Additional Services Not Delivered

If a traveler paid for extra amenities during a flight, like a specific seat or in-flight WiFi, and did not receive them, they are eligible for a refund of the fees paid for these services.

4. Health-Related Restrictions

Lastly, if a traveler is unable to fly because of a communicable disease (and the traveler can provide the airline with documentation of this disease), they can request transferable travel credits from the airline. These credits will be valid for five years.

What To Do If Your Travel Was Disrupted

If you experienced a changed or canceled flight, or any of the other situations listed above, and believe you’re entitled to a refund based on the new regulations, visit your airline’s website using the links below.