Guide
US airline refund rules — what the DOT actually requires
The US has no equivalent of EU261's fixed delay compensation, but federal rules give you firm refund rights that airlines often don't volunteer.
Automatic cash refunds
- Cancelled flight you don't accept a rebooking for: full refund, automatically, to the original payment method.
- Significantly changed flight: departure/arrival moved 3+ hours (domestic) or 6+ hours (international), different airport, extra connections, downgrade, or a less accessible aircraft for a disabled passenger — same refund right.
- Timing: 7 business days for card payments, 20 calendar days for other methods. Cash or original form of payment — vouchers only if you choose one.
Fees you can get back
- Checked-bag fee if the bag is delayed more than 12 hours (domestic) or 15–30 hours (international) after arrival.
- Paid extras you didn't receive: Wi-Fi, seat selection, in-flight entertainment.
24-hour rule
Any ticket booked at least 7 days before departure can be cancelled for a full refund within 24 hours of booking — all airlines, all fares.
Bumping
Involuntary denied boarding pays 200% of the one-way fare (up to $1,075) for arrival 1–2 hours late, or 400% (up to $2,150) beyond that. Cash or cheque on request, same day.
Delays: what you're owed
No federal compensation. But most major airlines have committed in their DOT customer-service plans to meals after 3 hours and hotels for overnight delays when the cause is within their control. Ask at the desk and cite the plan.
Where to complain
If the airline refuses a refund it owes, file a complaint with the DOT's Office of Aviation Consumer Protection; airlines must respond within 60 days. A credit-card chargeback for services not rendered is a fast parallel route.
Flight disrupted in the last 6 years?
It takes a minute to find out what the airline owes you.