Quick answer: Under U.S. Department of Transportation rules, if your flight is cancelled or significantly changed and you choose not to travel, the airline owes you a refund to your original payment method, not just a voucher, regardless of the reason. Rebooking, meals, and hotels depend on the airline’s own commitments and whether the cause was within its control.
Key Takeaways
- If the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight, you are owed a cash refund
- Refunds must go to the original payment method, not just a voucher
- Meals and hotels depend on the airline’s commitments and the cause
- File a DOT complaint if the airline refuses
Step 1: Check the airline app immediately
Airlines usually rebook automatically. Review the new itinerary; if it does not work, look for a “change flight” option, which is often free after a cancellation.
Step 2: Decide: rebook or refund
If you still want to travel, take the best available rebooking. If not, request a refund. Airlines must process refunds promptly (within 7 business days for credit cards, 20 calendar days for other methods).
Step 3: Ask about amenities
For controllable delays (mechanical, crew, IT), most major U.S. airlines commit to meals after a delay of about 3 hours and hotels for overnight disruptions. Check the DOT airline customer service dashboard at transportation.gov for each airline’s commitments. Weather and air traffic control delays generally do not qualify.
Step 4: Keep receipts
If you pay for a hotel or meal yourself, save receipts and submit a reimbursement request afterward.
Baggage fees and extras
If bags are significantly delayed, checked-bag fees must be refunded. Fees for services you paid for but did not receive (Wi-Fi, seat selection) are also refundable.
If the airline refuses
File a complaint with the DOT at transportation.gov/airconsumer. You can also dispute the charge with your credit card issuer.
FAQ
Does travel insurance help? It can cover expenses airlines will not, such as prepaid hotels at your destination. Many premium credit cards include trip-delay coverage.
Do EU rules apply to my flight? EU261 applies to flights departing the EU or arriving on EU carriers, and can provide cash compensation on top of refunds.
Can I get compensation for a delay in the U.S.? There is no federal cash compensation requirement for delays as of now; refunds apply only if you cancel your trip.
Sources
Last updated: August 16, 2026. Written by the InfoBrief Editorial team. We link to official government and company sources and update articles when facts change. See our disclosure.