Get a refund for a delayed or canceled flight
See when an airline must refund you, how fast, and prepare a refund request you review and send yourself.
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General legal information from official sources, not legal advice. You decide what to do.
What this problem is
If an airline cancels or significantly changes a flight to, from or within the United States, and you don't accept what it offers instead, federal rules say you're entitled to a full refund, including taxes and fees, within a set time.
Your rights in plain language
Your right to a refund
14 CFR § 260.6(a). If an airline cancels or significantly changes your flight and you don't accept what it offers instead, it must give a full and prompt refund, including taxes and fees.
Verified source: 14 CFR § 260.6 — Refunding fare for cancelled or significantly changed flights(opens in a new tab)
What counts as a significant change
14 CFR § 260.2. A change counts as significant if, among other things, you would depart or arrive 3 or more hours earlier or later on a domestic trip, or 6 or more hours on an international trip.
Verified source: 14 CFR § 260.2 — Definitions (airline refunds)(opens in a new tab)
How fast the refund must come
7 business days from the date you asked for the refund (card purchases)
Verified source: 14 CFR § 260.2 — Definitions (airline refunds)(opens in a new tab)20 days from the date you asked for the refund (cash, check, debit or other payments)
Verified source: 14 CFR § 260.2 — Definitions (airline refunds)(opens in a new tab)
Key deadlines
| Deadline | Source |
|---|---|
| Airline must refund you (credit card purchase): 7 business days (the date you asked for the refund (card purchases)) | |
| Airline must refund you (other payment methods): 20 days (the date you asked for the refund (cash, check, debit or other payments)) |
The official process
Don't accept the alternative if you want a refund
Accepting another flight or a voucher can mean the refund rule no longer applies.
Ask the airline for a refund
Use its refund form or write, with your booking details.
Check the deadline
Card purchases: 7 business days. Other payments: 20 days.
Complain if it doesn't arrive
File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Common mistakes
- Accepting a voucher when you wanted your money back.
- Only asking by phone, with no written record.
- Not keeping the airline's messages about the change.
Rules where you live
Somewhere else? Start the guided questions and choose your state: we'll show free information and people who can help.
Questions
Is this free?
The information on this page and your personalized results are free. If you want us to prepare a refund request for you to review and send, the price is shown before you start.
Do I get compensation for a delay?
The federal refund rule covers cancellations and significant changes. Compensation for delays depends on the airline's own commitments.
Which states can you prepare a letter for?
Right now: Florida, California, New York and Texas. For other states we show free information and people who can help.
Get help from a person
Free and low-cost help, and official bodies that can step in.
- U.S. Department of Transportation: air travel complaintsFile a complaint about an airline, including refunds for canceled or changed flights.
- LawHelp.orgPlain-language guides and legal aid directories, by state.
Sources
Every rule on this page comes from these official sources. We check them regularly.
- 14 CFR § 260.6 — Refunding fare for cancelled or significantly changed flightsLegal Information Institute, Cornell Law School · checked Oct 24, 2026
- 14 CFR § 260.2 — Definitions (airline refunds)Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School · checked Oct 24, 2026
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