Can I get a full refund if my flight is cancelled?

Yes. Under 14 CFR Part 260, if your flight is cancelled by the airline for any reason — including weather — you are entitled to a full refund to your original payment method. This applies even to non-refundable tickets. The airline must process the refund within 7 business days for credit cards or 20 calendar days for other payment methods. You do not have to accept vouchers or travel credits.

Does the airline have to pay for my hotel if my flight is cancelled?

If the cancellation is the airline's fault (mechanical issues, crew problems, operational decisions) and causes an overnight delay, most airlines will provide hotel accommodation and meal vouchers. If the cancellation is due to weather or air traffic control, airlines are not required to provide hotels but many do as a goodwill gesture. Always ask — the worst they can say is no.

Should I rebook at the gate or on the airline app?

Use the airline app or call the airline's phone line immediately — don't wait in the gate agent line. The app and phone agents can see the same rebooking options and often work faster. Pro tip: call the airline while simultaneously checking the app, and also search Google Flights for alternative flights on other carriers that the gate agent could endorse your ticket to.

Your Flight Was Cancelled. Here's What to Do.

Updated March 2026 — includes the latest DOT refund rules

Do these 3 things right now:

1
Screenshot the departure board and your notifications. This is evidence you'll need later.
2
Open the airline app and rebook yourself. Don't wait in the gate agent line — the app is faster.
3
You are entitled to a full cash refund. Not vouchers. Not credits. Cash. It's federal law.

Check your rights

Enter your flight details → get your rights, action plan, and complaint email in one click

Your Legal Rights (14 CFR Part 260)

As of October 2024, the Department of Transportation requires airlines to provide automatic refunds for cancelled flights. Here's what the airline owes you:

✓Full refund to your original payment method (not vouchers)
✓Refund of all ancillary fees (baggage, seat selection, Wi-Fi, etc.)
✓Rebooking on the next available flight at no extra cost (if you choose to travel)
✓Refund within 7 business days (credit card) or 20 calendar days (other payment)
✓Meal vouchers if you wait 3+ hours (most airlines)
✓Hotel accommodation for overnight delays caused by the airline

Step-by-Step: The First 30 Minutes

Screenshot everything

The departure board, your boarding pass, the cancellation notification on your phone, and any text messages from the airline. You'll need this evidence if the airline pushes back on your refund or compensation.

Rebook through the app — not the line

When a flight cancels, 200 people line up at the gate. The airline app and phone agents can see the same rebooking options. Call the airline while checking the app simultaneously. Pro tip: some airlines have faster response times on Twitter/X.

Search ALL airlines for alternatives

Open Google Flights and search your route for today. If United cancelled but Delta has a seat in 2 hours, ask the gate agent to "endorse your ticket" to the other carrier. Airlines can do this for cancellations — most people just don't know to ask.

Consider ground transportation

For distances under 300 miles, a rental car or train might get you there faster than waiting for the next flight. Check Amtrak, rental car apps, and even BlaBlaCar. Sometimes the fastest path isn't through the airport.

Ask for meal and hotel vouchers

If the cancellation is the airline's fault and you're stuck for hours or overnight, approach the gate agent and specifically ask for meal vouchers and hotel accommodation. They often won't offer unless you ask. If they say no, note the agent's name — you'll include this in your complaint.

After You're Home: Get Your Money

Request your refund formally

Go to the airline's refund portal (we include the direct link when you check your rights). Request a refund to your original payment method. If they offer vouchers, reply that you want a cash refund per 14 CFR Part 260.

File a complaint email

Our rights tool generates a professionally written complaint email that references the exact DOT regulation, includes your flight details, and requests specific compensation. One click to copy, one click to send.

Escalate to the DOT if ignored

If the airline doesn't respond within 14 days or refuses your refund, file a formal complaint with the Department of Transportation. Airlines take DOT complaints very seriously — it goes on their record and can trigger investigations.

Weather Cancellations vs. Airline Cancellations

Airlines will often blame weather for cancellations to avoid responsibility. Here's the key distinction:

Either way, you get a refund

Whether the cancellation is due to weather, mechanical issues, or crew problems — you are entitled to a full refund if you choose not to travel. The cause doesn't matter for refunds.

Hotel & meals depend on the cause

Airlines are more likely to provide hotel and meals for cancellations they caused (mechanical, crew). For weather, they may not — but always ask. Some airlines provide them anyway, especially for premium passengers.

See what you're owed

Enter your airline and flight number. Get your rights, action plan, and a ready-to-send complaint email — free, instant, no signup.

How to get your cash refund Who pays for the hotel? Airline reimbursement guide Layover Calculator — will you make your connection?