Updated October 2026 — includes the latest DOT refund rules
To get an airline refund: Submit a refund request through the airline's website within 7 days of the cancellation or significant delay. Under federal law (14 CFR Part 260), airlines must refund to your original payment method within 7 business days for credit cards or 20 calendar days for cash. This applies to all tickets — including non-refundable ones — when the airline cancels, delays your flight 3+ hours (domestic) or 6+ hours (international), or makes a significant schedule change. Do not accept vouchers; you have the right to cash.
Under 14 CFR Part 260, airlines must refund to your original payment method within 7 business days (credit card) or 20 calendar days (cash/check). This applies to ALL tickets — including non-refundable ones — when the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight. You do not have to accept vouchers, travel credits, or future flight coupons.
Most refunds are straightforward — request it, wait, get paid. But airlines count on passengers giving up. Follow every step and you'll have your money back within days, not months.
You are entitled to a full cash refund if ANY of these happened: the airline cancelled your flight (any reason, including weather), your flight was delayed 3+ hours (domestic) or 6+ hours (international), the airline changed your departure or arrival airport, a connection was added that wasn't in the original itinerary, or you were downgraded to a lower cabin class. It does not matter whether your ticket was 'non-refundable.' That label only applies when you voluntarily cancel.
This is the most important step. Airlines will aggressively push vouchers, travel credits, and future flight coupons. They do this because it keeps your money with them. Under 14 CFR Part 260, you have the legal right to a cash refund to your original payment method. Once you accept a voucher, you may waive your right to cash. If the airline only offers a voucher, say: 'I would like a refund to my original payment method per DOT regulations.' If you do choose a voucher, the DOT now requires it to be valid for at least 5 years and transferable to anyone.
Every airline has a refund request portal. Go to the airline's website, find the refund section, and submit a formal request. Select 'refund to original payment method' — not 'travel credit.' Include your confirmation number and flight details. For direct links to each airline's refund portal, use our rights checker.
Find your airline's refund portal →Screenshot the cancellation or delay notification, your booking confirmation, boarding pass, and any texts or emails from the airline. Save the confirmation number from your refund request. If you spoke to a gate agent or phone agent, note their name and what they said. This evidence is critical if you need to escalate to the DOT or your credit card company.
These are the legal deadlines under 14 CFR Part 260. Mark your calendar from the date you submitted the refund request. Airlines must process refunds within these windows — no exceptions, no extensions. If the refund doesn't appear by the deadline, move to Step 6.
Go to airconsumer.dot.gov and file a formal complaint. Include your flight details, refund request date, the deadline the airline missed, and your documentation. DOT complaints are free, go on the airline's public record, and the airline is required to respond. Airlines take these seriously — the DOT has fined carriers millions for refund violations.
File a DOT complaint →If the airline still refuses after your DOT complaint, call your credit card company and dispute the charge as 'services not rendered.' You typically have 60-120 days from the transaction date to file a chargeback. Provide your documentation: cancellation evidence, refund request confirmation, the missed deadline, and your DOT complaint reference number. Credit card companies side with consumers in most airline refund disputes.
The DOT's automatic refund rule is now fully in effect. Airlines must issue refunds automatically when they cancel a flight or make a significant change — you shouldn't even have to ask. If you don't see a refund hit your account within the 7/20 day window after a cancellation, the airline is violating federal law. File a DOT complaint immediately.
The rule also now covers ancillary fees: if you paid for Wi-Fi, seat selection, or checked bags and the service wasn't delivered, those fees must be refunded too. Airlines can no longer pocket fees for services they didn't provide.
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Can I get a refund on a non-refundable airline ticket?
Yes. Under 14 CFR Part 260, if the airline cancels your flight or makes a significant change — 3+ hours for domestic, 6+ hours for international — you are entitled to a full cash refund to your original payment method, even on non-refundable tickets. The 'non-refundable' label only applies when YOU voluntarily cancel. When the airline cancels, federal law overrides the ticket type.
How long does an airline refund take?
Airlines must process refunds within 7 business days for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for cash or check payments. This is federal law under 14 CFR Part 260. If the airline misses these deadlines, file a complaint with the Department of Transportation at airconsumer.dot.gov — airlines take DOT complaints seriously because they go on their public record.
Should I accept a voucher instead of a cash refund?
No — not unless you specifically want one. Airlines often push vouchers or travel credits because it keeps your money with them. Under federal law, you have the right to a cash refund when the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight. Once you accept a voucher, you may waive your right to a cash refund. Always request cash first. If you do accept a voucher, DOT rules now require it to be valid for at least 5 years and transferable.
What if the airline won't give me a refund?
If the airline refuses or ignores your refund request: (1) file a formal complaint at airconsumer.dot.gov — airlines must respond to DOT complaints, (2) dispute the charge with your credit card company as a 'services not rendered' chargeback, (3) if you flew from or within the EU, you may also have EU261 compensation rights on top of the refund. Airlines that consistently deny valid refund requests face DOT enforcement action and fines.
Do I get a refund if my flight is delayed but not cancelled?
Yes, if the delay is 'significant.' Under the DOT's 2024 rule, a significant delay is 3+ hours for domestic flights or 6+ hours for international flights. If your flight is delayed past these thresholds, you are entitled to a full refund if you choose not to travel. You are also entitled to a refund if the airline changes your departure or arrival airport, adds a connection, or downgrades your cabin class.