Can I Fly With This?
Am I owed a cash refund?
Since late 2024, the US Department of Transportation requires airlines to automatically refund cash (not vouchers) when flights are cancelled or significantly disrupted. Answer 3 questions to see exactly what you're entitled to — and the script to use if the airline pushes back.
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Booked a Basic Economy fare? You still get the same DOT refund rights as any other ticket — the airline can't strip them via fare rules. Flying with a declared firearm or pet in cabin? Special-item fees follow the same refund logic: if the airline cancels and you decline rebooking, those fees refund too.
How the 2024 DOT rule works
Before October 2024, US airlines could push travel vouchers on travellers whose flights were cancelled, often with expiration dates and restrictions. The DOT's final rule changed that: airlines now must automatically issue a cash refund (to the original payment method) within 7 business days for credit card purchases and 20 days for other forms. You don't need to ask. You don't need to accept a voucher. You don't need to fill out a form.
The rule covers cancelled flights, significantly changed flights (where you don't accept the alternative), significantly delayed flights (3+ hr domestic / 6+ hr international), checked bag fees when the bag is significantly delayed, and ancillary service fees when the service isn't provided. If an airline offers a voucher instead, they're violating federal law — file a DOT complaint at secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint.