Flight cancelled, or need to cancel? Your refund rights
Whether you get your money back comes down to one thing first: who cancelled. If the airline cancelled or changed your flight a lot, you're usually owed a refund to your card — even on a non-refundable ticket, and you don't have to accept a voucher. If you need to cancel, it depends on your fare. Here's exactly what you're owed and how to get it.
Quick answer
- Airline cancelled or made a big schedule change? You're owed a cash refund to your original payment — even on non-refundable fares (US DOT rule). A voucher is optional, not required.
- Booked direct and it's within 24 hours? Full refund on any fare (US 24-hour rule), if departure is 7+ days away.
- You're cancelling a non-refundable fare? Usually no cash, but you often keep a travel credit. Basic economy is usually non-refundable and non-changeable.
- Flying to/from Europe or the UK? EU261/UK261 may add cash compensation on top of a refund.
- Fighting a refund you're owed? A specialist can help — see below.
Airline only offering a voucher when you think you're owed cash? That's exactly when it helps to talk to someone. We'll connect you with an independent specialist. See how →
First question: who cancelled?
Everything depends on this. The airline cancelling (or changing your flight significantly) gives you strong rights to a refund. You cancelling depends on the fare you bought. Work out which one you're in, then read that section below.
If the airline cancelled or changed your flight a lot
Under U.S. Department of Transportation rules, if your airline cancels or makes a significant change and you choose not to travel, you're entitled to a refund to your original payment method — even on a non-refundable ticket. You do not have to accept a travel voucher.
A "significant change" generally includes: departure or arrival time moving by more than 3 hours (domestic) or 6 hours (international), a changed airport, an added connection, or a downgrade. The refund covers the unused portion, plus extras you paid for and didn't get (seat, bag). Airlines must pay promptly — generally within 7 business days (credit card) or 20 days (cash/check). (These are US rules, for flights to, from, and within the US.)
The 24-hour rule
If you book directly with a US airline (or a ticket agent) and departure is 7+ days away, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund — on any fare, including non-refundable and basic economy. It applies to flights to, from, and within the US.
If you're the one cancelling
- Refundable fare → full refund to your original payment.
- Non-refundable fare → usually no cash back, but you often keep the value as a travel credit to use later (minus any fare difference when you rebook).
- Basic economy → usually non-refundable and non-changeable. Check before you buy.
Most big US airlines have dropped change/cancel fees on standard main-cabin fares — basic economy is the exception.
Flying to or from Europe or the UK
If your flight is cancelled, EU261 (or UK261) gives you a choice of a full refund or re-routing. If the airline cancelled on short notice and it was their fault, you may also be owed cash compensation — roughly €250–€600 (EU) or £220–£520 (UK) by distance — on top of the refund, plus meals and a hotel if you're stranded.
Taxes may come back even on a non-refundable ticket
If you don't fly, you can often reclaim certain taxes and charges (such as the UK's APD) even when the fare itself is non-refundable. Ask for a tax refund on the unused ticket.
How to claim — and who to ask
Request the refund from whoever issued your ticket: the airline if you booked direct, or the agent/ OTA if you booked through them (the airline usually can't refund a ticket an agency issued). Keep your confirmation, the cancellation notice, and dates. If a refund you're clearly owed is refused, you can escalate — a US DOT complaint, and a card chargeback as a last resort.
Refund basics by airline
| Airline | 24-hr full refund (direct) | You cancel a non-refundable fare | Airline cancels your flight | Change/cancel fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways | Yes (US routes) | Travel credit / voucher | Cash refund | Varies by fare |
| American | Yes | Travel credit | Cash refund | Varies by fare |
| Air Canada | Yes (US routes) | Credit (fare-dependent) | Cash refund | Varies by fare |
| United | Yes | Travel credit | Cash refund | Varies by fare |
| Korean Air | Yes (US routes) | Refund minus penalty | Cash refund | Varies by fare |
| TAP Air Portugal | Yes (US routes) | Credit / penalty | Refund or re-route (EU261) | Varies by fare |
| Qatar Airways | Yes (US routes) | Refund minus penalty | Cash refund / re-route | Varies by fare |
| Philippine Airlines | Yes (US routes) | Credit / penalty | Cash refund | Varies by fare |
Before anything else — where did you book?
With a travel agent / us → ask them to process the refund.
Airline website or app → claim from the airline directly. We'll tell you exactly how.
An OTA (Expedia, Booking.com…) → the OTA that issued the ticket handles the refund. We can guide you or push it along.
We won't pretend to refund a ticket we didn't issue — but we'll help you get to the money the fastest honest way.
Frequently asked questions
How do I request a refund from Air Canada?
If you booked on aircanada.com, request the refund through Air Canada (online refund form or phone). If the airline cancelled or made a big change, ask for a refund to your original payment, not a voucher. If you booked through an agent or OTA, request it from them instead.
Is there a 24-hour cancellation window with Saudia?
For tickets to or from the US booked directly, the US 24-hour rule applies (full refund within 24 hours of booking, 7+ days before departure). Outside US routes, Saudia's own fare rules apply — check your fare conditions or ask us to look.
Are Korean Air first or business tickets refundable?
It depends on the fare, not just the cabin. Flexible premium fares are usually refundable; discounted premium fares may carry a penalty. Check the fare rules on your specific ticket before you cancel.
The airline cancelled but only offered a voucher — can I get cash?
On US flights, yes: if the airline cancelled or significantly changed your flight and you don't travel, you're owed a refund to your original payment. You can decline the voucher and insist on the cash refund.
How long does a refund take?
For US flights, airlines must refund within about 7 business days for credit-card payments and 20 days for cash or check. If it's much slower, follow up in writing and keep records.
Being pushed to a voucher, or stuck waiting?
Refunds get messy — vouchers instead of cash, slow processing, disputes, or a ticket booked somewhere awkward. We'll connect you with a licensed independent travel specialist who can check what you're actually owed and help you claim it — or tell you honestly how to do it yourself.
📞 Call now — independent travel supportYellow & Blue Travel is an independent service. We're not an airline. We may earn a referral fee when you call.