My flight was cancelled. What do I do now?
Sources checked . Final review by Sean Williams pending.
Rebook first: use the airline app, call, and join the agent line at the same time. Under DOT rules, if the airline cancels your flight and you decline the rebooking or other compensation offered, you are entitled to an automatic cash refund, even for weather. Check DOT's dashboard for meals and hotels the airline commits to.
| Refund if you decline alternatives | Yes, for cancelled or significantly changed flights to, from or within the U.S. |
|---|---|
| Refund timing | Within 7 business days for credit card purchases; 20 business days for other payment |
| Form of refund | Cash or original form of payment, not a voucher, unless you choose one |
| Meals and hotels | Not required by federal law; see each airline's commitments on DOT's Airline Customer Service Dashboard |
What should I do first when my flight is cancelled?
Get rebooked before seats run out. These steps work best done at the same time:
- Open the airline's app or website and look for automatic rebooking or new options.
- Call the airline while you wait in line at the gate or service desk.
- Check other flights and nearby airports yourself so you can ask for a specific flight.
- Ask what meals or hotel the airline provides, and keep every receipt.
- If you decide not to travel, decline the alternatives and request your refund.
- Call your advisor if the flight connects to a cruise, tour or prepaid hotel.
Am I entitled to a refund?
Yes, if you do not accept the alternative. Under DOT's refund rule, when an airline cancels a flight to, from or within the United States and you reject the rebooking, voucher or other compensation, the airline owes you an automatic refund.
How fast will I get my money back?
DOT requires refunds within 7 business days for credit card purchases and within 20 business days for other forms of payment, after the airline knows you are not accepting an alternative.
Take the rebooking if you still need to get there and the new flight works. Take the refund if the trip no longer makes sense or you have found a better option on another airline.
Does the airline owe me meals or a hotel?
Not under federal law. But many large U.S. airlines have committed to meal vouchers and hotels when a cancellation is within their control, and DOT's Airline Customer Service Dashboard lists each airline's commitments.
What if I'm flying to a cruise?
Contact the cruise line as soon as you know, and ask whether you can join the ship at a later port. Read what to do if you miss your connection to a cruise and what happens if you miss the ship.
Frequently asked questions
- Am I entitled to a refund if my flight is cancelled for weather?
- Yes, if you choose not to travel and do not accept the rebooking, voucher or other compensation offered. DOT's refund rule applies regardless of the cause of the cancellation.
- Do airlines have to give me a hotel if my flight is cancelled?
- Federal law does not require it, but many large U.S. airlines commit to hotels for overnight cancellations within their control. DOT's Airline Customer Service Dashboard lists each airline's commitments.
- Should I accept a travel voucher?
- Only if you want one. Accepting a voucher or credit can give up your right to a cash refund, so decide before you click accept.
- What if my cancelled flight makes me miss my cruise?
- Tell the cruise line right away and ask about the next port where you could join the ship. Travel insurance with missed connection coverage may help with the extra costs.
- Can I book a different airline myself?
- You can, but the original airline is not required to pay for it. If you take a refund from the original airline, you can use it toward the new ticket.
Sources
Founder, Egretline Travel ยท Tampa, Florida
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