Guide
Flight refunds, changes and the 24-hour rule
US rules give you a cash refund in specific situations, not every time plans change. Here’s what the federal rules say, in plain words, with links to the text so you can check it yourself.
The 24-hour rule
Under 14 CFR 259.5, airlines covered by the rule must do one of two things when you book at least one week before departure. They can hold the reservation at the quoted fare without payment, or they can let you cancel without penalty, for at least 24 hours after booking. The airline picks which one it offers.
Part 259 covers airlines that fly scheduled or public charter service with aircraft of 30 or more seats (14 CFR 259.2). If you book through an agency, ask how it handles a cancellation in the first 24 hours and whether its service fee comes back too.
When a cancelled or changed flight means cash back
Under 14 CFR 260.6, if the airline cancels your flight or significantly changes it, you’re owed a full refund of the fare, taxes and paid extras. That applies when you decline the changed flight, the rebooking and any voucher or credit.
The refund is automatic in three cases: you weren’t offered an alternative at all, you turned down what was offered, or you didn’t respond and the flight left without you.
What counts as a significant change
14 CFR 260.2 lists the changes that qualify:
- Departure moved three or more hours earlier on a domestic trip, or six or more on an international one
- Arrival pushed three or more hours later on a domestic trip, or six or more on an international one
- A different departure or arrival airport
- More connections than your original itinerary
- A downgrade to a lower class of service
- For a traveler with a disability: a different connecting airport, or a substitute aircraft missing an accessibility feature they need
How fast, and in what form
A prompt refund under 14 CFR 260.2 means within 7 business days for credit card purchases and within 20 calendar days for cash, check, debit card and other payments.
The money goes back the way you paid, unless you agree to a cash equivalent instead. Airlines can’t keep a processing fee on a refund that’s owed (14 CFR 259.5).
Think twice before taking a credit
A voucher or travel credit can be a fair trade if you’ll fly again soon. Just know that accepting one in place of the refund is your choice, not a requirement. Before you agree, ask for the expiry date and any blackout dates or booking limits.
If you booked through an agency
Part 260 applies to airlines that are the merchant of record, meaning the business that charged your card (14 CFR 260.3). Check your statement. If the airline charged you, go to the airline. If the agency did, start with the agency and ask how it passes along refunds the airline owes.
If you’re not getting what the rules say you’re owed, the U.S. Department of Transportation takes complaints about airlines and ticket agents.
Bag-fee refunds and refunds for paid extras are covered in our guide to booking fees.
Refund questions people ask most
Does the 24-hour rule cover every ticket?
No. It applies to reservations made at least one week before departure, with airlines covered by Part 259, and the airline may offer a free hold instead of free cancellation.
My domestic flight was delayed two hours. Do I get a refund?
Not under the significant-change rule. For a domestic trip the line is three hours. The airline’s own policy may still offer something, so it’s worth asking.
Can an airline give me a voucher instead of my money?
It can offer one. When a refund is owed under these rules, you can say no to the voucher and take the refund.
Sources
Rule text from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, checked on . Rules and their enforcement change, so read the current text before relying on it.
- 14 CFR 259.5: Customer Service Plan (24-hour hold or cancel; refunds in original form of payment)
- 14 CFR 259.2: Which airlines Part 259 applies to
- 14 CFR 260.2: Definitions (significantly changed flight, prompt refund, delayed bag)
- 14 CFR 260.3: Who the refund rules apply to (merchant of record)
- 14 CFR 260.6: Refunds for cancelled or significantly changed flights