Flight Delay and Cancellation Rights: What You’re Owed

Quick answer

Reviewed Oct 19, 2026 · 4 min read

In the US, if an airline cancels or significantly changes your flight and you decline the alternative, you’re entitled to a refund to your original form of payment under the DOT’s 2024 refund rule. US law doesn’t require cash compensation for delays, though many airlines commit to meals or hotels for controllable disruptions. EU and UK rules can add fixed compensation.

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US refunds: For cancellations and significant changes
Significant change: 3+ hours domestic, 6+ hours international
Refund timing: 7 business days (cards), 20 days (other)
EU261 compensation: €250–€600 for eligible disruptions
Official site: transportation.gov

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When are you entitled to a refund from a US airline?

Under the DOT’s refund rule adopted in 2024, airlines must refund you if they cancel or significantly change your flight and you choose not to travel or reject the alternative they offer. Refunds go back to your original form of payment, not a voucher unless you agree, within seven business days for card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment types.

DOT has signaled it may revise parts of the rule, so check transportation.gov for the latest. Significant changes include the following.

Departure or arrival moved by 3+ hours domestically or 6+ hours internationally
A different departure or arrival airport
Added connections, or connections at different airports
A downgrade to a lower class of service
Changes that significantly affect travelers with disabilities

Do US airlines owe compensation for delays?

Not under federal law. A proposal that would have required cash compensation for controllable delays was withdrawn in 2025. Many large US airlines, however, publicly commit to meal vouchers for longer controllable delays and hotel rooms for overnight controllable disruptions, as listed on DOT’s airline customer service dashboard.

If you’re involuntarily bumped from an oversold flight, DOT rules generally require denied boarding compensation based on your fare and the length of the delay.

What are your rights under EU261 and UK261?

EU Regulation 261/2004 covers flights departing from an EU airport on any airline, and flights arriving in the EU on an EU carrier. For arrival delays of three hours or more, cancellations with less than 14 days’ notice, and denied boarding, you may be owed €250, €400, or €600 depending on distance, unless extraordinary circumstances like severe weather apply.

The UK kept an equivalent rule after Brexit, with compensation of £220, £350, or £520. Both regimes also require care, such as meals and hotels, during long delays. The EU has been negotiating revisions, so check current rules before you claim.

What should you do when your flight is cancelled?

Act fast, because seats on the next flights go quickly. Our guide to handling a cancelled business flight goes deeper for corporate travelers.

Rebook in the airline’s app while you wait in line or on hold
Look up alternatives yourself, including partner airlines
Ask about meal vouchers or a hotel if the cause was within the airline’s control
Decline vouchers if you want a refund instead
Keep receipts and note the reason given for the disruption

How does travel insurance fill the gaps?

Because US law doesn’t require delay compensation, travel insurance and some premium credit cards fill the gap with trip delay coverage for meals and hotels, plus missed-connection and interruption benefits. See travel insurance explained.

An advisor helps too: when one flight cancels, Gigi can rework hotels, transfers, and tours together, not just the flight.

Frequently asked questions

Can an airline give me a voucher instead of a refund?

Only if you agree. Under DOT’s refund rule, when an airline cancels or significantly changes your flight and you decline the alternative, you’re entitled to a refund to your original form of payment. Airlines may offer vouchers or credits, sometimes worth more, but accepting one is your choice. Read any voucher’s expiration and restrictions carefully.

How long do airlines have to issue a refund?

Under DOT rules, airlines must issue refunds within seven business days for credit card purchases and within 20 calendar days for other forms of payment, once you’re entitled to one. If your refund is late, contact the airline in writing first, then file a complaint with the US Department of Transportation if it isn’t resolved.

What counts as a significant delay for a refund?

Under the DOT rule, a significant change includes your departure or arrival time moving by three hours or more on domestic flights or six hours or more on international flights. Other significant changes include a different airport, added connections, or a downgrade. If you decline the new itinerary, you’re entitled to a refund.

Am I owed compensation if weather delays my flight?

Generally not. US law doesn’t require delay compensation for any cause, and airline meal and hotel commitments usually apply only to disruptions within the airline’s control. Under EU261 and UK261, severe weather typically counts as an extraordinary circumstance that removes compensation, though airlines still owe care such as meals and accommodation.

Do I get compensation for being bumped from a flight?

Usually, yes. If you’re involuntarily denied boarding on an oversold flight in the US, DOT rules generally require the airline to pay compensation based on your one-way fare and how late you arrive, subject to limits set by DOT. Airlines must first ask for volunteers, who negotiate their own compensation, often in travel credits.

Official sources

Rules, fees and schedules change — confirm the latest details at the source before you travel.