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What does an airline owe you when it cancels your flight?

Travel IN60seconds ◷ 1:00 Updated Aug 26, 2026

If a covered flight is cancelled or significantly changed and you reject the alternative transportation or compensation, U.S. rules generally require an automatic refund.

Transcript

If the airline cancels your flight and you decide not to travel, federal rules generally entitle you to a refund to your original form of payment. Rebooking, vouchers, meals and hotels are separate questions.

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See refund timing, rebooking choices, vouchers, meals, hotels, and what changes when the disruption is airline-controlled.

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