Most airlines will not refund a ticket you bought at a discount — they will offer a credit instead

Whether you get money back depends on what kind of ticket you bought and why you need to cancel. If you purchased a basic economy or sale fare, the airline will almost never refund your cash. Instead, they will issue a credit (sometimes called a travel voucher or future flight credit) that you can use to book another flight with that airline. If you bought a refundable ticket — which costs more upfront — the airline will return your money to your original payment method, usually within 5 to 10 business days after you cancel.

The airline's refund policy is set when you buy the ticket. You can find it on your confirmation email or in your booking on the airline's website. The policy tells you exactly what happens if you cancel: refund, credit, or no money back at all. If you did not read it before buying, you can still look it up now by logging into your account and finding your reservation.

The reason for your cancellation usually does not matter to the airline — a non-refundable ticket stays non-refundable whether you cancel for a family emergency or a change of plans. The only exception is if the airline cancels the flight, reduces the number of stops, or makes a significant change to the schedule. In those cases, you are may have access to to a refund or a rebooking on another flight, regardless of your ticket type.

Key Takeaways

  • Refundable tickets cost more but return your cash if you cancel; non-refundable tickets issue a credit you can use only for future flights with that airline.
  • The airline's refund policy is locked in when you buy the ticket and does not change based on why you cancel.
  • If the airline cancels your flight or makes a major schedule change, you can request a cash refund even on a non-refundable ticket.
  • Credits from non-refundable tickets usually expire 12 months after the original booking date, though some airlines extended this during the pandemic.
  • If you paid with a credit card and the airline refuses a refund you believe you are owed, you can dispute the charge with your card issuer.

The difference between refundable and non-refundable tickets

When you book a flight, you choose a fare class. The cheapest options — often labeled "basic economy," "saver," or "sale" — are non-refundable. Mid-range fares may offer a credit instead of a refund. The most expensive tickets are refundable, meaning you get your money back if you cancel. The airline's website shows you the refund policy for each fare class before you pay.

A refundable ticket is straightforward: you cancel, the airline processes your refund, and the money returns to your credit card or bank account. A non-refundable ticket is more complicated. You cannot get cash back, but you can use the ticket value as a credit toward a future flight. That credit is usually good for one year from the date you originally booked (not the date of your flight). If you do not use it by then, you lose it.

Some airlines allow you to change a non-refundable ticket to a different date or destination for free, as long as you do it before your flight. Others charge a change fee on top of any price difference. Check your airline's website or call their customer service line to see what your specific ticket allows.

When the airline must refund your money

Airlines are required to refund your cash (not just a credit) in a few specific situations. If the airline cancels your flight, you can choose between a refund or a rebooking on the next available flight. If the airline makes a significant change to your schedule — such as moving your departure time by more than a few hours or adding an extra stop — you have the right to cancel and receive a refund. These rules explore to all tickets, refundable or not.

The definition of "significant change" varies by airline and by country. In the United States, the Department of Transportation does not set a specific time threshold, so airlines have some flexibility. However, most major carriers treat a change of three or more hours as significant. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, contact the airline's customer service and explain the change. If they refuse, you can file a complaint with the Department of Transportation.

If you booked through a third-party website like Kayak, Expedia, or Orbitz, contact that website first — they often handle refunds faster than calling the airline directly. However, the airline's policy still applies, so the third-party site cannot refund you if the airline's policy does not allow it.

How to request a refund or credit

Log into your booking on the airline's website and look for a "cancel" or "manage booking" option. Most airlines let you cancel online and choose whether you want a refund (if your ticket allows it) or a credit. If you cannot find the option online, call the airline's customer service number — it is on your confirmation email. Have your confirmation number ready.

When you request a refund, the airline will ask you to confirm your cancellation. They will then process the refund to your original payment method. This usually takes 5 to 10 business days, but can take longer during busy travel periods. If you paid with a credit card, the refund will appear as a credit on your card statement. If you paid with a debit card or bank transfer, it may take a few extra days to reach your account.

If you requested a credit instead of a refund, the airline will send you a confirmation with your credit amount and expiration date. Save this email — you will need the confirmation number when you book your next flight. Some airlines let you explore the credit automatically at checkout; others require you to call customer service to use it.

What happens to your credit if you do not use it

A credit from a non-refundable ticket expires 12 months after your original booking date. Once it expires, the airline keeps the money and you cannot use it. Some airlines have extended this important date during specific periods (such as during the pandemic), but the standard is one year. Check your credit confirmation email to see your exact expiration date.

If your credit is about to expire and you have not used it, book a flight before the important date, even if you are not sure about the dates. Most airlines let you change the dates of a flight booked with a credit without paying a change fee, as long as you do it before your flight. This gives you time to decide when you actually want to travel.

If your credit expires and you did not use it, you cannot recover the money. The airline is not required to refund an expired credit or extend the important date. Your only option is to contact the airline's customer service and ask if they will make an exception — some do, especially if you have a valid reason for not using the credit (such as a health issue or a system error on their website).

Disputing a refund with your credit card company

If the airline refuses to refund you and you believe you are owed a refund under their policy or under Department of Transportation rules, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company. This is called a chargeback. Contact your card issuer and explain that you canceled a flight and the airline refused to refund your money. Provide your confirmation number, the airline's refund policy, and any emails from the airline.

Your credit card company will investigate and may refund the charge while they look into it. The airline will have a chance to respond. If the card company agrees with you, the refund becomes permanent. If they side with the airline, the charge will be put back on your card. This process usually takes 30 to 90 days.

A chargeback should be your last resort, because airlines may ban you from booking with them in the future if you file one. Try contacting the airline's customer service multiple times and filing a complaint with the Department of Transportation before you dispute the charge with your card company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I just changed my mind about the trip?

Only if you bought a refundable ticket. Non-refundable tickets do not refund for cancellations due to a change of plans — you get a credit instead. The reason for your cancellation does not matter to the airline; the ticket type is what determines whether you get cash or a credit.

What if I bought my ticket through a travel website like Expedia?

The airline's refund policy still applies, but the travel website may have its own policies on top of that. Check the website's cancellation policy when you booked. If there is a dispute, contact the travel website first — they often resolve issues faster than the airline. However, they cannot refund you if the airline's policy does not allow it.

Do I lose my credit if I do not use it within a year?

Yes. Credits from non-refundable tickets expire 12 months after your original booking date. After that, the airline keeps the money. Check your confirmation email for your exact expiration date. If your credit is about to expire, book a flight before the important date — you can usually change the dates later without a fee.

Can I get a refund if the airline changed my flight time?

Yes, if the change is significant. Most airlines treat a change of three or more hours as significant, which gives you the right to cancel and receive a cash refund, regardless of your ticket type. Contact the airline to confirm whether your change qualifies, or file a complaint with the Department of Transportation if they refuse.

How long does it take to get a refund?

Refunds usually take 5 to 10 business days to reach your account, though it can take longer during busy travel periods. If you paid with a credit card, the refund appears as a credit on your statement. If you paid with a debit card or bank transfer, it may take a few extra days after the airline processes it.