What the airline owes you depends on why you're not flying
Airlines treat refunds differently based on who cancelled — you or them. If you cancel, most airlines keep your money as a non-refundable ticket or offer a travel credit instead. If the airline cancels your flight, changes it significantly, or you're denied boarding, federal law and airline policy require them to refund your cash. The rules also shift depending on whether you booked directly with the airline or through a third-party site like Expedia or Kayak.
The key distinction: a refund means money back to your original payment method. A travel credit or voucher is not a refund — it's a promise to fly later. Airlines often push credits because they keep your money longer, but you have the right to demand cash in certain situations.
Key Takeaways
- If you cancel a non-refundable ticket, the airline keeps the fare; if you cancel a refundable ticket, you get your money back minus any change fees.
- When the airline cancels your flight or makes a significant schedule change, you can choose a refund or rebooking on another flight at no extra cost.
- If you're denied boarding due to overbooking, federal law requires the airline to offer compensation and a refund for the unused portion of your ticket.
- Refunds processed by the airline typically arrive within 7 to 30 days, but third-party booking sites can take longer or may require you to contact them instead of the airline.
- Travel credits and vouchers are not refunds; they expire and come with restrictions, so request cash if the airline's policy allows it.
Refundable versus non-refundable tickets
When you buy a ticket, the airline assigns it one of two categories. A refundable ticket means you can cancel and receive your full fare back, though some airlines charge a change or cancellation fee. A non-refundable ticket means the airline keeps the fare if you don't fly; you may receive a travel credit instead, but not cash.
The ticket confirmation email or your airline account shows which type you purchased. Look for language like "refundable" or "non-refundable" in the fare rules section. Refundable tickets cost more upfront because you're paying for the flexibility. If you bought the cheaper option, the airline considers the money non-refundable.
Some airlines blur this line by offering a "credit" for non-refundable tickets but calling it a refund. Read the fine print: if it says you'll receive a travel credit or voucher, that's not a cash refund. A true refund goes back to your credit card, debit card, or bank account.
When the airline must refund you
Federal law and airline policy require a cash refund in these situations, regardless of whether your ticket was refundable:
The airline cancels your flight. You can choose a refund or a rebooking on the next available flight to your destination at no extra charge. If you choose rebooking and the new flight is cheaper, the airline must refund the difference.
The airline makes a significant schedule change. This typically means a departure time shift of more than one hour (rules vary by airline and whether it's a domestic or international flight). You have the same choice: refund or rebooking. If the new time doesn't work for you, you're may have access to to cash back.
You're denied boarding due to overbooking. Airlines sometimes sell more seats than they have because some passengers don't show up. If you're bumped involuntarily, the airline must offer compensation (ranging from $400 to $1,350 for domestic flights, depending on how late you arrive) plus a refund for the unused portion of your ticket if you don't want to fly later.
The airline fails to provide a service you paid for. If you bought a ticket that included a meal, seat selection, or baggage and the airline removes that service, you may be owed a refund for that portion. This is less common and often requires documentation.
How to request a refund from the airline
Contact the airline directly through their website, phone line, or airport counter. Most airlines have a refunds section on their website where you can submit a request online. You'll need your confirmation number (found in your booking email) and the name on the ticket.
If you booked directly with the airline, they process the refund themselves. Provide your original payment method — the refund will go back to the same card or account you used to buy the ticket. If you paid by credit card, the refund appears as a credit on your statement. If you paid by debit card or bank transfer, it may take longer to show up.
Keep records of all communication. Take screenshots of your booking confirmation, the airline's cancellation notice, and any emails you send requesting the refund. If the airline denies your request or doesn't respond within 30 days, you have documentation to file a dispute with your credit card company or pursue a claim in small claims court.
Refunds through third-party booking sites
If you booked through Expedia, Kayak, Orbitz, or another third-party site, the refund process is more complicated. These sites act as middlemen between you and the airline. When you request a refund, the third-party site must contact the airline, wait for the airline to process it, and then send the money to you.
Start by contacting the third-party site where you booked, not the airline directly. The site's customer service should initiate the refund request with the airline. However, some sites are slow to process refunds or may try to issue a credit to your account with them instead of returning your original payment method.
If the third-party site doesn't refund you within 30 to 45 days, contact your credit card company or bank and file a dispute. Explain that you're owed a refund under airline policy or federal law, and the booking site has not processed it. Your card issuer can often recover the money faster than waiting for the site to act.
Travel credits and vouchers are not refunds
Airlines often offer travel credits or vouchers when they cancel flights or you cancel a non-refundable ticket. A travel credit is a promise to fly with that airline later; it's not money back. Credits typically expire within one to three years, have blackout dates, and may not be transferable to another person.
If the airline offers you a credit but you need cash, you can refuse it and request a refund instead — but only if you have the right to one. For example, if the airline cancelled your flight, you have the right to a refund; they cannot force you to accept a credit. If you cancelled a non-refundable ticket, the airline is not required to refund you, so a credit is their offer, not your entitlement.
Read the credit's terms carefully. Some credits are non-transferable, meaning only you can use them. Others have restrictions on which routes or dates you can fly. If you don't think you'll use the credit before it expires, push back and ask for a refund if the airline's policy allows it.
How long refunds take
The timeline depends on the airline and your payment method. Most airlines process refunds within 7 to 30 days of approval. If you paid by credit card, the refund appears as a credit on your statement within that window. If you paid by debit card, bank transfer, or check, it may take an additional 5 to 10 business days for your bank to post the money.
Third-party booking sites often take longer — sometimes 30 to 60 days — because they must wait for the airline to refund them first, then process your refund. During busy travel periods (holidays, summer) or when many flights are cancelled, refunds can take even longer.
If your refund doesn't arrive within the airline's stated timeframe, follow up in writing. Email the airline's customer service with your confirmation number and the date you requested the refund. Keep copies of all correspondence. If the airline doesn't respond within 60 days, file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation or your state's attorney general.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I'm sick and can't fly?
Not automatically. If your ticket is non-refundable, the airline is not required to refund you for illness. However, you can usually change your flight to a later date without a fee by contacting the airline and explaining your situation. Some airlines offer travel credits for medical reasons. If your ticket was refundable, you can cancel and receive your money back.
What if I booked a round-trip ticket and only want to cancel one leg?
Airlines typically don't allow you to cancel just the return flight and keep the outbound flight. If you cancel, you cancel the entire ticket. However, you can contact the airline and ask if they'll allow you to change the return date or flight. Some airlines will do this for a fee or for free if you're flexible on dates.
Do I get a refund if I miss my flight?
No. If you don't show up for your flight, the airline keeps your money. Some airlines allow you to rebook on a later flight for a fee, but they're not required to refund you. The exception is if the airline cancelled the flight or made a significant schedule change before you were supposed to fly.
Can I dispute a refund denial with my credit card company?
Yes. If the airline denies your refund request and you believe you're owed one under their policy or federal law, contact your credit card issuer and file a dispute. Provide documentation of your booking, the airline's cancellation or schedule change, and your refund request. Your card company will investigate and may reverse the charge.
What if the airline goes out of business before refunding me?
You may lose your money. Airlines are not required to have insurance protecting passenger refunds. If an airline files for bankruptcy, refunds are treated as unsecured claims, meaning you're at the back of the line behind employees and creditors. File a claim with the bankruptcy court, but recovery is uncertain.