The airline must rebook you or refund your ticket

When your flight is cancelled, the airline's legal obligation depends on where you are and which airline operates the flight. In the United States, the Department of Transportation requires airlines to offer you a choice: rebook on the next available flight to your destination at no extra cost, or refund the full ticket price. The airline cannot force you to accept a flight days later or to a different city.

The refund must go back to your original payment method — the credit card, bank account, or other form you used to buy the ticket. Some airlines try to issue travel credits instead of refunds; this is legal only if you agree to it. If you did not agree and the airline offers only a credit, you have the right to demand cash back.

In Europe, the EU261 regulation is stricter. Airlines must rebook you on the next available flight, and if that flight departs more than a few hours after your original one, the airline must also pay you compensation — between €250 and €600 depending on flight distance — unless the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances like severe weather or air traffic control strikes.

Key Takeaways

  • US airlines must offer you either a rebooking on the next flight or a full refund to your original payment method, and you choose which one.
  • If the airline offers only a travel credit and you did not agree to that, you can demand a cash refund instead.
  • EU passengers are may have access to to compensation of €250 to €600 on top of rebooking, unless the cancellation was caused by weather or air traffic control.
  • You are responsible for getting to the airport for your new flight; the airline does not owe you a hotel or meal voucher unless your new flight is the next day or later.
  • Keep your original booking confirmation and any written communication from the airline about the cancellation, as you may need it to claim compensation or dispute a denied refund.

What happens to your luggage

If you accept rebooking on another flight, your checked bags travel with you to your new flight at no charge. The airline transfers them automatically; you do not need to collect them and recheck them yourself. Carry-on bags stay with you.

If you choose a refund instead of rebooking, your checked bags are returned to you. Some airlines will deliver them to your home for free; others require you to pick them up at the airport or pay a fee for delivery. Ask the airline which option applies before you decide whether to take the refund.

Meals and hotels are not automatic

The US Department of Transportation does not require airlines to pay for meals, hotels, or transportation if your flight is cancelled. Many airlines offer these as a courtesy, but it is not mandatory. Check your airline's policy on its website or ask at the ticket counter what they will cover.

If your rebooking puts you on a flight the next day or later, some airlines will pay for a hotel near the airport. Others will not. If the airline does not offer one and you need to stay overnight, you can pay for it yourself and then file a claim with the airline afterward, though there is no may provide they will reimburse you. Keep all receipts.

In Europe, airlines must provide meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation (if needed) when a flight is cancelled and rebooking is delayed. They must also cover the cost of two phone calls or emails to notify others of the delay.

How to get your refund

If you choose a refund, contact the airline directly through its website, phone line, or customer service email. Provide your booking confirmation number and explain that you want a refund, not a rebooking. The airline will process it to your original payment method.

Refunds typically take 5 to 30 days to appear in your account, depending on your bank and the airline. If more than 30 days pass and the money has not arrived, contact your credit card company or bank and ask them to investigate. You can also file a complaint with the Department of Transportation if the airline refuses to refund you.

Some airlines delay refunds or deny them without reason. If this happens, you can use a third-party service to file a claim on your behalf, though these services typically take a percentage of the refund as a fee. Alternatively, you can file a small claims court case in your home state if the refund is under your state's small claims limit.

When the airline blames weather or other "acts of God"

Airlines often say a cancellation was caused by weather, mechanical failure, or air traffic control issues — situations they call "extraordinary circumstances." In the US, this does not change your right to a refund or rebooking. You still get one or the other.

In Europe, extraordinary circumstances can excuse the airline from paying compensation, but they still must rebook you or refund your ticket. The difference is whether you get the €250 to €600 payment on top of that. If the airline claims extraordinary circumstances, ask for written proof — a weather report, a maintenance log, or an air traffic control notice. Many airlines make this claim without evidence, and you can dispute it.

What to do before you leave the airport

When your flight is cancelled, go to the airline's ticket counter or customer service desk when ready. Do not wait in the rebooking line if you think you might want a refund instead — ask a representative first what your options are and what the next available flight looks like. If the next flight is weeks away, a refund may be your better choice.

Ask the airline representative to put their offer in writing. Take a photo of the screen or ask them to email you the rebooking details and any meal or hotel vouchers they offer. This protects you if there is a dispute later about what was promised.

If the airline's customer service desk is overwhelmed and you cannot reach anyone, note the time and take a photo of the crowd or the wait time posted on a sign. This can help if you later file a complaint with the Department of Transportation.

Compensation claims in Europe and other regions

If you are flying within, to, or from Europe on any airline, EU261 applies. This means you may be owed compensation even if you accept rebooking. The amount depends on the flight distance: €250 for flights up to 1,500 kilometers, €400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers, and €600 for longer flights.

You can claim this compensation directly from the airline by sending a letter or email to their customer service address with your booking confirmation, a copy of the cancellation notice, and your bank details. The airline has up to six weeks to respond. If they refuse or do not respond, you can file a complaint with your country's aviation authority or use a claims service.

Other countries have their own rules. Canada requires airlines to pay compensation for cancellations within their control. Australia, the UK, and other nations have similar protections. Check your country's aviation regulator website to learn what you are owed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the airline force me to take a flight three weeks from now instead of a refund?

No. In the US, you have the right to choose between rebooking and a refund. The airline cannot make you wait weeks for a flight if you want your money back. If they refuse to refund you, file a complaint with the Department of Transportation.

What if I already paid for a hotel and rental car for my trip?

The airline is not responsible for those costs under US law. You can try to cancel the hotel and rental car to recover some money, or you can file a claim with the airline and hope they reimburse you, but there is no legal requirement for them to do so. Keep all receipts and documentation of the cancellation.

Do I have to accept the airline's first rebooking offer?

No. You can ask for other options. If the airline's next flight to your destination is not for a week, ask if they can get you there sooner on a partner airline or a different route. The airline must rebook you on the next available flight, but you can negotiate what "next available" means.

How long do I have to claim compensation in Europe?

You typically have between two and six years to claim, depending on your country. It is best to claim within a year to avoid disputes about whether the airline still has records. Send your claim in writing and keep a copy for your records.

What if the airline says the cancellation was my fault because I booked through a third-party website?

That is not your fault. The airline is responsible for honouring the ticket regardless of where you bought it. If a third-party site sold you a ticket and the airline cancelled, contact the airline directly for your refund or rebooking. If the third-party site refuses to help, file a complaint with your credit card company.