Flight cancellations, delays and refunds

US rules give you a right to a refund in several situations, even on non-refundable tickets. Knowing them helps you ask for the right thing.

You're generally entitled to a refund when

• The airline cancels your flight and you choose not to travel
• The airline makes a significant change, such as a schedule change of 3+ hours on a domestic flight or 6+ hours internationally, and you don't accept it
• You paid for a service, like wifi or a seat, that you didn't get

Tips

• You don't have to accept a voucher or credit if you're owed a refund
• Check the airline's customer service commitments on the DOT dashboard at transportation.gov
• Keep receipts for meals and hotels during long delays
• File a complaint with the DOT if the airline doesn't respond

General information. Rules change; see transportation.gov for current rights. Dime Pockets isn't paid by any airline, hotel, booking site or insurer.