If an airline cancels your flight or changes it significantly and you do not accept the alternative, U.S. rules generally entitle you to a refund to your original payment method. Rebook quickly, because the best alternatives go first.
First, check the alternatives
Open the airline's app or website the moment you see a cancellation or major delay. Airlines usually rebook you automatically, but the automatic choice is not always the best. Look at alternative flights, including other airports in the same metro, and ask the airline to put you on the one you prefer.
Your refund rights
Under U.S. Department of Transportation rules in effect since 2024, airlines must provide automatic refunds when they cancel a flight or make a significant change and you choose not to take the alternative. A significant change generally includes a large schedule change, a different departure or arrival airport, an added connection or a downgrade. The time thresholds differ for domestic and international flights, so check the DOT's current definitions.
Meals, hotels and compensation
Federal rules do not require airlines to pay compensation for delays, but many carriers publish customer commitments that include meal vouchers or hotels when the airline is at fault. Ask the gate or customer service desk, and keep receipts for reasonable expenses.
If you booked through a travel agency
Contact the agency for help with rebooking when your ticket was issued through them. Our team is at (800) 490-3234 and can often work with the airline on your behalf. Read our Refund & Cancellation Policy for details.
Protect connections
If your first flight is delayed and you will miss a connection that was on the same ticket, the airline is responsible for getting you to your destination. Keep your itinerary on one ticket where possible. For separate tickets, leave a longer layover; see the layover guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get a refund if my flight is canceled?
In the U.S., if the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight and you decline the alternative, you are generally entitled to a refund to the original form of payment.
Will the airline pay for a hotel?
Not always. Many airlines offer hotels when the disruption is within their control, but policies vary. Ask at the airport or through customer service.
Keep reading
Last reviewed October 22, 2026. FlighTicketHub provides general information; confirm details with the airline before you travel.